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First off, thanks to TGD admin for allowing me to post this. I'm excited to announce that the Indiana High School Football Records Book is now available! This 493-page resource has taken me 15 months to compile and 25+ years of research, but it's finally a reality and features: Part 1: State Championships - list of state champs back to 1895, including win/loss record and coach Part 2: Information for all 497 teams since 1890 that have ever played Indiana high school football, including yearly win/loss records, coaching information, and information on 13,194 first-team All-State players Part 3: Conference standings going back to 1947, including conference champions, IHSAA football tournament results since its inception in 1973 and cluster standings Part 4: Statistical records, including team and individual all-time leaders in multiple categories Part 5: Statistics for 3,423 coaches, including win/loss records, when they coached, games coached and win percentage. It's available on Amazon in print or ebook form! Thanks and I hope you enjoy! Dan Engler

Welcome to The Gridiron Digest Indiana Football Report. This weekly feature will run throughout the season and highlight big games and big storylines throughout Indiana. This brings us back to the roots Tim Adams began this site with, as a place to bring together and presenting news from around the state. "Battle of Broadway" a matchup of No. 1 vs. No. 1 By Andrew Smith The Gridiron Digest One and a half miles of Broadway is all that physically separates Merrillville and Andrean High Schools. But when the two meet up in the aptly-named “Battle of Broadway” matchup Friday night at Merrillville’s Demaree Stadium, the matchup won’t just pit neighbors against each other. It will also pit No. 1 vs. No. 1. Merrillville begins the year as the No. 1 team in Class 5A after winning three straight regional titles in Class 6A, while Andrean begins atop the 2A poll as the defending state champion. “There will be a lot of excitement for the ‘Battle of Broadway’ as expectations are high for both programs. It's always a fun physical game where both teams play hard,” Merrillville coach Brad Seiss said. “We both have a lot of respect for each other's football teams.” Andrean ran the table in Class 2A last season, ending with a 21-9 victory over Evansville Mater Dei in the State Finals. But the 59ers have quickly turned the page. “We haven't talked about last year much except maybe in the context of prepping the body for the grind of a season,” Andrean coach Chris Skinner said. “The seniors are motivated to leave their own unique mark on the program. Everyone is stepping into at least a slightly different role compared to last season. It's a new team with a new leadership group.” Merrillville moved to 5A during the summer’s reclassification due to the school’s enrollment. The Pirates have had recent success, going 33-5 over the last three seasons and advancing to the semistate each year, but falling one step short of Lucas Oil Stadium. “Everyone wants to talk about us going into 5A because of the success that we've had over the last few years in 6A,” Merrillville coach Brad Seiss said. “We aren't really concerned about that until we get to the tournament. We've got the same 2 non-conference games in Andrean and Hobart then we get into DAC play. Getting better weeks 1-9 is the most important thing we can do as we prepare for the tournament in October.” Meanwhile, the entirety of Andrean’s schedule consists of teams in the top three classes. Merrillville is a premier opponent to begin the year. “I love competition. It doesn't matter if it's competition within our program or against competitive opponents,” Skinner said. “I believe in the ‘iron sharpens iron’ mantra. There are certainly challenges in playing a schedule like ours in which every opponent is at least two classes higher than us, but our players accept those challenges. We will certainly be exposed in certain areas by playing that level of competition, but it allows us to make adjustments that end up in growth down the road. I have a lot of respect for Merrillville specifically. Coach Seiss has been able to reload year after year. It's a fantastic Week 1 game that typically draws a good crowd and gets the attention of college coaches and scouts as well.” The scouts will have plenty of top players to see - Merrillville sports two of the top seniors in Indiana in Colorado State commit Justin Marshall - who had 1,088 receiving yards a year ago - and safety Phillip Roche. Andrean features Notre Dame commit Drayk Bowen, who had 965 rushing yards, 105 tackles and three interceptions a year ago. Andrean also has junior QB Scott Ballentine returning after completing 68 percent of his passes for 2,860 yards and junior WR Patrick Clacks, who had 753 yards last year. “Drayk is an amazing talent and certainly one that does a lot for us,” Skinner said. “He rarely comes off the field. He's also a great role model for how to train, how to prep, how to take care of the body.” Opening the year in Indy Another cross-town rivalry will kick off 2022 - but 70 miles down the road at Lucas Oil Stadium. For the first time since 2004, Harrison and West Lafayette - two schools less than five miles apart - will meet on the gridiron. The 6 p.m. kickoff will begin the IHSAA football season at the annual Horseshoe Classic. Beginning the season at Lucas Oil Stadium is always a treat, but both programs have designs on finishing it there, too. “We are excited to start the season in Lucas Oil Stadium,” said West Lafayette coach Shane Fry, whose teams are 94-18 in nine seasons. “This is the first time we have played Harrison since 2004. It is a fierce rivalry in other sports, and most of the players know each other. It is a unique situation with our football fields being two miles apart and us traveling 65 miles to play on the big stage and kickoff the 2022 season. This is a great opportunity for our program, both to play at Lucas Oil and to matchup against Harrison.” Fry’s squad won the 2018 state title and was the 2015 3A runner-up. The Red Devils posted a 9-1 record last season and have won at least seven games in each of the last nine years. Harrison is coming off an 8-2 season. The Raiders won sectional titles in 2018 and 2019, but fell to eventual 5A state runner-up Zionsville in the sectional each of the last two years. The second game will be another marquee matchup, as last year’s 3A runner-up Brebeuf Jesuit faces 3A No. 1 Bishop Chatard in a matchup of top teams from the Circle City Conference. Chatard, which has won 15 state championships, returns to 3A after spending a year in Class 4A due to the Tournament Success Factor. The two squads have been frequent sectional foes, but they will not meet in the tourney this year, as Brebeuf has moved to Class 4A and begins the season ranked No. 5 New coach in Columbus One of the most high-profile coaching changes over the offseason came in Columbus, where Tim Bless retired after 22 years at the helm of the Columbus North Bull Dogs. Logan Haston, a former standout quarterback at Avon and Manchester University, takes over. It’s Haston’s first head coaching position, but he had previously been on staff at Hamilton Southeastern, Fishers and his college alma mater, Manchester. “I am very thankful to be taking over such a well-established program,” Haston said. “Coach Bless has built a strong reputation at Columbus North with tough, hard-working athletes who play the game the right way. I am excited to build upon the tradition & success that has come before me, while also implementing my own cultural identity that meshes with the players & coaching staff.” Haston played for two standout coaches at Avon - Dave Shelbourne and Mark Bless - Tim’s brother - before matriculating to Manchester, where he played for Shannon Griffith. “I'm not sure if I'd be where I am today without my experience at Avon,” Haston said. “Between two years with Dave Shelbourne, to my final two years under Mark Bless, I was mentored by some incredible coaches. I learned what the standard of excellence looks like, and how to compete in a first class manner. I will forever be grateful for my time as an Oriole.” Haston takes over a squad that went 6-4 last season and won its second straight Conference Indiana title. It has a strong non-conference schedule, beginning with a Week 1 matchup at Decatur Central. “I'm very pleased with our growth this summer as a team,” Haston said. “Our players have really bought in to what we're trying to accomplish, particularly the seniors. Their leadership has thoroughly impressed me, and we're going to lean on it during the season. Decatur Central is well-coached and will be a very tough Week 1 opponent, but we're excited for the challenge.” Marauders building off a title Another defending champion is Mt. Vernon (Fortville), where first-year coach Vince Lidy led the Marauders to a 14-1 record and the Class 4A title. It was the Marauders’ first football State Finals appearance after advancing to the regional and semistate the two years prior. MV graduated several key players, but has a pair of building blocks in WR George Burhenn - a Purdue commit - and QB/WR Eli Bridenthal to lead the way. The duo combined for 1,064 receiving yards a year ago. Burhenn and senior linebacker Kellen La Belle are the top returning tacklers, each with 44. La Belle also had eight tackles for loss. “The success of last year is a result of great work and weekly improvement from the players and coaches as we worked through each week,” Lidy said, noting the Marauders’ 37 wins over the last three seasons are third-most in the state behind Center Grove and Cathedral. That has built as the Marauders have more than 110 players in four grades on the roster this fall. “A huge benefit of playing so long in the postseason is the amount of reps and practice our younger players were able to experience as we moved through the tournament. The success was also a great springboard into winter training. Excitement has stayed at an elevated level and this next group of players wants to continue to build on the success of the past three seasons and add to their legacy in the MV football program.” The Marauders open the season at Noblesville, which gave them their lone blemish last season, a 57-36 defeat in Week 1. It will be the first game in the Millers’ new stadium. Lidy said the Millers will bring a challenge with their power running game and large offensive line. “We always aim to play the 'perfect' game each Friday, but the most important thing in Indiana high school football is to find ways to get a little better each week and be playing your best football towards the end of the season. “I feel as though you don't win the state championship based on the result of Week 1. Our program lived through that in 2021. Before we can worry about conference championships, sectional and playoff championships, we have to take care of ourselves and focus on week 1 first.” Other key games 6A No. 5 Warren Central at 6A No. 1 Center Grove 6A No. 4 Brownsburg at 6A No. 7 Ben Davis 6A No. 6 Westfield at 4A No. 2 New Palestine 5A No. 8 Mishawaka at 3A No. 5 Mishawaka Marian 4A No. 6 Evansville Memorial at Jasper 3A No. 3 GIbson Southern at Terre Haute South 6A No. 2 Cathedral at Lafayette Jeff 1A No. 1 Lutheran at Beech Grove 2A No. 2 Evansville Mater Dei at Evansville Central Louisville Trinity at 6A No. 3 Carmel Elkhart at 5A No. 9 Concord 3A No. 6 Lawrenceburg at 4A No. 7 East Central

Well I am offended by your remark about the Adams staff. Are they behind the 8 ball when it comes to having time with the kids? Absolutely. The Madden comment is what I take offense to. How many state titles have you won as an assistant coach? Just curious. The Adams head coach has the last two under his belt. I think his knowledge far exceeds that of a video game.

Here is my take on the "concern" some may have with the media, and the papers, and the talk by some of the players and coaches at HH. Yes there has been quite a bit of talk about the importance of the Mt. Vernon game. Yes it may be putting a bit of pressure on the HH players and staff to back up the talk. But in a program like HH there is pressure on every game to win. That pressure is called expectations! Expectations from the staff, expectations from the community, expectations from the players, the expectation to win every game. That is what builds programs into dominant programs......expectations of being great. The past two season HH has started their season 0-1 after week one!! So in my opinion, players and coaches are talking this week about Mt. Vernon, and the importance of winning that game. The next week if they are asked they will be talking about Tell City!! It is what it is....new week, new opponent and the expectation to win that game.

Xanadus to watch my mom Phyllis

This is awesome. I've used AlmanacSports as a resource for years, so to have all of this in one spot and easy-to-reference form is great. I've ordered a copy.

Top 10 coming after Week 1. I'll pick 10 games every week -- either straight up or with a line. Some seemingly predictable games might be omitted for brevity. Good luck. Castle at North Memorial at Jasper Vincennes at Bosse Boonville at Paoli Forest Park at Princeton Gibson Southern at Terre Haute South Mount Vernon at Heritage Hills North Posey at South Spencer Tell City at Perry Central Tecumseh at North Daviess

But does that make them “superior” coaches? Are they better in game coaches also or do their teams just show up on Friday night better prepared than their opponents, due in part to the resources at their disposal? You will have a hard time convincing me that for 2 1/2 hours on Friday nights you can decipher that every Indy area coach is better than their counterpart on the opposite sideline if that’s part of your argument. This also seems like a blanket statement.

What great matchups those middle divisions made in those days. Hearns, Hagler, Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran. Awesome fights.

I tell you what. This conference is going to be ridiculously competitive. There isn’t a clear favorite. I’m not sure you can really sort them 1-5 because it’s going to be messy. New Albany and Jeffersonville you would think are down. But I do my homework. NA returns 8 starters on defense. They also added two of Louisville Males best players to that defense. Their OL is big. Their QB and RB are first year players but they are athletic. Jeffersonville has a 230 lb RB with 4.7 speed and an OL with its smallest player being 260 lbs. Floyd Central is a lot bigger then they usually are, especially on their DL. Their QB has a cannon and their RB is a 210 lb animal. East has a lot back. Big strong kids. Probably the best LB in the conference. BNL is going to be better because they had some promising games last season and brought a lot back. Seymour brought a lot back. Really good young QB and a SO that I believe was an All State WR as a Freshman? This conference will be nuts. Some of the results will be suprising IMO.

36 years ago today. I remember this fight well. One of the best rounds I can remember. I was huge Hagler fan then. This fight ended just 5 minutes and 2 seconds later.

I think there are some very very good coaches in Indy. Guys like Moore, Gilbert, and Ralph are easily among the states best. I'm just not sure how you can conclude that coaching is better in Central Indiana. If you take away all mega schools and PP's, I think you'll find that there is pretty good balance throughout the entire state.

If there’s one word to describe this year’s Stars team, its’s capable. We’re very capable of a winning season. An improved season (4-6 last year) would be a .500 season. We’re very capable of exceeding that. We’re capable both physically and mentally. It’s the 2nd year under Coach Barker. Off season workouts saw an increase in numbers and enthusiasm. We dominated Mitchell on both sides of the ball in the scrimmage. Something we should do every year, but it hasn’t always been the case. Offense: We’re capable of scoring a lot of points. We have a lot of depth at the skill positions. We have a solid OL, but not a lot of depth. Defense: We’re very capable. The players have been in the right positions (lining up, covering, staying home, etc.). This tells me they have been listening to their coaches, and they have some football IQ. All through the summer up to the scrimmage, and I assume as of week 1, we have 11 guys playing offense and 11 different guys playing defense. Obviously there will be some guys get in on both sides of the ball, but we have the means to limit that. As far as the Martinsville game, I don’t want to sound too cliché, but it will be a good indicator of how this team is going to react. We’ll find out how we’ll react to good competition, adversity, mistakes, etc. Side note: The Juniors and Seniors were 7th and 8th graders when Bedford first consolidated the 3 Jr. High teams into one. The first two classes to reap the benefits of that program.

that's brilliant!!! Well played legend!!

The Dollar General there on the north side of town is pretty nice.

Just sent my yearly donation. Thanks for all of your work in keeping this running. Best $$ spent for the entertainment provided.

Go to Pax Verum before the game for a couple of cold beverages. Highly recommend. Tell the NN AD I said hello. He may know who I am.

Lol, "Indy coaching good.?" What makes a coach from Indy better than a coach from a different area. We've already determined that Indy schools have a massive amount of resources. But what makes their coaches better in your opinion?

??

That really blows. Hate to hear that even if it benefits East’s chances of beating them. Hopefully he can heal up quickly and be ready to go at full-speed next year. Also, it’s nice to see a Seymour fan on here. I wish we could get fans from the other schools on here. New Albany, Jeffersonville, and Jennings County are severely lacking.

https://www.wndu.com/2022/08/18/mom-fatally-shot-home-intruder-defend-kids-she-says/?fbclid=IwAR3Cz_tLUDqMCAhm7sFefZitPM0BcHNVDDcZzqBx-ifFwGzOcMCbyffalOI MILWAUKEE (WTMJ) - A family of three is now traumatized after they say a strange man broke into their home, and the mother fatally shot him while defending her children, she claims. A mother of two, who asked not to be identified, was showering before work Monday morning when she heard her children, ages 12 and 14, screaming from the living room. Still dripping wet, she says she ran to her bedroom, grabbed her gun and faced down a strange man, who she claims broke into her home. She says the man charged, undeterred by her dogs, and she shot him in self-defense. “It all happened so fast — an adrenaline rush,” she said. Community activist Bushraa Rahman helped clean up the home after authorities removed the body. “She was scared because her children were there with her. So, she did what any mother would do. She defended her children,” Rahman said. “It was an act of self-defense.” Police have not identified the man. The mother says he appeared to be in his late 30s and was acting erratically. Following the shooting, police arrested the mother then released her several hours later after questioning. They referred the case to the district attorney’s office for review. “In today’s day and age, with mental health and everything else that’s taking place in the world, I mean, you better protect yourself. To be honest, you have to,” Rahman said. The mother says her children are traumatized after the incident, and the family intends to move out once they find a new place to live. She says she bought the gun 10 years ago after finding a man sleeping under her son’s bed. She says she hoped she’d never have to use it. Scary event - she gets the "atta girl" for having the means and being able to effectively protect herself and kids.

Warsaw vs. City a big test for both teams. Warsaw may have the edge on a young MC defense. Long trip for the Wolves on week 1.

It's funny because DJT will be in prison soon.

Wish I was joining Donnie. But going to Morocco, Indiana to North Newton

Michigan City @ Warsaw

Basketball starts entirely too soon. Give us a bye week.

Triton Central Lutheran Monrovia Scecina Speedway

Indy Washington Crawfordsville LCC Linton North Vermillion Riverton Parke Southmont West Vigo

Region sports network

Here are my predictions for the NLC race this season. We'll check back in 9 short weeks to see how I've done. 1. NorthWood - I think they surprise and win the title this year in a wide open conference race. They have two QBs with quite a bit of experience and athletes all over the field. With the new schedule, they have a tough lineup week's 3-7, so we'll know by October how this prediction plays out. 2. Warsaw - The Tigers have only won 1 NLC Title under Coach Curtis, and always seem to get tripped up in a game that ultimately prevents them from claiming the crown. They should be solid this season bringing back their QB and getting back a stud FB from injury, and defensively anchored by the Katris twins. 3. Mishawaka - The Cavemen will be a good team this year and will easily compete for the NLC crown again. However, they are 0-2 against the Tigers since their move to the new conference, and with the game at Warsaw this season, I see them losing another close battle and perhaps another game this season. 4. Goshen - Here's an even bigger surprise than picking NorthWood as champs. I think Coach Wogomon gets the Redhawks on the right track, and they have a QB with plenty of experience. His play is what I'm betting on for Goshen to end up in the top half of the NLC this season as opposed to the other contenders below them here. 5. Northridge - I firmly believe the Raiders will once again have the or one of the stoutest defenses in the conference. However, can they score on offense? Losing Gott was a bigger blow than what I think some Northridge fans are leading on. If they somehow figure something out on that side of the ball, they can move up this list, but they'll need to prove that first. 6. Concord - They definitely have athletes and a few "dudes" on the roster this year, but I think they see a big drop off following their championship season from last year. Starting their NLC schedule with NorthWood then Warsaw, might be the deciding factor for them. If they played those teams later in the season, maybe they'd have a chance with more experience under their belt. Coach Koehler is great though and can definitely get the Minutemen to eat my words. 7 & 8 Wawasee/Plymouth - Both of these teams will be just as bad as they have been for the last few seasons. The Warriors have the benefit of having the same coach, whereas the Rockies are breaking in a new coach who did not exactly set the world on fire during his time at Wabash. Wawasee also has a fairly manageable schedule their first 4 weeks of the season, whereas Plymouth opens with 3 consecutive road games that will all but certainly be losses. This definitely feels like a season in which we will have some sort of shared title between two or more teams. Would not surprise me at all. Best of luck to all NLC schools in Week 1! I'll make those predictions tomorrow.

I would like to see the O-Line & D-Line impose their will in this game and control the LOS, clean 2+ quarters (few penalties), and fresh legs by all who touch the field!

It'll be a historical game in Noblesville as the brand new Beaver Stadium will host it's first Varsity football game.

Good analysis. Enjoy reading your take. Having regrets on the Warren pick now that I realize its on the road.

Just so we are being completely clear here, we have a poster claiming that a 5A school boasts NINE D1 football players on its roster… If true, just cancel the season. No one has a prayer. For comparison’s sake, Center Grove I believe had 7 last year and was universally viewed as a top 10 team nationally.

I did a long time ago, but I realized being able to afford to eat was important :).

Of note, any newspaper or website who wishes to use the TGD Indiana Football Report may do so free of charge. Just make sure to credit the writer & website.

Hey Friends and maybe a couple of Foes out there (ducks away from some Eastbrook heaters) Long long time, but had a moment before I rest my head for the evening, these days of Elementary PE and then time with Bombers after school certainly does take its Tolle (still got it) on this 20 yr veteran of the Bombers staff!! yes, 20th year, MERCY, can I officially be one of the "old" guys in the game now?? If you count my film engineering when Coach Meeks took over in 1999, this will be my 24th year, also in his 24th year (181-95), our DC's 24th year at RCHS (but a few more other places right out of school as well before back in R) Coach Stevens, hell, he one of my coaches when I played 95-97 for the Bombers. While I am at it, Bombers welcoming Coach Wes Radtke to staff, our Girls Bball coach, former NS All Star from our friends in Starke Co, NJSP, along with Austin Metgzer, who was an All State 2 way player for West Central in the mid 2000's, I want to say under Brad Urban years, he had been with our Middle School staff past few years and now up with high school crew. Returning also is Doug Hannon, who was our OL line coach back in early 2010's, and our OL coach in 2014 state run. Bombers are playing in our 125th season this year, we are excited as always, as Coach Meeks has said in a couple of media spots already, we will be young but experienced, playing a 4-5 freshman last year who are now obviously Sophomores. Jordan Cree, who was named small school defensive player of the year for the Journal Courier returns for his SR year and is a 3 year starter. Jordan was state qualifier in Wrestling and Shot Putt in 2021 as well. GREAT to see a 3 way athlete have success !! Annual Cracker Barrel game is upon us, gets a little more juice as they say with return of Region Royalty ( I say that will upmost legitimate respect) in Kirk Kennedy along with his long time friend and DC Brad Stewart. Not sure when I will have a moment to stop by for an extended period of time, but as always, I want to wish all my Hoosier Conference the absolute best except on weeks 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. and possible weeks, 10, 11, or 12 too (Hoosier Conf vs Region in Section 25 !!!). Cheers Coach Nowlin P.S. I really thought the Freshman QB from LCC JV last year was very good and talented along with the rest of their team, lots of good looking yutes (did you say YUTE?) so assuming that was the Metzger kid. P.S.S. West Lafayette until someone in the West says otherwise P.S.S.S.: I have a couple C(k)atalina's on my rosters: I have dropped the required POW POW P.S.S.S. S Sorry Kokomo area Hoosier Conf peeps: ONE EYE JACKS (Winamac, IN) destroyed my Tenderloin experiences over the years in your neck of the woods. P.S.S.S.S.S Local sadness, @CoachDurham , assuming he heard, but Rex Marskamp passed away last Tuesday, he was LEGEND in our area and NWI, sometimes ornery, but always REX P.S.S.S.S.S.S Really, cannot believe I am in year 20 for Bomber Football, its a very special program with my coaching brothers and all our hard working kids this year and previous years, I am very blessed!!

To Everyone: This is just a public service announcement! Please consider making a donation to Gridiron Digest for all the work these boys put in to keep GID up and running! I am not a part of the 'Committee' and do not get a kick back from the boys for mentioning this information. They have bills to pay to keep us up and running. If you clik on the 2022-23 Budget at the top of this page or the homepage, it is an easy few clicks to help the cause. Please consider becomming a Booster for 2022-23! I have made my donation. Please join me! as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

https://www.cato.org/blog/overdue-change-social-security-age-87 Basically the Boomers are bankrupting the country, and they hold a huge percentage of the wealth. I guess it's ok for their children and grandchildren to pay for their largesse.