The playoffs begin in earnest this Friday, with Classes 1A through 4A kicking off the postseason throughout the area.
Blitz is here to quickly preview and discuss the area sectionals. We began with Class 4A and continued with Class 3A and Class 2A, now we tackle 1A.
SECTIONAL 34
THE FIELD
Southwood (2-7) at Blackhawk Christian (3-6), 7 p.m.
Churubusco (3-6) at South Adams (7-2), 7 p.m.
Whitko (0-8) at Northfield (5-4), 7 p.m.
Southern Wells (1-8) at Fremont (6-3), 7 p.m.
PROJECTED WINNER: SOUTH ADAMS
The Starfires are aiming for their third-straight sectional championship, and there may not be a defense in the field that can slow down quarterback Zaden Baumer and his wealth of playmakers enough to stop them.
There is not a team in this sectional outside of South Adams that is allowing less than 24 points per game. Even Fremont, with its do-everything quarterback Jaret Laughlin, has only kept one team this year under 20 points – Blackhawk Christian in Week 1.
Baumer has thrown for over 2,300 yards this season for Coach Grant Moser’s team, which is averaging 33 points per game. In addition, the Starfires have numerous proven pass catchers. If an opponent focuses on Wes Summersett, Jax Wanner can go off. If Wanner is double covered, juniors Nolan Colpaert and Colton Sprunger have proven themselves capable. Add in the return of top running back Will Patterson from injury and South Adams presents a stunning array of offensive threats that will be too much in this sectional.
PLAYER YOU CAN’T MISS: JARET LAUGHLIN, FREMONT
Fremont has won 14 games over the last two years, and Laughlin has been the catalyst during this run for the Eagles.
A true dual threat behind center, Laughlin can lower his shoulder and run you over or throw over you and get the ball downfield. This season, he has amassed over 2,600 yards of total offense, nearly split down the middle between passing (1,301) and rushing (1,332). He is responsible for 20 rushing touchdowns and 12 passing scores, and even has a 16-yard reception for a score this year.
Fremont has never won a sectional, although it did reach the sectional championship game last year before losing on the road at North Miami. If the Eagles are going to make it happen this year, it will have a lot to do with Laughlin.
DON’T BE SURPRISED IF: BLACKHAWK CHRISTIAN WINS ITS FIRST-EVER PLAYOFF GAME
Set to take part in its third IHSAA postseason, the Braves are still in search of their first-ever sectional victory after falling to North Miami in 2024 and Fremont in 2025.
But the ping pong balls bounced in an advantageous way for Coach Brice Bennett’s team this year, as Blackhawk Christian will take on two-win Southwood to open sectional action.
Southwood has just two victories, over Wabash, which played most of the season as an 8-man program, and winless Whitko. While the Braves have struggled to slow down offenses this year, Southwood has been limited to 15 points per game.
It would be a tremendous step forward for Blackhawk Christian to earn that first postseason win. It could come this Friday.
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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