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I’ve been following this since I was updated on Friday the coach was headed to the hospital. Sometimes we are quickly reminded how fragile life is and as great as this game we celebrate is, it is minuscule in the whole scheme of our time on earth. My thoughts and prayers are for the family and community that they can find comfort in this difficult time now and in the next couple weeks as we approach the holiday season.

Hey, I said early, early on I thought they would show up in LOS. All I knew for certain was that they were supposed to have the same level defense returning. That, along with the fact that 3A has simply been better at the uppermost end than 4A the prior 3-4 years, made me feel pretty comfortable projecting that. Still, bummed out that Memorial is the first 3A team to be playing in the 4A Championship....I really wanted my team of favor to be the first. I simply can’t give the Tigers enough credit, though. How the heck a 3A school has 2 Men’s Fall sports teams perennially playing at State Championship level is way, way more than remarkable. “Unbelievable” is the better word. Best wishes to them. Hoping our kids can someday come up and play again. A tip of the hat to the Tigers.

The coaching staffs of both Indy Lutheran and LCC have come together and will Honor Coach Bowsman of West Washington with Helmet Stickers that read #WWeFamily. It was important for the coaches to show support for one of there coaching brothers. Also to show support for West Washington during this difficult time.

This is absolutely terrible news. Coach Bowsman always went out of this to talk to me the times Linton faced off with his Senators. And we had great discussions on social media about football and small school sports in general in past years. I was very happy for his success and know that he is very respected and liked by the whole community. I had send him a personal note just a couple weeks back as the Senators rolled thru their regional win. WW is in the middle of nowhere, but what a place it is to be on a high school football Friday night. I know this has to be so hard on his family, his team, and the whole WW area. My lasting memory was after Linton beat WW in one of the tourney games at Cambellsburg how we talked for 45 minutes in an endzone after everyone had left the field. JUst hate to hear this happening to someone so young and who gives so much back to his community. My prayers to all affected.

Prayers to the West Washington Football team and to the whole community during this difficult time. The coaching staffs of both Indy Lutheran and Lafayette Central Catholic felt it was important to honor coach Bowsman. So Both Indy Lutheran and LCC will be wearing helmet stickers with #WWeFamily in honor of coach Bowsman This Friday. Peace be with you All

There's nothing better than beating Chatard. Just ask @jimsinchur

I believe you're mistaking Chatard for the other Northside Catholic school on 56th Street. Just take a look at the roster that was posted in the thread, 95% of the team is from Archdiocese schools on the Northside of Indy. Take your slander elsewhere.

I was at the hospital to see a dear friend of mine and witnessed a lot of love and support of the coach. It was heart wrenching to see a family/community going thru a trying time like that. Our hearts go out to his support system.

no disrespect to Andrean's QB, but he was not on same level as their 2018 QB who is walk on at IU nor is he on the same level of Wright at Webo, so throw those comparisons out the window.

😂😂 sure Cathedral, and some of the 6A teams we’ve played might have something to say about that. Check MishMarian last week, gave up 7 point on average all year and lost 45-0. Next.

🙄

I know this is a rematch but I think viewing it as such obscures at least one pretty good story here. The fact that Western Boone has returned shouldn't really surprise anyone. Certainly, nothing is guaranteed and they had to earn their way back. And while they lost some good players from last season, they returned a good number of starters. This is an entirely different Eastbrook team than what we saw last year in terms of key players returning. The number of senior starters they lost from last season is crazy. They started the year dropping 2 tough non-conference games including a blowout at Delta. But instead of quitting on the season, these players rallied around one another and committed to learning the roles they were being asked to play and executing those at a high level. Just as importantly, they continued to believe in themselves and have confidence in their teammates to win big games. That was apparent to me on Friday against Andrean. Andrean looked the part. They were much bigger than Eastbrook on both lines and coming off a dominant win over a Lewis Cass team that everyone had penciled in the finals just a couple weeks ago. Guess who didn't give a damn about any of that? The Eastbrook players came out confident and believing they were the better team that night, then proved they were just that. What could easily have been written off as a rebuilding year in this program has turned into one of it's best, with the potential to be THE best still there headed into Thanksgiving weekend. So while this is a rematch of the same two programs as last season, I think looking at it as such ignores all the best parts about Eastbrook getting back there.

Chatard...a lot to a little

It’s fitting that these two schools meet at LOS now that Chatard has been moved North - lots a tradition between them....and mutual respect, I hope. It’s been a few years now but, for some time, it was almost an annual game.....maybe more like a war. I think this Chatard team is a pretty special one (even for Chatard), maybe even an historically good one, and would like to see them roll just as they have done in every game so far (excepting...that..........one) but Heritage Hills, in years past, has always had an answer for Chatard no matter how good Chatard was that year. I’d be surprised if they didn’t have an answer again. Hoping both teams play their best and when the smoke clears the Trojans come out on top. Seriously though, it just seems right these two particular teams finally meet at Lucas Oil....where they should have been playing all along.

Wine math. Fermented from sour grapes.

That analogy is spot on. Adjustments for the better have been made. What amazes me most about this year is that we haven't relied on #16 at all this season. He is obviously a good player, but we've had other guys pick up for him. He has been injured a lot this season. #24 has absolutely changed the season. our underclassmen have contributed more than I would of ever thought. I hear all the grumbling about how we will struggle next season, but with our returners, I see us atleast getting out of our extremely weak sectional. I would of never guessed ( with what both teams lost to graduation) we would be seeing this rematch. Im excited as hell!!

these same rehashed arguments, which are already taking place in multiple other threads, are so lame and boring so I'm going to post this because it's even slightly game related

This is such a tragedy and total heartbreak. This man has done incredible things with this football program, for the school athletics, the school itself, all the kids he’s helped over the years, and most importantly his family and friends. I didn’t know the guy one bit, but from what I can tell he’s a great man. I send my condolences to everyone who knows and loves Coach Bowsman from way up north.

Well, apparently I exceeded the limit on likes and such () but ... I couldn't agree more! These boys, and parents, will never forget this week or season!

Much Love to @XStar on the donation to the cause!! The GID Community THANKS YOU

Stinky, Stink, Stink 1.2..3... The Pats will be the Public School State Champs this Friday! Nothing wrong with that Pat's we were the same in 2016!

It was three years ago tomorrow a chain of events began that led us to losing two family members by Christmas. Thanksgiving dinner was in the cafeteria at IU that year. The holidays just have not been the same. My heart breaks for the Bowsman family, Coach Bowsman was passionate about his Senators. I worked some Softball down there as well, always enjoyed talking Football with him when I was there. I'm so old I remember working games when he was a player back in the day.

This is just devastating news. I lost my mom on Christmas in 2014, and it just never gets easier every time that holiday rolls around. I am sending my condolences and prayers to everyone in the West Washington community and to Coach Bowsman, his family, and his friends.

no... please don't

Eastbrook returned 2 on defense and on offense they returned the Qb -16 wideout-26 and one O-Linemen. I saw Friday’s game I don’t think I have seen a def in 2A or even 3A put on a performance like they did. Reminds me of the old Jimtown team in the 90s hard nosed open field tackling speedy lil suckers. I talked to a few Eastbrook parents while there. I lift saying if they man handled Andrean like this? I think I’m watching the next 2A state champs. I know webo thinks there QB is gonna just throw all over them. Well so did that Andrean stud! Unless something crazy happens I look for a really great defense performance again. No dog in this Eastbrook 34-10

You would think Chatard has been hit pretty hard all year by the following teams: 4A Sectional Champion (Roncalli), 5A Sectional Champ (Cathedral), 5A Regional Champ (Bloomington South), 3A 12-2 Regional Champ Marian, and a 6A Southport team that went 7-4 and lost to BD in the sectional championship... But @HHPatriots thinks their tackling is the second-coming of the '85 Bears.

I can’t imagine EM will wear down. Several you listed have been making plays on both sides of ball for 3 years. I’ve noticed OL’s getting worn down trying to block EMs DL and LB. I guess we will find out Saturday. EM has always asked a handful of kids to play both ways. I think that’s a big reason they’ve played Thanksgiving weekend the last 3 years. #6 didn’t play both ways much till week 7 and then again week 12, 13, and 14. You will see a very fast hard hitting defense. If QB is on the run I like our chances. Can’t get away from #6 and #69.

I’m taking the battle-tested knights in a low scoring affair. Knights 24-21.

EN: 30 Memorial: 21 East Noble cannot afford to turn the ball over 6 times in this game. I am worried about tipped balls at the line, but the offense will be able to score against the Memorial Defense. Memorial wants to sit back in zone and let the pass rush control the game. They do a fantastic job of bend, don't break defense. However, if Parker has time or scrambles around he will hit guys down field or use his legs to get yards. The EN defense needs to stop the screen passes and bubbles on the perimeter and stop the run. I think if EM is forced to throw intermediate passes, that will give EN the best chance to win the game. The biggest question in this game is will Memorial wear down in the 2nd half? Finn McCool(best name in football), Combs, #14, #69, #82, #57, #77, and few others I am probably missing are asked to do a lot. It seems like in the games I watched, those guys were making all kinds of plays on both sides of the ball. I expect a great game and atmosphere on Saturday afternoon.

Heritage Hills won the coin flip and will be the "home" team wearing dark uniforms. Bishop Chatard wearing all-whites

That's fair... I think Webo getting back there did surprise a lot of people... The top 8 receivers from last year? Gone. The Starting RB? Gone. Replaced 2/5 on the O-Line and the wings (Kernodle, Hendrix). So Offensive Starters Returning... Wright, Max Johnson, Casey Foster, Jake Jones. That is it. Defensive Starters Back.. Caleb Freeman, Connor Hole, Bret Wethington, Cortez Stoudemire, Luke Marsh, Josh Benson. Shally, Deetz, Devin Weakley, Peyton Young, McAtee all gone. Replaced about 1/2 of the starting D and 7/11 on Offense (including all of their skill kids except 7). That isn't to take anything away from Eastbrook. They battled back and got there. I think this should be a fantastic game. Lots of old school smash mouth football.

Come on man! Really? Why not just post your entire roster? The Patriots have players all over the field too but I won't be listing them all out on here.

It's always been southern Indiana. https://www.in.gov/history/markers/4129.htm

I’m pickin’ up what you’re puttin’ down. It’s entirely possible that this year’s Chatard team is just that much better than everybody else in 3A. So I would not be surprised if they win, by a small margin or a big margin. But you’re certainly right that we heard a lot of the same talk last year. And my beloved Tigers thumped them pretty decisively. After that game, it was hard to avoid the notion of Indy bias — whether from fans or media. It would be like any team from Indiana — New Pal, 2017 Ben Davis, last year’s WC — playing an elite team from Texas. Few would give the Indiana team a chance...because Indiana teams don’t beat Texas teams in HS football. But there’s a reason they play the games. Go Pats!

I'll take.... CG: 13 Carmel: 10 I really don't know how Carmel will be able to finish drives against CG's defense. Those two sophomore DL for CG are absolute animals. #91 had 4 TFL's against BD on Friday. Obviously, Carmel's D is for real but CG's offense with #13, #8, #5, and #30 can hit explosive plays at any point. I'm tired of hearing how since these two teams have played each other before in the state championship, this will be a boring game. This will be a defensive slugfest with PLENTY of high-level talent on the field.

What makes you say this is the best Chatard fan ever? Can you please detail the difference between a city schedule and Catholic team than a regular 3A team? Are they faster? Do they hit harder? Pray better?

Man oh man. Lutheran finally punched their ticket. Being on two of the teams that lost in Semi-State, couldn’t be happier for them. Obviously, I’m pulling for them hard. Both Lutheran and LCC are great teams with great programs and great coaches. I don’t know a whole lot about this LCC team, but I know they have plenty of experience at LOS. This Lutheran team has been chomping at the bit for a long time now. These seniors were in 7th grade when Lutheran first lost at Semi-State in 2014. Every loss since then has led to this moment. This team is thirsty for a title, and they’re going to do just about anything to walk away with a win on Friday. Heading the offense, Junior QB Blake White, who has shown up and shown out this year. This offseason, he trained hard and came back ready to play some damn good football. Obviously, Senior RB Marcus “Mack” McFadden is the best small school RB and one of the best in the state. Hard runner and just makes dudes miss! White also has so many options to throw to I don’t even want to write out all their names! Finally, the guys up front, averaging a weight of around 230ish, make massive holes and get to second level well to lead the way for McFadden. LCC will have to keep Lutheran’s high-powered offense in check or else they’ll run away with it. The defensive side of things for the Saints is another great situation. Armed with one of, if not the best linebacker core in Indiana in Peyton Knight, Marcus McFadden, and Hayden Filipovich. All three excel at filling holes and pursuing outside runs. Up front, the line is averaging around 255ish would be my guess, and they control the line pretty darn well. They’ve done well against the run all year, and I don’t expect this game to be any different. I don’t know what LCC excels at, in terms of offense, but Lutheran will be ready. Overall, I think this will be an overall good game. Certainly better than Pioneer’s blowout snooze fest last year. The first quarter, possibly half will be back and forth, and we’ll have to see where it goes. However, if Lutheran can get out to a 2 TD lead, that’s where they excel and the momentum snowballs from there. I’m looking forward to a fun game, and pulling for my boys to bring home the blue! Lutheran 42 LCC 21

Schools 300 miles and 5 hours or so apart. Good thing it’s at a neutral site. Let’s call it the Battle of I-69 (trademark pending.)

Hobart fans tried talking trash like this last week and look what happened to them...

The success factor probably necessitates a lot deck reshuffling every year. Anyhow, I haven’t seen HH this year. But how awesome is it that they had a game with almost 500 yards rushing and almost zero yards passing? That’s my kind of football.

Because in the IHSAA committee's infinite wisdom, they decided to put 4 of the best 10 teams in the class in one sectional (Chatard, WL, Brebeuf and Guerin Catholic) and 3 of the best teams in the class in 32 (Heritage Hills, Gibson S and Southridge). Leaving a lot of mediocrity in the other 6 sectionals. Thank goodness the best team in the south and the best team in the north (although Chatard never should have been in the north to begin with) are playing in the finals.

How awful. Coach Bowsman is such a young man - mid 40s, maybe? Sending prayers to his family and the WW community.

And people said that I was crazy for ranking Memorial No. 1 in the 4A poll this season? I did drop them slightly after their loss.

Yeah cause it really sucks having to watch really good football.

I really don’t follow 6A much.... but wasn’t there some guy this season here on the board who was crying about “Center grove isn’t a top 15 team regardless of class! They have ____ losses” yeahhhhhhh lol

He’s talking about a single play early in the game last year in which a backward pass was incorrectly ruled an incomplete forward pass. Had it been ruled correctly, it likely would have been an Eastbrook recovery, and it’s possible they would have even scored on the play. The play has been dissected on the GID. It was the wrong call but, under the circumstances which, again, were discussed extensively, it was a difficult call. It was one play - a big play, no doubt - but only one play early in a game that ended up 34-20. The only people who can blame that outcome on officiating are either blindly biased fans, people unsophisticated in the ways of football, or people only interested in stirring the pot. Don’t know which category he belongs in. As far as selection of officials for the tournament is concerned, this document explains the process: http://www.ifoa.us/Resources/Documents/H-8 IHSAA Policy for Selection of Officials for Football Tournament Series AMENDED 71113.pdf If you have specific questions about the selection process, I’ll try to answer them. But it suffices to say that the process is quite controversial, and the subject of much debate in the officiating community, primarily because of what is viewed as disproportionate weight given to coaches’ rating of officials.

The answers you seek are available on North Meridian Street.

Why play the state finals under different rules than everything else? Do we not care about the teams that suffer from bad/missed calls in a regional or semistate loss?

New Pal overrated. Spiegal Catalog can’t run between the tackles. BS is no bs. Bloomington South 73 New Palestine 0.