BLITZ’S POSTSEASON PRIMER: Class 6A, Sectional 3

Week 11 sees all six classes in action as the 5A and 6A playoffs kick off around the state this Friday.

A pair of Class 6A sectionals include local programs. Next up, Sectional 3.

THE DRAW

Fishers (6-3) at Homestead (5-4)
Hamilton Southeastern (7-2) at Northrop (1-8)

THE FAVORITE

HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (7-2)

Battle tested and loaded for bear, the Royals enter Sectional 3 as the favorite.

HSE’s two losses this year have come to teams a combined 17-1. The draw lays out well, with a visit to Northrop this week followed by a home game next week no matter who wins the other semifinal game.

Junior quarterback Chandler Weston has thrown for 15 touchdowns, while senior Jalen Alexander has rushed for 1,088 yards and 11 touchdowns. The rushing attack also features junior Azariah Wallace with seven scores.

Senior linebacker Jack Osieckie is a terror with eight sacks, nine tackles for loss and 85 tackles on the year.

THE CONTENDER

FISHERS (6-3)

The Tigers would like nothing more than to get another shot at Hoosier Crossroads Conference mate Hamilton Southeastern.

In Week 4, HSE took down Fishers 35-34 in overtime in the annual Mudsock Game. The Tigers scored first in the extra session and elected to go for two, but failed. HSE then scored and kicked the game-winning PAT.

Fishers enters the sectional winners of three of their last four games, the lone loss over that stretch a 14-point defeat at one-loss Westfield.

It is a balanced offense leading the way, although sophomore Gage Sturgill has had to step in at quarterback in October in the absence of senior Bennett Gorak, who has been out with an injury. It is uncertain who will get the start on Friday against Homestead.

Senior Khobie Martin is the leading rusher with 1,047 yards and 13 touchdowns. Jonanthony Hall is the big-play threat downfield, having hauled in 59 receptions for 950 yards and five touchdowns.

THE REST

HOMESTEAD (5-4)

It has been a topsy-turvy season for the Spartans, who have used the better part of the season to find their way with a youthful roster and an impressive senior running back.

Senior Brett Fuchs has rushed for 1,396 yards and 14 touchdowns this season as the backbone of the Homestead offense. He has taken punishment all season long and seemingly comes back stronger every time.

Sophomore Michael White has been learning as he goes at QB1, although he struggled in his last outing, a 10-7 win over Bishop Luers. When he has confidence and there is time in the pocket, White has been accurate.

Defensively, linebackers Sam Steward and Cruz Pursley have combined for 141 tackles and 23 tackles for loss. Their ability to penetrate gaps and cause chaos has been huge for the Spartans this season.

NORTHROP (1-8)

The Bruins got that elusive first win in Week 9, a sure boost to the spirits of the roster.

But it has still been a trying season for Northrop, which is allowing close to 40 points per game.

There is some young talent on the roster, but the consistency has been lacking. The most damning stats ? Northrop has turned the ball over 16 times on the year while scoring just 15 total touchdowns.