As quick as the start of the season came, it is now playoff time. Now, you show up and show out or it is time to focus on winter sports like basketball (gross).
So, let’s not think about what awaits us soon indoors (ew) on the basketball court (ugh). Instead, let’s enjoy the ride to Lucas Oil Stadium in the hopes that we have solid representation from northeast Indiana at state like last year.
It all begins this week. Let’s get to Blitz’s picks.
Last week: 16-4 (.800)
Overall: 158-39 (.802)
WAYNE AT SOUTH SIDE. The Archers have not won a postseason game since 2020 under Coach Roosevelt Norfleet. This draw, against a Generals team they beat 46-0 in the regular season, will help end that drought. BLITZ SAYS SOUTH SIDE BY 38.
NEW HAVEN AT EAST NOBLE. Another matchup between conference teams that was lopsided in the regular season. The Bulldogs were able to put up some points in Week 8 against the Knights, but had no answers in trying to slow down the offense. Blitz senses a repeat. BLITZ SAYS EAST NOBLE BY 36.
COLUMBIA CITY AT DEKALB. How do the Barons handle being a team with a target on its back after the success they have had this year? The regular season matchup between these two wasn’t close, with DeKalb scoring a 28-7 road victory. This one is closer, but can the Eagles contain an offense putting up 31 points per game? BLITZ SAYS DEKALB BY 9.
BISHOP DWENGER AT LEO. Arguably the game of the week for Week 10. The Saints’ defense is incredibly good against the run. Leo’s offensive attack is predicated on a strong rushing attack from Nathan Foster. We call that “strength on strength.” This one is going to come down to a couple big plays, potentially on special teams. Leo has yet to lose consecutive games in the same season under Coach Jason Doerffler. First time for everything? BLITZ SAYS BISHOP DWENGER BY 2.
HUNTINGTON NORTH AT LOGANSPORT. Huntington North is as healthy as it has been all season, with Eric Frey back on the field giving Lathen Janes another weapon downfield. Logansport is 1-3 in its last four games, although the three losses were decided by a combined 10 points. Blitz just isn’t sure the Berries can keep up with Huntington’s offense. BLITZ SAYS HUNTINGTON NORTH BY 8.
GARRETT AT FAIRFIELD. Another rematch. These two teams went to OT in Week 7, with the Railroaders getting the win. Fairfield has lost five straight, and looked completely outclassed in a shutout loss to Churubusco at home in Week 9. Garrett wins this one in more convincing fashion. BLITZ SAYS GARRETT BY 14.
WOODLAN AT LAKELAND. It has been another season of learning for the young Warriors. Have they progressed enough to win in the playoffs on the road against a decent team? Not yet. BLITZ SAYS LAKELAND BY 13.
TIPPECANOE VALLEY AT ANGOLA. Can the Hornets hang with one of the top teams in the north in Class 3A? Valley has a massive front line, which is going to present problems. The Hornets need to make this game ugly and force a few turnovers. The Vikings have not given up more than seven points in a game since mid-September. BLITZ SAYS TIPPECANOE VALLEY BY 12.
CONCORDIA AT WEST NOBLE. The quest for the Chargers’ first-ever sectional championship begins at home against the Cadets in the first-ever meeting between these two teams. Concordia has struggled to contain offenses in the SAC. Will it have more luck against an NECC squad? Perhaps some, but not enough. BLITZ SAYS WEST NOBLE BY 16.
JAY COUNTY AT BELLMONT. Jay County’s narrow win over Heritage last week showed that it is still grinding. If things go right, this could be a game that Bellmont could win. But it will need a lot of mistakes out of the Patriots. Blitz just doesn’t see that happening. BLITZ SAYS JAY COUNTY BY 23.
NORWELL AT HERITAGE. Since playing for a sectional title in 2022, Norwell has lost two postseason games in a row by 35 and 40 points. It has been largely a season to forget for the Knights, but a sectional victory would give this team some much-needed positivity. Still, Heritage’s only home loss this year was to Bluffton. BLITZ SAYS HERITAGE BY 3.
BISHOP LUERS AT DELTA. This is not your typical Luers team that fights its way through the SAC then rolls through the playoffs. If the Knights are going to return to Lucas Oil, they are going to have to play better overall football. That begins at Delta, a team that is better than its 3-6 record indicates. Knights defense carries them here. BLITZ SAYS BISHOP LUERS BY 8.
PRAIRIE HEIGHTS AT MANCHESTER. The Panthers have had trouble containing offenses all year. Manchester isn’t the most explosive unit, but its running game will lead the way. BLITZ SAYS MANCHESTER BY 21.
WHITKO AT EASTSIDE. The Blazers have not been one and done in the playoffs since 2018. BLITZ SAYS EASTSIDE BY 33.
CENTRAL NOBLE AT ADAMS CENTRAL. This won’t end well. BLITZ SAYS ADAMS CENTRAL BY 46.
BLUFFTON AT CHURUBUSCO. The uglier the better. That should be the approach by Churubusco in this matchup. If Bluffton’s offense doesn’t get bogged down by the physicality of the Eagles, they should have no problem in this one. However, allow the Eagles to stay in the game and keep it low-scoring and anything could happen. BLITZ SAYS BLUFFTON BY 19.
SOUTHERN WELLS AT TRITON. It has been a season of progress for the Raiders, one that Blitz hopes will be built upon heading into the offseason. Triton is too tough. BLITZ SAYS TRITON BY 31.
BLACKHAWK CHRISTIAN AT FREMONT. A seventh victory for the Eagles would give them their most wins in a season since 2001. That’s exciting. BLITZ SAYS FREMONT BY 24.
MADISON-GRANT AT SOUTH ADAMS. Since starting the season 5-1, Madison-Grant has dropped three straight. Now, the competition has been solid, but you know who is a solid team? South Adams. Too much offense by the Starfires, who Blitz believes is one of the best squads in all of Class 1A. BLITZ SAYS SOUTH ADAMS BY 21.
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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