BY FRANK KIELPIKOWSKI
The IHSAA state football tournament has reached the sectional championship level as the calendar turns to November. The overall field, as well as the field of Region teams still playing, is dwindling fast.
Here’s my top 10 poll this week (Bolded teams have ended their season)
- Crown Point (10-0)
- Valparaiso (8-2)
- Merrillville (8-2)
- Hanover Central (11-0)
- Michigan City (6-4)
- Lake Central (5-5)
- Hobart (7-3)
- Hammond Morton (5-4)
- Kankakee Valley (5-6)
- Boone Grove (8-3)
SECTIONAL SEMIFINAL RECAP
CLASS 6A
Crown Point 42, Lafayette Jeff 10: The Bronchos scored 10 points in the first five minutes of the game before Crown Point came roaring back behind Larry Ellison, who rushed for 290 yards in the victory. The Bulldogs avenged last season’s 38-28 loss to Lafayette Jeff in the sectional finals.
Lake Central 23, Portage 0: Xavier Williams rushed for 186 yards and a pair of scores in his return from injury as Lake Central won its first post-season game since 2014. Portage finished the season winless for the first time since 1965.
CLASS 5A
Hammond Morton 52. Hammond Central 6: The Governors defeated their city rivals for the second time this season. It was Morton’s first tournament win in Class 5A and its first sectional triumph since 2018.
Merrillville 49, Munster 7: The Pirates jumped out to a 35-0 lead and cruised to their sixth victory in their last seven games to improve to 8-2.
Michigan City 6, LaPorte 5: Tyler Bush’s first half touchdown pass held up as the Wolves survived a scare from LaPorte to earn a trip to the sectional finals.
Valparaiso 31, Chesterton 14: Trailing 14-3 at the half, the defending state champion Vikings dominated the second half behind Justin Clark and Thomas Burda, Defensively, Ben Fedorchak led the way with 16 tackles and an interception return for a touchdown for Valpo.
CLASS 4A
New Prairie 28, Kankakee Valley 21 (OT): Marco Castro rushed for 150 yards and two touchdowns as the Kougars rallied late to force overtime. However, Marshall Kmiecik’s 10-yard run in the extra period proved to be the difference as New Prairie thwarted KV’s upset bid.
Culver Academy 46, Highland 13: The Eagles got off to a fast start and didn’t let up as they opened up a 43-7 first half cushion and cruised to an easy victory over Highland.
CLASS 3A
Hanover Central 41, Boone Grove 20: Caiden Verrette rushed for 304 yards and three touchdowns as the Wildcats remained unbeaten. Junior quarterback Mark Rowland finished an outstanding season with 257 yards passing and three scores as the Wolves bow out of the tournament with an 8-3 record.
CLASS 2A
LaVille 50, Whiting 0: After a slow start, the Lancers scored 37 points in the second quarter to easily defeat host Whiting and earn a berth in the sectional finals.
Bremen 21, Wheeler 18: Tyrus Graverson caught four passes for 147 yards and a score as the Lions reached the sectional finale for the second year in a row and snapped Wheeler’s six-game winning streak.
SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW
CLASS 6A SECTIONAL 1
Lake Central at Crown Point: The Bulldogs, who defeated Lake Central, 38-12, in week four, are seeking their first sectional crown since 2018.
CLASS 5A SECTIONAL 9
Merrillville at Hammond Morton: In the first meeting between these two schools, the Pirates are in search of their fifth straight sectional title, while Morton is going for its first crown since 2012.
CLASS 5A SECTIONAL 10
Michigan City at Valparaiso: The Vikings, who defeated Michigan City, 31-7. back in week four, currently own the state’s second longest sectional championship streak having won five in row.
CLASS 3A SECTIONAL 25
Hanover Central at West Lafayette: This is a rematch of last year’s sectional final in which the Red Devils won 44-17 in Cedar Lake. Hanover Central is in search of just its second sectional championship.
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