Throughout this week your trusty furry pal Blitz will delve deeper into each sectional in the area – from which teams look like legit contenders to players to watch.
We continue our trek through the sectionals today with Class 3A and Sectional 28.
FAVORITES
BISHOP LUERS (5-4)
Do you like high-scoring games? The Knights deliver both offensively and defensively, averaging over 30 points in points scored and points allowed.
There is only one team in this sectional that has any chance of matching up with Luers’ athletes – Concordia. Norm Knapke has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 21 touchdowns. Jordan Presley has accounted for close to 1,600 all-purpose yards. Jamic Johnson is one of the best wide receivers no one knows about with 574 yards receiving and seven scores.
All this adds up to the Knights being the favorite here, or rather, one of them.
CONCORDIA LUTHERAN (4-5)
Eleven years ago, Dean Doerffler led his Concordia squad into the playoffs with a 4-5 record. The Cadets wrung off four victories, capturing sectional and regional championships before falling in semi-state.
Could 2018 see a repeat?
There is no question that the Cadets are capable of doing it. The primary competition is Luers, a team that knocked off Concordia by three in double OT in Week 4.
Lakeland this week could be tricky in that the Lakers can score points, but they will be unable to slow down Kamari Anderson-Drew and the athletic Concordia offense.
Last year, Concordia beat Luers in the regular season, with the Knights getting revenge in the playoffs. Will the opposite happen this year?
CONTENDERS
WEST NOBLE (7-2)
Crazier things have happened. While Luers and Concordia are the heavy favorites, West Noble is in the conversation if chaos reigns.
Why? The Chargers defense looked impressive in a 21-7 loss to Angola earlier in the year, showing it can compete against a good team. But despite Brandon Pruitt’s rushing ability (1,156 yards, 14 TDs), West Noble just doesn’t have the offensive firepower to compete with the duo in the SAC unless something crazy happens.
THE REST
LAKELAND (6-3)
The Lakers have averaged 51 points over the last four games, so don’t be surprised if they are able to show out offensively a bit this Friday against Concordia. Beating the Cadets is another story.
Adam Kreider is a stud at running back, having rushed for close to 1,500 yards this season.
NORWELL (2-7)
The Knights enter the playoffs with five straight losses, including Week 9’s exciting overtime loss to Columbia City.
While the Knights have shown flashes, they do not have the offensive firepower to win this sectional. However, don’t be surprised if Friday’s game against West Noble is closer than many think.
HERITAGE (2-7)
A matchup with Luers to open the playoffs is not the ideal situation for the Patriots.
Hunter Bradtmueller leads Heritage in rushing yards (982 yards, 11 TDs) and interceptions (three).
GARRETT (2-7)
The Railroaders actually draw a winnable first-round matchup with Bellmont. Unfortunately Coach Chris Depew’s rebuilding squad doesn’t have much for the contenders in this field.
BELLMONT (0-9)
The record is poor, but the Braves have lost three games by single digits, including a three-point defeat at the hands of New Haven in Week 7. It is also a team that has scored at least two touchdowns in every game this season.
Bellmont has a reasonable chance at winning Friday before running into Concordia.
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