In this post, I’m going to predict both matches in the Sectional Semifinals for Sectional 4, along with my prediction for the Sectional Championship in Sectional 4, and who will move onto the Regional.

Noblesville (3-6) @ Carmel (7-2)

Noblesville is not used to winning, and considering last year’s performance when Carmel won the game by a score of 21-6 after going into the locker room at halftime with of only 7-6, it barely comes as a surprise that many analysts are predicting Carmel is going to win. And I have to agree with them, but I am reasonably certain that Carmel will have a few bumps in the road in the form of big plays by Noblesville, but given that Carmel has 2 great Wide Receivers and very formidable running game, the only way I can see Noblesville winning is if the defense fails to show up. That doesn’t mean Noblesville can’t win at all (I still give them a 30% chance of winning against Carmel), but should Noblesville win, I don’t see them going any farther, because Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) or Fishers will easily thrash them in the Sectional Championship. Prediction: Carmel wins 24-10.

HSE (8-1) @ Fishers (6-3)

HSE and Fishers can easily be championship-caliber teams, and considering that HSE and Fishers were once one school, I can easily see either team in the Sectional Championship. HSE has had a dominating season after the initial loss to Carmel, winning the remaining 8 games, and Fishers also had a great season, so whomever wins will come down to who is more locked in and focused. Prediction: HSE will win a close one by a score of 35-31…in overtime.

Carmel (7-2) @ HSE (8-1)

In 2013, Carmel won the Sectional Semifinal against HSE by a score of 28-7. Since then, HSE has demanded rematches whenever possible, including a revenge match at Carmel High School in the first game of the 2014 season (which HSE lost by a score of 14-10) and another revenge game at HSE in the first game this year (which HSE lost by a score of 28-6). However, since that last loss, HSE has made huge strides, and now they pray they get Carmel at their place for a revenge match. However, Carmel’s defense has made huge strides as well, so it will be a great match and I expect a huge turnout. I also believe that whoever wins this match is going all the way to the State Championship. Prediction: Carmel will win in double overtime against HSE by a score of 42-35.