The regular season is over and now we enter the portion of the season where if you don’t bring your best each and every week, there’s a good chance your year is gonna end.
The mission is a simple one, win and advance or lose, turn in equipment and begin getting ready for a long off-season.
Let’s take a look at Class A, Sectional 43.
The Draw
Southwood (3-6) bye
Northfield (2-7) at North Miami (6-3), 7 p.m.
Southern Wells (2-7) at Triton (6-3), 7 p.m.
Blackhawk Christian (2-7) at Fremont (6-3), 7 p.m.
THE FAVORITE
NORTH MIAMI (6-3)
Yes, the Warriors lost at Triton last week, but the teams are so close in terms of talent, it could go either way.
The biggest factor? North Miami has the earlier road to the sectional final, while Triton will have to contend with fellow six-win team Fremont.
Outside of the Triton defeat, North Miami’s other two losses came to North Judson and Pioneer, two teams ranked in the top 10 in Class 1A in the final poll of the season.
North Miami enters the playoffs averaging over 350 yards per game on the ground, with three players having rushed for 10 or more touchdowns.
THE CONTENDERS
TRITON (6-3)
If Triton had received North Miami’s draw, it would be the favorite. Simple as that.
Coach Andy Barker has picked up where the previous regime left off in his first season at the helm of Triton and is looking to take the Trojans one step further – their first sectional crown since 2018.
Like North Miami, Triton lost to North Judson and Pioneer in Hoosier North Conference play, both on the road. In fact, all three losses for the Trojans this year came away from home. In the event of a North Miami v. Triton rematch, that game would be at Triton, where it knocked off the Warriors 27-24 in Week 9.
Yes, the Warriors lost at Triton last week, but the teams are so close in terms of talent, it could go either way.
A player to watch for Triton? Senior Jayden Overmeyer, who has rushed for 1,414 yards and 13 TDs.
THE REST
FREMONT (6-3)
The Eagles have never won a sectional. Could this year be the year?
Here is the problem. Fremont has not beaten a team this year with more than two wins on the year. Now, this isn’t a knock on Fremont, just reality.
Carmyne Moreno is the key. If he has room to run wild, Fremont can compete. But Triton in Round 2 is going to bed difficult.
SOUTHWOOD (3-6)
It has been a good first step for first-year coach Josh Marley after the Knights went winless in 2024. And with the bye, his team will get a week to rest and group before suiting up in the semis.
The defense of the Knights is a concern, as it is allowing over 27 points per game.
SOUTHERN WELLS (2-7)
The draw wasn’t kind to the Raiders as they have to head to Triton to open up the playoffs. The program hasn’t won a sectional game since 2015, although the chance to get one this year would have rose with the right draw.
Trey Slusher has been tremendous, accounting for over 2,000 total yards and 15 touchdowns for Coach Blake Blaker’s squad.
NORTHFIELD (2-7)
The Norse concluded the regular season on a high, ousting Class 3A Northwestern 62-55 in triple overtime. Unfortunately, Coach Brandon Baker’s team must go to North Miami to open up the playoffs, a team that took care of business in Week 1 against the Norse, 44-15.
Senior Jake Perney is one to watch with 12 rushing touchdowns this season.
BLACKHAWK CHRISTIAN (2-7)
The Braves will see Fremont again, which knocked off Blackhawk Christian 42-6 to open the season.
The program is still seeking its first postseason win ever, but will need a huge effort on Friday to beat the Eagles.
A better draw would have been Southern Wells, which the Braves knocked off in Week 2 in their lone victory over an IHSAA team this season.
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