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I'd need a little help from a Plymouth source, but I do not believe the well completely dried up for them. I was under the impression that Valley might have had a dip themselves, but could 100% be incorrect. Haven't seen the season preview in the Times-Union for Valley yet (I think it comes out today). I don't disagree. A lot of people like to mention New Prairie as an added option, but I think the time zone difference really hinders New Prairie from seriously being considered. I know the NIC makes things work currently, but they're all MUCH closer to New Carlisle than basically every school in the NLC. Columbia City would be quite the trek for Mishawaka, Concord, and Northridge, but I agree they could/should be in consideration if the NLC ever needed/wanted to add additional members. I appreciate it! Just wish others from NLC schools would post their thoughts and opinions a bit more so it's not just me in this echo chamber 😄

As a player in the NLC from WAY back, I appreciate reading your content and analysis @NLCTigerFan07! Keep it up.

In an effort to be more efficient, so we can move on to more productive topics: Others: “The NCAA really socked it to Michigan, in the form of multiple “show causes, fines & suspensions. Deservedly so, as they were proved to be despicable cheaters.” Temptation: “The NCAA is a toothless clown show.” Others: “The evidence — at least the part the Michigan people didn’t destroy or conceal — showed a pervasive, well thought out, and well-funded scheme to steal signals.” Temptation: “There’s no proof that any competitive advantage was ever gained.” Others: “With the scheme in place, they won a national championship. Without it, they clearly took a step back last season.” Temptation: “But still beat the eventual national champs in the big game on their own field.” Hopefully, that’ll take care of it and we can move on.

Indeed. What is the purpose? This is an excellent question. Nobody that I know thinks it is smart. A friend at South Spencer told me that they find this utterly ridiculous as well...."how many times do we have to hear that stupid train horn Friday night?" I heard thru the grapevine that this is the last year. I hope so. Most of us would rather lose a game having our weaknesses exposed so we can learn rather than beating a team like SS 56-0. As you said, it helps nobody. With all that said, 20 - 25 years ago this was a great rivalry. Now it is just awful. Hopefully the rumors are true and this is the last year. With that said: HH vs SOUTH SPENCER Friday, August 22nd 7:00 pm CDT Kickoff @ Heritage Hills - The Jungle History Of The Matchup South Spencer (0-0) @ Heritage Hills (0-0) Heritage Hills High School - The Jungle Friday, August 22, 2025 7:00 pm CDT Kickoff This is the 55th meeting between Heritage Hills and South Spencer. The Patriots lead the overall series 42-12. The 12 wins that South Spencer has over Heritage Hills is second to Southridge for the most wins of any opponent against the Patriots. South Spencer is one of only three teams that have been on the Patriot football schedule at least once, every year, since their inaugural season in 1972. Like many of the Patriot's opponents, the Rebels dominated the Patriots in the early days of the series winning 5 of the first 7 meetings. The Patriots went on to win 4 of the next 5 games to tie the series up at 6-6. The Rebels would regain the series lead 7-6 with an overtime win in 1984 and the series would remain tightly contested through the first 21 meetings. After a Rebel win in 1991, the Patriots led the series by a slim 11-10 margin. After that loss the Patriots won the next 19 meetings before the Rebels ended the streak with a 14-0 win in 2011. The Patriots have won 12 out of the last 13 games since the loss in 2011.  PACK THE JUNGLE this Friday to cheer for the RED, WHITE, & BLUE! For The Record 1972 HH 21, SS 20 1973 SS 41, HH 3 1974 SS 9, HH 7 1975 SS 35, HH 7 1976 SS 35, HH 2 1977 HH 19, SS 7 1978 SS 21, HH 14 1979 HH 14, SS 2 1980 HH 48, SS 0 1981 SS 19, HH 13 1982 HH 27, SS 0 1983 HH 28, SS 6 1984 SS 25, HH 19 1985 HH 31, SS 14 1986 HH 26, SS 13 1987 HH 20, SS 7 1988 HH 20, SS 17 1989 SS 35, HH 7 1990 SS 28, HH 0 1990 HH 14, SS 6 1991 SS 14, HH 13 1992 HH 23, SS 12 1993 HH 25, SS 12 1994 HH 21, SS 7 1995 HH 35, SS 14 1996 HH 26, SS 0 1997 HH 55, SS 7 1998 HH 28, SS 7 1999 HH 28, SS 7 2000 HH 14, SS 6 2001 HH 31, SS 7 2002 HH 41, SS 7 2003 HH 28, SS 3 2004 HH 42, SS 14 2005 HH 44, SS 0 2006 HH 28, SS 8 2007 HH 31, SS 7 2008 HH 23, SS 0 2009 HH 13, SS 7 2010 HH 28, SS 14 2011 SS 14, HH 0 2012 HH 45, SS 8 2013 SS 17, HH 14 2014 HH 19, SS 10 2015 HH 41, SS 13 2016 HH 28, SS 7 2017 HH 52, SS 21 2018 HH 76, SS 0 2019 HH 42, SS 0 2020 HH 36, SS 7 2021 HH 28, SS 0 2022 HH 55, SS 19 2023 HH 40, SS 0 2024 HH 48, SS 0 Join The QB Club THIS FRIDAY 5:30-6:30 PM CDT @Bob Clayton Hall of Fame Plaza Hamburgers, Patriot dogs snacks and drinks will be served. There will also be an opportunity to purchase some random Patriot Football Gear & Apparel (limited supplies only, so be there early!) Please purchase your membership online before the event possible to avoid long lines and to speed things up upon arrival! Family Membership – $30 2 Pregame Cookouts Access to Weekly Game Film Sessions Individual Membership – $20 2 Pregame Cookouts Access to Weekly Game Film Sessions Below are just a few examples of how the Quarterback Club Memberships contribute to the program. Varsity Tailgate Cookouts for Quarterback Club Members Weekly Game Film Sessions Halftime Snacks for Players and Coaches Travel Expenses for Away Games (Meals, Charter Buses, etc. ) Additional Event Expenses Summer Camps Additional Costs Required for Equipment, Uniforms, etc. Once you have joined the QB Club, we will have your name on the list at the QB Club Tailgate Dinners being hosted on the dates below. Show up, enjoy some great food, and cheer on Patriot Football!  Friday, August 22 vs South Spencer 5:30 - 6:30 pm CST Dinner (7:00 Kickoff) Friday, September 12 vs Southridge 5:00 - 6:00 pm CST Dinner (6:30 Kickoff)

Time to start the regular season: Scecina 41 - Concordia 20 Marion 35 - South Side 21 North Side 28 - Northridge 21 Roncalli 21 - Dwenger 14 Northrop 28 - New Haven 20 Westfield 42 -Homestead 21 HSE 31 - Carroll 14 East Noble 42 - Wayne 13 Leo 28 - Luers 14 Snider 35 - Warsaw 14

Brownsburg is #44. Trinity has always held their own against the best in this state and Ohio. As with most teams in this early poll, traditional strength and returning players are the main factors in ranking. Talked with some fans from Detroit King several years ago at a Carmel game and they said Fort Wayne schools would not return their calls. Also know that Central Catholic and Whitmer are always seeking games.

Yeah I don't see us beating Bowling Green. Heck, they beat Trinity sometimes.

Yes. Only reason I ask is because, in basketball, I know some states have a shot clock. I figured most rules in football were pretty consistent from state to state aside from minor differences.

No propaganda at all. Pike competes for the conference crown in any conference not named the MIC/HCC. That is as far as I will go.

I'm not sure Snider would want that.

I believe currently 47 of the 50 states play by NFHS rules. The other three being NCAA. So yes, for the most part same playing rules. However some nuanced stuff is different. For instance, during COVID, our team box was expanded 20-20. KY kept that and allow coaches down there. We never allowed coaches. Does that make sense?

Martinsville Bloomington South Floyd Central Greenwood Cincinnati Taft New Albany (upset [kinda?] special) South Dearborn

If there are any, they are likely D3/NAIA. Once you move to D2 you often have to travel on Fridays to your game. Some D1/D2 officials will keep their HS license active so they can help out early in the season or if they have an off week.

I think these picks look good. Small Division thoughts Wouldn't be surprised if South Side hangs tough with Marion like they have the past two years. East Noble is such a tough matchup for Wayne, but I expect the Generals to be in the small division race. I hope Concordia has more of a pulse this year, it seems like they've been a young team for the past couple of seasons and I'm wondering when all that varsity experience for the young guys will pay off. I think week 1 might be most telling for Luers. If they hang tough with Leo again I think it will lead to another promising season, they just can't stumble down the order to South Side again. I'm a little worried about North Side. Seems like they've had trouble putting it all together. I'm optimistic they'll beat Northridge, but like East Noble/Wayne, its a tough matchup for the SAC team in my eyes. My standings prediction 1. Luers 2. North 3. Wayne 4. Concordia 5. South Big division thoughts Throp really needs to blow out New Haven week 1 and a show some improvement. Could be another long year if not. Gonna be a tough opening week for Carroll and Homestead. I think Westfield hangs a crooked number on the Spartans this year. I'm interested to see what the Chargers look like, and think they have more of a shot than Homestead. Dwenger vs Roncalli is really exciting as well. Like you, I think the Saints will be right there with some of the top teams in 4A this year. Snider once again looks gnarly. I think they handle Warsaw as well, but maybe more like 21-7 in a ball control masterclass. 1. Snider 2. Dwenger 3. Carroll 4. Homestead 5. Northrop

Here would be my picks based on those spreads: Garrett @ Adams Central (-2) Ben Davis @ Cathedral (-15.5) Andrean @ Merrilville (-24) Carmel @ Fishers (-5.5) Center Grove (-14.5) @ Warren Central Danville @ Gibson Southern (-11) FW Carroll @ HSE (-19.5) Concord (-6.5) @ Elkhart Decatur Central (-12.5) @ Avon Evansville North @ Castle (-12) FW Luers @ Leo (Pick'em) Lafayette Jeff @ Chatard (-8) Lawrence Central @ Lawrence North (-28.5) Mishawaka Marian @ Mishawaka (-27) Mooresville @ Bloomington North (-7.5) New Pal (-43.5) @ Kokomo Noblesville (-23) @ Mount Vernon Penn (-6) @ Valpo Pike (-9.5) @ Zionsville South Putnam @ North Putnam (-1.5) Spalding (Maryland) (-26.5) @ Brownsburg Warsaw @ FW Snider (-7.5) West Lafayette @ Harrison (WL) (-6) Whiteland @ Columbus North (-18.5)

Our production is not student run to my knowledge and I believe it will be free. We definitely save the costs of paying to have it done by doing it in-house. I listened to a couple of your games last year. You both did a ice job.

Not a thing really....I just have a memory like an elephant...it's a real problem although my wife tells me it's selective LOL. I am doing the broadcast which will be simulcast into the stream (lets cross our fingers that it works ok). Simulcast might be too fancy of a term....the stream is a simple HULD focus cam tacticle view with our radio audio plugged into it. My partner Riley Angel got a big boy job in broadcasting, which I am happy for him but sad for me....he was really good at play by play. The college is sending me a former student that I think has a big job in media for D-Patrick. Our AD also to be behind a pay wall for the stream. I see where Memorial went in house as well with what I imagine is a student ran production truck scenerio (good job!). From looking around the IHSAA website this trend is exploding and will probabably elimiate many of these streaming organizations. I have also noticed (especially with some many of our Catholic friends) that some are bringing audio streaming inhouse to replace radio with a platform called MiXLR. Might as well keep those sponsorship dolloars yourself.

LOL, you sure have a thing for the SIAC... I agree 100% that some rivalries are good for the community even if the game is not highly competitive (GS/Princeton is an example). Truth is, almost every conference (including the mighty SIAC) has weak teams - ours are Bosse/Harrison/Central (in recent years). Keep in mind that HH played a very strong LCA team last year that no doubt gave them the competition they needed to supplement the weak PAC teams like Princeton/Washington/North Posey/South Spencer from the PAC. Going to two divisions really was a smart move by the PAC. I sure wish the SIAC would do it, but I'm told it is a non-starter. It also may have situated VL to be in a more competitive spot. BTW, you doing radio broadcast or the stream? Well done, HHPatriots. You really set the bar high for game previews.

Week 1 Schedule BNL at 4A #5/6 Martinsville Columbus East at 5A #4 Bloomington South Floyd Central at Warren East (KY) Greenwood at Seymour Jeffersonville at Div. IV #9 Cincinnati Taft New Albany at 1A #1 Providence South Dearborn at Jennings County

Man, it's good to be back. I can't wait to be insulted by @temptation for the first time this season.

Prep, don’t we know that stealing is a sin? Boy you are lucky, Speedhawk has thick skin. took me all day to photoshop so nice Copying me, you better think twice Just don’t get caught with imposter syndrome Because our David in November will get a trophy in the big Oil Dome

Or North Posey for that matter..but HH won a state championship with that SOS. Makes it hard to knock them. Some might argue that county rivalries are important to the communities. The SIAC faithful used to say (on this forum) that this type of schedule would never lead to post season success….guess those cats were wrong.

While I get what you’re saying, understand that we’ve played Castle in the scrimmage for quite a few years. I’ve been to at least the last 8 or 9. And Doug’s been their coach for roughly 20. So I kind of have an idea what to expect. I think it would be as wrong to say you can learn nothing about a team by watching those as it would to be definitive about how they’re going to be. And I’m simply saying that Castle didn’t look as sharp as they normally do. No more and no less.

Nobody gonna mention “the hammer” that dropped last week.”?

Not giving the IndyStar a dime, but would love to see what Kyle thinks if you want to share…

Let me know when you do 😂

To see if I get any smartass responses

What is the purpose of HH playing SS? No one in the PAC can think this is a good idea. It doesn’t help either team.

I’d also expect LN/LC to be more competitive as would I Spalding/Brownsburg. Just my take.

I’d lower those Cathedral/Decatur Central spreads big time.

Everything looked precise. No issues coming out of the huddle and getting plays off. Very minimal amount of penalties. No turnovers. Caleb got the ball out quickly and was throwing with anticipation and precision. Couldn't really ask for more against Buffalo's backups. I really liked what Johnson said after the game about Caleb starting to stack good practices/game on top of each other. He said he and Caleb are very transparent with each other and he'll tell Caleb when his performance in practice isn't good enough. Caleb has said the same thing as well. I would expect to continue to see Caleb stack good performance as they're going to start scaling back the offense. Johnson said himself they were going to turn the fire hose on in camp to throw everything at Caleb. I think it's fair to say at this point we have a coaching staff that knows what they're doing and is very transparent when it comes to talking about defeciencies.

This is the last year for closed conference for the SIAC, as Vincennes is leaving to the WIC in 2026. Since they wanted to go to conference that fits them better. They did have a nice 2023 season in the SIAC, but they couldn’t get a lot momentum in their other years. However, they did make it to the Sectional Championship back in 2021 and 2023. Jasper has been great addition to the SIAC overall and has been competitive (with other sports too). Jasper also went 9-0 in the SIAC during the 2021 season before their early exit to Northview. They also brought in a new coach this year, Derek Hart, and he has a new offense and defense compared to previous Jasper’s teams. It will be interesting to see how they will do in the postseason, since they’ve struggled since joining.

Unfortunately - looks like I'm the last of the Mohicans in this thread. Somewhat speaks to the state of affairs in the NLC. When I was playing 2 decades ago, every team had a full Freshmen, JV, and Varsity rosters. In many of the past seasons, Freshmen and JV schedules included teams who weren't on the Varsity schedule out of necessity to fill games. I realize Facebook gets a lot of the traffic now, but I miss the days of seeing this thread with posters from every school. Anyway - I'll do my best to do writes ups before each week. I was good about those for a few years and fell off last season. Columbia City at NorthWood: I mentioned this previously, but I love this new matchup to start the year. It was good Warsaw finally got away from starting the season with Columbia City for strength of schedule purposes, but the Eagles have turned into a strong 4A program in northeast Indiana the last few years. It will be weird not seeing the Panthers take on Jimtown, but this is definitely an upgrade for them. I expect this game to be tight... NorthWood by 6 Concord at Elkhart: Going into year 5 of this series and it's split 2-2 with 3 of the games being low scoring slugfest. I think this is an excellent week 1 matchup and hope it sticks around for many years. It will be interesting to see how the Minutemen start the season after last year's "disappointment" of a regular season that didn't amount to any postseason hardware, along with not playing any games on their homefield this season. Elkhart has had a lot of noise this offseason with high expectations, but I'll stick to conference allegiants for now... Concord by 3 Goshen at Fairfield: A backyard brawl that the Redhawks should always dominate has not been the case since it started 9 seasons ago. Fairfield has beaten up on big brother the last 2 years, outscoring Goshen 84-23. The boys from the Maple City need to show some fight and discipline in week 1 if things are ever going to get turned around for that storied program. Finding a way to win 2 games this year will be considered positive momentum, but I'm not sure it happens... Fairfield by 14 Jimtown at Wawasee: With the Panthers kicking the Jimmies off their schedule, they head a little further east on US 6 to find a new opponent in Wawasee in apparently the first ever gridiron meeting between Jimtown and Wawasee. The Warriors start year 2 under Coach Thacker, who has brought a "Bart Ball" style of offense to Syracuse, hoping to put more points up on the scoreboard after being held to 7 points or fewer in 6 of their 10 games last year. I'm hopeful the disciplined style of play will start to show dividends for our Kosciusko brethren. I want to give them the nod playing at home, but will settle for at least a few TDs instead... Jimtown by 15 Marian at Mishawaka: Another backyard rivalry to kick things off, but this one has been dominated by big brother. The Cavemen have won 12 of 13 against Marian, with the only Knights victory coming in their 2020 Semi-State appearance season by a score of 44-43. I anticipate much of the same here before Mishawaka faces quite the back-to-back weeks challenge at Penn then hosting Concord, but they can't overlook little brother wanting to play spoiler... Mishawaka by 21 Northridge at FW North: The rubber match of this series where, interestingly enough, the visiting team has snagged each of the first 2 matchups. The Raiders saw their first losing season since 2019, which is a testament to the program Coach Wogomon created and Coach Eppley has maintained. I haven't seen much news out of the SAC this year, save for some Snider talk. I'll be a conference homer with this pick... Northridge by 4 Tippecanoe Valley at Plymouth: Another local matchup that has apparently never been played before, which is shocking considering their proximity and the fact that they play each other in almost every other sport. The Pilgrims Rockies (earned this right from me after beating Warsaw last year) had their first winning season since 2019, the complete opposite of what occurred in Middlebury. They've progressively gotten better each year under Coach Handley; could this be a year where they are a sneaky darkhorse pick for NLC Champs? I won't go quite that far yet, but like them in their season opener... Plymouth by 13 Warsaw at FW Snider: As stated before, the Tigers have quite the start to their schedule this season, starting with a trip to Fort Wayne to take on perennial power Snider. Unfortunately, this won't be at the Panther's new stadium (opens in 2026). Warsaw lost a bunch from last year's 5A Runner-Up squad, but their starting QB Brock did get some experience under center last season while Sullivan was injured the back half of the regular season. "Bart Ball" starts with the QB, so that will be helpful. However, losing so much in the trenches on both sides of the ball will be tough early against Snider (and Warren Central)... FW Snider by 21