Unbeatens top 2A slate

Thanks to the Indiana High School Athletic Association’s blind draw, a pair of unbeaten area teams collide in the first round of the sectional.

Northwest Indiana football fans were the winners when the blind draw’s ping pong balls popped up with Andrean (9-0) hosting Wheeler (9-0) in a Class 2A, Sectional 25 opener, Friday night.

“We’re just fortunate to have the opportunity to play a great football team,’’ Wheeler coach Dan Klimczak said.

The 59ers look to have the size advantage.

“They’re a big, physical team,’’ Klimczak said. “They run the ball extremely well and do a great job passing off the run. For us to be successful, we’re going to have to be able to stop the run on first and second down. We can’t be leaving them with any second-and-shorts, or third-and-shorts. If we do, it could be a really long night for us.

“We’re just going to have to man-up in the trenches, play strong, play with guts, and be effective.’’

Klimczak is impressed with the 59ers on both sides of the ball.

Whether it’s leading rusher Mason Zurek, dependable Ricky Johnston, or Shamir Johnson, Wheeler’s defense has a lot to deal with. Quarterback Matt Desomer’s arm gives the Bearcats defense another headache.

“Zurek’s a great player, but we can’t just focus on stopping him, because if we do, they have a number of other players who will beat us,’’ Klimczak said. “We need to play a complete game and be prepared for everything — and we will be. We just need to do everything well, because they sure do. We’re going to have to match them punch-for-punch. I have a lot of confidence in my players. I know they’ll be ready.’’

Once again: Crown Point met Munster in the sectional semifinals last year and won, 28-10.

The Mustangs (6-3) host the Bulldogs (6-3) in a Class 5A, Sectional 1 opener Friday night with both teams having won three straight.

“We’re concerned about stopping them,’’ Munster coach Leroy Marsh said.

“I really like their sophomore tailback (Tristan Peterson). He adds explosion to their offense. The quarterback (Joe) Hopman threw the ball well and came up with some big plays against us last year, so we’re aware of his passing abilities. I think (Zach) Plesac is a nice receiver for them. He’ll be a challenge for us to stop.’’

Bulldogs’ coach Chip Pettit said Munster’s style is different.

“They just run offensive and defensive schemes we’re not used to seeing, and we have to get adjusted to that,’’ he said. “They like to run the 50 defense. Their defensive linemen are always moving, slanting. Offensively, they run the Wing T. They have about three kids who run the ball well for them. Their quarterback (Mark Strbjak) is a kid who can make plays with his arm, or feet. It ought to be a pretty good ball game. I’m hoping we take care of the ball, keep everything in front of us and make some plays at the end.’’

Morton to host West Side: Morton Athletic Director and football coach Roy Richards said West Side officials called him Wednesday to inform him they couldn’t host Friday night’s Class 4A, Sectional 9 game with the Governors (8-1).

Richards said Morton “would be glad to host the game.”

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Tickets are $6.

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