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I still don't believe we allow someone to use this forum as a tool to state that reducing opportunities for student-athletes is somehow going to make football better. This isn't the NFL. Reducing from 32 to 28 teams isn't going to cull out the worst 200 players. This isn't college - players aren't just going to transfer if their school's program disbands. Some will, but many won't. DT has this delusional view that HSFB is like college, and that people choose their schools and will flock to programs. Instead, the number of programs we want to target in INHSFB should be 400+ - the number of IHSAA schools - not some arbitrary number that one message board poster has decided is "good." Contraction won't help many, but it will hurt the vulnerable kids in rural schools for whom football is an outlet and for many, a lifeline. This is education-based athletics, not big-time college sports. Opportunity is what matters. What happens from 3-5 p.m. every day on the 100-yard classroom matters. You can learn a lot of life lessons as a JV player on an 0-10 team that you'll NEVER learn by going home and playing video games all day because football was taken away. Not every program is going to be Center Grove. You're going to have a few who struggle, and that's OK. In the case of Shelbyville ... they have great alumni support, good admin/community support, have never canceled a game, and they've been largely competitive for the last 20 years and are going through a down cycle. Some of that might be due to demographic changes, younger players choosing other sports, et al, but that's a good, traditional community that loves its sports. Football will *always* be a part of their athletic menu.

Yes.. it's gonna be long. but I know some of you enjoy this stuff. Get a drink..a snack... and please feel free to comment, correct and opine on all things 2A. Prolly a good idea to not copy the whole thing to quote something though.. that makes for a lot of scrolling!! I don't think I can get one of these as thorough for 1A this time... maybe next week... but I'll have something tomorrow for 1A! Now.. read on fellow small school fans! Sectional 40 Outlook Going into week 6 you have four teams at 4-1, two of them ranked in the top 10, and another making their move into the polls for the first time in many years. I think it’s safe to say the heavy favorite, and regardless of W-L will be Evansville Mater Dei. The Wildcats always have a high SOS doe to playing in the SIAC, and are 12th in that regard in 2A, 142nd in State. They are currently ranked #4 AP/ #3 IFCA, with the only blemish a 10-3 loss to 4A Evansville Memorial (#4 in both polls). They pounded 4-2 3A Indian Creek 49-14, 2-3 2A Whiting 56-12 and winless 4A Evan. Harrison 38-7 to start 3-0, and rebounded that first loss with a 45-27 win over 2-3 5A Evan.North. They have 3 huge games in the coming 4 weeks, first off with Caslte (3-2 5A), the close with Central (5-4 4) and Reitz (3-3 4A)… and each of those teams with field talent the Wildcats will likely not face in 2A for at least several weeks. This certainly puts them at an advantage coming into the postseason. With Southridge having been bumped to 3A, the 2 time defending Sect 40 champ has no chance to defend. That leaves the Linton Miners as one of the challengers. At 4-1, the Miners are ranked #8/#9 in polls coming off their 1st losing season since 1996. Their only loss was a 28-20 battle decided in the final minutes to those unbeaten Raiders of Southridge. Linton has reeled off 4 straight wins- 35-0 over winless 2A Monrovia (odd just saying winless Monrovia); 35-12 over 2-3 3A Sullivan; 38-20 over 4-1 1A N.Vermillion, and last week’s 27-16 win over 2-3 4A Boonville. The Miners upcoming games are local rivalries with 4-1 1A #9/#7 North Daviess , and on the road to surprising 4-1 2A North Knox. The Warriors (#12 in AP) opened up with a loss to Sullivan 15-12, but have been on a tear outscoring opponents 197 to 20 in 4 wins over 0-5 1A Eastern Greene (65-0), 1-4 1A Tecumseh (44-0), 2-3 4A Boonville (34-20) and last week’s 54-0 win over 1-4 1A North Central. For a team known for their defense (Allowing 7.00 per game), the offense has put up 41.8! The other team in the mix at 4-1 are the Marksmen from Tell City. They haven’t won 4 games or had a winning season since 2013, but 2nd year coach Aaron Clements is trying to change that statement. Their lone loss came in week 2 with a 42-6 setback of perennially ranked 3A unbeaten Heritage Hills. Two wins over 2-3 1A teams, 12-6 over Perry Central and 41-6 over Springs Valley last week. throw in a couple more wins over 0-5 South Spencer 32-6 and winless 3A Pike Central 48-14. The rest of Sectional 40 consists of 3-2 Forest Park, Crawford County and North Posey both at 1-4, and the winless Rebels of South Spencer. The Rangers haven’t opened up 3-2 since 2011 (4-7 finish), and both losses have come to powerhouse programs (Gibson Southern and Southridge) In the end… and at this point, it would hard to bet against Mater Dei. With the competition level faced in the course of the year. It does get pretty physical, particularly these upcoming games. Can they stay healthy etc… but they could lose all their upcoming games and I’m sure still be the favorite out of 40. Their current SAG sits #3 in 2A 63rd in Indiana. The Miners are at 55.18 #11/104, while the Warriors at 52.36 (13/116). Tell City is further back at 36.25 (29/179). A big game to get a feel on the dark horse comes in week 7’s Linton vs North Knox in Bicknell. However the Warriors are focused on county rival 1-4 3A Vincennes Lincoln. They rebooted this series in 2015, with the Alices winning all four. The series lied dormant since their last meeting in 1996. Tell City will have 2 major tests to finish out 2019- this week with Southridge, and in week 8 with Gibson Southern. Sectional 39 Outlook When looking at the list of teams, one certainly stands out as a favorite.. and that would be the #14/#10 ranked Tigers of Triton Central. Indianapolis Scecina has been the thorn in their side the last two years, dropping the Tigers in Sectional play. At 3-2 they own wins over 1-4 2A Cascade (20-7) and 2-3 3A Greensburg (37-13), as well as winless 2A Monrovia (47-0). There were beaten 28-14 by 1A #1 Lutheran, and somewhat surprisingly feel 21-13 to unranked 3-2 3A Indian Creek last week. two other quality program names pop up in 39- The Paoli Rams, and Providence Pioneers. The Rams are 2 time defending champs, coming off a 12-1 year, but have dropped 2 of their first 5 this year. One of those a hard fought 34-30 loss last week to #8/#7 1A West Washington. The other loss a 40-24 defeat to 2-3 3A Corydon Central in week 2. They have wins over 2-3 1A’s Perry Central (28-6) and 42-18 over Springs Valley, as well as an opening 34-26 win over 1-4 4A Madison. They have a solid test this week in traveling to 4-1 1A North Decatur. Providence opened beating a solid 4-1 team from Kentucky (Bethlehem) 29-20, but managed only 7 combined points in losses to 4-1 5A Floyd Central (28-7) and to 5-0 4A Silver Creek (27-0). They rebounded with a 35-6 win over 1-4 2A Clarksville… but again offense disappeared in a 13-7 loss to 3-2 3A Charleston. They host Holy Cross (Ky,) this week, another solid team at 4-1, and have two tough closing games with 3-2 1A Milan, and 4-1 2A Linton-Stockton. They will be battle tested. Of course the best record in Sect 39 belongs to the Pacers of Switzerland County at 4-1. They suffered loss #1 to 3-1 1A Oldenburg Academy last week 20-14. However in terms of sectional talk… the Pacers have won against a combined 1-10 opponent. With North and South Decatur, as well as Milan on the horizon… we will learn more about how good or not good the Pacers are. Rounding out 39- Mitchell at 2-3, Clarksville and Union County at 1-4 and Eastern (Pekin) 0-5. Two of Mitchell’s three losses have been to unbeaten teams- 3A Edgewood (44-30) and 1A W.Washington (50-6). They’ve won 2 in a row, but against 1-9 opponents. In the end-- Paoli doesn’t seem to be getting any love from pollsters, while Triton Central is. The Tigers are rated 52.09 tops in 39, 14th in 2A 117th in state. Closest behind is 46.56 from Providence, who also have the toughest schedule rank in this sectional and 81st in the state. Paoli sits at 36.37, and 268th in schedule strength. Sect 38 Outlook 38 is home to a lot of competition, two top-10 ranked teams, four of the highest SAG ratings in class 2. The highest rated of the bunch is Scecina at 61.97 (8th in 2A/82nd overall), also the #4 ranked 2A team across the board in the polls. They also have the toughest schedule rank at the current time in 38. The Crusaders have quality wins over 38-mate 3-2 Shenandoah 28-18, and 3-2 4A Beech Grove 55-35. Their lone loss coming to a 1-4 team, but in 4A Roncalli 34-7. A big one this week as they face off against 1A top dog Lutheran. Scecina, as always, will be battle tested come sectional time as they also have #7 Triton Central, Ritter, and a regrouping Monrovia to close out 2019. Heritage Christian is a t 56.20 in SAG (10/100) and ranked #7/#8. The Eagles also separated themselves from the heap with a 48-7 slam of Shenandoah in week 2, and also own the lone win over another Co-38 with a 38-20 win over Eastern Hancock. The lone L for HC was a 23-5 loss to 4-1 #9/#7 3A Guerin Catholic in week 3. They battle 3-2 2A Lapel this week at home. The aforementioned Royals suffer in terms opponent level, with a 270 schedule strength ranking, they did beat 1A 3-2 Knightstown 46-27 last week rebounding from the loss to Heritage Christian. The other three wins are over a combined 1-14. Shenandoah is ranked #14 in coaches poll, respect for their tough schedule (171st in state). Their losses were in weeks 1 (28-18 Scecina) and 2 (48-7 Heritage Christian), both top10 2a programs. The Raiders do have a 22-20 win over 3-2 2A Lapel, and a 20-6 win over 3-2 2A Centerville. Shenandoah will continue a tough schedule as they have Northeastern, Eastern Hancock and Monroe Central down the line. I’m sure they’d like another shot at both the Crusaders and the Eagles. Northeastern? Yes they are 5-0, and haven’t been 6-0 since an 11-0 start in 2011 (ended 11-1). They were 4-0 last year then dropped 5 of their last 7. They are in a tough fight in this sectional…I can say that I’ve seen they ever have won a sectional. While 5-0, their schedule strength rank in 303, and SAG at 32.17, 6th in their own sectional. They did beat co-38 Winchester (3-2) 27-14, and 3-2 1A Tri 20-7. They have Shenandoah in a couple of weeks. As mentioned Winchester sits 3-2 and a couple of those losses to undefeated team (40-0 to 1 South Adams, and 27-14 to Northeastern). They very well could run the table and be 7-2 going to sectional play. Centerville started 2-0, but has fallen three times in a row (Shenandoah, Winchester and Tri) with 5-0 Northeastern up next. Indy Howe is 1-4, getting win #1 last week 31-0 over Indianapolis Washington. In the end… boy this could be a battle. Scecina has to be the favorite. They have the experience with 6 sectional titles in the last 8 years. It would seem Heritage Christian the logical best challenger… but can’t discount the Raiders should they get rolling especially come sectional time. Their meeting with Northeastern in week 7 and Eastern Hancock in week 8 will be interesting. Sectional 37 Outlook On paper, there really isn’t any other team to look at other than Western Boone. Typically you have another powerful team here in Monrovia, but that isn’t the case in 2019. Now I realize that there is an undefeated team in this mix with North Putnam, and a team winning can’t be totally discounted. But let’s peruse the facts WeBo has the 5th best SAG (65.67) in class 2A, that’s 67th in the state total. They are ranked 3rd AP and 2nd in IFCA. They’ve been at the top in both polls, but a 1 point 42-41 loss to 4-1 4A Western in week 2 knocked them back. Their SOS is 2nd only to Cascade in this sectional at 46.26 and 126th in the state. They’ve put the only loss on 1A #11/#10 Sheridan 41-6, beat 3-2 3A Tri West 27-13 and easily disposed of winless 3A Crawfordsville 49 zip and then 2-3 3A North Montgomery last week 28-14. I would appear without a major hiccup, that they will roll onward to 8-1 by regular season’s end, altho week 8 against 3A Danville and a week 9 battle with current 2-3 4A Lebanon still looms. The Cougars are at 41.47 SAG (22/122) have won three games by a total of thee points (21-20 over N.Montgomery, 28-26 over 3-2 2A Southmont, and 42-41 over 2-3 3A Sullivan). They did handle 3-2 1A South Putnam 42-21 and last week a 33-6 win over winless 1A Cloverdale. They face 3-2 3A Northview this week. Not counting the Cougars out….and everybody loves an underdog too. Past those 2 teams, you have Seeger, South Vermillion and Southmont all at 3-2. All sorta bunched together in terms of Sag and Schedule Strength. The Patriots have won 2 in a row, both over 1-4 1A opponents- Riverton Parke 50-0 and Covington 33-21, but they’ve lost both games against +.500 teams (5-0 Parke Heritage 52-7 and 4-1 Attica 36-20). They have Sheridan in a couple weeks. South Vermillion comes off a 26-0 loss to 2-3 3A Sullivan, and earlier lost 42-28 to 4-1 1A North Vermillion- these being the only .500 opponents the Wildcats have faced. The Mounties of Southmont have also won their last 2, both 0-5 in 3A Crawfordsville (36-8) and 4A Franfort (33-12). One of their losses was a hard fought tough 2 point loss to unbeaten 2A North Putnam in week 2 28 to 26. Speedway (2-3) plays a lot of bigger schools, and lost to 4A 3-2 Beech Grove only 21-13, plus a 42-7 loss to #1 Scecina. The Cadets at Cascade have the toughest SOS in Sect 37, and are 1-4. Their lone win coming over winless 1A Cloverdale 51-6. They unfortunately have faced, and lost to 3-2 2A Triton Central, 4-1 Scecina, and unbeaten 1A #1 Lutheran. The 2nd half of the schedule looks a bit easier for them. As for 0-5 Monrovia, times are tough… will losses to 5-0 3A Edgewood 14-7, 3-2 3A Ritter 14-6 to start things off; things might have been different with 2 W’s going into a loss to 4-1 2A Linton (35-0), and 3-2 2A Triton Central (47-0). Last week ended a streak of 6 wins in a row over Speedway, losing 35-7. With both Lutheran and Scecina still to be faced, the Bulldogs schedule is tough. In the End. This has to be Western Boone’s to lose. Sectional 36 outlook: Interesting here. You have a 5-0 and a 4-1 team, yet neither are ranked. Four 3-2 teams also, and it’s two of them who get the attention in polls- Eastbrook #11/#7 and Tipton -/#15. Eastbrook has the highest SAG Ranking in 36 at 66.21, which is 4th in 2A 66th overall, but even more telling is the SOS of 62.77, 55 overall. The Panthers opened up with 2 losses, 35-19 to 4-1 4A Marion, then 44-7 to unbeaten 4A Delta. After a blowout win over winless 1A Madison-Grant, Eastbrook put the first L on 4-1 4A Mississinewa 21-14. Last week it was a 38-13 win over 1-4 3A Oak Hill. The Blue Devils have always had football respect around the state, and started 3-0. However the first two wins came against dual winless opponents (Madison Grant and Elwood). They narrowly defeated 2-3 3A Twin Lakes 19-14, then ran into 2A #2 unbeaten Lewis Cass falling 28-7. Their 2nd loss followed on the road to 2-3 1A Lafayette Central Catholic 24-14. They should rebound with winless 3A Northwestern, and a big game will be in week 8 with 4-1 4A Western. Back to the thoughts about the 5-0 and 4-1 teams- Eastern (Greentown) is proving 2018’s 7-0 start wasn’t a fluke. Problem is they have the 273Rd SOS, worst in Sectional 36.Their SAG of 48.32 puts them 2nd behind Eastbrook, and 16th in 2A. The Comets have beaten a couple 3-2 teams- 28-14 over 2A Delphi, and 35-0 over 1A Carroll (Flora). They also have wins over Oak Hill, Taylor and Madison-Grant- a combined 2-13. They could very well be 7-0 again and face Sheridan come week 8 with a chance for redemption. They need that step. Alexandria’s SOS of 22.2 is not any better, and falls at #271 in the state, and their SAG of 33.32 is actually 6th in the sectional of 8. They only beat 1-4 1A Wes-Del by two 18-16, and lost to 2-3 2A Wabash by two 36-34. But since those first two weeks, they have run off three wins- 42-14 over 1-4 2A Franton, 42-0 over winless Madison Grant, and a good 40-35 win last week over 3-2 2A Blackford. They should get win 5 this well over winless Elwood, then face a couple big ones with Eastbrook then Mississinewa. Lapel’s Bulldogs sit 3-2, but after a 3-0 start that included the only loss this year on 1A North Putnam 20-15, they have lost a couple close contests. 22-20 to 3-2 2A Shenandoah, then 21-13 to 3-2 3A Ritter. I think Lapel is in the mix, but we will know more when they face 4-1 2A Heritage Christian in week 7. Blackford is also 3-2, including an opening day 37 to 28 loss to 3-2 1A Monroe Central. 3 wins over a combined 3-13 opponent got the Bruins winning, but last week’s loss to Alexandria 40-35 in Hartford City was a battle. They should recover in facing back to back winless Madison-Grant and Elwood before engaging Eastbrook and Mississinewa. Frankton (1-4) and Elwood (0-5) bring up the bottom of the pack. The Eagles beat the Panthers last week 41-12. Both with tough matchups this week in Eastbrook (Frankton) and Alexandria (Elwood) In the End… This could be quite the battle. Both Tipton and Eastbrook play a better schedule than Alexandria or Eastern (Greentown). We will see how the Tigers fare against Eastbrook in week 7. I don’t know that Tipton and Eastbrook have ever faced off. It will be key on the blind draw in 36. With Lapel out there… and not forgetting the Comets should they run the table and get over the hump with the Blackhawks. Sectional 35 Outlook: 35 is interesting in that you have Woodlan- the state runnerup in 2017; The Eastside Blazers-always a tough out, and now the Fort Wayne Luers Knights. Luers, was in 3A Semi-State last year, and no stranger to post season success, and despite a 1-4 start, you know the Knights will be involved in any discussion. This is a case where a SAG rating (11.94) is hard to really take serious when considering that Luers has faced 6A 3-2 Carroll (Fort Wayne) losing 42-0, 2-3 3A Concordia (Lost 49-21) and 2-3 5A Ft. Wayne North (losing just 19-14 last week). The other loss came to #8/#10 5-0 6A Homestead (51-0). Ahead are two 5A schools both +.500 including 4-1 Dwenger, a 4A and closing with 4-1 6A Snider. Hard to find many 2A schools with that type of schedule. The one Knight win this was in week 2’s 29-26 battle with winless 4A Ft. Wayne Wayne. The Warriors of Woodlan had not scored a point in their opening 2 losses to 4-1 4A Leo (36-0) and to 3-1 Marion Local of Ohio (49-0). Their two wins came however against a combined 1-9 opponent (Heritage and Southern Wells). So perhaps this is a rebuilding year for Woodlan? Perhaps a statement was made by the Bluffton Tigers in week 4 ending a 7 game losing streak to the Warriors with a 13-6 win at Woodburn. Bluffton’s 7 win 2018 season was their best dating back beyond 1994, and at 4-1 they are on the right path. They opened with wins over 1-4 1A Northfield 24-20 and 1-4 2A Manchester 43-20. It didn’t help to get pounded 41-0 by unbeaten 1A South Adams…but then again the Starfires are very good. Plus the response in beating Woodlan proves this club is mentally tough as well. Things should roll forward after last week’s 43-19 win over 0-5 4a Jay County… as they face 1-4 1A Southern Wells, then 0-5 3A Heritage… but a stern test awaits in week 8 with unbeaten 1A #2/#3 Adams Central. Eastside’s 2 losses have come to 5-0 1A Adams Central in a dogfight 21-14, and to 5-0 3A West Noble 38-19. They tagged 4-1 1 Churubusco with their only loss of the year 42-14, and handed 2-3 3A Garrett a 23-8 loss last week. The remainder of their regular season looks light… three 1-4 teams, and a 3-2 1A Fremont tilt. Could this be the year for the Blazers to get what looks like their first Sectional title? Fairfield chimes in a 3-2 including a 38-6 loss to that 5-0 West Noble team last week. They had won 3 in a row before that with a 22-18 win over Osceola Grace, 8-0 over 1-4 2A Central Noble and 21-6 over 3-2 1A Fremont. It’s hard to put the Falcons on the same level as the others mentioned above at this point. They close out with Churubusco. Closing out the group is Central Noble and Prairie Heights at 1-4, with Whitko at 0-5. In the End- Eastside has the highest SAG at 51.34, 15th in Class 2A 119 overall, and SOS is technically also an Eastside win at 43.12. Woodlan closes out extremely tough with two current undefeated 1A teams in South Adams and Adams Central. Luers has a schedule loaded with bigger faster stronger teams including 4-1 Dwenger and 4-1 Snider. Could this be Bluffton’s time? Their SAG at 40.11 is in the range of Eastside, but at this point they’ve only played one +.500 opponent (South Adams), and at the moment their remaining schedule has only 1 +.500 opponent (Adams Central). That matchup with the Flying Jets will tell us watching from the wings a lot. Sectional 34 Outlook: The home of the new #1 ranked 2A team in unbeaten Lewis Cass. But also the 5th ranked Pioneer Panthers…freshly bumped up from and defending 2 time champs of 1A. Then there is #8/#12 Laville in the mix. Pioneer has the #1 SAG in 2A at 70.32, 55th in state, but the Kings are 59th in state, #2 in 2A with 68.44. Cass has been in the Sectional champ game multiple times but you have to go back to 2012 for their last crown. They have not started 6-0 since the 10-1 2006 campaign. Pioneer and Cass have met to start the season as they for years…with Pioneer winning the last 5. It was the Kings who narrowly took the W 28-22, and as well a 28-7 week 3 win over Tipton. To stay unbeaten though Lewis Cass has to take on 4-1 4A Western, and 4-1 3A West Lafayette. Pioneer took out LaVille head to head 36-14 in week 3, and has blow out wins Winamac, Caston and Attucks. They will have a week 7 clash with unbeaten 3A Knox. LaVille opened up 2-0 with wins over 2-3 2A Bremen (27-7) and 2-3 1A Triton (59-14) before the Pioneer loss. They also had blow out wins over Winamac and Caston, and face Knox this week in a telling game. 34 also has a couple of 3-2 teams-Delphi and Rochester. The Oracles started 2-0, then fell to 5-0 Eastern (Greentown) and 4-1 Sheridan. They did rebound with a 28-0 win over 2-3 1A Tri-Central. The Zebras have dropped games to unbeaten Knox 34-27, and 4-1 3A Tippecanoe Valley 34-14. Their 3 wins are against a combined 3-12 opponent. Bremen and Wabash both sit 2-3, while Manchester is 1-4. In the End… it would seem the perfect draw would be Pioneer and Lewis Cass in opposite brackets with a rematch in the end. I’m sure Laville would like to be in that mix, and they will be especially is Pioneer and Cass are in the same bracket. Cass appears to have the overall more difficult schedule, and will be well tested come sectional time. Sectional 33 Outlook: Here you have the new kid on the block, Boone Grove at 5-0, and a respected football power in Rensselaer Central at 4-1. I say new kid only because the Wolves 1st full season was in 2011 but by 2012 they were 7-4, and have been in back to back sectional championship games the last two years. The Bombers won the state title in 2014, and in several semi states through the years, however they’ve not got past their sectional since then. Boone Grove ranked #10 in AP/ #11 IFCA doesn’t have Schedule Strength on their side. In fact at 29.11 they are 7th of the 8 Sect 33 teams, and 235th in state. They’ve just faced one +.500 opponent, and won 37-0 over 3-2 4A East Chicago Central. They will face 3-2 3A Hanover Central this week, as well as a season finale with 2-3 2a Whiting…also a sectional 33 foe. The Bombers own the highest SAG at 65.04, slightly above the Wolves at 62.34. RC is 6th in 2A SAG, 69th in state overall. The Bombers have put the only Loss on 4-1 4A Western with a 2814 in week 3, and have a 13-9 win over 2-3 4A Kankakee Valley, and a 35-0 win over 2-3 3A Twin Lakes. However they were mauled by 3A #1 4-1 West Lafayette last week 44-6. They meet 2-3 1A LCC this week in Rensselaer. The Aforementioned Oilers of Whiting sit 2-3 but have a solid pedigree in post season with a regional appearance last year, and a state final trip in ’15. Two of their three losses were against solid opponents, week 2’s trip to Evansville and a 52-12 loss to Mater Dei (#2/#3) and a 36-0 loss to 4-1 3A Calumet. However, the 40-14 loss last week to 2-3 3A River Forest was surprising to see. They did hand Hammond Clark their lone loss of 2019 in week 1 27-20, and have a huge week 9 meeting with Boone Grove heading into sectional play. The toughest SOS in this sectional belongs to Andrean. The 59ers move into 2A from 3A, and have a schedule loaded with 4 and 5A competition. They opened with a 48-20 loss to unbeaten #9/#12 6A Merrillville, and also fell 33-10 for unbeaten #3/#1 4A New Prairie. Their loss last week was to 3-2 4A Hobart 33-20, but face 0-5 5A Munster this week. Their 2 wins have come to 3-2 3A Hanover Central 33-23 and over winless 3A Hammond 33-10. North Newton also sit as 3-2 with quality wins over 3-2 1A North Judson 48-20 and 3-2 1A West Central 55-8, however they were well handled by Rensselaer Central 50-14 in week 2. Bowman Academy (2-3) Hammond Noll, and Wheeler (2-3) fill out the Sectional List. The Bearcats lost 40-0 to Boone Grove last week, In the end you have to wonder if Boone Grove lack of competition gives them a shot at a team of Rensselaer’s experience in big games. You also have to consider Andrean also plays a schedule that certainly prepares them for sectional time. Plus the Fighting 59ers have an illustrious football post season history, winning the state title in 2013, runner up in 2014 and a 10-2 2018. They aren’t getting much poll attention (tied at #15 in coaches poll this week). The Oilers seem to be in a funk with back to back losses to the tune of 76-14. My head goes with the Bombers at this time…and wonder if Andrean can stay healthy against such bigger teams.

Miami Dolphins?

Whether you were talking about it or not...the lure of athletics as an extracurricular activity still holds a higher value than other extra curricular activities for teenagers. Community being involved, recognition for participating in, friends playing, etc...is likely higher in athletic extra curricular activities than non-athletic extra curricular activities....I am assuming this holds even more weight in rural communities. Right or wrong...that is simply how it is. You bring up Frankfort quite a bit...is the pull to not play football currently outweighing the pull to play it? Basketball? Baseball? If the district is currently trending to not play football, then that is up to Frankfort to adjust...but other districts still choose to play it and are currently increasing participation and that is their choice.

Every time I see the words juice box, I'm reminded of my daughter when she was about 4 and we were driving somewhere listening to the radio and she says "Just what is a Juice Box Hero anyway?"

As far as Shelbyville goes, the middle school situation has improved, as both 7th and 8th grades had teams this year. And from what I've heard, the youth system is up and running again. There will be an HHC all star tournament, and I have been told they will field teams in all grades. So it does seem the football situation there is on the upswing.

Both schools were trying to do the best thing for their student-athletes by finding more competitive games that week, but any schedule change was contingent on both teams finding an opponent. Unfortunately, both teams were unable to find opponents and one school jumped the gun on announcing a game. All of the ADs involved were conversing. The discussions about motivation and spite is false. The Indy Star summed it up - it's a non-story, and the motivations of the schools was the proper one.

To put it simply, I have a love of the game. But like so many elements in today’s society, this forum (or at least this topic) has become too political. It’s not up to us to decide who gets to play and with whom.

If the GID had an award for “Most logical fallacies contained in a single post of 2 sentences or less,” this would be the leader in the clubhouse.

** Should have

The obsession with this is weird

DT are you informing the rest of the GID of something? Multiple Personalities? Or do you own a car from the Suburban Auto Group? https://youtu.be/Rx6WB5YJia8

I’ll bite.... that would be awesome! We already have the Vincennes Lincoln Alices. You guys could be the North Lincoln Nancies. Let’s get that petition started! Great way to honor Abe’s mom Nancy’s final resting place so close to the high school.

For my guy WCGRAD: good ole fashion cell phone As far as how I stumbled upon this website: PE computer lab, circa 1999-2000, LAMBERT HALL, Purdue University. Old 1 Page Forum days. GO CATS GO Signed STEVE

And, I might add, an incredibly classy response by the Warren athletic department to post their end zone video on Twitter along with the official explanation. Mr. Clayton is a class act, and I respect him tremendously and so is Coach West. With their work along with the work of Coach Kirschner and Coach Hart and their staffs, this rivalry has gone from a game I used to dread because of all the unsportsmanlike conduct to what it has become today...a hard-nosed game played by two great and proud programs.

I want whatever tanika is smoking.

Stinky, Stink, Stink 1.2.3. We're not wasting money on a down marker that is LED! We spend our money taking our staff to Connies! Diet Choche we got on hand, if Big Stoney ever wants to come back to Tiger Land we'd welcome him with open hands (and a gift card in one of them)

THIS IS WHY WE DO NOT ALLOW RUMORS TO FLY AROUND THESE PARTS AS I WAS QUICK TO HIDE SOME EAGERNESS WHEN ALERTED TO THINGS LAST NIGHT. Remember, always allow the PROCESS to play out.

Fair point. I just happened to go a little off the deep end when my alma mater became involved. Although it’s true SN isn’t winning too many, OK—any games right now, I don’t take kindly to outsiders deciding how to run the program. As I have always maintained, athletic success at SN is cyclical, as it is at any rural school. We can’t continually add 50+ great athletes like the big schools. Games also are a place for community members to come together, and provide many opportunities for student involvement, i. e. bands, cheerleaders, etc. Athletics plays a big part in the fabric of Kentland, Goodland, and Brook—anybody who wants to take that away needs to consider the whole equation.

100% agree with Gipper here. Maybe they are an "outlier", but one of my favorite push backs on the whole "contraction" thing is Alexandria. Take a look at their history. From the 2001 season through 2009 (current Head Coach Pete Gast's first season), the Tigers won 13 games over 9 years, including a losing streak of 31 straight games. However, in the 10+ seasons since, they have gone 46-54 overall (including seasons of 9-2, 8-4 and 7-4) and been mostly competitive in the CIC. That's a school that I guarantee would have made @DT list of contraction opponents following the 2009 season. However, they've to the right guy at the helm that helped provide stability, increase numbers across the board, and get admin support. I'm not in full disagreement that some schools should potentially consider the idea of contraction, however, if Alexandria can overcome a 13-79 W/L stretch to the competitive team they are now, ANY school can come back from the "brink of contraction" IMO

W-L is not the be all end all measuring stick for high school coaches.

I know....

Imagine still not understanding what “pound for pound” means after having it explained 3 different times by 3 different people, only to continue to use it inaccurately. Bravo.

Keep up the good work public!

That’s exactly right. Peppy was the one that said it.

That quote came from the Meteo level, if memory serves.

Just not much excitement in the HHC matchups this week. I look Forward to the day, that most of these teams are on the same level(hopefully.)

YES!!!! You got the reference!! +1000 for you Dante!! I loved that game

My dad is bigger than your dad .

As long as they get past Crawfordsville....

I didn't know of your Purdont affiliations. Seriously going to have to reconsider our relationship. 🤔

@Coach Nowlin I'd say this thread has run it's course.

I wouldn't want to be a lost Buffalo on the Run 😉 He's too modest.

People said that about Chatard in 2004. Four D1 recruits. Dray Mason breaks his collarbone early in the game and they lose to HH by a field goal. We are talking about 15-19 year olds ... anything can happen. (No, I don't wish injury on anyone. I want to see the Sectional 32 champion beat Chatard at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Will be tuning in live from Iraq. Tell your color commentator that my wife and I say hello to The Versatile, Mr. All-Around Michael Crews. This thread fell off the first page. One of the biggest games in the state this week. Enough with the niceities. Who is going to be the first to post bulletin board material? Is it true that Gibson is reconsidering a name change to "Mater Dei North" or "Evansville Northmetro" or "Toyota South?" Such a shame that Heritage Hills isn't Abraham Lincoln High School ... North and South Spencer get in big debates about renaming the county "Lincoln County..."

Is Week 5 ready @WCGrad92??? I'm waiting to tweet it!

Shut up and go get me a juice box.....juice box guy.

Blackford @ MG Eastbrook @ Frankton Elwood @ Alex Ole Miss @ OH Let's be honest, none of these games will be close. I think Oak Hill will show the most fight because they have a coaching staff that sets that expectation. My question is how many of the other 3 will go down swinging and how many of them will have "Pride" injuries hanging out on the sideline eating Dippin Dots? Come on Under Dogs let's see some hay makers!!!! Let's see if the CIC can avoid the Mercy Rule in all 4 games. Even this Bitter Ole Gym Teacher has hope. AHHHHH Screw it, NO I DON'T!

It is a known fact that those who participate in extracurricular activities are more likely to stay in school, graduate, et al. Football provides opportunities for some students that might not be available to them in other areas. A kid who might be an offensive lineman is probably not playing soccer or running cross country. Denying them the opportunity to perform in front of their friends and family, learn teamwork, because of some nebulous "goal" might seem like a good thing, but in reality, it's making things worse. You're not going to improve things by denying people opportunities to participate in an activity where participation is paramount. Football is still THE flagship sport and thus the primary extracurricular activity at just about every school.

Do not be fooled by Andrean's record. They will be a very tough out come week 10/11/12.

Looks like Indianapolis Herron based on what I'm seeing. They have 889 students which is more than what Angola has and Angola is in 4A in football.

No television or video stream that I'm aware of. As was mentioned, 98.1 The Bash (Gibson Southern) streams their radio call. 103.3 The Fix (Heritage Hills) also streams at www.1033TheFix.com.

Stinky, Stink, Stink 1.2.3. Just so all those River Rats know if you win and storm the field, this will be the AD..........

Stinky, Stink, Stink 1.2.3. What Boom Boy will look like leading his River Rats into EC

Now if they could just develop technology to figure out how to seed a sectional, we'd be all set.

Typically I look forward to your trite and sophomoric football commentary, however to denigrate the Jays week after week does become a bit monotonous. Wild Frogs is beginning to sound a lot like some of the old-timers in the stands who say the same thing at every game such as: Jays need to pass more. Jays need to block better. Jays need to run harder. The same depthless analysis gets generationally passed down to those that know very little about football. Here's some perspective about the Jays program: Coach Lambert inherited a program that was ostensibly considered toxic. The Jays have been on a championship drought for the last 15 years. They haven't been able to win at home consistently in that time period. The older players treated the younger players like complete garbage. The prior coaches allowed and in some instances enabled this behavior. Show some school spirit Wild Frogs! You should be commending the Jays for turning the entire program around. For ensuring that every single kid in that locker room feels like they are apart of something special. Ask the young guys what they think about being undefeated as JV program? Ask your friends about their trip to Bears Training Camp just because the coaches wanted to offer them something that may never have the chance to do on their own dime. Jays are 2-0 against 1A opponents. After tomorrow we will be 3-0 against 1A teams. This is the same North Judson team that wasn't expected to do much at all this year because we lost so much "talent." You see Wild Frogs, football is unlike any other sport in the world. You can't just win with 11 guys. You need every single kid on that roster to buy-in, learn their positions or multiple positions, and then be able to deliver in the moment on a Friday night when the pressure is through the roof. When it is 100 degrees with humidity or when it is freezing in late October/November. When it's raining, sleeting, or snowing. That's a kind of pressure that you wouldn't know anything about. Because, honestly, no one goes to tennis matches. It's easy to criticize. It's easy to be an arm-chair quarterback. It's not easy to change culture, instill values, and install an entirely new offense in a short period of time.