Every week various members of the local media will predict the winners of prep football games. This year we have added a new dimension to the picks: The fans' vote from our online poll.
TOM DAVIS, News-Sentinel sports editor
Last week: 9-1
Overall: 48-12
Heritage over Bluffton (at Ball State) - Patriots made true believer out of me after last week.
New Haven over Bellmont - Bulldogs better perform better this week than last week's nail-biter.
Columbia City over East Noble - Randy Hudgins' kids are improving weekly.
Norwell over DeKalb - At some point pride has to enter the Knights' minds.
Homestead over Carroll - Sparty rolls in what some believe will be a competitive game.
Bishop Luers over North Side - Knights will be flying high after this victory.
Northrop over Concordia Lutheran - Two programs watching their seasons go in opposite directions.
South Side over Wayne - Archers are improving as season progresses, despite won-loss record.
Churubusco over Culver Academy - Don't be stunned if I am wrong on this one.
Fairfield over Lakeland - Don't be stunned if I am wrong on this one.
GLENN MARINI, WANE-TV sports director
Last week: 9-1
Overall: 49-11
Heritage over Bluffton (at Ball State) - Patriots want to take out aggression after last week.
New Haven over Bellmont - Moore has 100+ yards rushing in every game.
East Noble over Columbia City - Scoreboard could get a workout, edge to Knights.
DeKalb over Norwell - Barons proved they could win by beating Garrett in week 2.
Homestead over Carroll - Carroll's defense makes this one closer than many think.
North Side over Bishop Luers - Still waiting for Luers to have a break-out game.
Northrop over Concordia Lutheran - Bruins & Brockhouse hitting stride.
South Side over Wayne - South blew out Concordia, Wayne blown out by Concordia.
Churubusco over Culver Academy - 'Busco has pitched FOUR straight shutouts. Yikes.
Lakeland over Fairfield - Lakers no. 9 in 3A for a reason.
JOE WHELAN, WANE-TV weekend sports anchor
Last week: 10-0
Overall: 45-15
Heritage over Bluffton – The Patriots defense has been dominant and nearly led to a win over Leo last week.
New Haven over Bellmont – The Bulldogs simply have too many weapons offensively for Bellmont to completely contain.
East Noble over Columbia City – This game could go either way, give the Knights the edge at home.
DeKalb over Norwell – Norwell has come close once this season, the Barons actually have a solid win to their credit - they get another this week.
Homestead over Carroll – No defense has slowed the Spartans yet, the Chargers will join that group too.
Bishop Luers over North Side – Expect this game to be another low scoring affair much like the North/Snider game, but once again, the Redskins come up just short.
Northrop over Concordia Lutheran – The Bruins are in a groove with three straight wins, Colin Brockhouse leads them to a fourth.
South Side over Wayne – The Archers have lost the last two weeks by a combine 10 points, they get into the win column on Friday.
Churubusco over Culver Academy – The Eagles continue to roll as they step outside of conference play.
Lakeland over Fairfield – The Lakers offense has been a bit more productive this season, that plus a home game gives them the win.
THE PIG, News-Sentinel football expert
Last week: 9-1
Overall: 47-13
Heritage over Bluffton (at Ball State) - Patriots take out anger from last week out on Tigers.
New Haven over Bellmont - It does not get serious for Bulldogs until week 9 vs. Homestead.
East Noble over Columbia City - Eagles defense will not be able to slow down Knights enough.
Norwell over DeKalb - Wishful thinking? Maybe.
Homestead over Carroll - Every year we hope this game is close, and every year we are disappointed.
North Side over Bishop Luers - Rough season gets worse for Knights.
Northrop over Concordia Lutheran - Bruins make it four straight.
South Side over Wayne - Could be one of the better games of week 7.
Churubusco over Culver Academy - Churubusco has not allowed a point since week 2.
Lakeland over Fairfield - Battle of unbeatens goes Lakers' way.
THE FANS, News-Sentinel Fan Pick 'Em Poll
Heritage: 81.51 percent over Bluffton: 18.49 percent
New Haven: 87.29 percent over Bellmont: 12.71 percent
East Noble: 63.56 percent over Columbia City: 36.44 percent
Norwell: 50.94 percent over DeKalb: 49.06 percent
Homestead: 64.23 percent over Carroll: 35.77 percent
North Side: 57.39 percent over Bishop Luers: 42.61 percent
Northrop: 76.99 percent over Concordia Lutheran: 23.01 percent
South Side: 73.79 percent over Wayne: 26.21 percent
Churubusco: 87.63 percent over Culver Academy: 12.37 percent
Lakeland: 75.32 percent over Fairfield: 24.68 percent
