Indiansreloaded

You are correct but the media and schools say "Outbreak" as a reason for the forfeits.

With the schools that have to forfeit due to COVID outbreaks could we see schools win sectional, regional, semi-state, and state titles that in a normal year wouldn't have a chance? I am referring to schools with 0, 1, or 2 wins out of the games that they actually played. Could see a school that has won 1 or 2 games over 3 or 4 years win one of these titles?

Here is a link to the coach speaking with the media. https://www.wane.com/high-school-sports/undefeated-southwood-knocked-out-of-playoffs-by-covid-situation/?fbclid=IwAR3_ITL5ZbpLEHyg-n6uZIq4BMv-hVM-C3SaWxpI7XGGE0NV14q9TN78A8I

Blackford at Eastbrook--Just a couple weeks ago these two teams played each other. Unfortunately for the Bruins the outcome will be the same. Panthers advance to play next week. Tipton at Elwood--The short bus drive to Elwood will be quiet as the Blue Devils focus on how to take care of business. Elwood improved every week this year and broke the loosing streak but they haven't improved enough to beat Tipton. Tipton advances and plays the second half with a running clock. Lapel at Frankton--The final game at the current field for Frankton. Lapel make another short drive to play the final game at the current field. Lapel wins the final game at the field as Frankton can't wait to be on the turf next year by the high school. Alexandria at Eastern--Alexandria has had a roller coaster year. Start out strong in games but by the end of the first half they are done. This week will be no different as Eastern rolls to a win with a running clock the second half. Oak Hill at Bellmont--Oak Hill makes their debut back in 3A against a winless Bellmont that played 1 3A and the rest were 4A schools. This game will be closer than it should be. In the end Oak Hill advances to the semi-finals. Marion at Mississinewa--Both teams have new coach's. They have met the last 3 years with 2 of those games for the sectional title. Mississinewa won 2 out of the 3 with both winning the sectional title. Both teams lost key offensive players. This game will come down to who commits the fewest penalties and turnovers. If this game was at Marion they would have the edge. In the end Mississinewa wins on a field goal in the closing seconds of the game.

Eastbrook and MG---Eastbrook will use this game as a practice to work on things that they need to in order to play Thanksgiving weekend. Eastbrook wins by a lot. Alexandria and Frankton--Which ever team finds the endzone first wins. I will go with Frankton for the win. Mississinewa and Elwood--Mississinewa runs all over an improved Elwood. Mississinewa will use this game to try some things for their sectional game against Marion. Mississinewa wins this one. Oak Hill and Blackford--Blackford is still struggling with numbers. Oak Hill seems to be getting things together and ready for Sectionals. In the end Oak Hill wins this one.

Alexandria at Oak Hill--Alexandria has had a tough 2 weeks with losses to Mississinewa and Eastbrook. Oak Hill is trying to hold on to 2nd place so with this said, Oak Hill runs away with it and Alexandria losses their 3rd straight. Blackford at Mississinewa--Mississinewa seems to have maybe figured some things out offensively. The last 2 weeks Mississinewa wasn't tested as they got up big in the first half in both games. Blackford is improving and is in the hunt for 2nd place in the CIC. If Mississinewa overlooks a few things Blackford will take advantage. This game shouldn't be close, but will be closer than it should be. Mississinewa wins but by 1 TD. Elwood at Eastbrook--Well Congrats to Elwood for ending the streak. Eastbrook is just too much for Elwood. Will Eastbrook score 100 this week? Will Elwood even get on the board? Eastbrook by whatever they want. Madison Grant at Frankton--Didn't think MG would loose to Elwood. This week Frankton is hoping to sneak in a win. MG has lost 4 straight so don't count out a 5th straight loss. But this week MG wins a close one as Elwood is still celebrating the win from last week.

Mississinewa has some talent and size in the Middle School and below. However, just like other schools some will move, quit football, and choose to play another sport. They only have 14 or 15 kids on the 7th grade team. On the 8th grade they have 28 or 29 kids. Some have yet to hit the weight room due to COVID preventing it this summer. Like other schools there will be some kids that may not play much right now but end up being a key player in 2-3 years.

A lot will change between now and then with the Middle School teams. I will use Eastbrook as an example as it seems that the Middle School teams are almost always terrible but then when they get to the high school they are top notch. I saw Frankton Middle School teams play the other night and I will say yes they have talent but at the same time they have kids playing positions that in high school they won't play. The 8th grade team had the biggest kid on the team playing running back. He was bigger than the coach's of both teams. Yes he could run and had speed but with his size it is doubtful he will play running back and middle linebacker in high school. He was built more like a tight end and is bigger than several high school tight ends. The 7th grade team has some big kids but they lacked height. They also had a talented running back. There is a future for Frankton but still a few years out from being up at the top of the CIC and battling with Eastbrook and Mississinewa for the title.

Alexandria at Mississinewa--Was Frankton that bad or did Mississinewa finally find the talent that they have? It is Mississinewa's Homecoming game and Alexandria is struggling but always gives Misssissinewa fits. This game could get interesting depending on which Mississinewa and Alexandria teams show up. In the end Mississinewa rolls and wins big. Blackford at Eastbrook--Blackford is battling the COVID bug in the school and with this said Eastbrook is way too much for Blackford. Eastbrook wins by whatever Adamson wants. Frankton at Oak Hill--Frankton got stomped, beat, or whatever you want to call it last week. Bright side for Frankton is it seems their Middle School teams aren't that bad and has talent, but that is the history of Frankton. Oak Hill may just score 70 or more this week as they cruise to victory. Madison Grant at Elwood--Could this be the week that Elwood finally wins? Two of the last 3 games Elwood has kept it close but then again those two games were against Frankton and struggling Blackford. MG has some talent and remember they were the sectional finals last year. MG wins this one by a wide margin. On another note, when does Frankton play their first game on their new field?

Eastbrook at Alex--Eastbrook is just too fast for Alex. Alex just doesn't have the weapons to keep up. Eastbrook by a lot. Elwood at Blackford--Blackford is making the most of what they have. Last week Blackford cancelled due to COVID and I would imagine that this week is questionable. But if this game is a go, then Elwood will make it interesting for the first half. After that it's all Blackford. Blackford wins this one. Mississinewa at Frankton--Mississinewa took one on the chin last week against Oak Hill. Frankton has some talent to make this game interesting. But in the end Mississinewa is just too much for Frankton. Mississinewa wins, but this game is closer than it should be. Oak Hill at Madison Grant--Both teams have improved since last year. Oak Hill pulled out the win last week against Mississinewa. MG stayed with Ole Miss for the first half a couple of weeks ago. Oak Hill pulls this game out and wins.

Another thought on this is that with the success factor Mississinewa could be bumped down to 3A to keep the classes balanced. Also with the growth that Yorktown, Danville, and Norwell have seen in population, Mississinewa could be in 3A when the next alignment takes place. On the other hand if Eastbrook could move back to 3A based on success factor and/or enrollment. Remember a few years ago Eastbrook was moved up to 3A due to enrollment. Their district has seen some growth in residents but not students yet. Last time Eastbrook and Mississinewa were both 3A they were in the same sectional. If they would both move to 3A, Oak Hill stays in 3A, and Alexandria moves into 3A, it is likely they all could be in the same sectional.

Alexandria at Elwood--Elwood is improving and showing some heart but Alexandria is just too much for the young Panthers. Alex by as much as they want to win by. Frankton at Eastbrook--Frankton is walking into a jungle full of hungry Panthers. Eastbrook by a bunch. Madison Grant at Blackford--Blackford may have low numbers but they use what they have. MG is improved and getting better. This could be the closest game of the week. In the end MG pulls out the victory. Oak Hill at Mississinewa--Oak Hill is not a bad team just young. Mississinewa is young as well but improving. This one belongs to the Indians.

Eastbrook at Oak Hill--Eastbrook scores early and often. Oak Hill doesn't have the offense to keep up as Eastbrook rolls to the win. Blackford at Alexandria--Blackford doesn't have the numbers this year that they need to be able to give players rest. Alexandria rolls to the win. Elwood at Frankton--This game will decide last place in the CIC. Elwood has a new coach again this year. Frankton though is a little stronger and pulls out the win barely. Mississinewa at MG--First time in 9 years that Ole Miss started the season 0-3. MG made it to the sectional finals last year. Mississinewa has the numbers and size advantage. This one goes to the Indians as they get back on track to start a winning streak.

Rumors are Eastern has an invite to join if and when a school leaves the conference. Also rumors is Frankton does not want Lapel in the CIC so do what it takes to keep them out.

Elwood is a No Mississinewa is a NO. Administration has already said no and they have the support of the Miami Indian Tribe leadership, which approved the nickname back in 1950's and continue to so. CIC Split? that is questionable. I look for a couple of schools to leave in the next 2-3 years. Blackford almost left last year and they want to be in the same conference as Jay County. Eastbrook would leave only if Mississinewa leaves. Mississinewa leaves to go to a conference with 4A and 5A schools but may have to get other schools to help form a new conference with one team being Eastbrook. Tipton coming to the CIC is a No, as they are in a conference that consistently have several teams advance in the State Tournament and ranked. Lapel makes good fit, but with Frankton will fight them coming in because they are the same school system. Now if Lapel and Frankton would go to 1 high school, watch out in all sports as they would be a powerhouse and either a 4A or 5A school. Marion could be a possible school to add but won't because of the NCC history in Basketball but the 2 hour bus rides for away games may play a factor in a few years. Eastbrook wins the Conference again. Mississinewa will get things rolling. They have talent but young and with a new coach learning a new system. MG could be the sleeper in the Conference this year and sneak into that 2nd or 3rd place. Remember they went to Sectional Championship last year. Oak Hill another young team but improving and could surprise everybody and also finish 2nd or 3rd. Frankton, well they don't finish last but only win 1 game. Elwood goes winless and will search for another new coach for next year. Hey Elwood admin, notice a trend? Perhaps give your Varsity coach's money to pay for assistants and they might stay longer. Blackford is struggling with numbers but will win 2-3 CIC games. Alexandria will win 3-4 CIC games.

Delta just announced that they had 2 positive COVID cases and have quarantined 79. Wonder if the football game is still a go tonight? Mississinewa players are only allowed 1 parent each to attend in person at New Haven. Good Luck to ALL CIC teams tonight.

Blackford at Eastern--Blackford's numbers are down and almost so low that having a season this year was in question. Eastern is pretty good has some depth. Eastern takes this one by at least 3 TDs Delta at Eastbrook--This is Delta's first game of the season. Delta has a good program and has destroyed Eastbrook in the past. This year Eastbrook has once again reloaded and remembers what Delta has done in the past. Eastbrook destroyed Marion last week, but Marion is down this year but still has talent. Eastbrook wins this one by 3 TDs. Lapel at Frankton--A little preview of what a future CIC team can do. Frankton and Lapel should join and be one school but they won't. If they did they would be a powerhouse. Frankton has improved but not enough to beat Lapel as Lapel wins by 2 TDs. Oak Hill at Southwood--Southwood is a very very good team this year. Oak Hill is still trying to figure out what they have. Southwood wins by 4 TDs Tipton at Elwood--Elwood has another new coach. Unfortunately Elwood still doesn't have much as Tipton plays the JV most of the second half as they win by 5 TDs Wabash at Alexandria--This may be the best game of the week. Both teams appear to be evenly matched. Being at Alexandria advantage goes to Alex. Alex wins by 3. Mississinewa at New Haven--Mississinewa has size and athletes once again. The new coach is trying to get things figured out but with his background it won't take long. All the same assistant coach's but some are in different roles this year. New Haven beat Garrett last week. If Mississnewa can get the offense going then the game will be close. However, New Haven wins by 2 TDs.

I read on another post somewhere that they only had 20 or so players come out and were talking about playing on JV this year because of most players being underclassmen.

Marion has a new coach and lost almost all of their playmakers. Eastbrook is good and will have another good season. Mississinewa has size and some playmakers but have young QB. The QB options are both young and small but are athletic. Mississinewa also has a new coach but he did bring back the entire staff that Funk had but moved some around into different positions. Ole Miss took a thumping this week but they will get things together. They will probably lose 2-3 more games.

The CIC has used Ball State for a full day of Conference games. They were going every 3 years so every player had the opportunity to play on the field at least once during their high school time. Many of the small college football stadiums do not hold any more than high school stadiums. Example Taylor University, Saint Francis, and Indiana Wesleyan stadiums are not bigger than many of the high schools in the area.

Mississinewa has set a capacity of 50% which is estimated at 900. Visiting schools will be given a certain number of tickets to sell in advance. Mississinewa will sell tickets in advance with each player being limited to 4 tickets. The order of selling tickets is players, students, and then public. The public can purchase tickets on Thursday and Friday. Any tickets not sold in advance will be sold at the gate. Here is the link for Mississinewa's plan. https://mcscathletics.com/2020/08/17/mhs-protocols-media-release/?fbclid=IwAR3nmyXjZe3AFPa2VffaLcKCXRdsRnWn0-B59uu6ZBjOhnm981egEVKOeq0 Oak Hill has a similar plan with a capacity of 900. They have a grassy area on each end of the field and have said people can bring lawn chairs to watch the games from there or sit in their cars to watch.

Mississinewa may become the team to watch in 4A. With Curt Funk leaving for Fishers, Mississinewa gets a new coach that has retained all of Funk's staff. The new coach. Kyle Buresh, does not have high school coaching experience but has experience as a coordinator at the College level including running the passing game for Dakota Wesleyan, Indiana Wesleyan, and Wheaton College. At DWU, he helped lead an offense that was #2 in the Nation and averaged 560 yards a game. Mississinewa may be young up front, but may be bigger than previous years. May have multiple 300lb+ kids on the line that are strong and can move. Running backs return, although the leading rusher graduated, still have experience in the backfield. Defensively they will be solid. Mississinewa gets tested early by opening against Pendleton Heights followed by New Haven. This is of course if the season is able to start.

Talked with an Elwood teacher who is also a high school coach in another sport. The coach said that Terry lives in Franklin and plans to continue living there. Some are wondering how long it will be before the 90 minute plus commute each way every day will make him say "I'm done." The other problem with Elwood is they School Board only gives each sport enough money to pay 1 assistant coach. So most of the coach's are volunteer's, which may be the dad's of players. Mississinewa has a new coach this year and he retained the entire staff with the exception of 1, who retired. Kyle Buresh's coaching experience at the high school level is 0. He has been a college coach. He has been passing coordinator and helped lead the #1 ranked offense in the Country with close to 600 yards per game. He did this a couple of times. If he can find a QB that can see over the OL and that can throw watch out. The OL will be just as big if not bigger than previous years.

Based on the numbers at the College level directing offenses, he may just open up a whole new game for Mississinewa. The high power offense may be even more high power. Averaged over 500 yards a game in back to back season's. One season was 560 yards per game. Now if he can find a QB that can run his offense it could be a lot of high scoring games for Ole' Miss. Ole' Miss was one dimensional this past season but didn't need a passing game but had it if needed. Ole' Miss may just have more offensive plays than the last 4 years.

Mississinewa hired Kyle Buresh from Denison University. https://mcscathletics.com/2020/03/23/buresh-to-lead-indians-football/?fbclid=IwAR16hcR1lRrXq6cbOlhn9asd4cavWjiVOilaVgkWmun8qS_J99BVvbQzE1Q