Major Shake-ups and Upsets in NIC-10

By Chris Johnson – REPORTER

The Hononegah Indians upset loss to the Jefferson J-Hawks on Friday, Oct. 7, 21-20 is being overshadowed, even though it was a decades long occurrence. The Boylan Titans lost to the East E-Rabs in week seven, 20-14. Few sports fans on Saturday morning were talking about anything different. The Titan loss also means the NIC-10 Title chase is on again. In terms of who is the best in the league, it has yet to be determined now. The Hononegah loss to Rockford Jefferson stunned many. It could have been the lead story during the weekend coverage. The 4-3 record, as a result, now puts them in a precarious position. Another loss means risk missing the State Tournament. The Football Playoffs begin on Oct. 28. Hononegah is a familiar participant. If the Indians win out, they will finish with a record of 6-3and they will go to the playoffs. They will travel in the opening round, but they will be there. With a 5-4 mark, they still might make it. The playoff  hopes will be challenged immediately. This Friday night, Hononegah hosts 5-2 Harlem. The Huskies find themselves at the doorstep of the post-season. A 5-4 record in Machesney Park might be good enough as well. If Hononegah falls to Harlem on Friday night, their season record will fall to 4-4 as a result.

In week nine the Indians take on the Guilford Vikings. The road game will mean the playoffs in theory; a 5-4 mark is good enough to get in. Back-to-back losses for Hononegah will mean a lot of questions have arisen in Rockton. Rockford Boylan and the Auburn Knights lead the NIC-10 with identical 6-1 marks. The Titans defeated Auburn in a head-to-head showdown earlier this season. Many things could still happen this weekend and next before a Conference Champion is named. Hononegah won’t get to claim that honor this season. The Indians get to think about the playoffs as they prepare to wrap up October’s games.