It was only 10-0 at the half but the Cardinals punted seven times and eventually wore down. QB Willie Frazier, a 6-foot-4, 195 lb. varsity basketball player, was just 7 of 16 for 95 yards and three interceptions. A change at quarterback wouldn't surprise me because Frazier's natural position is wide receiver. He reportedly was dominating at a summer football camp.  Sophomore Jamie Stewart (6-3, 170) could move in at QB.

I'm surprised that Portage QB Adam Hasiak completed 21 of 26 for 232 yards because EC has a pretty athletic secondary led by all-area senior Jamaal Garrett. The Cardinals have 10 seniors are reportedly are starting some freshmen on both lines.

Garrett (6-0, 200) is a game breaker and CP can't get disorganized on kick returns or he will go all the way.   Kelly is a fine linebacker but the Cardinals gave up 423 yards last week and their lineman may not be that quick. I look for EC to throw the ball 20-30 times, challenging the CP secondary.  To win, they need to get to the lead early and put pressure on the CP team, which never trailed in last week's 23-0 victory over Lowell.

I like Crown Point lining up Dave Swenson behind fullback Troy Bush and the rebuilt Bulldog offensive line, led by center Nick Hoffman and big junior Mark McInerney.  As much as everyone would like to see the Bulldogs utilize an exciting air attack, this is not the week. East Chicago has probably been working on coverage's all week after getting smoked by Portage.  The Bulldogs will suck EC's secondary up with power runs and then strike deep, probably to last week's ground-gaining leader, versatile Bobby Rutherford.

I don't want to sound too Republican but I like Bush in this election. When EC keys on the tailback, Troy Bush (6-1, 215) and Chris Kutanovski (6-0, 205) will find room to run. Both will score TDs.  The Cardinals turned the ball over five times last week and that has been a problem in recent years.

I like EC to score a quick touchdown but the Bulldogs will lead 17-7 or 20-10 at the half.   Crown Point will control the ball more than 50 percent of the time and wear down EC to go to 2-0 on the season.

          CROWN POINT  -  35,    East Chicago    -  17

DOG NOTES: East Chicago only has two home games this season so I don't know how many fans the Cardinals will draw Friday night. Their crowd support has been very poor in the past. It will be interesting to see how many Crown Point people show up in East Chicago. When the Bulldogs were strong in 1995 and 1997, they traveled well, bringing lots of fans.

The Regional Radio Sports Network (RRSN) says that WGVE (88.7 FM) will carry Friday's game as the first of four CP road games on the Gary-owned public radio station.

Converted running back Brad Wilson was credited seven tackles including two quarterback sacks last week.  His switch to defense is a key to this team's success. Chris Kutanovski had 16 tackles against Lowell while Troy Bush added 10.  Kutanovski averaged 55 yards per kickoff, hit 2-of-3 extra points and booted a 37-yard field goal.   He would've punted but the Bulldogs didn't need to.

Crown Point actually fumbled five times against Lowell but they lost only two of them.   CP stats had Lowell with 99 yards rushing on 46 carries.