TheDoctor22

You aren't wrong. I watched the first game, and Roncalli is just flat out better individually at almost every position. Add to it that they are well coached and are a very experienced group, and I just don't see how Chatard wins this one. The game stats from the first game paint a better picture of how that game actually transpired. That probably should have been something closer to 35-14. @fenderbender I know the outcome of this season will affect this answer, but assuming they run the table as expected, where would you rank this Roncalli team among their all time teams? The offense at least has to be up there one would think? This is what gives me hope. Two great coaching staffs, but I think Coach Doyle and staff have done an unbelievable job developing players and adjusting their scheme based on the personnel they have over the last several years. This isn't the first game where they've been outmatched talent-wise. Hoping they've made some adjustments to keep this game entertaining, and maybe even pull off the upset. East Central has definitely proven to be the biggest contender to Roncalli's repeat, but I keep saying don't sleep on Memorial. I remember reading that they have something like 18 starters returning from last year's team. They also have an exceptional coaching staff, so I expect them to be a handful for whoever they play.

Yeah, I'm with @Lysander. I know you guys lost a mud bowl to a solid Castle team, but Memorial is going to be as tough an out as anyone in 4A, save Roncalli. I don't think they have any trouble with Northview. Chatard faithful know far too well how dangerous Memorial is in the playoffs. The winner of them vs. East Central will give Roncalli everything they can handle IMO. I'm sure both teams have improved since the first meeting, so hopefully we have another great game, but I just don't see how Chatard pulls this one off. Roncalli would have to make mistakes, which they typically aren't prone to. I know, I know, the rivalry and tradition of both teams says this should be a great game, but realistically this has to be one of Roncalli's most talented teams in history I would think? I'd be curious to hear the opinion of any Roncalli guys out there? From the sounds of it, they pretty much have a D1 offensive line, a record breaking 4 year starter at QB, their all-time leading wide receiver, and a really good running back. And the defense is really good as well. This tournament is Roncalli's to lose with the size and talent advantage they have over the field.

We really don't know how much better Chatard is since the first match up. Like you said, they've beaten some bad teams, as they should have. I would obviously love to see Chatard win the rematch, but I just don't see how they make up for the size/talent difference. Roncalli literally has a D1 offensive line. The first game felt like Chatard kept it as close as they could. Hope I'm wrong, but I think Chatard has a much better chance next year.

Chatard usually streams all home games on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJXyOqDVcWW-3V1uWn5YZqw I would guess they would do the BHSS game as well but I'm not positive. It's produced by the students, so the quality of the commentating and video is usually pretty suspect, but you'd at least be able to see the game. Safe travels if you do make the trip! And feel free to stop by the Trojan tailgate to say hello!

Completely agree on the benefits of building a strong schedule. It'll be interesting to see how much better they are for it in the weeks ahead. However, a schedule like that can be detrimental if you don't come out of it healthy, especially for a team that lacks depth like this year's Chatard team. From what I hear, Chatard did not come out of that four week stretch unscathed. Hopefully they can get healthy by sectionals. I'm looking at Memorial as a dark horse (can you call a team of EM's caliber a dark horse?) in 4A. They are always well coached, have tons of experience, and it sounds like they are getting better each week. I don't know anything about Jasper this year other than what has been said on this board, but it's going to be VERY difficult to beat Memorial twice in the same season.

Lol not even a conversation. On the hot seat a season after back-to-back state championships with a team that lost 9 starters on offense and 8 starters on defense? Come on IWG, give me something better than that if you're going to stir pot! Obviously 0-4 is not the start any Chatard fan wants to see, but they've been competitive through one of the harder schedules in the state. Roncalli and Cathedral should beat Chatard by 50 this year with the massive difference in size and talent. Better question, is Peebles on the hot seat if Cathedral doesn't cover the -35 spread with his 10 D1 players vs. Chatard's 0? I'm obviously joking, I know Peebles is a great coach, but get outta here with that. Rob Doyle is an awesome coach and Chatard has zero plans of a new head football coach, regardless of how this season turns out. I do agree with your other assessment. Cathedral's front 7 is nasty, and that O'Neil kid is going to be a defensive nightmare for the next 3 years.

Thanks for the info! Seems like I almost never watch games on grass anymore. Looking forward to seeing what they've done with it.

Cathedral fans, how's the Arlington venue these days? I was there a few years ago last time this game was played there but wasn't sure if Cathedral had put some money/renovations now that this is Cathedral's home field?

That's generous, I will be happy if it's not a running clock in the 2nd half. Chatard has shown they will fight until the end, but the Roncalli game showed just how outmatched they are physically this year. Cathedral has Roncalli's size plus great athletes at every position. Chatard will have to wait at least one more week to get their first win.

I agree, no apology needed. That's why I come to this forum. I love hearing different opinions and inside scoops from people close to other programs, especially those outside of central Indiana. This forum would suck if we just all agreed with each other that Center Grove and Cathedral are the best and no one else is close, even if that happens to be my personal opinion. And to be fair, Merrillville had several absolute studs on that team.

Can't speak for the other schools, but Chatard doesn't have an "OMG! Athlete" on their roster, regardless of whether they reside in the inner city or suburbs. They have many good football players, sure. But it's been a decade since Chatard has had a player with a power 5 D1 offer, and it's been several years since they've had a player receive D1 or D2 scholarship money. I won't argue the other P/P advantages that have been widely debated on this board, but Chatard certainly doesn't fall into any category of pulling inner-city athletes solely to play football.

Good luck GS! I'll be rooting for you all season, especially since we aren't potential foes this year!

Heart tells me it'll be a hard fought, 4th quarter game. Head tells me the Warriors by several scores. Chatard doesn't have the cats this year. I know nothing about Warren this year other than they didn't lose by 50 to Center Grove, which means they are at a minimum pretty damn good.

Yeah, I completely expect them to battle all season. I think they are replacing something like 9 starters on offense, all 5 olinemen, and 7 on D. Hell of a stretch to start your varsity career for most of these guys!

This was a big upset in that it's been several years since Brebeuf won this game, but I'm not shocked by the outcome. Brebeuf has a good team with some very talented players. This was also expected to be a down year for Chatard after taking some big hits to graduation. Unfortunately, I think this season is going to be a painful one for Chatard faithful. They honestly looked like a JV team compared to Brebeuf physically. Smallest Chatard team I've seen in recent memory. But take nothing away from Brebeuf. They were the better team, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them make a run in 3A. Hats off to the Preps!

Yeah, this. I could play QB for Cathedral this season and they'd only lose one game. I can't take a dump without pulling a muscle. Cathedral boosters have done a fine job putting together this year's team (only a joke my Irish friends)!

Thanks DT, I've really enjoyed these interview series! Rob Doyle is as good as they come. X's and O's definitely, but more importantly as a role model and leader of young men. I am very grateful that my son was able to play for and learn from Rob and his staff.

This is the lowest Memorial will be in this poll all year, and frankly, it's way too low as it is (I know, I know, preseason polls mean nothing). I know they stumbled a little early in the season last year but they finished 8-4 in a very tough conference and return almost their entire team from what I hear. They are a top 2 team in 4a in my opinion. As Lysander mentioned, this is likely going to be a "down" year for Chatard, but we'll see how it plays out. They will have a very young team that will need to grow up quickly. Right now, my money would be on Memorial and Roncalli. Regardless, 4a south SS is a meat grinder. I think this is probably going to be the strongest 4a we've seen in several years.

That they most certainly do. I'm looking forward to following GS's season this year as a casual observer for once, rather than a potential opponent. It'd be great to see Allen get them over the hump and win that elusive state championship that GS has been so close to in recent seasons. This is a great list DT. I wouldn't change much, other than regrettably I'm not sure Chatard belongs there this year. They graduated something like 80% of their two-deep from last year, so it could be tough sledding for the Trojans, especially with that meat grinder at the start of the season. Time will tell though, I just can't wait for a "normal" season to get started!

Wish this matchup would have happened last year or the year before. We'll see how the underclassmen develop, but I think next year will be a very tough year for Chatard. I believe they are only returning 1-2 players on both sides of the ball, and their current junior and sophomore classes don't have the same level of talent of previous teams. I still love that Coach Doyle put this one on the schedule, but I think it could get ugly for my trojans.

I don't know that anyone is saying it doesn't exist? Chatard absolutely recruits. Every school recruits (or should), especially those that charge $13k+ a year to attend. But I know with certainty that Chatard doesn't have some state wide recruiting program funded by deep-pocketed boosters. And they definitely haven't broken any IHSAA rules.

Have you ever inquired about or participated in D1 training or training at Finch Creek? The camp is hosted at the D1 Training facility who's owner, Tayt Odom, is an assistant coach at Chatard. That might be how you ended up on the e-mail list. I hope you send your young one to the camp, sounds like a great opportunity to get some high-level coaching! Plus, you can get some first hand knowledge of Chatard's recruiting. Let me know the make and model of your car and I'll pass along to the Chatard coaches to make sure the envelope of cash gets to the right place! They had to stop using McDonalds bags after the Tennessee fiasco.

Chatard has some great young coaches: Eric Quintana, associate head coach and OL coach. Would not be surprised to see him get a HC job somewhere soon, although I selfishly hope he stays at Chatard until Coach Doyle hangs up the whistle. Kyle Dietrick, defensive coordinator. He's done an amazing job with their defense over the last few years. I know from talking with current parents that the kids would run through a brick wall for him.

Agree with all of this. Just looking at freshman/JV records and number of players getting varsity playing time, the current sophomore class is one of the most "down" in recent memory. The next two years could be difficult for Chatard fans, but I think many of the current freshman will get varsity playing time next year, which should reap benefits down the road. I have also been extremely impressed with the coaching staff's ability to develop players and get the most out of the talent on hand. I was skeptical all year that Chatard could repeat 2019's performance with how much they graduated, but they absolutely did so. I'm admittedly biased, but I think the current coaching staff is as good as any in the state, so I'm not going to completely count the Trojans out yet. But I do think Roncalli will be the overwhelming favorite to win the Circle City and whatever sectional they and Chatard inevitably end up in.

I entirely misread the original question, that's what I thought I was answering. Every topic on the board these days is centered around P/P, so I must have subconsciously inserted that verbiage in Temp's question. I will go under 3.5 for both P/P champs and repeat champs. Roncalli, Cathedral, Center Grove all repeat next year. Luers, Roncalli, Cathedral all P/P champs next year.