Dragash: IHSAA Sectional Prognostications

Cliff October 18, 2012 0

By CRAIG DRAGASH
ISL Correspondent

My head has officially shrunk back down to size.

After going 5-0 in week eight, your Friday Night Lights Prognostications correspondent finished a modest 3-2 in week nine to finish the season 20-10. However, I think before these picks began if you asked me would I take 67% on the season, the answer would be a resounding YES!!!

This is where it counts; we have arrived at the postseason! Sectional picks won’t necessarily involve five games; I’ll just take the best games of the week and pick those. So here goes for round one of the 2012 sectionals:

Noblesville at Westfield-Sectional 4

Noblesville has peaked at the right time under Lance Scheib; they defeated Westfield 14-6 in week eight. Westfield is tough to gauge; the nearly defeated HSE in week six, then fell to Noblesville two weeks later. Did they hold something back in that matchup?

Westfield 21, Noblesville 17

Warren Central at Carmel-Sectional 5

These two teams engaged in a hard-fought battle in week six won by the Greyhounds 10-7 in overtime after Warren Central missed three field goals in regulation. Both offenses have struggled for the better part of the second half of the season, while the defenses continue to keep their respective teams in games. Kevin Wright and his staff will make the necessary adjustments to go against the Warriors a second time.

Carmel 14, Warren Central 7

Ben Davis at Pike-Sectional 6

Ben Davis is flying high after its regular season-ending victory over Carmel. Although they play a different style, Ben Davis’ defense arguably ranks right up there with Warren Central. They shut down the Greyhound receivers most of the night. Sophomore quarterback Kyle Castner has made a lot of progress throughout the season, and he appears ready to guide the Giants through the tournament. Pike has had bright spots this season, but it doesn’t have enough to knock out the Giants

Ben Davis 21, Pike 10

Chatard at Danville-Sectional 21

Danville enters the postseason on a six-game winning streak including wins over Lebanon and Tri-West to finish the regular season. Chatard hasn’t had a competitive game since losing to Cincinnati Elder in week six. The Warriors appear to be ready for the postseason.

Danville 28, Chatard 24

Also: Must-see players in sectionals