BY FRANK KIELPIKOWSKI
Sectional champions were crowned both across the Region and all over the state this past Friday. Congratulations go out to the victors as they get to continue on the journey toward Lucas Oil Stadium and the state finals. One note, this will be the final “Around the Region” breakdown of the tournament games for this season. There are just two games involving Region schools this week and just one or two semistate games to preview for the following week. I appreciate those who have taken time to check this out, and I look forward to doing it again next season. I plan on having a special “Around the Region” blog either next week or the week after, so check that out if you wish.
Here’s my Final top 10 poll (Bolded teams’ season completed)
- Crown Point (11-0)
- Valparaiso (9-2)
- Merrillville (9-2)
- Hanover Central (11-1)
- Michigan City (6-5)
- Lake Central (5-6)
- Hobart (7-3)
- Hammond Morton (5-5)
- Kankakee Valley (5-6)
- Boone Grove (8-3)
SECTIONAL FINALS RECAP
CLASS 6A
Crown Point 42, Lake Central 7: Larry Ellison ran for two scores, while quarterback Noah Ehrlich threw three touchdown passes as the Bulldogs scored five times in the first half to cruise past Lake Central. Ehrlich added a fourth touchdown pass to Ellison in the second half as Crown Point claimed its first sectional crown since 2018.
CLASS 5A
Merrillville 42, Hammond Morton 18: Trey Stephens, normally a defensive stalwart, rushed for 101 yards and a pair of scores to lead the Pirates to their fifth straight sectional title. Javeoin Gills added three touchdowns as well for Merrillville, which outscored the Governors, 21-0, in the third quarter to break open the game.
Valparaiso 26, Michigan City 7: The Wolves hung tough with defending Class 5A state champion Valparaiso, despite not having quarterback Tyler Bush available. Michigan City trailed only 14-7 entering the fourth quarter, but the Vikings scored twice early on to pull away for their sixth consecutive sectional crown. Justin Clark had over 250 combined rushing and passing yards with three rushing touchdowns as well as a touchdown pass to Julian Stokes for Valpo.
CLASS 3A
West Lafayette 42, Hanover Central 41 (OT): A heartbreaking loss for the previously unbeaten Wildcats as West Lafayette rallied with 21 points in the fourth quarter to force overtime. Both teams scored touchdowns, but Hanover Central went for the win with a two-point conversion and came up just short. Junior Caiden Verrett capped an outstanding season with 183 yards rushing and three combined touchdowns, setting a school-record with 30 rushing scores in the process for the Wildcats.
REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEWS
CLASS 6A
Crown Point at Penn: The Bulldogs have never beaten Penn in three previous meetings, the last being a 33-3 loss in the 2017 regional final. Crown Point has not won a regional championship since 1988. Crown Point’ Craig Buzea last won a regional at Portage in 1994 when he led the Indians to the Class 5A state finals. The Kingsmen have earned 18 regional trophies, but none since 2017.
CLASS 5A
Valparaiso at Merrillville: These Duneland Conference rivals rematch, but the venue shifts to Demaree Stadium in Merrillville. Last year, the favored Pirates lost 15-14 at Valpo, which catapulted the Vikings to state hampionship. Valparaiso won 26-24 at Viking Field earlier this fall, but the Pirates won 37-10 the last time these two teams met at Merrillville.
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