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 6A, Sectional 2.
THE DRAW
Carroll (6-3) at Elkhart (6-3)
Snider (3-6) at Northrop (7-2)
THE FAVORITE
CARROLL (6-3)
The Chargers handled both Northrop and Snider by double digits in the regular season, but Elkhart on the road to begin the playoffs could be tricky.
Carroll and the Lions are familiar with each other, having scrimmaged prior to the season. That said, Elkhart quarterback Micah Jarrell is a dangerous running threat, an aspect of his game that wasn’t on display in the scrimmage.
The passing game of the Chargers has been exceptional. If and when they run up against a Class 6A team that can get pressure on Gabe Frisinger and defend Jaidon Vanpelt, Carroll will have to find other ways to win.
But for now, that is enough to be the favorite in Sectional 2.
THE CONTENDER
NORTHROP (7-2)
On paper and in the minds of many, the Bruins have a good chance of winning this sectional. But for a program that has not won a postseason title of any kind in 26 years, let alone in Class 6A, it is easier said than done.
There was not going to be an easy draw in this field. Say what you want about Snider, it is still a threat to anyone it plays (just ask North Side).
But the firepower that Northrop is able to deploy on offense – quarterback David Callison, slot Maddox Weil, outside receiver Jerquaden Guilford – are the best threesome in this field. That alone will make the Bruins incredibly tough to beat.
This team feels it has what it takes to beat Carroll. It will get another shot at it if both are victorious in the semis.
THE REST
ELKHART (6-3)
Look past Elkhart at your own risk. Its three losses have come to a triumvirate of teams – Concord, South Bend St. Joseph and Penn – that have a collective record of 26-2.
On paper and in the minds of many, the Bruins have a good chance of winning this sectional. But for a program that has not won a postseason title of any kind in 26 years, let alone in Class 6A, it is easier said than done.
As mentioned above, Micah Jarrell leads the way having accounted for over 2,200 yards of total offense and 25 touchdowns. A Trevor Lawrence lookalike, the junior can sling it and create outside of the pocket with his legs.
Another junior to watch is Kros Jones at linebacker, who leads the Lions in tackles (94), tackles for loss (22) and quarterback hurries (18).
SNIDER (3-6)
The Panthers rarely have a rebuilding season, but this is definitely that. As the season has progressed, Coach Kurt Tippmann has turned more and more to a youth movement as talented underclassmen get a taste of Friday nights in preparation for future seasons.
One of those is quarterback Max Johnson, who made some big throws to Brishawn Johnson in Week 9’s come from behind victory over North Side that ended a five-game losing streak.
Snider isn’t considered a threat in this field, which makes them tremendously dangerous. Northrop ended its long losing streak to the Panthers earlier this season. If they think they can look past the rematch, Snider’s youthful roster could pull a surprise.
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