Well said and your correct there has never been 4 region teams to make it to semi state all in the same year. Someone on here will know for sure but i think 1981 is the first time there actually was the semi state round. Hobart went to state in 79, and 80 and just played a regional, the semi state must have came with the expansion of classes. As far as the rest of your break down here. I think the coaching change at Valpo was the difference here don't know all the details but at some point the Valpo players need a fresh start cause they always have the talent in the school but getting the best kids in your school on the field playing as a unit with a staff and system they trust was key for them. Merrillville is a similar story in my opinion but for them they really need to get back to the discipline level they played with earlier in the season, I watched this team completely shut down my Brickies then absolutely take it to Valpo and they really should have won that game. If the real Merrillville shows up they can and will beat Carmel and any other big Indy school they will win state if they play like did against Hobart and Valpo. With Andrean playing 2a ball is kinda silly I felt bad for Lewis Cass what a great season for them, but lets not spoil this conversation with my dislike for the private school situation in Indiana sports. Andrean has progressed so much over the course of the season and have played one of the most difficult schedules possible for any 2a school which is really showing now. They are all tough hard nose kids that want to be good, I think they have a great shot at playing another private school in the state finals lol. Your right on point again Hobart and Andrean are younger. Hobart for example is mostly juniors. Hobart had 9 seniors start the season week 4 nothing crazy they all decided late that they wanted to come out for the team for their senior years all of which had played football prior seasons, in a true act of class and respect from both sides Coach Osika left it up to the team to let these kids on the team and the kids chose to let them come back in a very selfless way. This situation helped build the family first attitude of this team. Pretty smart move by both parties, I believe that also helped push them forward in this incredible season.
I'll say it here first
Valpo Beats Dwenger by at least 21
Merrilliville beats Carmel by 7
Hobart beats East Noble by 17
Andrean beats Eastbrook by 14