Blitz rarely is unsure about things, but when he is, it usually revolves around football.
Semistate Friday is here and with it come a trio of local matchups that will decide who, if anyone, represents the area at state next weekend.
As Blitz tries to make Thanksgiving weekend plans, he has to factor in just when he may have to be in Indianapolis for football. Friday? Saturday? Both? Neither?
Thankfully, Blitz knows enough about football to accurately predict just what will happen.
Last week: 4-0
Overall: 117-34
BISHOP DWENGER AT MISHAWAKA
This year’s version of ‘Bart Ball’ for the Cavemen is its best in recent memory, with the flexbone offense behind Sam Shively and Chris Harness terrorizing opposing defenses all year long.
Bishop Dwenger has a stout defense, but this will be its biggest mental challenge of the year. All the athleticism in the world doesn’t matter if you do not read this offense correctly.
Conversely, the Saints should be able to put up some points in this game, with Mishawaka allowing over 21 points per contest. Keeping the ball away from Mishawaka and some big plays in the pass game will put the pressure on the Cavemen to maximize their possessions.
This one is close, but the edge goes to the Saints.
BLITZ PICKS BISHOP DWENGER BY 3.
WEST LAFAYETTE AT BISHOP LUERS
Weather and field conditions permitting, this one should be a shootout at Luersfield. The quarterback matchup pits Norman Knapke (36 passing touchdowns) and Kyle Adams (42 TDs).
The problem for the Knights is finding enough offense to overcome a defensive unit that has allowed over 14 points in a game just three times this year. The Red Devils’ defense is anchored by defensive end George Karlaftis, a four-star Purdue commitment that has 15.5 sacks, 98 tackles and 48(!) tackles for loss.
Despite the dominance of Karlaftis, Bishop Luers should have opportunities in the pass game and in special teams with its playmakers. This one likely comes down to which team capitalizes in the vertical pass game more.
In the end, Blitz thinks West Lafayette has too much on both sides of the ball.
Can Jordan Presley and Co. prove Blitz wrong?
BLITZ PICKS WEST LAFAYETTE BY 2.
ADAMS CENTRAL AT PIONEER
By now, the Flying Jets have to be tired of hearing just how little chance they have got on Friday.
But it’s tough to ignore the obvious.
Pioneer has scored 103 total touchdowns this year, 89 on the ground.
Jack Kiser is superhuman on both sides of the ball, leading Pioneer in passing, rushing, tackles and INTs.
But there is more to the Panthers’ success. Danny Gregorich is a 1,000-yard rusher. Addai Lewellen averages 11 yards per rush. Calahan Kindley has five touchdowns and 537 yards on just 20 receptions.
Pioneer is dominating 1A in ways we have not seen before.
Adams Central will give the Panthers their toughest game of the year. A quick start, as the Flying Jets have had in most games this year, could catch Pioneer off guard. But over the course of four quarters, the Panthers have too much in this one.
It’s a shame that arguably the best Adams Central team in history (including the 2000 state team) is matched up in the same year with a once-in-a-generation 1A power.
BLITZ PICKS PIONEER BY 13.
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