By Mike McGraw
Executive Director
There are approximately 150 football games played in Indiana every Friday night. We at Hoosier Authority try to highlight the biggest of those every week in some type of preview.
Still, there are games every weekend that may not be considered “big” by state standards but are still of great importance in various places. Uncle Mike thought you might like to take a look at some of the games coming up this Friday that will go a long way toward deciding conference champions around Indiana.
Northern Indiana
Duneland: Merrillville (3-1 overall, 2-0 conference) @ Michigan City (4-0, 2-0)
The statistics say this one should be close. What the statistics don’t take into account is schedule. Merrillville has been far more severely tested to this point in the season. The game, however, is at Michigan City.
Duneland: Crown Point (2-2, 1-1) @ Portage (2-2, 1-1)
Both teams are 1-1 in league play. The loser is effectively out of title contention.
Northeast Corner: Churubusco (4-0, 4-0) @ Angola (2-2, 2-1)
Angola already has one loss in the conference, so the Hornets need this game to keep from falling out of contention. But they’ll have to figure out a Churubusco defense that has only yielded 34 points in four games.
Northeast Hoosier: Homestead (4-0, 2-0) @ Bellmont (4-0, 2-0)
These are the only two unbeatens in the conference. The statistics say it is a relatively easy game. The challenge for Homestead is winning the big game. Bellmont, the defending Class 3A state champion, obviously has proven they can do that.
Northern Lakes: Plymouth (4-0, 2-0) @ Elkhart Memorial (3-1, 2-1)
Memorial already has a loss in conference. The Chargers also have been outscored for the season by the opposition. This is a tall order against a talented bunch of Rockies.
Northern State: New Prairie (2-2, 2-0) @ Jimtown (4-0, 3-0)
Both teams are undefeated in league play, but that is where the similarities end. Jimtown has been dominant for most of the year, while New Prairie has been anything but. It would be a big upset if the visitors win this one.
Three Rivers: North Miami (3-1, 2-0) @ Manchester (4-0, 2-0)
It is the Warriors’ turn to try and do something against a Manchester defense that has been magnificent (six points allowed in league play). Both teams are 2-0 in the conference along with perennial powerhouse Rochester.
Central Indiana
Conference Indiana: Pike (3-1, 2-0) @ Bloomington North (3-1, 1-1)
Bloomington North has been impressive on offense and has improved enough on defense to turn it into wins. But the Cougars have yet to see the offensive power that Pike will bring to town. The winner here is the team that can stop the other.
Eastern Indiana: East Central (4-0, 1-0) @ Batesville (4-0, 1-0)
What more needs be said? This is always a battle for the conference championship and should be again this time. Both squads have very good defenses.
Hoosier: West Lafayette (4-0), 2-0) @ Tipton (4-0, 2-0)
This is the annual battle of the Devils. Readers of this site already know how I feel about that issue: The only appropriate color for a devil is red. Seriously, this is a case of whether West Lafayette can dent a Tipton defense that has only given up 21 points all year.
Hoosier Heritage: Yorktown (3-1, 2-1) @ Delta (4-0, 2-0)
Delta is known for its high-flying offense, but the truth is they have only yielded 19 points all year. The simple question is whether Yorktown can move the ball in this one. You know Delta is going to do so.
Mid-Indiana: Eastern (Greentown) (3-1, 2-0) @ Hamilton Heights (3-1, 2-0)
These are the remaining unbeatens in league play. It is good to see a once-proud Eastern program return to relevance. However, they have a tall order at hand. Heights is coming off a one-point victory over conference bully Cass.
Sagamore: North Montgomery (4-0, 2-0) @ Lebanon (3-1, 2-0)
This is a battle of two 2-0 teams in league play. On paper, North Montgomery looks to be the better team. Once again, schedule is the big equalizer. After facing Carmel and Mooresville, it is doubtful that Lebanon is going to be intimidated by the Chargers’ offense.
West Central: Speedway (3-1, 2-0) @ Monrovia (4-0, 3-0)
The Bulldogs have outscored a weak slate of opponents 201-0 so far this season. Speedway is not a weak opponent. The simple question is whether the Bulldogs are for real.
Southern Indiana
Hoosier Hills: Floyd Central (4-0, 2-0) @ Jeffersonville (2-2, 2-1)
The Red Devils already have on loss in league play – thus, they cannot afford to drop a home contest to the 2-0 visitors. Remember, Columbus East prowls in this league. Two losses, and you are definitely out of contention.
Pocket: Southridge (3-1, 2-0) @ South Spencer (4-0, 3-0)
Both teams share the conference lead with Heritage Hills. This has been a topsy-turvy league the last couple of years, so this game is a real chance for South Spencer to make a statement.
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