We’re down to one!

Just NorthWood football remains from the fall sports in our coverage area. If the Panthers lose this week, I’ll be back for the start of boys basketball on Nov. 22. If NorthWood keeps winning, then I’ll keep posting.

Today is Veteran’s Day. So, thank a vet for his or her service and for your freedom. That freedom that you have to vote for the men and/or women that you feel should run this country. I am completely enthralled with the political process and how it works.

I love that we get to vote for our representatives. Think of all the countries that would like to have that process. I know people think the system isn’t perfect, and they’re right. It’s not. But it’s kept us running for more than 200 years, that’s a very long time for an empire to stand if you look throughout human history. We’re lucky.

We’re lucky thanks to the men and women that have put their lives on the line for us over seas. So, again, get out and thank those people today.

I wrote earlier this year about my encounter with a vet that I, at first, did not give my full attention to. You can read that here.

That’s all I have today. Be respectful to those that protect our most precious freedoms. I find it disheartening that I even need to write about that fact, but there are some people out there that seem to forget what today is about.

Oh, right. The chili thing. I’m hosting a chili supper tonight. You can all come if you’d like. It’s like a scavenger hunt now. You have to find me and the supper location.

Ready.
Set.
Go!

Last Week: 4-2
Overall: 65-35

High School Football Regional Championship 11/11

No. 4 New Haven (11-0) at No. 2 NorthWood (12-0), 7:30 p.m.
The Scoop: The Panthers continued their dominance last week with a convincing win over No. 11 East Noble in Kendallville. Tonight NorthWood hosts another ranked team in No. 4 New Haven. The Bulldogs enter one spot ahead of the Panthers in the Sagarin ratings in class 4-A at third and 25th overall in the state. This is going to be a fantastic football game.

New Haven puts up 49 points per game while only surrendering 11. That’s insane. NorthWood is not far behind as it scores 46 while having opponents earn 18. Concord scored 32 on the Panthers defense. Jimtown and Wawasee each put up 30 on NorthWood. That’s it, in 12 games. The Bulldogs have only allowed three opponents to score 21 or more points in 11 games, Lakeland (26), East Noble (21) and Dwenger (23). Everyone else was held to 19 or less while six opponents were held to nine or less, or simply shutout. So, yeah, both these teams are pretty good.

The Panthers are just loaded offensively. They have so many weapons and Trey Bilinski is extremely efficient behind center. Brayton and Bronson Yoder handle the rushing duties and have done more than their fair share during this run. Then, of course, there is Drew Minnich and DeAndre Smart that spend time carving up secondaries.
But New Haven is not 11-0 by accident.

This team has several weapons of their own, including star running back Nishawn Jones. Jones is a senior that has made a living running through defensive front sevens. When Jones is not doing the dirty work for the Bulldogs, it’s senior gunslinger Keshawn Moore. Just like NorthWood, New Haven is balanced and dangerous on offense. This game can go either way, make no mistake.

Before the playoffs started, I did a bracket for 4-A and took NorthWood into the state championship game. I won’t change that now, but this should be the toughest game to date for the Panthers. If you’re just sitting at home tonight, get off your rump and get to Nappanee.
Nick’s Pick: NorthWood 27, New Haven 24.

College Football 11/12

No. 10 Penn State (7-2, 5-1) at Indiana (5-4, 3-3), noon.
The Scoop: Indiana survived the worst team in the Big Ten last week in Rutgers. So, that’s…good?
IU has been a hot and cold team all season, mainly going with the trend of QB Richard Lagow. If he’s on, the Hoosiers are on. If he’s off, well, then IU loses to the likes Northwestern and Wake Forest.
I like Indiana in this game a lot. This is the kind of win the Hoosiers have been looking for since Kevin Wilson arrived. I like the chances this week. Penn State is one of the hottest teams in the country right now. Somebody has to cool them off, right?
Nick’s Pick: Indiana 31, Penn State 27.

Northwestern (4-5, 3-3) at Purdue (3-6, 1-5), noon.
The Scoop: Purdue has lost four straight games, none of which were pretty. The Boilers still have a shot at bowl eligibility if they win out, but next week they host No. 7 Wisconsin. So, I think this season is all but over for Purdue. I see this game as a toss up, but given Purdue’s recent struggles in the second half, I’m going with Northwestern. I won’t be surprised if I get this wrong. Or, really, any of my picks. This is all about educated and informed guessing, people.
Nick’s Pick: Northwestern 38, Purdue 24.

Army (5-4) v. Notre Dame (3-6), 3:30 p.m. San Antonio, Texas.
The Scoop: I don’t know. You don’t know. Brian Kelly sure as poo doesn’t know.
That’s my full Notre Dame analysis.
Nick’s Pick: Notre Dame 34, Army 20…maybe?

NFL Week 10

Chicago (2-6) at Tampa Bay (3-5), 1 p.m.
The Scoop: Tampa has yet to win at home, the Bears have yet to win on the road. Surely something will give in this game. The Bears defense has suddenly gotten pretty good but so has Tampa’s offense. Jameis Winston is becoming a star right before our eyes. I trust him and the Bucs offense more than I trust the Bears right now. I’m sure I’ll regret that choice.
Nick’s Pick: Buccaneers 26, Bears 20.

The Colts are one a bye, what a relief!