The playoffs kicked off last week, but two sectionals involving area teams do not get started until this Friday.
As he did with exceptional effectiveness for Week 10, your pal Blitz is examining the field in both Class 6A Sectional 3 and Class 5A Sectional 11.
Today, I tackle Sectional 11.
FAVORITE
KOKOMO (4-5)
At first glance, the Wildkats are far from impressive entering the postseason with just four victories. But all four of those wins have come in the last four weeks.
That’s right, Kokomo started the year 0-5.
What changed? Well, the schedule for one. Three of the first five opponents currently have one or less losses, including undefeated teams New Palestine (77-0 loss) and Marion (46-7 defeat). The second half of the year featured a much more manageable schedule, which included a 13-10 win over potential sectional foe Lafayette Harrison in Week 8.
With a defense that is allowing 32 points per game, Kokomo’s chances at a sectional crown lie in the hands of quarterback Levi Hrabos. The senior has 14 TD passes on the year, but has also thrown multiple interceptions in six games this year. He got right in Week 9, throwing for six touchdowns in a rout of Richmond.
Hrabos’ top target is Steven Edwards, who has 804 yards receiving and seven scores on the year.
CONTENDERS
LAFAYETTE HARRISON (4-5)
Despite two straight losses, including a three-point defeat at the hands of Kokomo in Week 8, the Raiders have a solid shot at this sectional.
Harrison has two of the best defensive players in the sectional – both along its defensive front. Junior Jacob Cain on the edge has accounted for 13 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks this season. Meanwhile, his line mate senior Jake Urban has 14.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. The duo are the anchors of a defensive unit that is surrendering just over 16 points a game.
While Harrison lost to Marion in Week 9, the 14-11 final score represented the closest game the Giants have had this year. If the Raiders can get enough offense, it has a decent shot at its first sectional championship since 1994.
MCCUTCHEON (6-3)
The Mavericks own the only winning record in the sectional, but Blitz just doesn’t hold the team in the highest regard when it comes to picking a favorite.
For one, the offense is quite pedestrian. No player has rushed for over 500 yards this season, while quarterback Peyton Williams is at 988 yards passing. He does protect the football well, however, throwing just three INTs against 10 touchdowns.
McCutcheon went to Harrison and lost 17-7 in Week 7, but it is still a team that has won five of six. In a potential rematch in the sectional finals, Blitz is going with the Raiders.
HUNTINGTON NORTH (4-5)
The Vikings ended the regular season on a high note, beating New Haven for the first time since 1966.
It has been quite the improved season for Huntington North, which went winless in 2017. A solid running game and a defense that got better significantly from the beginning of the season have been primary reasons for the turnaround.
Don’t discount HN out of this sectional. If the defense can get some stops the Vikings could surprise.
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