What better way to prepare for the start of sectional play than have Blitz break it all down for you?
All this week, Outside the Huddle will look at every area sectional and preview what is on tap beginning this Friday.
We conclude this week’s previews today with Class 4A and Sectional 20.
THE FAVORITE
MARION (7-2)
The Giants have been helped tremendously by a relatively easy schedule in the North Central Conference. Lawrence North, a team that won just one game in the Metropolitan, beat Marion by 27 points in Week 2.
That said, the Giants won’t have to face either Delta or Mississinewa until the sectional championship. Wayne could be a thorn in their side and definitely New Haven in round two, but Marion still has the edge on paper.
THE CONTENDERS
MISSISSINEWA (8-1)
The first-round game between the Indians and Delta is one of the best first-round matchups in the northern half of the state. Ole Miss is allowing under 10 ppg and only lost to Eastbrook by seven points.
DELTA (7-2)
The Eagles lost their Week 9 game to cap the regular season, but it was to New Palestine, so we will let that one fly.
That Eastbrook team that Mississinewa lost to? Delta beat them 44-7 in Week 2. So, there’s that.
THE FIELD
NEW HAVEN (4-5)
The Bulldogs should have no problem with Jay County in the first round, then will either get Wayne or Marion in the semis.
With the way New Haven has been playing in the second half of the year, would anyone be surprised if they got to the sectional title game? Blitz wouldn’t be.
HUNTINGTON NORTH (2-7)
The Vikings drop down a class into 4A this season and into a mix of SAC teams and solid programs from down south. Can Huntington North go to an SAC school (in this case, South Side) and get a win on Friday? It hasn’t happened since a 7-6 win at South Side in 1990.
SOUTH SIDE (1-8)
It is a good first-round matchup for the Archers hosting Huntington North in Round 1. They will then need to take on Delta or Mississinewa. Another tough season could give way to at least one postseason victory.
JAY COUNTY (1-8)
The Patriots avoided a winless regular season by knocking off Heritage in the final week of the regular season. New Haven in Round 1 is a significant uptick in talent this Friday, however.
WAYNE (0-9)
Can the Generals beat Marion on the road this Friday? Many think so. Blitz even sees a path to such success with Marion’s lack of convincing wins against quality opponents.
He isn’t picking it, but by gosh Wayne, Blitz is rooting for you.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
KHALID STAMPS, JUNIOR, MARION
The Giants don’t throw much, having gone to the air barely 60 times all year long. That makes what Stamps does even more important. He has rushed for close to 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns. Can Marion ride the junior to a sectional crown?
CARSON CAMPBELL, SOPHOMORE, MISSISSINEWA
Another top running back in this sectional is Campbell, who has rushed for 725 yards and 12 touchdowns.
EVAN CONLEY, JUNIOR, DELTA
The Eagles are going to do all they can to limit Campbell and the Mississinewa offense. Good for them they have some pretty good defensive linemen to try and do it. Conley is one of those, having amassed 15 tackles for loss this season. At 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, he can be a problem on the edge.
These opinions represent those of Blitz and Outside the Huddle. No opinions expressed on Outside the Huddle represent those of any of our advertisers. Follow Blitz on Twitter at Blitz_OTH
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