Previews are out for the five biggest prep football games this Friday - courtesy of Region Sports Network - the area's leader in high school sports coverage.
A showdown between No. 5 Lake Central and No. 3 Crown Point is designated as one of the top games this week in Bulldog Country.
"Though it’s just the second DAC game for Crown Point this season, one could argue that a victory here and an easier schedule from here on out provide the Bulldogs with a clear path to the conference title," Dennis Churilla wrote. "Crown Point’s Artie Equiha is possibly the biggest dual threat in the Region right now. The junior quarterback has rushed for 329 yards and six touchdowns and passed for another 321 yards." See full RSN preview here.
But the biggest game is a No. 1-No.2 showdown (the second one in four weeks) between top-ranked Andrean and Munster, who will visit the defending 3A state champions in what promises to be an exciting football game.
"There’s going to be no shortage of playmakers on the field at Father Eckert Field on Friday night as both of these teams feature big play threats in the backfield (including both QBs) and on the outside," Nathan Laird wrote. "While the Andrean defense will probably stack the box to take away the run, it won’t be as easy for the Munster defense. Just last week, (Andrean QB Jake) Paliga threw for 248 yards and two scores while (59ers RB Trevor) Berg ran for 175 (on 19 carries) and a pair of TDs."
Laird has the 59ers holding on to their No. 1 spot, picking them to beat visiting Munster, 31-17. See full RSN preview here.
Another match-up of top ten teams, two with much smaller student bodies than at least three of the ones above, will take place on 119th Street as 3-0 teams No. 10 Wheeler and No. 8 Whiting go to battle on Whiting's Homecoming night.
"Whiting quarterback Stuart Glascow is coming off an impressive performance against Boone Groove, which he was a very efficient 11 of 13 passing in the first half and added a rushing touchdown," Steve Wartman wrote. "The Bearcats should be confident in their chances after putting up over 50 last week against Bishop Noll in a game delayed to Saturday morning, in which they scored on each of their first eight possessions en route to the blowout." Wartman picks a 36-30 win for Whiting. See full RSN preview here.
A strong defensive team in Chesterton (1-2), which is coming off a shutout win over Michigan City, will visit No. 9 La Porte and star runningback Charles Salary. The Slicers look to get back on the right track after dropping a close one in Valpo in another Saturday game originally delayed by lightning last week.
"As good as Chesterton’s defense is, they’re not going to be able to shut down Salary, which is no knock on the Trojans, just a testament to how good Salary is," Laird wrote - picking the Slicers to come out on top, 21-14. See full RSN preview here.
A battle of unranked, but solid, 2-1 teams will take place as Hobart visits Northwest Crossroads rival Kankakee Valley.
"If you enjoy a ground game slug fest that could be largely decided up front by the play on both lines, then plant a seat," Wartman wrote - selecting the Kougars as a 24-22 winner over the Brickies. See full RSN preview here.