Football Fanatic

Their top receiver and a few linemen for sure. Hopefully they can get healthy by playoff time and put up somewhat of a fight. The season looked promising for them but definitely going through a rough patch right now.

Mater Dei at Bosse - I will take the Wildcats by 4 scores. Lincoln at North - I will take the Huskies by 3 scores. Harrison at Central - I will take the Bears by 2 scores. Memorial at Reitz - I will take the Tigers by 2 scores. Castle at Jasper - I will take the Wildcats by 2 scores.

SIAC individual stat leaders (only using teams who put in stats for at least 3 games) Passing Yards: 1. Hunter Broshears (Central) - 983 yards in 5 games 2. Luke Brown (Memorial) - 899 yards in 5 games 3. Boden Morgan (Castle) - 641 yards in 5 games 4. Tate Mallory (Mater Dei) - 587 yards in 4 games 5. Cooper Collins (Lincoln) - 476 yards in 3 games Passing Touchdowns: 1. Luke Brown (Memorial) - 11 TDs in 5 games 2. Jaylen Maners (Jasper) - 7 TDs in 4 games 3. Hunter Broshears (Central) - 6 TDs in 5 games 3. Boden Morgan (Castle) - 6 TDs in 5 games 3. Cooper Collins (Lincoln) - 6 TDs in 3 games Rushing Yards: 1. Amyr Wilford (Reitz) - 531 yards in 5 games 2. Dylen Kendrick (Memorial) - 400 yards in 5 games 3. Quaithan Pauley (North) - 349 yards in 5 games 4. Hunter McKinney (North) - 345 yards in 5 games 5. Caiden Thacker (Mater Dei) - 318 yards in 4 games Rushing Touchdowns: 1. Dylen Kendrick (Memorial) - 7 TDs in 5 games 2. Caden Thacker (Mater Dei) - 6 TDs in 4 games 3. Tate Mallory (Mater Dei) - 6 TDs in 4 games 4. AJ Coates (Reitz) - 6 TDs in 5 games 5. Quaithan Pauley (North) - 5 TDs in 5 games 5. Austin Pritchard (Castle) - 5 TDs in 5 games Receptions: 1. Nolan Schickel (Mater Dei) - 30 receptions in 4 games 2. Devon Dejarnette (Central) - 28 receptions in 5 games 3. Maxx Anslinger (Memorial) - 22 receptions in 5 games 4. Luke Dockery (Memorial) - 20 receptions in 5 games 5. Carter Bobe (Castle) - 18 receptions in 5 games 5. Easton Vetter (Lincoln) - 18 receptions in 4 games Receiving Yards: 1. Nolan Schickel (Mater Dei) - 412 yards in 4 games 2. Carter Bobe (Castle) - 339 yards in 5 games 3. Brody Phillips (Lincoln) - 290 yards in 4 games 4. Devon Dejarnette (Central) - 275 in 5 games 5. Maxx Anslinger (Memorial) - 259 yards in 5 games Receiving Touchdowns: 1. Brody Phillips (Lincoln) - 6 TDs in 4 games 2. Maxx Anslinger (Memorial) - 5 TDs in 5 games 3. Nolan Schickel (Mater Dei) - 4 TDs in 4 games 4. Luke Dockery (Memorial) - 3 TDs in 5 games 4. Easton Vetter (Central) - 3 TDs in 5 games Total Tackles: 1. Brodie Farmer (Castle) - 68 tackles in 5 games 2. Colton Dejarnette (Central) - 53 tackles in 5 games 3. Carson Sanders (Lincoln) - 48 tackles in 4 games 4. Kade Voegel (Reitz) - 48 tackles in 5 games 5. Colton Duke (Lincoln) - 46 tackles in 4 games 5. Ricky White Jr. (North) - 46 tackles in 5 games Tackles For Loss: 1. Ricky White Jr. (North) - 13.5 TFLs in 5 games 2. Kaiden Thomas (Reitz) - 11 TFLs in 5 games 3. Colton Duke (Lincoln) - 10 TFLs in 4 games 4. Devin Stewart (Central) - 7 TFLs in 5 games 5. Mac McCormick (Lincoln) - 6 TFLs in 4 games 5. Ethan Rowe (Reitz) - 6 TFLs in 5 games 5. Brady Combs (Memorial) - 6 TFLs in 5 games Sacks: 1. Kaiden Thomas (Reitz) - 8 sacks in 5 games 2. Azhari Jackson (Reitz) - 6 sacks in 3 games 3. Devin Stewart (Central) - 5 sacks in 5 games 4. Mac McCormick (Lincoln) - 4 sacks in 4 games 5. Brodie Farmer (Castle) - 3.5 sacks in 5 games Interceptions: 1. E'Ani Clardy (Reitz) - 3 interceptions in 5 games 2. Leyton Battles (Lincoln) - 2 interceptions in 4 games 2. Connor O'Donohue (Memorial) - 2 interceptions in 5 games 2. Aman Kincaid (North) - 2 interceptions in 5 games 2. Connor Richards (Castle) - 2 interceptions in 5 games 2. Jake Brackett (Memorial) - 2 interceptions in 5 games 2. Brodie Farmer (Castle) - 2 interceptions in 5 games Return Touchdowns: 1. Ben Quach (Castle) - 2 KRTDs in 5 games 2. Amyr Wilford (Reitz) - 1 KRTD in 5 games 2. Carter Bobe (Castle) - 1 KRTD in 5 games 2. Jaivon Aunspach (Castle) - 1 KRTD in 5 games 2. Evan Heldt (Memorial) - 1 PRTD in 5 games

Individual stats too if possible!

Tough one to call here. The Titans should be very eager to win this one, especially since they won't get another crack at them in the sectionals this year. No need to hold anything back. This might be the closest game the Patriots have until semistate but I still think they come out on top. I will take the Patriots by two scores.

Seems like it was a mixture of penalties, injuries, and the elements. Central attacked their weaknesses. Spread them out, pressed their buttons, baited penalities, etc. The 2nd half after the delay went really quick. I think after their RB exited with an injury on a cheap shot, they played it very conservative and just tried to get out of there. Even heard when they tried to get out of there Central tried starting a fight after the handshakes which caused a big conglomerate. That rivalry still burns like a fire but it's just not pretty to sit by and watch anymore 🫣

Memorial at Bosse - You start to feel bad at some point. Bosse is low on numbers and very young. But from what it sounds like, they have a group that works hard and doesn't quit. Just don't see them winning this year. I will take the Tigers in a running clock. Central at Jasper - This one will get ugly. Central has been know to do "extra" and Jasper is a very physical team. Jasper continues to improve. I will take the Wildcats in a running clock. Lincoln at Harrison - Sounds like the Alices QB returned but got injured again. Don't think it matters in this one. Only question is will Harrison be able to keep this one close. I will take the Alices by four scores. North at Mater Dei - The Wildcats will become more run heavy. Even though they have a solid RB, it becomes easier for defenses to scheme against. North has a solid defense. Expect this one to be low scoring. I will take the Huskies by one score. GAME OF THE WEEK: Reitz at Castle - Tough one to call here with big conference implications on the line. Reitz offense has struggled but the defense remains solid. Their freshman RB leads the conference in rushing and Coates is probably the most formidable two-way player in the conference, but their pass game ain't scaring anybody. Castle has improved on both sides of the ball since their week 1 loss and will fully expect to win this one in front of their home crowd. I do think they are the favorite. However, I will take the Panthers in an "upset" by two scores.

This Central team might be the most unsportsmanlike team in a long time. I had heard from coaches and fans in prior weeks but thought "oh it's Central, that's just how they're known to be". But when you've heard it or seen it 5 weeks in a row, it starts to be substantiated. And as bad as it is, unfortunately it's difficult for referee crews to officiate games like that and maintain control.

Harrison at Memorial - This one will be over quick. Memorial remains undefeated and just tries to avoid throwing punches. Harrison looks forward to the Bosse game. Tigers run the clock. Bosse at North - This one will be over quick. North will be eager to bounce back and put some more points on the scoreboard. Bosse looks forward to the Harrison game. Huskies run the clock. Reitz at Central - This one will be over quick. It seems like Reitz has made some changes and should continue to improve, despite the injuries. Central will try to push the buttons of players labeled "short-tempered" as it's probably their best strategy. Panthers run the clock. Castle at Lincoln - The Alices will do their best to keep this one close, as the new QB seems serviceable enough. Just not sure they have enough to win this one. Knights by three scores. GAME OF THE WEEK: Jasper at Mater Dei - It's the Wildcat War. Tough one to call here. Two fun offenses going back and forth. Jasper has been improving and could definitely give MD a scare. Mater Dei might be in for another classic showdown this week. Catholic 'Cats by one score.

The population on the west side and at Reitz is much different than it was back in the day. It's not no Newburgh, that's for sure. If individual players have emotion control issues or lack discipline, it does not necesarilly reflect on the program or the coaching staff. Their background and home life should be considered more before they are judged too harshly. All I'm saying. And actually, the EVSC has apparently been very strict when it comes to transfers, even after the new IHSAA rule. I heard of a handful that were turned down. Basically, it sounds like the EVSC is still following their old rules on reasoning and who can transfer, but still making senior transfers follow the new sit-out rule. It's an odd scenario and seems like the privates and other districts will benefit from it more.

Good catch, you're correct! For that, I think I meant in Reitz history. The SIAC history nugget was Reitz winning the conference by 3+ games twice in a row ('22-'23), when it hadn't even been done once before. Point is, they have been doing a good job "putting it together" at all levels. Will they take the next step and start making more playoff runs though? That's the big question. IMO, probably not anytime soon. They will need a very good QB and line to come through. They have plenty of talent but defenses have learned how to scheme against their offense.

Jasper in a running clock. Castle in a running clock. Lincoln by 3 scores. Memorial by 2 scores. Reitz by 2 scores.

I'm guessing (not sure) it's because Castle was much higher ranked heading into the season, and most expected North to have transition pains this season. Official polls historically won't make drastic changes based on one game.

Seems like an ironic question coming out of Newburgh. Looking at the past 3 seasons, seems like they're doing a good job "putting it together", especially since the 3 seasons before that were losing seasons. I think I heard something along the lines of they could be the first SIAC team in history to have 4 straight 10+ win seasons if they do it this year.

One of the best players in the conference (RB/WR Darrett) is injured and possibly out for the season. Obviously has been devastating for their offense. Their starting LT also got injured and unsure when/if he will be back. Also seems like they're having some QB issues. Their offense right now relies on a freshman. Although he is very good. It's just not the right formula. Coach Brunson will have to get creative the rest of the way. They have enough talent to win most games, but when it matters, that offense simply won't be fooling anybody. I think they are middle of the pack unless they figure some things out.

Here would be my picks based on those spreads: Garrett @ Adams Central (-2) Ben Davis @ Cathedral (-15.5) Andrean @ Merrilville (-24) Carmel @ Fishers (-5.5) Center Grove (-14.5) @ Warren Central Danville @ Gibson Southern (-11) FW Carroll @ HSE (-19.5) Concord (-6.5) @ Elkhart Decatur Central (-12.5) @ Avon Evansville North @ Castle (-12) FW Luers @ Leo (Pick'em) Lafayette Jeff @ Chatard (-8) Lawrence Central @ Lawrence North (-28.5) Mishawaka Marian @ Mishawaka (-27) Mooresville @ Bloomington North (-7.5) New Pal (-43.5) @ Kokomo Noblesville (-23) @ Mount Vernon Penn (-6) @ Valpo Pike (-9.5) @ Zionsville South Putnam @ North Putnam (-1.5) Spalding (Maryland) (-26.5) @ Brownsburg Warsaw @ FW Snider (-7.5) West Lafayette @ Harrison (WL) (-6) Whiteland @ Columbus North (-18.5)

Castle should be lower, don't think they'll be receiving votes by the end of the season. Reitz should be at #5 (after Chatard, HH, East Noble, and Mishawaka) and could end up even higher. Memorial is probably top 5. To emphasize how loaded that sectional is, I think it will be Gibson Southern at 2, Mater Dei at 3, Memorial at 4, and Southridge at 8.

Score predictions: Mater Dei 28 Central 7 Reitz 48 Harrison 7 Vincennes 52 Bosse 6 Memorial 31 Jasper 14 Castle 24 North 14

Week 1 offers many unknowns. However, the matchups seem fairly easy to predict. Only 1 road team comes away with a win this week. Central at Mater Dei - Many expect the Bears to be improved, including myself. They have an experienced QB and some nice weapons to use at the skill positions. Their line and defense are big question marks. On the other hand, the Wildcats will probably be a top 3 team. Thacker and Mallory both potential POTY. Wildcats by 3 scores. Reitz at Harrison - I don't expect the Warriors to be much, if any, better than last season. On the other hand, the Panthers return 15 starters from a Regional team, which sets them up well. Expect both their defense and run game to be very good. Darrett is potential POTY. Panthers run the clock. Bosse at Vincennes - Unfortunately for the Dawgs, they may end up being one of the worst teams in SIAC history this year. They lost a lot, numbers are low, and will be relying on a lot of young guys. The Alices have some nice players and led by (most likely) a future pro athlete at QB. Alices run the clock. Jasper at Memorial - I would venture to say both of these teams are slightly mysterious and potential wildcards. However, something not mysterious is the consistent success of Memorial. They will still be good despite having to replace key positions. Jasper will be dangerous with new life and a new offense, but not sure they have the line or skill guys to be among the best yet. Tigers by 3 scores. GAME OF THE WEEK: North at Castle - Easy pick for GOTW to kick off the season. Always a good matchup, this year should be no different. However, in the long run, I do expected Castle to be the much better team. However, North is a wildcard with new life and a new offense. How well will they run that new offense? Castle has to replace some big time players, but it always helps to return a QB. Knights win by 2 scores.

Here was my power ranking prediction back in December. Figured I would do an updated one. Only changing it slightly, based on various updates heard, personnel changes, coaching changes, and reports from scrimmages. 1. Reitz 2. Memorial 3. Mater Dei 4. Castle 5. Jasper 6. North 7. Vincennes 8. Central 9. Harrison 10. Bosse

Heard it’s all of them except North. Maybe they’ll be too busy transitioning with the new staff/new offense, which I assume will still be a heavy dose of the run game. That event should be really good for the teams in our area. Heard there will be a lot of teams in it.

Looks like 4A south is setting up for a Reitz vs. Heritage Hills beefy matchup in the sectional. Assume the winner of that wins the Regional and most likely gets a date with Chatard at semistate. Will be very interesting.

Good list overall. Interesting to think about and use it for hypothetical matchups. Initial reactions: 2023 East Central should be higher. And not having 2007 or 2009 Reitz in the top 100 is crazy to me.

Awesome stuff there. They are in good hands!

Nice, informative preview. I'd be shocked if they finish 3rd though. Although I could see the top 3 teams finishing tied or within 1 game of each other.