Courier & Press 2024 staff predictions for Week 9

EVANSVILLE – The final week of the regular season has big implications for both local conferences.

The Southern Indiana Athletic Conference champion(s) could be one, two or three teams. A share of both Pocket Athletic Conference division titles is also up for grabs. Then throw a week of rivalry on top for the Evansville schools. It should be an interesting Friday night, topped off with a trip to Bosse Field.

Season status:

Treasure Washington 43-5 (5-1 last week)
Kyle Sokeland: 42-6 (6-0)

On to the predictions for week 8…

Castle (7-1) vs. Memorial (8-0) at Bosse Field

Kyle Sokeland: Memorial offense vs. Castle defense. Alex Broshears vs. Max McCool. What is there? Could be an interesting postseason tune-up for both. I'm going with the more consistent team this year. Monument 28, Castle 20.

Sweetheart Washington: This game could be a coin toss. Not many teams have slowed Memorial's offense this season, but I've seen Castle's defense wreak absolute havoc. I still stand with the only undefeated SIAC team that won the conference title. Monument 30, Castle 28.

Vincennes Lincoln (3-5) at Jasper (4-4)

KS: Last week I wanted to pick Jasper but got cold feet. While it hasn't been perfect, the last few weeks have been light years better than August or early September. Vincennes Lincoln is also improving, but I think Jasper has an advantage on the line. Jasper 27, Vincennes Lincoln 17.

TW: The Wildcats have caught my attention over the last few weeks. They almost caused an upset at Castle before their gutsy win at North. Vincennes could make things interesting, but I think Jasper has a good chance of winning. Jasper 28, Vincennes Lincoln 21.

Reitz (6-2) at Mater Dei (7-1)

KS: Week 9 is always better when this game is competitive. Hats off to Mater Dei’s year-long turnaround. It wouldn't shock me if we continued with a win here. But let's see if Reitz can muster some momentum before the section begins. The Panthers still have multiple defenders who can run the ball. Reitz 24, Mater Dei 21.

TW: I'm excited to cover this West Side Nut Club rivalry for the first time. Many of these showdowns have been nerve-wracking over the years. I have a feeling the Reitz Bowl will host another classic. Mater Dei 28, Reitz 24.

Gibson Southern (6-2) at Boonville (4-4)

KS: The Titans are flying under the radar in Section 32, but I would classify this as a positive year despite all the injuries. I think they also discover a balanced offense with Chase Thaxton at running back. Gibson Southern 40, Boonville 20.

TW: I saw these two teams compete last year in Fort Branch; The atmosphere during this competition was great. Boonville has particularly impressed on defense in this second half of the regular season. I still think Gibson Southern's experience gives it an edge. Gibson Southern 34, Boonville 20.

Southridge (6-2) at Forest Park (5-3)

KS: Forest Park made for some interesting moments; Watch the win over Mount Vernon. Give me the running game of Scott Buening and the Raiders. Southridge 35, Forest Park 15.

TW: Every time I've watched Southridge this season, I've been impressed with the defense and quarterback Justin Leathers. I like their chances of beating a district rival and taking the overall Small School Division title. Southridge 36, Forest Park 24.

Tell City (4-4) vs. South Spencer (4-4)

KS: The Marksmen would be the first choice here if key players weren't unlucky with injuries. If that's the case, I'll play another big game from Ty Brown. South Spencer 28, Tell City 21.

TW: One of these teams will have a winning record in the postseason. The ground game still looks impressive for Tell City, but South Spencer has an advantage. Ty Brown is still playing with his arms and legs in his final year with the Rebels. South Spencer 24, Tell City 17.

Courier & Press 2024 staff predictions for Week 9

ByVanessa

Castle (7-1) vs. Memorial (8-0) at Bosse Field

Vincennes Lincoln (3-5) at Jasper (4-4)

Reitz (6-2) at Mater Dei (7-1)

Gibson Southern (6-2) at Boonville (4-4)

Southridge (6-2) at Forest Park (5-3)

Tell City (4-4) vs. South Spencer (4-4)

By Vanessa

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