Jimmy Finley and No. 7 Andrean head to the sectional semifinals with three straight wins, and Wheeler’s Jayden Ortiz and Hobart’s Jaelen Williams are the players of the week.
TOP 10 TEAMS
With records through Wednesday and previous rankings in parentheses.
1. Crown Point 9-0 (1)
Noah Ehrlich and the Bulldogs begin their quest for the Class 6A state title against Portage.
2. Merrillville 8-1 (2)
Could Jordan Sanders and the Pirates be title contenders in 5A too?
3. Valparaiso 6-3 (3)
And could Thomas Burda and the Vikings add a second 5A state title in three seasons?
4. Chesterton 5-4 (4)
CJ Perez and the Trojans seek the program’s first sectional title.
5. Michigan City 3-6 (5)
Jamorieon Gee and the Wolves’ record is deceptive as the postseason opens.
6. Hanover Central 8-2 (6)
Tommy Bonner and the Wildcats take on Kankakee Valley with a trip to a 4A sectional final on the line.
7. Andrean 6-4 (7)
Jimmy Finley and the 59ers, with three straight wins, seem to be on a roll at the right time.
8. Hobart 6-4 (8)
Aidan Leonard and the Brickies face New Prairie with a spot in a 4A sectional final at stake.
9. Wheeler 8-2 (9)
Dylan Knezevich and the Bearcats play Andrean in a marquee 2A sectional semifinal.
10. Griffith 9-1 (10)
Colton Strezo and the Panthers match up against Knox, led by iconic former Griffith coach Russ Radtke.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Senior running back Jayden Ortiz rushes for 165 yards and the winning touchdown in overtime as Wheeler edges rival Boone Grove 13-7 in a Class 2A sectional opener.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Senior linebacker Jaelen Williams collects 13 tackles, with four for loss and one sack, during Hobart’s 38-13 win against Northwest Crossroads Conference rival Lowell in a Class 4A sectional opener.