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WEEK 14
SEMISTATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
November 21, 2008 |
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CLASS 4A
SEMISTATE
Cathedral (10-2) at Columbus East (12-0) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: Friday, 7 p.m.
State Rankings:
Cathedral (No. 4
AP, No. 5 IFCA in Class 4A); Columbus East (No. 1 AP, No. 1 IFCA in
Class 4A).
Sagarin Ratings:
Cathedral (No. 5
Overall; No. 1 in Class 4A); Columbus East (No. 8 Overall; No. 4 in
Class 4A).
Sagarin Prediction:
Even.
Last Week:
East won easily
for the 13th straight time, beating Jasper, 24-7, for
another Regional championship. One night earlier, Cathedral disposed
of Zionsville, 27-11.
Last Year:
Both teams lost to eventual state champion Evansville Reitz in
heartbreaker fashion. East fell to the Panthers, 61-60, in the
regional. The following week, the Irish lost in the semistate,
35-34, to Reitz.
Next Week:
The winner will
face either Fort Wayne Dwenger or Lowell in the 2A Championship Game
at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. |
|
Make no mistake
about it, this is Columbus East’s year. I’m happy that the Olympians
get to beat Class 4A’s end-all, be-all, all-time team – Indianapolis
Cathedral – on their way to a 4A championship.
Scoop’s Pick:
Columbus East
35, Cathedral 27. |
|
CLASS 2A
REGIONAL
Brownstown Central (11-1) at Heritage Christian (12-1) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
State Rankings:
Brownstown
Central (No. 13 AP, No. 11 IFCA in Class 2A); Heritage Christian
(No. 4 AP, No. 5 IFCA in Class 2A).
Sagarin Ratings:
Brownstown
Central (No. 79 Overall; No. 10 in Class 2A); Heritage Christian
(No. 48 Overall; No. 4 in Class 2A).
Sagarin Prediction:
Heritage
Christian by 10.
Last Week:
Brownstown
Central completed dominated favored host Southridge, 26-7 in a
surprisingly easy victory. Heritage Christian came from behind, then
held off, Speedway to beat the Sparkplugs, 27-21, in one of the
state’s all-time greatest games.
Last Year:
Heritage Christian won advanced to a sectional championship game for
the first time in school history, then went all the way to the state
championship, only to lose to Fort Wayne Luers, 21-6. The Braves
fell in the Sectional 31 championship game, 35-26 to Providence.
Next Week:
The winner will
face either Jimtown or Lewis Cass in the 2A Championship Game at
Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. |
|
I think this
game will be decided up front and – from everything that I’ve heard
– Brownstown’s big men are far superior to Heritage Christian’s. If
this turns into a shootout, the Eagles will win. If the Braves
control the line of scrimmage, which they have throughout the
playoffs, they’ll win as easily as they did last week and go to Indy
(for the state finals).
Scoop’s Pick:
Brownstown
Central 27, Heritage Christian 14. |
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WEEK 13
REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
November 14-15, 2008 |
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CLASS 4A
REGIONAL (SATURDAY)
Columbus East (12-0) at Jasper (11-1) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: Saturday, 7 p.m.
This Year:
Did Not Meet.
Last Year:
Both teams lost to eventual-champion Evansville Reitz. East lost an
exciting Regional championship, 61-60 to Reitz. Jasper lost in its
sectional championship, 34-8 to the Panthers.
Next Week:
With a win,
top-rated Columbus East will either host No. 4 Cathedral or it will
go to Zionsville. With a win, Jasper will go on the road and face
either favored Cathedral or longshot Zionsville. |
|
This is a long
trip for East and that’s always a serious obstacle to overcome.
However, if the Olympians are healthy – and that’s a serious
question mark at this point – East shouldn’t have much picking up
its 13th victory.
Scoop’s Pick:
Columbus East
34, Jasper 7. |
|
CLASS 2A
REGIONAL (FRIDAY)
Brownstown Central (10-1) at Southridge (11-1) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
This Year:
Did Not Meet.
Last Year:
Brownstown
Central lost in the Sectional 31 title game, 35-26 to champion
Providence. Southridge, the following week, beat Providence, 35-28
in the regional before falling to eventual-2A state champion
Heritage Christian, 24-14.
Next Week:
The Braves –
with a win – would likely go to Indianapolis to face defending 2A
champion Heritage Christian. They could also host Speedway.
Southridge would go on the road to face either Heritage Christian or
Speedway if it wins the regional title. |
|
All evidence
points to a Southridge win, but I have a feeling – a feeling that
says Brownstown goes on another week.
Scoop’s Pick:
Brownstown
Central 24, Southridge 20. |
|
WEEK 12
SECTIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
November 7, 2008 |
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CLASS 5A,
SECTIONAL 8
Castle (9-2) at Jeffersonville (6-5) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 8 p.m.
This Year:
Did Not Meet.
Last Year:
En route to its
first sectional championship in five years, Jeff went to Castle and
knocked off the Knights, 41-20.
Next Week:
With a win,
Jeffersonville will go on the road to either Center Grove or
Bloomington North for next week’s 5A regional. If Castle wins, the
Knights will host Center Grove or go to Bloomington to face North. |
|
Both teams
looked really good last week – probably the best both teams have
looked all season. I think this is a toss-up, so I’ll go with the
home-field advantage.
Scoop’s Pick:
Jeffersonville
26, Castle 24. |
|
CLASS 4A,
SECTIONAL 15
East Central (10-1) at Columbus East (11-0) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
This Year:
Did Not Meet.
Last Year:
The Olympians
knocked off East Central, 35-20, in the sectional semifinal on their
way to its third sectional crown in four years.
Next Week:
With a win, East
would go on the road to either Evansville Central or Jasper for next
week’s regional. If East Central pulls off the upset, it will go to
Jasper or host Central. |
|
his is the first
time since probably Week 2 that East losing is even slightly a
possibility. It’s still not a probability, but it is a possibility.
Scoop’s Pick:
Columbus East
35, East Central 14. |
|
CLASS 2A,
SECTIONAL 31
Paoli (10-1) at
Brownstown Central (9-1) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
This Year:
Did Not Meet.
Last Year:
Brownstown
Central knocked off the Rams, 26-7, en route to a championship game
appearance.
Next Week:
If Brownstown
Central wins, the Braves will go on the road to either North Posey
or Southridge for the regional. A Paoli victory would send the Rams
on the road to North Posey or would have them at home against
Southridge. |
|
Brownstown’s
defense and special teams were a little shaky last week. That has to
chance against Paoli.
Scoop’s Pick:
Brownstown
Central 31, Paoli 21. |
WEEK 11
SECTIONAL SEMIFINALS
October 31, 2008 |
|
CLASS 5A,
SECTIONAL 8
Jeffersonville (5-5) at Floyd Central (6-4) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
This Year:
Jeffersonville
scored at will and beat the Highlanders 40-33 in Week 4.
Last Year:
Jeffersonville
won its first sectional championship in nine years. Floyd Central,
on the other hand, lost in the first round, 39-20 to Castle.
Next Week:
Whether Castle
or New Albany wins the other semifinal matchup, Jeffersonville will
be at home in the sectional championship game with a win. If the
Highlanders win, they will either host Castle or go to New Albany
for the Sectional 8 championship game. |
|
I picked Bedford
to beat Floyd Central last week. Now, I have to jump on the
bandwagon and go with the Highlanders. Cole Richards – the best
kicker in Southern Indiana – could be the difference.
Scoop’s Pick:
Floyd Central
31, Jeffersonville 28. |
|
New Albany (6-3) at Castle (8-2) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 8 p.m.
This Year:
New Albany led
14-0 early, but couldn’t hold off the Knights in a 24-20 loss. Even
in the loss, Graham Brown threw for 254 yards on 21 of 35 passing.
Brett Martin had 102 receiving yards, then his career-high.
Last Year:
New Albany lost
in the first round, 42-13 to Evansville North. Castle lost a
semifinal matchup against eventual-Sectional 8 champion
Jeffersonville, 40-21.
Next Week:
The winner will
face the winner of the other Sectional 8 semifinal between
Jeffersonville and Floyd Central. A New Albany win would have the
Bulldogs at home against Floyd Central or on the road at
Jeffersonville. If Castle wins, they will be on the road against
either Floyd Central or Jeffersonville. |
|
New Albany lost
a close one the first time around, but the Knights have gotten
better and better against a much tougher schedule.
Scoop’s Pick:
Castle 27, New
Albany 14. |
|
CLASS 4A,
SECTIONAL 15
Columbus East (10-0) at Madison (2-8) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
This Year:
Just four weeks
ago, No. 1 East scored a season-high 75 points – with a combination
of offense, defense and special teams – to beat the Cubs, 75-14.
Last Year:
Columbus East
won its third sectional championship in four years. Madison fell in
the first round, 36-7 to South Dearborn, which the Cubs beat last
week.
Next Week:
With a win,
Columbus East would be at home in the championship game against
either East Central or Shelbyville. With a win, Madison will be on
the road against either the Trojans or the Golden Bears. |
|
I can’t say it
enough: I love what Madison is doing. But the Cubs are far
outmatched against No. 1 East.
Scoop’s Pick:
Columbus East
56, Madison 7. |
|
CLASS 3A,
SECTIONAL 23
Charlestown (7-3) at Heritage Hills (6-3) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 8 p.m.
This Year:
Did Not Meet.
Last Year:
Heritage Hills
won its seventh sectional champion in eight years. En route to doing
so, the Patriots beat then-unbeaten Charlestown, 42-24, in the
semifinals.
Next Week:
With a win, the
winner of the Charlestown-Heritage Hills contest would be at home in
the championship game against either Edgewood or Brown County. |
|
If it looked
like Cameron Metzger might by 100 percent, I’d give Charlestown a
shot at grinding out a win.
Scoop’s Pick:
Heritage Hills
35, Charlestown 7. |
|
CLASS 2A,
SECTIONAL 31
Brownstown Central (8-1) at Indian Creek (7-3) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
This Year:
Did Not Meet.
Last Year:
Brownstown beat
Indian Creek, 55-28, en route to the Sectional 31 championship game,
where it lost to Providence.
Next Week:
The semifinal
winner will meet the victor between Paoli and Mitchell. The BC-IC
winner will be at home in the championship game against either the
Rams or the Bluejackets. |
|
Indian Creek
isn’t in the same close as a Brownstown team that is playing
extraordinarily well right now.
Scoop’s Pick:
Brownstown
Central 42, Indian Creek 16. |
|
WEEK 10
SECTIONAL OPENERS
October 24, 2008 |
|
CLASS 5A,
SECTIONAL 7
Columbus North (4-5) at Bloomington South (7-2) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
This Year:
In Week 8,
Bloomington South scored the final 14 points of the game and edged
the Bull Dogs, 28-14.
Last Year:
North won its
second straight sectional title – and third in four years – in 2007.
The Bull Dogs did not meet South, which lost 17-14 to Decatur
Central in the first round, during its run to the championship.
Next Week:
The winner will
face the winner of the Center Grove vs. Terre Haute South game. If
North wins, it will be at home against either team. If South wins,
the Panthers will host Center Grove or go to Terre Haute South. |
|
Last week, this
game was very close – much closer than its 14-point difference. As
good as South coach Drew Wood is – and he’s undoubtedly one of the
best coaches in Indiana – I like Tim Bless making adjustments for a
rematch.
Scoop’s Pick:
Columbus North
24, Bloomington South 21. |
|
CLASS 5A,
SECTIONAL 8
Jeffersonville (4-5) at Jennings County (0-9) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
This Year:
In the first of
two back-to-back meetings, the Red Devils had little problem
defeating the Panthers, 35-7.
Last Year:
Jeff won its first
sectional championship in nine years. The Red Devils did not face
Jennings County, which lost in the first round against Evansville
North, during its run to the sectional crown.
Next Week:
The winner will
face the winner of the Floyd Central-Bedford North Lawrence game. If
Jeffersonville wins, it will host Bedford North Lawrence or go to
Floyd Central. If Jennings County wins, it would go on the road for
its second-round matchup, no matter which team wins the FC-BNL
contest. |
|
Jeffersonville
should get another easy win this week. Now that it is healthy, the
sectional road looks good for Jeff in its attempt to win its second
straight sectional championship.
Scoop’s Pick:
Jeffersonville
29, Jennings County 12. |
|
Floyd Central (5-4) at Bedford North Lawrence (6-3) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
This Year:
Three weeks ago
– in Week 7 – Bedford North Lawrence had no problem downing the
Highlanders, 35-7.
Last Year:
Both teams lost
in the first round. Floyd Central fell to Castle, 39-20, while BNL
lost to eventual sectional champion Jeffersonville, 14-0.
Next Week:
The winner will
face the winner of the Jeffersonville-Jennings County game. A
Bedford North Lawrence win would send it to Jeffersonville or the
Stars would be at home against Jennings County. If Floyd Central
wins, it would be at home against either the Red Devils or the
Panthers. |
|
I think both
teams are playing their best football late in the season. I still
think the Stars have the superior team and should win fairly easily.
Scoop’s Pick:
Bedford North
Lawrence 31, Floyd Central 17. |
|
CLASS 4A,
SECTIONAL 15
Seymour (4-5) at Columbus East (9-0) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
This Year:
In one of its
closest games of the season, the East defeated the Owls, 44-14 in
Week 3.
Last Year:
East won its
second straight sectional championship and third in four years. It
was the Olympians’ fifth sectional title in school history. The
Olympians did not meet Seymour, which lost to East Central in the
first round, en route to the sectional title.
Next Week:
The winner will
face the winner of the South Dearborn-Madison game. An East win
would send the Olympians on the road to face either the Knights or
the Cubs. If Seymour wins, it would host Madison or go to South
Dearborn. |
|
Three years ago,
Seymour shocked the Olympians in the first round of Sectional 15
play. As good as that East team was, this one is much, much better
and less susceptible to an upset.
Scoop’s Pick:
Columbus East
45, Seymour 7. |
|
South Dearborn (3-6) at Madison (1-8) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
This Year:
South Dearborn
topped the Cubs, 31-27, on a hail-Mary touchdown pass with no time
left on the clock in Week 2.
Last Year:
South Dearborn
ended Madison’s season with a 36-7 first-round Sectional 15 victory
in Madison. The Knights lost the following week to then-unbeaten
Shelbyville, 41-13.
Next Week:
The winner will
face the winner of the Columbus East-Seymour game. If Madison wins,
it would host East or go to Seymour. A South Dearborn victory would
have the Knights at home against either the Olympians or the Owls. |
|
Everything
points to a Madison win this week. The Cubs have come a long way
since their earlier heartbreaking loss to South Dearborn.
Scoop’s Pick:
Madison 26,
South Dearborn 19. |
|
CLASS 3A,
SECTIONAL 23
Heritage Hills (5-3) at Salem (7-2) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
This Year:
Did Not Play.
Last Year:
The Patriots
beat Salem, 42-12, in the first round on their way to their seventh
sectional championship in eight years.
Next Week:
The winner will
face the winner of the North Harrison-Charlestown game. A Salem win
would send the Lions on the road for the semifinal game against
either the Cougars or the Pirates. If Heritage Hills wins, the
Patriots would host Charlestown or go to Salisbury to face North
Harrison. |
|
As much as I
want to pick Salem, I can’t. But the bottom line is this: they have
a shot at knocking off Heritage Hills. That’s not something anyone
would have thought coming into the season.
Scoop’s Pick:
Heritage Hills
18, Salem 13. |
|
North Harrison (3-5) at Charlestown (6-3) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
This Year:
Two week ago,
Charlestown scored 25 second-half points to clinch its second
straight MSC championship, 25-7 over the Cougars.
Last Year:
Charlestown won
its first-round contest over Brown County before falling to Heritage
Hills, 42-24 in the sectional semifinal. North Harrison lost in the
first round, 36-29 to Edgewood.
Next Week:
The winner will
face the winner of the Salem-Heritage Hills contest. If Charlestown
wins, it will host Salem or go to Santa Claus to face the Patriots.
A North Harrison win will have the Cougars at home against either
Salem or Heritage Hills. |
|
Charlestown
should beat the Cougars again. This time, I think the Pirates will
throw the knock-out punch much earlier.
Scoop’s Pick:
Charlestown 40,
North Harrison 14. |
|
Edgewood (8-1) at Corydon Central (1-8) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
This Year:
Did Not Play.
Last Year:
The Mustangs
topped the Panthers, 47-7 in the semifinal, before going on to lose
in the championship game, 51-15 to Heritage Hills.
Next Week:
The winner will
face the winner of the Crawford County-Brown County game. A Corydon
Central victory would send them on the road for a semifinal game
against either the Wolfpack or the Eagles. If Edgewood wins, it
would host Brown County or go to Marengo to face Crawford County. |
|
Edgewood has
come a long, long way in the past couple of years and may be on the
verge of its first sectional championship since 1990.
Scoop’s Pick:
Edgewood 49,
Corydon Central 12. |
|
CLASS 2A,
SECTIONAL 31
Eastern (0-9) at Mitchell (1-8) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
This Year:
Did Not Play.
Last Year:
In its first
sectional game in school history, Eastern lost to eventual sectional
champion Providence, 62-15. The Bluejackets beat Eastern Greene in
the first round before falling to Providence, 28-0 in the semifinal
round.
Next Week:
The winner will
face the winner of the Paoli-Eastern Greene game. A Mitchell win
would send the Bluejackets on the road against either the Rams or
the Thunderbirds. If Eastern wins, it would host Paoli or go to
Eastern Greene. |
|
Eastern has a
serious shot at ending its 18-game losing streak.
Scoop’s Pick:
Mitchell 23,
Eastern 20. |
|
Indian Creek (6-3) at Clarksville (3-6) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
This Year:
Did Not Play.
Last Year:
Both teams lost
in the first round. Clarksville lost to Paoli, 23-20. Indian Creek
was beaten by Brownstown Central, 55-28.
Next Week:
Clarksville
faces a much tougher schedule, so don’t be shocked if this is a
closer game than most people expect. |
|
Clarksville
faces a much tougher schedule, so don’t be shocked if this is a
closer game than most people expect.
Scoop’s Pick:
Indian Creek 40,
Clarksville 32. |
|
Providence (5-4) at Brownstown Central (7-1) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
This Year:
Did Not Play.
Last Year:
Providence beat
the Braves – 35-26 in the Sectional 31 title game – to win its first
sectional championship in 13 years.
Next Week:
The winner will
face the winner of the Indian Creek-Clarksville game. If Providence
wins, the Pioneers would host either Clarksville or Indian Creek in
the semifinal round. With a victory, the Braves would either go to
Indian Creek or be at home against Clarksville. |
|
I think, when
all is said and done, this will be the sectional championship game.
Both teams are playing very well, but Brownstown has more talent and
more experience.
Scoop’s Pick:
Brownstown
Central 35, Providence 21. |
|
WEEK 9
October 17, 2008 |
|
ITG-Sports.com "GAME OF THE WEEK"
Columbus East (8-0) at Bedford North Lawrence (6-2) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
East clinched
its fourth straight HHC championship with a 44-6 revenge victory
over the Stars, who upset the Olympians to end the 2006 regular
season and share the title with East.
Past 10 Years:
Columbus East
8-2. The Olympians have won eight of the last nine meetings.
ITG "Game of
the Week" Preview: For the third time in four years,
Columbus East and Bedford North Lawrence meet for the Hoosier Hills
Conference championship. Of course, the Olympians have already
clinched at least a share of their record-setting fifth straight HHC
championship. East is a big favorite to keep the Stars from sharing
the crown (as well as giving New Albany a shot), but it was a big
favorite two years ago when BNL pulled off a 33-30 upset. |
|
I think this
game is destined to be the title game year-in and year-out. This
year, though – as much as I like Bedford – there’s a huge talent
gap.
Scoop’s Pick:
Columbus East
42, Bedford North Lawrence W10. |
|
New
Albany (6-2) at Floyd Central (4-4) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
Joe Lewis scored
five touchdowns – including the game's opening kickoff – and Graham
Brown threw four touchdowns to Lewis and ran for one himself in New
Albany's 48-26 win over the Highlanders.
Past 10 Years:
New Albany 6-5.
The Bulldogs have won the last four matchups against their county
rivals. |
|
New Albany
probably won’t win the HHC, but its been a very impressive season
for Kevin Roth and his Bulldogs.
Scoop’s Pick:
New Albany 28,
Floyd Central 21. |
|
Clarksville (3-5) at Providence (4-4) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
Clarksville won
its third straight city championship with a 14-13 victory over its
rival. The Generals held on to a 14-0 third-quarter lead after
getting a TD run from Robert Myers and TD pass from Drew Farney to
Corey Bowens.
Past 10 Years:
Providence 7-4.
Providence has dominated the series history, but the Generals have
beaten the Pioneers four straight times, including a playoff win in
2006. |
|
If Clarksville
can get a big ground game from Bowens and Masters, they can hang
close.
Scoop’s Pick:
Providence 27,
Clarksville 12. |
|
Southport (7-1) at Columbus North (4-4) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
The Bull Dogs
finished the regular season 8-1 after an easy 49-12 win over the
Cardinals.
Past 10 Years:
Columbus North
7-2. The Bull Dogs have beaten Southport five straight times. |
|
Columbus North
is far better than average. It’s a shame the Bull Dogs are going to
finish below .500.
Scoop’s Pick:
Southport 33,
Columbus North 20. |
|
Brownstown Central (6-1) at West Washington (5-3) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
Brownstown
Central won its third straight game to finish the 2007 regular
season with a 48-7 win over the Senators.
Past 10 Years:
Brownstown Central
8-2. After West Washington won two straight years in 2004-05, the
Braves have won the last two matchups. |
|
Brownstown has
found its groove. The Braves are going to be very, very tough to
beat in the playoffs.
Scoop’s Pick:
Brownstown
Central 48, West Washington 20. |
|
Madison (1-7) at Seymour (3-5) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
Brandon Polbito
scored three touchdowns – giving him five in the past two games – to
help the Owls to a 48-0 win over the Cubs.
Past 10 Years:
Seymour 11-0. |
|
Seymour probably
has the best 3-5 team in Indiana.
Scoop’s Pick:
Seymour 41,
Madison 14. |
|
Lawrenceburg (7-1) at Charlestown (6-2) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
Charlestown
finished the regular season unbeaten after a 35-16 win over the
Tigers. The Pirates got a 206-yard, three TD performance from
Cameron Metzger in the victory.
Past 10 Years:
Lawrenceburg
7-4. The Pirates have won the last two meetings by a combined 47-16. |
|
This will tell
us a lot about Charlestown and the MSC, heading into the tournament.
Scoop’s Pick:
Lawrenceburg 23,
Charlestown 20. |
|
Jeffersonville (3-5) at Jennings County (0-8) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
Jeffersonville
recovered from a 35-0 loss to Columbus East in an HHC title showdown
to defeat the Panthers, 40-7.
Past 10 Years:
Jeffersonville
8-2. The Red Devils have beaten Jennings three straight times. |
|
This could be
the start of a sectional championship run for Jeffersonville. Don’t
count the Devils out.
Scoop’s Pick:
Jeffersonville
32, Jennings County 16. |
|
North Harrison (3-4) at Crawford County (3-5) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
After losing
five straight games during the regular season, North Harrison
finished the regular season with two straight wins, including a 40-0
win over the Wolfpack.
Past 10 Years:
North Harrison
1-0. |
|
I heard someone
say last week that Crawford County will beat North Harrison. No
chance.
Scoop’s Pick:
North Harrison
34, Crawford County 14. |
|
Salem (6-2) at Mitchell (1-7) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
The Lions
completed a four-game improvement over 2006 with a 24-8 victory over
the Bluejackets.
Past 10 Years:
Salem 5-4. The
Lions have won the last two meetings, in 2007 & 2005. |
|
It’s been a very
nice season for Salem and it will get its seventh win easily on
Friday.
Scoop’s Pick:
Salem 44,
Mitchell 7. |
|
Eastern Greene (1-7) at Eastern (0-8) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7:30 p.m.
Last Season:
After winning
its season opener, Eastern lost its eighth straight game to end its
first regular season, 42-18 to the Thunderbirds.
Past 10 Years:
Eastern Greene
1-0. |
|
It’s taken
Eastern Greene a while, but the program finally looks like it’s
headed in the right direction.
Scoop’s Pick:
Eastern Greene
34, Eastern 14. |
|
Tecumseh (8-0) at Corydon Central (1-7) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 8 p.m.
Last Season:
Did Not Play.
Past 10 Years:
Have Not Played. |
|
Last week we
learned that Tecumseh is really, really good. The Braves are a legit
state championship contender.
Scoop’s Pick:
Tecumseh 52,
Corydon Central 24. |
|
WEEK 8
October 10, 2008 |
|
ITG-Sports.com "GAME OF THE WEEK"
North Harrison (3-3) at
Charlestown (5-2) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
Charlestown
clinched its first outright MSC title since 1989 with a 49-0 win
over the Cougars. Andrew Smith completed all seven of his passes –
three for touchdowns – in the victory.
Past 10 Years:
5-5. Until the
Pirates beat NH last year, the Cougars had beaten them three
straight times.
ITG "Game of
the Week" Preview: Bottom line: the winner takes at least a
share of the Mid-Southern Conference championship. North Harrison
has never won the league crown. Charlestown, which lost its first
conference game in two years last week -- 18-13 to Salem -- is going
for its second straight crown. |
|
I think
Charlestown will contain (NH sophomore RB) Matt Bruderle and win
going away. If Bruderle has a big game, North Harrison has a shot.
Scoop’s Pick:
Charlestown 34, North Harrison 7. |
|
Jeffersonville (3-4) at Columbus East (7-0) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
In a matchup
between two unbeaten HHC teams, Columbus East made the “Game of the
Year” a laugher with a 35-0 win for its record-tying fourth straight
conference crown.
Past 10 Years:
Columbus East
7-3. The Olympians have a 4-game winning streak vs. the Red Devils. |
|
Columbus East
faces two of the HHC’s best teams in the last two weeks. The
Olympians will prove that they are the most dominant team in league
history.
Scoop’s Pick:
Columbus East
44, Jeffersonville 6. |
|
Corydon Central (1-6) at Salem (5-2) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
Salem scored 29
second-quarter points and led 35-0 en route to a 49-0 victory over
the Panthers.
Past 10 Years:
Salem 7-4. Salem
has won two of the last three meetings, but the Panthers have won
four of the last six. |
|
Salem won’t be
denied its second MSC championship in four years.
Scoop’s Pick:
Salem 34,
Corydon Central 15. |
|
Eastern (0-7) at Brownstown Central (5-1) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
Despite a 54-14
win over the Musketeers, Brownstown Central fell out of the MSC
championship – after a Charlestown win – for the second straight
season. Cam Cockerham completed 10 of 13 passes for 176 yards and
three scores in the Braves’ win.
Past 10 Years:
BC 1-0. Last
year was the first meeting between the two schools. |
|
Brownstown’s
playing its best football at the right time of the season. The
Braves have won four straight and they may go on a long, long
winning streak.
Scoop’s Pick:
Brownstown
Central 59, Eastern 13. |
|
New
Albany (5-2) at Seymour (3-4) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
Brandon Pobito
scored on a 1-yard run in overtime, then Trevor Giles intercepted a
Graham Brown pass to preserve Seymour’s 42-35 overtime victory. It
was the second straight season the two sides went into overtime,
with the Bulldogs winning in 2006.
Past 10 Years:
Seymour 6-4.
Despite the Owls dominating the overall series, New Albany has won
four of the last six meetings. The two teams have split their last
four contests. |
|
These are two
very even teams. I think this game could go into overtime for the
third straight year, giving the home team the advantage.
Scoop’s Pick:
New Albany 29,
Seymour 28. |
|
Columbus North (4-3) at Bloomington South (5-2) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
The Bull Dogs
beat South for the second straight year, 41-0. It was North’s second
straight shut out and its third of the season.
Past 10 Years:
Columbus North
7-3. The Bull Dogs have won five of the last six meetings, including
two playoffs matchup. |
|
These two teams
are both better than their records and I expect a very close game
with a lot of points.
Scoop’s Pick:
Columbus North
41, Bloomington South 35. |
|
Providence (4-3) at Tecumseh (7-0) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
Did Not Play.
Past 10 Years:
This is the
first meeting between the two schools. |
|
Tecumseh is very
good as its record and scores prove (no team has scored more than
eight points against its defense this season), but the Braves
haven’t seen a team like Providence this season.
Scoop’s Pick:
Providence 28,
Tecumseh 16. |
|
Bedford North Lawrence (5-2) at Madison (1-6) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
David Pace
returned the opening kickoff to a touchdown, igniting Bedford North
Lawrence’s 55-6 win. It was the Stars’ fifth straight victory.
Past 10 Years:
Bedford North
Lawrence 9-1. The Stars have beaten Madison nine straight times. |
|
Bedford has
surpassed expectations more than any team in the area. Despite one
win, Madison may be second.
Scoop’s Pick:
Bedford North
Lawrence 38, Madison 14. |
|
Floyd Central (3-4) at Jennings County (0-7) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
Floyd broke a
scoreless first-quarter tie with 21 second-quarter points in ending
a four-game losing streak with a 28-14 win over the Panthers.
Past 10 Years:
Floyd Central
9-1. The Highlanders are riding a 7-game winning streak vs.
Jennings. |
|
Jennings County
isn’t as bad as its record and is much better than last week’s
deceptive 33-6 loss. I’m calling for the upset of the week.
Scoop’s Pick:
Jennings County 27, Floyd Central 24. |
|
Clarksville (2-5) at Crawford County (3-4) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
Corey Bowens
rushed for 182 yards on just 10 carries. His four touchdowns led the
Generals to a 58-19 win over the first-year Wolfpack program.
Past 10 Years:
Clarksville 1-0.
The Generals won the only meeting between the schools last year. |
|
What an
impressive season for Crawford County, winning three games in just
its second varsity season. They could get their fourth in Friday,
but I’ll call Clarksville in a close one.
Scoop’s Pick:
Clarksville 40,
Crawford County 32. |
|
Editor’s Note: Think you know
more than “The Scoop?” You can prove it and win prizes. Play
Beat the Scoop. |
|
|
WEEK 7
October 3, 2008 |
|
ITG-Sports.com "GAME OF THE WEEK"
Charlestown (5-1) at Salem (4-2) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m. Friday
Last Season:
Charlestown
clinched its first Mid-Southern Conference title in nine years with
a 27-6 win over the Lions. Cameron Metzger rushed for 210 yards and
scored three times for the Pirates.
Past 10 Years:
5-5. Until last
year’s victory, the Pirates had lost to Salem five straight times.
ITG "Game of
the Week" Preview: With a win, Charlestown clinches at least a
share of its second straight MSC championship. On the other hand, if
Salem can pull out the victory, it will likely tie for its second
MSC title in four years. Needless to say, this is one of
conference's biggest games of the year. |
|
This is really a
tough one to call. I’m going to base my pick on the offense that is
more explosive. That is clearly Charlestown.
Scoop’s Pick:
Charlestown 21,
Salem 19. |
|
New
Albany (4-2) at Jeffersonville (3-3) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
Jeffersonville
beat New Albany for the first time in seven years, 47-13. The Red
Devils led 27-7 at the half behind 245 rushing yards by Jamie
Goldsmith.
Past 10 Years:
New Albany 7-4.
Until last season, the Bulldogs had beaten Jeff six straight times.
Previously, the Red Devils had dominated the series for decades. |
|
This is going to
be a close, close game. I can’t see either team shaking the other.
New Albany has been more consistent, so I’ll go with the Bulldogs.
Scoop’s Pick:
New Albany 24,
Jeffersonville 19. |
|
Brownstown Central (4-1) at Clarksville (2-4) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
Blaze Hurley
scored four touchdowns – two rushing and two receiving – as the
Braves beat defending MSC champion Clarksville, 41-20.
Past 10 Years:
Brownstown
Central 12-2. The Braves have won 12 of the last 13 meetings,
including four playoff wins |
|
What I love
about last week about Brownstown was two things: they showed a lot
of guts and they dominated the offensive and defensive lines. It
could have been a breakthrough.
Scoop’s Pick:
Brownstown
Central 48, Clarksville 14. |
|
Floyd Central (3-3) at Bedford North Lawrence (4-2) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
BNL’s defense
dominated in a 14-0 victory over the Highlanders. The Stars jumped
out to a 7-0 first-quarter lead and the defense made sure they held
on for their fourth win of the season.
Past 10 Years:
Floyd Central
6-4. Although the Highlanders have dominated the series’ history,
the Stars have beaten FC four straight times. |
|
Over the past
two weeks, I’ve come to a realization: Bedford now has a power
program – a program that’s going to be successful year-in and
year-out, no matter how many seniors it loses.
Scoop’s Pick:
Bedford North
Lawrence 27, Floyd Central 17. |
|
Eastern (0-6) at North Harrison (?) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
North Harrison
had 491 total yards (140 by Matt Bruderle and 100 by Josh Cheatham
on the ground) and ended a four-game losing streak with a 44-0
victory over the Musketeers.
Past 10 Years:
North Harrison
1-0. Last year was the first meeting between the two schools. |
|
With Corey Isaac
back, North Harrison could make some noise down the stretch.
Scoop’s Pick:
North Harrison
40, Eastern 6. |
|
Jennings County (0-6) at Seymour (2-4) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
Jennings County
jumped out to an 11-0 third-quarter lead and held on to beat Seymour
for its biggest win in years. “Any win is big after what we've been
through over the past few years,” Jennings coach Rick Zimmerman
said.
Past 10 Years:
Seymour 9-2.
Jennings County’s win over the Owls last season snapped a five-game
losing streak in the series. |
|
I like the way
Jennings County played last week. Don’t be surprised if they pull
the upset this week.
Scoop’s Pick:
Seymour 17,
Jennings County 12. |
|
Madison (1-5) at Columbus East (6-0) |
The "Inside" Scoop |
|
|
Time/Day: 7 p.m.
Last Season:
After an early
7-7 tie, Columbus East scored 56 consecutive points in a 63-7
victory over the Cubs. In the win, Dusty Kiel completed 16 of 22
passes for 233 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for a TD.
Past 10 Years:
East 8-2. The
Olympians have beaten Madison eight straight times. |
|
What’s left to
say? East is scary good. At the same time, Madison stuck with the
second-best team in the HHC last week. Their growth is obvious.
Scoop’s Pick:
Columbus East
65, Madison 7. |
|
Corydon Central (1-5) at Paoli (0-6) |
The |
