It’s a rare interstate matchup for the Sports Michiana Game of the Week Friday night as Bremen travels to Buchanan for a game with plenty at stake for both teams.

Bremen enters the matchup 5-1 and looking to continue its bounce-back from its only loss of the season. The Lions were stunned by Jimtown 44-22 on September 18th, but responded in a big way last week, shutting out John Glenn 40-0. Before the loss to Jimtown, Bremen had been rolling. The Lions opened the season with wins over Churubusco (49-14), Triton (66-0) and Boone Grove (52-7). Through six games, Bremen has outscored its opponents 278-72.

Buchanan enters at 3-2 after a 3-0 start to the season. The Bucks opened with impressive wins over Prairie Heights (20-18), Brandywine (48-0) and Muskegon Catholic Central (58-0), but have dropped their last two. Berrien Springs handed Buchanan a 30-20 loss in a back-and-forth battle on September 18th, and the Bucks were shut out 14-0 by Bronson last week.

Now Buchanan faces a big challenge — and an important game for its postseason hopes.

Unlike Indiana, Michigan requires teams to qualify for the playoffs. Buchanan currently sits 30th in Division 6, with only 32 teams making the postseason. A win over Bremen could provide a significant boost in the playoff points race, while another loss would make the Bucks’ path to the postseason even more difficult.

Adding to the atmosphere, Friday night is Homecoming at Buchanan.

So there is plenty on the line for the Bucks, while Bremen is looking to continue its strong season and get another win on the road.

The Sports Michiana Game of the Week kicks off Friday at 7 p.m., with pregame coverage beginning at 6:45 p.m.

Watch Bremen at Buchanan live on Sports Michiana’s YouTube and Facebook pages, WSBT’s YouTube and Facebook pages and IHSAATV.