SOCCER: Unpredictable postseason ahead

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There seemed to be five elite teams this regular season, all rather evenly matched. Only three, at the most, are going to get out of sectionals.

And there are a handful or more other teams that have had nice seasons all bunched in that next group, capable of making deep runs.

The bottom line?

This postseason could be as unpredictable as any in the last several.

East Chicago Central

Schedule: Today, East Chicago Central vs. Bishop Noll, 5 p.m.; Clark vs. Hammond, 7 p.m.; Saturday, championship, 7 p.m.

Outlook: Bishop Noll, putting together a strong season, could be in line for its first title since 2001.

Clark, another team with an eye-catching record, should get past Hammond, but the defending champion Wildcats have been playing better after a brutal start.

The Pioneers actually edged the Warriors 1-0 on Sept. 27.

Next: Winner vs. Munster Sectional winner in Merrillville Regional semifinals, Wednesday

Munster

Schedule: Today, Munster vs. Morton, 5 p.m.; Gavit vs. Highland, 7 p.m.; Saturday, championship, 2 p.m.

Outlook: A showdown between heavyweights Munster and Highland seems inevitable.

The Mustangs topped the Trojans 3-2 on Sept. 19, paving the way for the inaugural Northwest Crossroads Conference championship.

Highland is hoping to reverse last season's events, when the Trojans beat the Mustangs 3-2 during the regular season to run the LAC Black table before Munster won 1-0 in a sectional final.

The Mustangs have won five straight sectional titles and six in seven seasons. The senior-laden Trojans are chasing their first since 1999.

Next: Winner vs. E. Chicago Central Sectional winner in Merrillville Regional semifinals, Wednesday.

Merrillville

Schedule: Today, Griffith vs. Andrean, 5 p.m.; Merrillville vs. Hobart, 7 p.m.; Saturday, championship, 6 p.m.

Outlook: Balance might be the operative word in this sectional, with any of the four teams capable of winning the title.

Andrean beat Griffith early in the season, lost to Merrillville and beat Hobart, but that game was one the 59ers had to forfeit.

The Pirates beat the Brickies, who beat the Panthers, who have posted some good results of late.

Got all that?

Andrean beat Merrillville last season for its first title since 1998.

Next: Winner vs. Crown Point Sectional winner in Merrillville Regional semifinals, Wednesday.

Crown Point

Schedule: Today, Hanover Central vs. Boone Grove, 5 p.m.; Crown Point vs. Lake Central, 7 p.m.; Saturday, championship, 2 p.m.

Outlook: Lake Central has won four straight sectional titles, and should make it five.

But the Indians should have two tough games on their hands.

Crown Point, which lost to LC 4-0 on Monday, has reached double-digit victories for the first time since 2003.

Boone Grove, which defeated Hanover Central 3-0 on Sept. 11, is another of those teams with a sterling record.

Next: Winner vs. Merrillville Sectional Winner in Merrillville Regional semifinals, Wednesday.

Wheeler

Schedule: Today, Chesterton vs. Wheeler, 5 p.m.; Portage vs. Valparaiso, 7 p.m.; Saturday, championship, noon.

Outlook: This sectional could be the area's best. Valparaiso meets Portage, and the Indians handed the Vikings their only loss of the season, 2-0 on Sept. 26, ostensibly ending Valparaiso's chance for the outright DAC title.

Then Michigan City upset Chesterton 2-1 on Monday, knocking the Trojans from a share of the title and giving it to the Vikings all alone.

Chesterton ended last season with a similar loss to Michigan City, then proceeded to win its first sectional since 1996.

Valparaiso beat Chesterton 2-1 on Aug. 22, and Chesterton beat Portage 1-0 on Sept. 19.

Wheeler hasn't been a slouch either with a 9-5-2 record.

Next: Winner vs. LaPorte Sectional winner in Valparaiso Regional semifinals, Wednesday.

Lowell

Schedule: Today, Hebron vs. Lowell, 5 p.m.; Rensselaer vs. Kankakee Valley, 7 p.m.; Saturday, championship, 6 p.m.

Outlook: It could come down to a Lowell-Kankakee Valley final.

The Kougars beat the Red Devils 1-0 on Sept. 26.

Lowell won last season's title, its first.

None of the other teams has won a sectional.

Next: Winner vs. Culver Community Sectional winner in Valparaiso Regional semifinals, Wednesday.

LaPorte

Schedule: Today, Michigan City vs. Westville, 5 p.m.; LaPorte vs. Marquette, 7 p.m.; Saturday, championship, 7 p.m.

Outlook: It could be an all-DAC final between Michigan City and LaPorte.

The Wolves, who posted their best overall and conference records in school history, beat the Slicers 1-0 on Sept. 19.

Marquette won last season's title by surprising Michigan City, and the Blazers are the only team in the group that has won a sectional.

Next: Winner vs. Wheeler Sectional winner in Valparaiso Regional semifinals, Wednesday.

-- Compiled by Michael Osipoff