While sectional play began for four classes last week, Classes 5A and 6A get things underway this Friday.
OTH is breaking down each area sectional, continuing today with Sectional 4 in Class 6A.
THE DRAW
Fishers (5-4) at Noblesville (2-7)
Hamilton Southeastern (6-3) at Homestead (5-4)
THE FAVORITE
HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (6-3)
After opening the season 3-0, it was a very mixed bag during the remainder of the regular season for the Royals.
There was a loss to rival Fishers in the annual Mudsock Trophy tilt and an overtime loss to Westfield, but there have been some quality victories, including a 30-23 win over Brownsburg in Week 9.
Special teams have truly been special for the Royals this season, as kicker Hugo Belmonte has the ability to change a game with his foot. Against Brownsburg, Belmonte drilled three field goals to help get the dub.
Signal caller Chandler Weston has been phenomenal, throwing for 1,136 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season with only one interception. He has also added 361 yards on the ground. Joining him in the backfield has been Carter Reed, who has rushed for over 700 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Weston and Belmonte are capable of pushing the Royals to a sectional championship.
THE CONTENDER
FISHERS (5-4)
Much like its Hamilton County rival, Fishers has seen mixed results heading into the postseason. The Tigers, coached by Curt Funk, have averaged 27.7 points per game and given up just over 26 points a game.
Down the stretch, Fishers lost to both Franklin Central and Westfield, but picked up victories over Avon and Zionsville. They have a victory over the favorite, Hamilton Southeastern, and have shown an ability to put up points, but the question is, can the Tigers routinely make stops and secure a sectional title?
Quarterback Gage Sturgill has thrown for 1,156 yards and 13 touchdowns. JonAnthony Hall has been the go-to receiver for the Tigers, as Hall has amassed 978 yards and nine touchdowns.
THE REST
HOMESTEAD (5-4)
The Spartans opened the season a disappointing 0-2, but have also seen mixed results heading into the playoffs. Homestead went 2-2 the final four weeks of the season, earning wins against Concordia and Bishop Luers, but losing to Carroll and Snider.
When healthy, Michael White has done a tremendous job this season of leading the offense at quarterback, throwing for 1,248 yards and 10 touchdowns and rushing for another 288 yards and two touchdowns. The Spartans feature a two-headed monster at running back in the form of Jake Thrash and Sam Steward, who have combined for over 500 yards and eight touchdowns. Steward is also the standout defensively, one of the top linebackers in the northern half of the state and committed to Purdue.
NOBLESVILLE (2-7)
It has been a rough season for the Millers, who enter the playoffs on a seven-game losing streak. Noblesville has averaged 26.3 points per game and have given up 25 points per game.
The Millers lost to both Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern by a total of 10 points.
Special teams was a major factor in the game against HSE, as the Royals’ Hugo Belmonte hit three field goals and three PATs. Hamilton Southeastern didn’t go easy on the quarterback and picked off two passes before the game was over.
One of Noblesville’s two wins this year came in lopsided fashion at Homestead when the Millers triumped 49-6 in Week 2. Coach Dave Sharpe’s team hasn’t won since, although the loss to Fishers in Week 3 was by just three points in overtime.
The rushing game is Noblesville’s forte, with 2,446 yards and 30 touchdowns coming on the ground this season. Senior Brody Gump is the leading rusher at 980 yards and six scores.
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