Leaderboard

My 2 cents: I first saw Westfield when they came up to play Merrillville in the semistate in November, 2020. Before the game even started, I knew Merrillville was in trouble. Even in the pregame, you could see Westfield was extremely well-organized and disciplined. And that’s the way they played. Not extraordinarily athletic, but no missed assignments, no bad body language, no stupid penalties. Their sideline ran as smoothly as I’ve ever seen in a great big game on the road. In that regard, I felt they were comparable to Center Grove. In my view, these are the signs of a very well-coached team: discipline and execution. In the times I’ve seen them after that, same thing.

Quick. Someone tell Snider its championship is devalued since 5A only had 31 teams last year.

Not really a surprise to the locals here. Coach Gilbert ran for Westfield mayor last year, but lost to current mayor Scott Willis in the May Republican primary. With Coach Miracle taking over, a long time Gilbert assistant, the program is in good hands.

Tried to tell ya.

I think I found my answer in what constitutes a Top 5 job. That excludes any team from FWCS being in the Top 100.

1. Money, great SES, two parent households, etc. 2. One of, if not THE fastest growing area of population in the state. 3. Facilities are top notch. 4. Best conference in Indiana FORCES them to stay competitive (a rising tide raises all boats). 5. Recent state championship appearance/success that can be sold as a cultural piece to the current crop of student athletes. 6. Pay/teaching schedule. Just my opinion.

Top 5 job in Indiana...maybe better.

If this is a legitimate concern, we could just utilize our brain power (decision makers) and write a clause or bylaw into the classification rules that would allow 1A to be corrected/ adjusted to always have 32 teams, given extreme circumstances such as "teams in 1A drop football or close all together in a 2 year cycle, (list other reasons), or otherwise." I was even kind enough to begin drafting the clause for 'em! Lol I'll be honest, one of my primary reasons for supporting 1A having 32 teams as opposed to 5A is the health and safety of the 1A players. Do we truthfully believe that it's "more grueling" for 5A schools with rosters of anywhere from 50-100 guys to go through their season than it is for 15-35 guys on 1A rosters, most of whom are playing all 3 ways? Let's give those 1A guys the extra week to get healthy before the postseason. Valpo, Merrillville, Whiteland, Decatur Central, and the like will manage just fine without a Bye, in my opinion. My initial thought/ question. I just decided to play along and attempt a solution for HoopsCoach's proposed problem.

Come on - you laughed.....

Swift I think is a interesting signing for Bears, reasonable price, but not stupid price, essentially a 2 year contract. Love the Safety Byrad signing and especially the price also. Now with all the QB movements that have occurred: What is logically known? Vikings (just signed Sam Darnold) Pats (Just signed Jacoby Brisett) Commanders. (Still has Sam Howell) 11th, 3rd, 2nd picks How bout this scenario: Vikings send: Justin Jefferson, 11th overall, 4th/5th in 2024: 1st and 3rd in 2025: 2nd in 2026 For 1st overall Pick in 2024: 4th in 25: 3rd in 26. Extend JJ right away. Draft J.J. at 9 Draft best EDGE/BOARD PLAYER at 11. Fields plays next 2 years with JJ and behind him. Give Bears a chance to see if this Coach can unlock talent of Fields, if he does and he turns out to be that guy, then you have trade capitol of JJ LETS GO!!!

How much value is there in a 1A state championship after 3-4 teams in the class drop football or close all together in a 2 year cycle? That is my primary reason for opposing 1A having only 32 schools.