It’s the Top 10 for Week #8, with a brand new team in the #10 spot!

#10	ANDREAN 59ERS 4-3/3-1

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Last Week: NR

Normally a Top 10 mainstay, the 59ers make their first appearance of the 2016 campaign in Week #8. After a rocky 1-3 start, Andrean has won three in a row with the offense exploding, scoring 127 points over that stretch. Not only does that run keep the Niners in the NCC hunt, it makes them a very dangerous team in Sectional #18.

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#9	PORTAGE INDIANS 4-3/3-2

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Last Week: #5

The red Indians are getting reminded that life in the Duneland ain’t easy. And it’s not about to get any easier this week, next week or the week after – with a trip to Valpo on the slate for Friday, followed by LaPorte at the Warpath in week nine, then Merrillville in the opening round of sectionals. Tough stuff – no matter who you are.

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#8	GRIFFITH PANTHERS 5-2/4-1

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Last Week: #9

The Panthers aren’t exactly overwhelming their opponents, but they are beating them. No one expected the Black & Gold to be 5-2 after seven weeks but here are they are. Taking the NCC title, or even a share of it would be a fitting way for the Panthers to exit the conference. This week they host Andrean. With the Panthers, just like the Oakland Raiders, it’s “just win baby”.

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#7	MERRILLVILLE PIRATES 3-4/2-3

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Last Week: #4

The Pirates have dropped three straight for the first time since 2002. The games have been close they just haven’t been won. Lake Central, coached once again by Merrillville grad Brett St. Germain, comes to Demarree this week. LC is better than their record indicates, but this is a game the Bucs should – make that must – win.

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#6	WHITING OILERS 6-1/4-1

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Last Week: #8

The Oilers got back on the right track with their win over a pesky Calumet club. Now they have two weeks to get ready for the run to a repeat. A trip to state takes more than talent, as a bit of good luck will likely be on the side of whoever gets there. Whiting has 2A talent and then some, so that’s not the issue. Can they stay healthy? Will the ball bounce their way? If the answers are yes, then the Oilers will be around for a while. Because like we said, this team has talent – and experience….and the monkey, make that the gorilla, is off their back.

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#5	HOBART BRICKIES 5-2/4-1

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Last Week: #7

The Brickies just won’t go away and remain in the NCC driver’s seat. They’ve got non-conference Morton this week and the Govs are struggling, so the Bricks will be a heavy favorite. Somebody above them in the poll is going to fall – so will Bricksters continue to climb? Maybe. But they gotta win first.

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#4	HANOVER CENTRAL WILDCATS 7-0/5-0

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Last Week: #6

Here come the Wildcats. While other programs may be more “improved” record wise, no other program has “arrived” on the scene in the same fashion as Hanover Central. The Cats can lay claim to being undefeated, untied and untested at this point. Not even # 1 LaPorte can say the same.

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#3	MICHIGAN CITY WOLVES 6-1/4-1

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Last Week: #3

As others in the conference start to fade from contention, the Wolves are proving to be the real deal. With #1 LaPorte coming up 421 on Friday, City gets to prove itself all over again. Expect the bleachers at beautiful Ames Field to be packed on both sides for what will be the most important game ever played between these two schools. Are you ready for some football?

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#2	VALPARAISO VIKINGS 5-2/4-1

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Last Week: #2

The Vikings had an easy time of it on Friday against struggling Chesterton. This week they’ll host Portage, and next week they head west to St. John. The Green Machine drew the short straw and will have to travel to Penn to open the post-season, so don’t be surprised if they take their anger out on the red Indians this Friday and the blue ones next week.

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#1	LAPORTE SLICERS 7-0/5-0

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Last Week: #1

At 7-0 the Slicers are toast of Maple City. If they beat Michigan City on Friday at Ames, they’ll be the toast of Maple County as well. Which, if you don’t know, is the same as LaPorte County. A Duneland championship and a perfect regular season record are both within their grasp. It’s not often that happens, so  expect them to bring a little extra this week.

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