TheDoctor22

I love this matchup, but I'm surprised there are many that believe Chatard will be in this game. I always like the Trojan's chances, but I saw Merrillville play Andrean, and they have some DUDES. There will be 10 or more players on Merrillville's team that are bigger, faster, stronger, and more athletic than anyone on Chatard's team. However, I have to believe this is a win-win for both teams. For Merrillville, as others have already pointed out, they can use this as a trial run for a potential visit to Indy in November. It should also be a good measuring stick for where they stack up currently: if they win decisively (2+ scores), then I think it reaffirms that they have a legitimate chance to make it to Lucas Oil. If it's close or they somehow lose this game, then they know they have a lot more work to do. For Chatard, as long as they can stay healthy and don't lose more starters, then this is a great experience to play top competition. There are some great teams in 3A this year, but none of them are fielding anything close to the athletic ability and speed that Merrillville will be rolling off the bus Friday night. My heart tells me Chatard wins a nail biter in the 4th quarter. My head tells me that Merrillville's D1 studs are too much to handle, and this game ends up looking very similar to what we saw against Cathedral earlier this year. Either way, this is one silver lining of covid. We get an opportunity to see some unique matchups that we'd likely never see otherwise.

Congrats to the Irish, they were as good as advertised, particularly #16. Chatard actually did a fairly good (note "fairly good") job of covering up receivers initially and getting some pressure, but McCahill continually eluded the rush and put money balls right on his scrambling receivers. Props to Chatard for showing heart and keeping this somewhat a game. The size, depth, and talent disparity was evident. Actually surprised this wasn't a 50 point blowout in the first half based on the "eye test" of the players taking the field. And I'm not suggesting Chatard isn't talented, because they absolutely are. Cathedral is just on another level this year. Enjoy this season Irish fans, I think it's going to be a special year for you.

I think Chatard had 7-8 turnovers in their semi-state game against Memorial a couple years ago, and 4 of them were returned for touchdowns! Like you, it was the first time I had seen anything like it in many years of watching high school football.

Looks like this thread has been hijacked by 17 year olds taking jabs from the school computer labs, aka their parents' basement in the year of covid. Or at least I hope these are teenagers. Looking forward to watching two great programs go to war tomorrow night. I hope it's more exciting than most on here are anticipating. Go Trojans!

This is spot on. I'm obviously hoping for the Trojans to pull this one out, but Cathedral has too much speed, size, and depth for Chatard to hang for 4 quarters. I don't believe in moral victories, but I wouldn't feel terrible if Chatard comes out of this injury free without a running clock at any point in the game. Good news is this is why they play the game on the field Friday night. Wouldn't be the craziest thing 2020 has shown thus far...

Closer to 0.50 - 99.50. Cathedral has too many weapons this year for Chatard to defend for 4 quarters, and their offense definitely can't go toe to toe in a shootout. Hope the rivalry aspect keeps this one close, but I fear another mercy rule for the Cathedral juggernaut.

Stink, I have enjoyed reading your comments over the years! Always entertaining. Looking forward to this week's Trojan vs. Trojan matchup. As much as I love my Catholic Trojans, I would not be surprised to see EC win this convincingly. I watched most of the Lawrenceburg game and was very impressed with both teams! EC looks like a college team with the size they have up front! Very physical football team - really enjoy how they play the game. Chatard lost a bunch of experience to graduation, and after the first game, it's apparent that they are feeling the shortened summer as much as anyone. I have no doubt Coach Doyle, who is an amazing coach and an even better man, will have them firing on all cylinders come playoffs. But for this week, I think the size and experience of the Public Trojans is too much for my Catholic Trojans - I'll take EC 28-14. Hope I'm wrong but will take a competitive, injury free game regardless. Safe travels for those EC fans making the trip up! Hope you enjoy our new stadium - much improved over the facilities you saw the last time these two great programs faced off!

Was just thinking the same thing. Congratulations Memorial on another great season! Very impressive considering the talent that graduated last year. The Combs boys have been a pleasure to watch over the past few years (with the exception of one game...). I love the way they play the game. Are there any more Combs coming through the pipeline?