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I really don't understand the narrative of making the regular season mean something. When's the last time you stepped on a football field? No player is going into a game thinking, "It doesn't really matter, we make the playoffs either way."

Yeah, it could mean that or it could be a despicable act that is intended to be degrading. 🤷‍♂️ I always have to ask my son what these things mean....in context, I got a pretty good idea on this one. I thought this game would be close, after this, it may be a blow out. Pun intended?

It’s really hard to believe that Linton and South Vermillion have never met when you consider all the opponents Linton has faced over their history. However, there were two meetings between the predecessor of South V, Clinton. It’s interesting that South Vermillion was not a consolidation, but an official name change from Clinton in 1977. The Wildcats (of Clinton) did “absorb” some schools (Dana, Hillsdale and St. Bernice back in 1961). They had a several successful teams in their history, and in two meetings with the Miners they didn’t allow a point! In 1972 in was at least a game at 14-0, but in 1973 Clinton destroyed Linton 61-0. That was the last time Clinton/South Vermillion and Linton squared off. Head Coach Greg Barrett came to South Vermillion in 2017 after the Wildcats had endured 7 losing seasons in a row, and he led SV to a 7-3 start. He came from North Putnam where he went 57-34 over 8 years. In 2008, his first year at North Put was 10-1, and in 2010 they made it to state (actually losing 26-14)losing by a heartbreaking one point (28-27) to Ft. Wayne Luers to end a 14-1 season. As far as I can see, South Vermillion has not won a sectional crown. With a win Friday it gives SV their first 8-win season since 2009. They have been in a couple of Sectional Championship games but lost both- 2019 lost to Western Boone 56-14, and in 2004 lost to Tri-West 47-13. There’s no question Coach Barrett have brought an environment of success to the Wildcat Football program having gone 35-25 in his 6th year at South Vermillion, and over-all at 92-59. Since his arrival SV has had four 7-win seasons in his 6 years. The Wildcats are 7-2 coming into the Sectional with their 2 losses coming to 5-4 Sullivan 24-14 in week 2 on the road, and a 19-15 loss to 7-2 Seeger in week 8. Of their 7 wins, two have come again +.500 teams (North Vermillion 5-4, a 35-19 win, and 38-0 over 7-2 Riverton Parke). They have wins against West Vigo (3-6), Covington (3-6) Attica (0-9) Fountain Central (3-6) and Parke Heritage (1-8). The Miners under Coach Brian Oliver, who just achieved his 100th win against 21 losses in 10 years at Linton, have just finished their 2nd unbeaten regular Season in a row. Their wins feature last week’s 35-10 win over 7-2 South Putnam, a 50-40 shootout with 4A 6-3 Boonville, 40-20 over 5-4 Sullivan, 42-7 over 5-4 N.Daviess, and 64-15 5-4 over N.Vermillion. In head to head comparisons the most obvious would the Arrows. In Linton’s 20-point win back in week 4 the Miners ran for 312 of their 381 total yards. 381 was the 2nd lowest Miner output of the year, and probably would be the lowest had the North Knox game not been a running clock. Where Linton’s running game was key in their win, it was 255 of passing that was the most effective against Arrows for SV. That was the biggest output of the year for the Wildcats in terms of passing (17 of 25). However, SV could not run at all against Sullivan (34 yards on 31 attempts) while Linton subsidized their run game with 69 pass yards on 7-12 passing with a TD. As it was in South Putnam’s preview, South Vermillion runs a spread offense with multiple receivers and a single back. Sullivan passed for 224 yards against Linton and ran for 121. Sullivan had 123 rushing and threw for 197 against South Vermillion. It should be mentioned that Rowdy Adams, Sullivan’s elusive QB, was injured in the SV game and missed most of the game. Against Linton he didn’t appear at qb until the 2nd quarter and Linton had put up 20 points by then (Interceptions thrown by the back-up playing a major point). Obviously both teams easily dispensed of Parke Heritage (Linton 56-6 SV 48-0 ) and North Vermillion (Linton 64-15 SV 35-19). SV starts with Soph QB Dom Garzolini (#1 6’0 195) who has thrown for 993 yards on 59-91 (64.8%) passing with 10 TDs and 3 Interceptions. Garzolini is not a scrambler or a runner as we’ve seen with Conner from Boonville, Adams from Sullivan or White from NV, and had -4 yards on 26 attempts. He does have #34 Dalton Payton (Sr 5;10 170) to hand the ball to, with his 944 yards on 100 carries and 14 TDs. He had a 9.4 per carry average. #5 Gabe Clay (Sr 5’9 145) has his share as well with 70 touches and 442 yards with 5 TDs. #25 Alex Shryock is the H back (Soph, 5’9 165) has just 4 carries for 30 yards and no catches. Payton out of the backfield has 11 catches for 200 yards and 2 scores. Leading receiving is #8 Dallas Coleman (Soph, 5’11 168) with 16 for 316 and 3 TDs. Coleman adds 78 yards and 2 TDs rushing. #9 Parker Weir (Soph 5.8 141) has 3 catches and 53-yard rushing with 2 total TDs. Their version of a Tight End is the “Y” receiver and that’s #80 Ryan Straw (Sr 6’0 210) who has 2 TDs on 6-98 receiving. Clay adds 9 catches for 161 (2 TD) while Aiden Wallace (#10, Soph 5’11 135) adds 44-yard rushing and 8 catches for 112 yards. As a team they average 304.67 per game, 192.78 on the ground, 111.69 in the air. Linton is led by Sr QB Hunter Gennicks (#15, 6’0 195) with 1,125 yards at 10.82 per carry (104). He has thrown 148 times hitting on 86 (58.1%) for 1,209 yards and 16 TDs against 3 interceptions. Sr Hunter Johns (#12, 5’8 180) has been solid at Running Back all year with 650 yards rushing on 83 carries (7.83), as well as 6 catches (usually screens) for 73 yards and a score. Between Gennicks (18) and Johns (12) they have 30 rushing TDs. Wingbacks #8 Jesse Voigtschild (Soph 5,7 150) and #16 Braden Walters (Jr 6’5 190) are both involved in both facets of offense. Walters, is his first year of varsity football, leads the Miners with 22 catches for 393 yards and 5 scores, along with 3 scores on 38 carries for 249 rushing. Voigtschild adds 335 on the ground with 43 carries and 5 TDs, but also 2 receiving scores on 10 catches for 187 yards. Sr Logan Webb (#23, 6’4 205) missed a game and a half but was back last week. He has 20 catches for 214 and 2 scores. Freshman Paul Oliver (#13 6’3 205) has been a weapon with 18 receptions for 291 yards and 5 catches. 6’1 165 Soph #15 Hayden Feltner has also gotten in action with a couple catches as well. With all that firepower, the biggest threat still may be in Gennicks ability to move with the ball. He has 188 scramble yards, and his ability to make plays when needed has been something to see in 2022. Each Team’s defense will have to keep big plays to a minimum if not completely stopped. Linton did a great job of that last week at South Putnam with no 20+ yard plays. Miner ILB Russell Goodman (Fr, #6, 6;2 180) has become the leading tackler since being moved in as a full-time starter in week 6. He had a stunning 23-tackle game last week, and over-all has 79 tackles, 7.5 for loss. Both jar Christian Shonk (#4 5’10 180) and Sr Bradyn Cox (#5 5’10 185) rotate at the other ILB. OLB’s have been very good for Linton with Oliver leading the team in TFL (14) and sacks (5) as well as in Hurries (15). Sr Wrigley Franklin (#51 6’23 225) in 3rd in tackles with 56.5 and 11 TFL with 2 sacks. He and Oliver both are leapers and have several passes they have knocked down or tipped or merely forced a QB to alter his throw. A 3-man front features a rotation of Ends Ashton White (Jr #33 6’0 194), Sr Aiden Giles (#56, 6’3 200), Soph Hank Gennicks (#69 6’2 250) and Jr Ty Boyd (#54 6’1 210). White is 2nd in tackles with 64 with 7.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks. He started the year as a back up linebacker but earned his way to start. Giles has 52.5 tackles 6.5 TFL, and started the year at ILB, but moved back to his 2020 position and has been solid. Boyd is, if there ever is a need) the tight end you might see him wearing #9. It changes it seems every week! The Defensive Backfield was tested against the Eagles last week and did very well. They will see much the same from the Wildcats. Johns and Voigtschild are both undersized at 5’7 and 5’8 but their speed and technique are on target. Gennicks and Walters are the safeties, with Gennicks solid in run support (56 tackles 4 for loss). The Miner front will face against 4 juniors and 1 senior on the South Vermillion offensive Line. The lone senior is RG Gus Shryock (#77 6’2 225), and he has Jr Payton Stevens (#78 6’1 261) on his right. The Center is Jr Carter Wood (#68 6’1 190), while the left side has guard Jr Aaron Kersy (#56 6’2 269) and tackle Jr Zach Hess (#66 6’2 300). The Miner offensive line consists of Center Sr Nathan Watson (374 6’0 255), Guard Aiden Giles (Sr #56, 6’3 200) and Tackle Jr Jacob Breedlove (#77 6’7 300) on the right side, while guard Sr Wrigley Franklin (#51 6/3 225) and Soph Hank Gennicks (#69 6’2 250) on the right. The Miners average 435.78 per game on offense, 300.67 on the ground, 135.1 in the air. The Wildcat Defense is led by ILB Ryan Straw #80 (6’0 210) with 75 stops, 7.5 TFL, 5 Sacks> #7 Dylan Hill (Soph #7 6;0 156) joins him, with OLB’s Payton and Alex Shryock. Payton has 48 tackles 5 TFL 2 sacks). Up front it’s Gus Shryock (Sr #77 6/2 225) who has 60 tackles 12.5 for loss 8.5 sacks. Zach Hess (#66 Jr 6;2 300) is 2nd in tackles with 63, 6 TFL 2 Sacks), Logan Fiock Soph #79 6.4 234) had 8.5 TFL 3.5 Sacks, and Will Clay-Faulkner (Jr #81 5;11 157) who had 8 TFL and 6 sacks. The Backfield will have their hands full as well with #9 Parker Weir (Soph 5;8 141) #11 Dylan Conder (Jr 5;10 162) and #8 Dallas Coleman (Soph 5;11 168). Both defenses have 8 interceptions each on the year, 3 from the Wildcats’ Coleman as well for Linton’s Hunter Gennicks. 2 of Gennicks picks went for TDs, actually all three did but one was called by on a questionable flag. South Vermillion has 3 pick-six to their resume- Clay, Hill and Conder. Linton’s Hunter Johns has 2 kickoffs return TDs and SV’s Coleman and Payton each have a KO return score as well. Coleman is an obvious threat, as he also has a punt return TD. The kicking game seems strong as well with South Vermillion’s Dominick Hanson and Linton Nathan Fray. Frady didn’t start kicking until mid-year and is 16 of 23 and has hit a 40-yard Field Goal. Hanson is 2-3 on field goals with a long of 30, and 34 of 37 on Pats One area Linton will need to improve was turnovers and penalties. Linton has 16 turnovers on the year and had 4 in last week’s win. Games can be decided on a single turnover at this point in the season, and certainly losing points or giving first downs due to an infraction can play big roles in any game. For Linton, the whole purpose of the season is to prepare for the post-season. All the work put in is for this time of the year. I’m sure South Vermillion has the same goals. It is yet another long road trip for Linton as well, but they’ve handled that thus far. For the seniors it is now do or die time. Linton with 10, South V with 7. One thing noticeable about the Wildcats are the amount of Sophomore’s on the roster-21. 4 of the 6 skill players are sophomores, and there are only 3 seniors starting on offense for the Wildcats. 5 Sophs start on the Defense for SV. Linton has 2 freshman and 2 sophs starting on defense, and a roster loaded with 20 freshmen. The game will be broadcast on your friendly radio and 93.3 WQTY, as well as streamed audio and www.wqtyradio.net. ATTACHED ARE STARTERS/STATS on Microsoft Word Linton South Vermillion Starters-Stats.docx

OK I've punched some numbers with the schools (14 total) that are currently 5A or recently 5A that I would imagine Castle and Evansville North will be jockeying with for a playoff qualifier and seeding. I compiled the last three years. The 2020 season has all kinds of issues (Cancellations etc. etc.) with it being that was the season of COVID. I was thinking of possibly throwing that year out but I was halfway through the process and decided to just include it. Some of these calculations might be off due to the rush and I by no means claim that the accuracy of these digits are legit. But I believe this will provide a nice picture of the system that OHSAA uses being applied to schools like Castle and Evansville North. Should a qualifier apply any school ranked 8 or below would be considered the bottom half. Bloomington South for some reason has an 8 game schedule. I didn't take exception to the formula with them. I applied the formula as if they played a 9 game schedule. This means they missed out on points. You'll see how this jeopardizes possible seeding for them below. Schools bolded won a sectional. Schools in italic won the regional. Current Season Breakdown [8-1] Whiteland 24.777 [7-1] Bloomington South 19.611 [7-2] Franklin 19.611 [6-3] Terre Haute South 15.444 [6-3] Seymour 14.444 [5-4] Bedford North Lawrence 11.444 [5-4] Bloomington North 11 [5-4] Evansville North 10.277 [5-4] Castle 9.833 [4-5] Columbus East 9.388 [4-5] Floyd Central 8.611 [2-4] Terre Haute North 3.555 [2-7] New Albany 3.388 [1-7] Jeffersonville 2.5 If all of these schools were in 5A and a qualifier that cuts half the field was implemented, the SIAC might not have representation in the tournament this year. Bloomington North and BNL might also not make the cut because I didn't include other 5A schools considered in the south bracket. This is assuming there would be a 'South' and 'North' bracket of course. 2021 Season [6-2] Bloomington South 16.055 [7-2] Castle 15.555 [6-3] New Albany 14.333 [5-3] Whiteland 13.611 [6-3] Bloomington North 13.5 [4-5] Columbus East 8.722 [5-4] Evansville North 7.944 [4-5] Bedford North Lawrence 7.722 [3-6] Franklin 7.722 [3-5] Jeffersonville 6.611 [3-6] Floyd Central 6.388 [3-5] Seymour 6 [3-6] Terre Haute North 5.388 [1-9] Terre Haute South 0.666 Whiteland beat Columbus East twice, once in the regular season and again in the first round of the sectional. An 8 total game schedule Bloomington South beat Castle in the first of the sectional. 2020 Season [8-1] Whiteland 22.777 [7-2] Columbus East 21.666 [7-2] Floyd Central 15.833 [5-3] Castle 12.833 [6-2] New Albany 10.777 [5-4] Evansville North 10.666 [4-3] Bloomington South 9.833 [4-5] Bloomington North 7.944 [4-5] Terre Haute North 6.388 [3-5] Jeffersonville 5.166 [3-7] Seymour 5.055 [2-7] Terre Haute South 4.722 [3-5] Franklin 3.611 [2-7] Bedford North Lawrence 3.333 This year is a tough one to evaluate in a substantial way due to COVID. Jeffersonville won its Sectional this year. They most likely would have been cut from the field according to the points accumulated. But again, 2020 was an anomaly. Overall, I think it's safe to say the 5A SIAC schools probably wouldn't face any major issues with getting any sort of shaft with this type of system. Getting a 1 seed might be a challenge for them. And I would consider a 5-4 school be on the bubble anyway. But I think they'd be just fine with the current schedule they play. Which is actually a good thing for fans of the SIAC. Tango already mentioned Rivalry Week down here. He's 100% correct about the enthusiasm. The folks on the west side would probably blow a gasket if the West Side Nut Club Championship was no longer a thing because of something like this. They would absolutely lose their poop. It wouldn't be pretty. No seriously. For real.

There is no better way

I think you will see a running clock in every one of these games

Sounds like the qualifier created a game that held no meaning.

I'm not sure it's a question of entitlement. I seriously doubt there are many, if any, teams thinking, "Hey, we pulled one over on everyone and got a free extra game for doing nothing" or there are teams out there not practicing during the regular season and playing XBox during the week and then "strapping them on" come post-season. I mean even the teams with the worst records are working during the season ... and some of them are working quite hard. They may not have the money or leadership or community support or economic environment to make 9-0, 8-1, or even 2-7 runs, but they work. Realize that I came from a state where your season could easily be over around the third or fourth game of a season ... and that could be by a single point each game. When I came to Indiana, I will freely admit that I was 1) a big-school bigot and 2) completely perplexed by an all-in system. I've since come to love small-school ball and embraced the all-in format as a way to provide a way to "cap off" a season whether it ended at LOS or after the very first attempt. I'm as competitive as the next guy, but coaching youth changed my perspective with the realization that the sport is so much more than just the game, that the vast majority of the victories that I had with my players had little to do with scoreboards, it's a special kid that plays football and even if a guy wears a different color uniform he's still a brother in arms, and ultimately, so few of these kids will do anything on the field with a helmet on after high school, so perhaps selfishly for them, I don't have much of an issue with them getting one opportunity a year ... for four years max ... to get that one last chance to hope against hope. With the above said, I don't have an issue with the idea of seeding and I think that's a good compromise between half the folks get a chance and everyone gets a chance. It reduces the chances of top teams squaring off in the first game of a section and, potentially, saves that matchup for the sectional championship. It adds weight to the regular season for those who want/need that impetus and also accounts for those who don't sometimes have that luxury. One thing that might also provide for a compromise. although I've not yet thought out the logistics yet since I'm spitballing here, is a double post-season ... something akin to the NCAA tournament and an NIT. You could have a situation where there's a qualification to play in the state tournament and if you don't make that cut, you play in the "Indiana NIT." The main issue becomes the "championship game" in the INIT as it would/could detract from the regular state championships unless scheduled on the following weekend ... and you of course couldn't get LOS for that, but you might be able to get a couple of the local college fields.

You guys will kill OV. She might have had 800 and she has a bad hip. LOL

Current GS and VL Juniors as 6th graders when we defeated them in their youth tournament.

The argument espoused is that is would make the regular season "better". Just because the result of the game may have some implication for either team, it doesn't mean the game itself (level of play, coaching or officiating) will be better. Maybe its different down here, but I have never seen an SIAC or PAC school not giving 100%. Two examples... (1) Two weeks ago, we beat Vincennes Lincoln and there was a missed call that cost VL a TD. Bobref admitted the ref was out of position. HUDL confirms the ref made the wrong call. What if that game cost VL a spot in the playoffs? (2) Like Cathedral and Dwenger, we are by far the smallest school in our class due to SF. Depth is a huge issue and probably cost us last year in Semi-State against MV Fortville. We have more than the normal amount of players who are banged up and could probably have used a week off last week, but we played 5A Castle in SIAC "Rivalry Week". None of those kids sat out, because for us a game against Castle (in any sport) means a lot. Coaches, players, officials, fans, etc. really can't give 110%. The argument that the regular season would be "better" assumes they can.

I agree that Crown Point is having one heck of a season, but the Indy bias is just and fair until a northern team proves otherwise. I'm pulling for Carroll, Penn, or Crown Point to prove the "Indy bias" wrong this year.

Mockabee was the first walk-on I've ever been excited about getting. I was honestly expecting him to be a high 3-star, low 4-star player with all of his track success and what-not. COVID probably limited his recruiting and camp exposure. I figured he would get a few looks with the depth being so thin at RB, I just didn't think that he would be this good so quickly. Some kids are just ATHLETES, it doesn't matter what school they played for or who they played. Mockobee, Big George, Coy Cronk. Jack Kiser, the Anthrops, and Nick Zachary are just a few that come to mind.

Grown ass men telling high school boys they can’t play in the tournament because you don’t like it. Awesome. I gotta go

Receipts 41-14 Boonville over Harrison

Half that was on three plays.

SIAC Finals 35-6 Mater Dei over Perry Central 52-20 Memorial over Bosse 49-0 Reitz over Central 41-14 Boonville over Harrison 63-42 Gibson Southern over Vincennes

And the GS offense but more on them than anyone in the SIAC could. Damn anemic SIAC offensive play.

Definitely in my top 3, with Reitz running the table

it helps that you have the high school version of Jim Leonard as your defensive coordinator haha Reitz isn’t top 5 in 4A?

Special teams the difference tonight. Lincoln had a bad snap that resulted in a safety and gave up 2 kickoff returns for TD. Both offenses incredible. Xander Hunt with the game of his life so far. Looking forward to his senior season

Slippery. I am surprised GS D gave up that many points. That's similar to what Central, Bosse and Harrison did.

Looks like the only surprises are the close score. New Pal vs Mt Vernon Mooresville vs Lebanon

Clarksville 70, Eastern 42. Clarksville RB Robert Lamar ran for over 400 yards and 8 touchdowns. Last week, he ran for over 400 and 7 touchdowns. What a two game stretch.

No surprise. Keep it rolling.

21-0 MD 7:46 2Q 14-8 Memorial 0:24 1Q 14-8 Memorial end of 1st Quarter

Not sure about Jasper in this one…saw the other team had 10 D1 commits

What the hell is New Pal putting in their water? I don't think I've seen a 6A line this big.

Lol, maybe I just like rumbling with you guys from Indy. What's the fun in getting along all the time? It's been too long since we've debated.

You and I will be debating this in 2043. I'll cite that Homestead was without their top player and the rest of the team fell asleep on the 2 hour bus ride down knowing they had to play a winless team. Homestead wins that game ten times out of ten.

Maybe I'm thinking of a different game. Wasn't it still undecided in the fourth quarter. You Indy guys crack me up. I mention one competitive game and you get all bent out of shape.

But, due to Indiana all-in, everyone of them has had the opportunity to play a post-season game where, as you point out, the stakes are the highest. All you need say to most people in that situation is, "Imagine that Week 1 is just like Week 10" and most will grasp it. Coaches and players alike. All throughout the season I can pretty much guarantee you all across the state there are coaches saying, "This game is our LOS" when they play a rival or "This game is our Super Bowl" when playing against great odds or "Leave it all on the field" on any given Friday. I've seen both systems, I've been there in the practices day in and day out in both systems, I've been there to watch the seasons play out in both systems, I come from God's state in terms of football. I should be the easiest sell you have on this topic, but I'm not overly convinced by the general argument. Perhaps some concrete examples of what the specific benefits are for the state, and more importantly the programs, as opposed to the generalities or the "you can't know because you haven't experienced it" approach might help sell it. The realization that I see is that, in Indiana, for the best of the best programs, a qualifier doesn't matter because for them, every seasonal game is like a last game. For the worst of the worst, it wouldn't really matter because for them, they are often just trying to survive week to week, so a qualifier isn't going to make them perform harder. For the above average folks, again, like the best of the best, they are already working to squeeze just about everything they can out of the regular season within the constraints of their schedules/conferences. For the less than average, many of them may have football as a general extracurricular like band or chess club and not necessarily for trophies/titles/etc. For the average folks, with or without the qualifier, they depend on the proverbial "good classes" and perhaps long-term progress to eventually make some waves, even if once or once in a while. Those that move into the above average grouping from average would likely do so regardless of qualifier or not or, conversely, stay average with or without the qualifier. On paper, a qualifier seems to be a motivator, but typically when there's similar reason for responding to it. In high school football, and particularly in Indiana, there isn't. If the argument is that it makes the post season mean something more, then technically, yes it does. A 5-4 team can claim greater bragging rights to making it to post-season over the 4-5 team that's locked out. But then again, I can argue that a pound of sugar is sweeter than a tablespoon of sugar, but one's more impactful in my morning coffee than the other. In a sense, it ends up being a "participation trophy" for the average. If the argument is that the all-in "taints" the post season because it potentially allows a 0-9 team to play a 1-9 team and the 0-9 team makes it to the second round while two 9-0 teams play and only one makes it and the other goes home, then I'm right there with you. That can be fixed though by seeding the tournament. There may be players out there that complain about the post-season, but the complaint that I've heard from coaches and players is tied to the issue that #1 can play #2 in the first round or that #316 and #315 played in the first round not that #316 made it to the post season. On the flip side, all-in with proper seeding provides for more weight to the regular season, less "injustice" to higher-ranked teams, more opportunities for "success" measurements for less-than-high ranked teams, more playing opportunities for players, more flexibility for coaching/schedule, less forced impact on conferences/rivalries, etc. A school like Adams Central doesn't need Knightstown shut out from the post-season to make its claim to being a competitive team. Similarly, West Lafayette doesn't consider its sectional title worthless because Princeton made it into the post-season. Again, from a player/coach perspective how do you convince Adams Central that their run this year is any different with or without Knightstown in the mix. Similarly, how do you convince West Lafayette that their year is any different with or without Princeton in the mix? The answer to selling the qualifier lies in answering those kinds of questions from a program perspective. One benefit that you could sell is that it gives 1A-4A a week off before the post-season. Then again, there are plenty of ways to get that and, to get that week off, would folks select a qualifier or starting the season a week early or getting rid of the scrimmage or making 1A-4A an 8-week season or giving up playing in LOS and playing a week later?

In my opinion, I think you are short-selling Indiana's coaches, at a minimum, and players, at a maximum. Just like there are Indiana coaching families, there are also coaching families that span states. And just like there are Indiana player families, there are also extended player families across states. My son plays here in Indiana, but is quite aware of the Texas system due to relatives. Likewise, there are coaches in the Lafayette area that have siblings coaching high school ball in other states. While they may not have directly coached it or played it, they can certainly comprehend it. Realistically, coaching/playing in an all-in vs. qualifying environment is less about actual football and more about administration/management.

This happened in a sectional game a few years ago, but was one of the wildest things I've seen (and the officials talked for a few minutes to make sure they had it right. Team A throws an interception at the 50. Team B returns it to the +25, but a post-possession flag for holding is thrown on Team B at about the +35. At the end of the play, Team A is called for a personal foul (I believe it was a facemask, but might have been a late hit - and I understand one is a live-ball and one a dead-ball foul). IIRC, the ball was taken back to the spot of the interception and the penalties enforced there and Team B retained the ball. == Alternatively, let's take a similar play but change the timing of the fouls. *-Team A throws an interception, but a flag is thrown for holding before the pass is thrown. Team B intercepts and is called for a post-possession holding penalty. Does A get the option to decline the penalty and keep the ball or is it an offsetting penalty and replay the down?

MW1971 already banned? Is that a record?

Near win? 😆 I was LOS and must have saw a completely different game. Wow..first time I have ever heard the game described as a near Penn win. CG was undefeated that year....now Avon and CG in the semi-state playing a double OT game....now that was a near win for the Orioles.

You've got a point there. Now we just need Penn to step up this year and take state............or at least make a good impression at Lucas. Indy has dominated 6A since it's inception with the exception of Penn's near win over Center Grove in 2015. Temp pisses me off when he says "show me." But he's right.

SIAC First Round picks Perry Central at Mater Dei I do not know much about Perry Central, looks like they had some very close games against Forest Park and Tell City this year. It does look like they have a strong running game and won the PLAC. Mater Dei raised some eyebrows keeping it close with Reitz the entire game last week. Give me Mater Dei by 17 late in the 2H. Central at Reitz Not a good matchup for Central to keep away from a winless season for the first time in 37 years. Reitz is a different breed and keeps on rolling. Give me the Panthers in a running clock Memorial at Bosse After losing to a close one to Reitz, Memorial has bounced back by earning back to back wins over Vincennes and Castle to tie for 2nd place in the SIAC. On the other hand, Bosse has had a tough season, but does have a solid duo in Wagner/Hope. But with some guys being out tonight, there will be a lot of running in this one by the Tigers. However, give me the Tigers by 3-4 scores, as a potential Memorial/Jasper rematch is looming for next week. Boonville at Harrison Harrison has seen some improvements on both Offense and Defense over the season and has a ranked win over Jasper (#5 that week in 4A). Harrison has consistently been in the Top 4 in passing defense this season, but struggles a lot on the rushing attack. Boonville has had a pleasant season going 6-3, losing to a tough one against Gibson Southern in the PAC-Big School Championship Game. Led by a deadly RB/QB Duo, I can see them doing some damage to Harrison’s run defense, while keeping the passing game low. I’ll take the Pioneers in this one by 16 Vincennes at Gibson Southern Vincennes was a very big surprise as at one point they were in 2nd place for the SIAC, and a few plays away from being 6-3, however, a 3 game skid has not helped their case towards the end of the regular season. But, they have a young squad ready to improve too, with a solid dual threat QB in Hunt and a ball hawk defense. As the Alices always seem to have a defender on a receiver or quick enough to stop a big gain. And getting 10 sacks on the season. While the season has been up and down, Vincennes has shown lots of light too. Like beating Mater Dei 31-28 in a nice bounce back game after their last second loss against Reitz in the previous week. But it has been a rough couple of Weeks for the Alices and it gets even harder tonight. Gibson Southern ran through the PAC again going 9-0 for the 5th time under HC Hart, while getting some nice wins over Terre Haute South Vigo and Kentucky 5A South Warren (Avenged last year’s loss). Jr QB Boyd has taken the reigns under center after Brady Allen graduated and has done an excellent job all year around. While RB Roberts has paved his way on the run game behind a Solid OL. Not to mention on a solid defense giving up 14.1 PPG, while living in a QB’s backfield totaling 24 sacks and 80.0 TFLs. With strong performances by the underclassmen on the team. Gibson Southern has poised itself an 3A favorite all season long, as Titans hope they go back to back. I think this this will be a fun matchup, and Vincennes will be playing for their lives too, however, I’m going to take the Titans by 3 scores.

Replace "regular season finale" with Round 1 and "makes the playoffs" with Round 2 and it is the exact same thing, except now the players that lasted the season get to play one more game.

Damn, I thought taking them to the semi-state was giving them respect. Noted. 1. How can you claim it’s central Indiana bias when the results on the field over the last two decades speaks for itself? 2. What evidence do you have that central Indiana 6A football is down? No dominant team but deeper than its ever been. 3. Respect is earned and Merrillville’s performances over the last couple of years in the tournament have made it a steep hill for Crown Point. People are tired of hearing about it, they want to see it

It is "Let's get this over with so the media can concentrate on Indiana Basketball".

I kinda think they are bored with winning.

My Picks: Sectional Champs: Crown Point Carroll Hamilton SE Carmel Brownsburg Cathedral Warren Central Center Grove Regional Champs: Carroll Carmel Cathedral Center Grove Semi-State Champs: Carmel Center Grove State Champion: Center Grove The biggest storyline in the 6A tournament to me is: Can a Hoosier Crossroads Conference team finally win a state championship in the largest classification for the first time since Fishers in 2010? However, until I see one of those teams finally win class 6A, then I am going to give Center Grove, Carmel, Cathedral, and Ben Davis the benefit of the doubt over them. I think there's a very strong chance the winner of the Center Grove-Cathedral rematch wins its third consecutive state title.

Farouk You!@!.....LOL Actually both are pretty damn good. Always get the Farouk pizza from bobes. I have no idea why it is called that.....just like i dont know what an Alice is.

They won’t get out of the regional.

I met Coach Allen when we were at Cathedral and we played Ben Davis. Chatting with him before the game, and running into him over the years, I can also say what you see is what you get. He is likely the guy who can get by on 2 or 3 hours sleep a night and jump out of bed. It has been a few years since we last talked, but I enjoy every chat. I also would have liked to have seen what he and Wilson could have done together for a few years. One thing I would have liked to see continue that Wilson started was the remote 1 day camps with his staff. They came up to Homestead HS and had a great turnout. I had a great chat with Coach Allen then. I know people look at him during a game and roll their eyes, but as others have said,it is 100% authentic. I do agree that as a head coach, he needs to tone it down a few notches. Just like a coach that likes to yell and scream all the time, if wins are not following, it all becomes noise to the players. I also think that even recently, had DeBoer stayed around, we might see a better team. Coaches are frequently going for other jobs from IU. I get why, but it is hard to really build a program with a revolving door like that.

*-Rule does not apply at Michigan Stadium (and Bill Lynch will launch a wad of gum 40 yards in protest).

At one time, they had less than 1K, but that was about 25 years ago. Westfield has absolutely exploded in size.

I think they're much improved from last season on the defense side of the ball. Should be a good one if it comes down to it.

Self-admitted stat nerd so decided to take a look at/rank all 48 sectional according to Sagarin. Simply averaged the field's overall rating and divided by the number of teams in each sectional. Interesting to see the in-class breakdown and 1-48. 1. Sectional 5 (6A) 2. Sectional 4 (6A) 3. Sectional 6 (6A) 4. Sectional 2 (6A) 5. Sectional 3 (6A) 6. Sectional 1 (6A) 7. Sectional 14 (5A) 8. Sectional 12 (5A) 9. Sectional 8 (6A) 10. Sectional 13 (5A) 11. Sectional 10 (5A) 12. Sectional 15 (5A) 13. Sectional 22 (4A) 14. Sectional 11 (5A) 15. Sectional 24 (4A) 16. Sectional 7 (6A) 17. Sectional 19 (4A) 18. Sectional 28 (3A) 19. Sectional 16 (5A) 20. Sectional 27 (3A) 21. Sectional 21 (4A) 22. Sectional 37 (2A) 23. Sectional 29 (3A) 24. Sectional 31 (3A) 25. Sectional 17 (4A) 26. Sectional 18 (4A) 27. Sectional 25 (3A) 28. Sectional 9 (5A) 29. Sectional 32 (3A) 30. Sectional 23 (4A) 31. Sectional 20 (4A) 32. Sectional 48 (1A) 33. Sectional 34 (2A) 34. Sectional 26 (3A) 35. Sectional 30 (3A) 36. Sectional 44 (1A) 37. Sectional 47 (1A) 38. Sectional 38 (2A) 39. Sectional 35 (2A) 40. Sectional 40 (2A) 41. Sectional 36 (2A) 42. Sectional 39 (2A) 43. Sectional 33 (2A) 44. Sectional 41 (1A) 45. Sectional 42 (1A) 46. Sectional 46 (1A) 47. Sectional 43 (1A) 48. Sectional 45 (1A)