FOOTBALL: Class 1A Sectional #41 Preview

THE FAVORITE Winamac – They’ve been the top ranked team in class 1A all-season long and have an average margin of victory of nearly 42 points a contest. As much as I’m tempted to put our local 1A undefeated team Whiting in this spot, there’s no doubt it belongs to the Warriors. THE DARK HORSES

{module Upper Right Banner Box} Whiting – If any team can end Winamac’s reign at the top of the polls, it’s the Oilers, whose defense is giving up less than eight points per game. The inevitable Whiting-Winamac semi-final showdown will be the de facto sectional championship.  LaVille – The Lancers are the only team with a winning record in the top half of the bracket. If they can get past a surging Lake Station team in the opening round, they should advance to the championship.

TOUGH TIMES AHEAD 

Lake Station – If they would have drawn Culver, South Central or Triton in the opener, we’d love the Eagles’ chance to advance for the first time since 2008. But with a first round game against 6-3 LaVille, LakeStation has to be considered the underdogs. Wouldn’t mind being wrong on this one.

South Central – The Satellites’ wins came against one win Bishop Noll, winless RiverForest and a Hanover Central team in the midst of losing five straight. They may make it to the second round as 2-7 Triton is the opening round opponent, but it’d be surprising if they went further.

West Central – Against any other team, including Whiting, West Central would be listed as a Dark Horse, but since they drew Winamac in the opener, they’ll go right here.

Triton – They at least have a chance of being competitive in their opener, against South Central, but considering they’ve been outscored 120-298 this year, that’s the best we can say about the Trojans.

Culver – The Cavaliers enter the tournament on a six game losing streak. Advancement would’ve been tough anyway, but drawing Whiting in the first round all but guarantees a first round exit.