Football Fanatic

Yeah, I think I have just heard of other situations where players were out two games for drinking/vaping. I forgot that there is not a statewide policy on it. Probably a good thing because every situation is different. Knowing that, I would guess those players will not get off easy, especially since it is basically public knowledge now.

So isn't the first time just a 2 game suspension, going by IHSAA policy? Meaning if they can make it out of sectionals, they could have their guys back. However, the staff and administration can probably take it into their own hands and suspend them as long as they want or remove them from the team. Definitely tuned in to see what comes from this.

2021 Gibson Southern 49 2022 Gibson Southern 24

I was about to say, only see four that have been referred to on the site. Very unfortunate situation. Any chance the players will play at all during their playoff run? I wonder if it would just be a 2 game deal or a full year.

Reitz is a very good team on both sides of the ball. Great mix of size, speed, and talent. I think a lot of things will have to go the Pioneers way for them to win.

Could be a lame attempt at throwing GS off with mind games. Or it really could be a hint of a desperate attempt by an underdog to change the offense in order to surprise GS. But news flash for VL, going to the triple option might "surprise" GS early on, but it wouldn't be near enough to beat them. The best offensive gameplan for VL will be to control the clock (use play-clock, execute long drives), and get Hunt out of the pocket so he can make plays. And maybe throw in a few trick plays they haven't seen.

If the team Reitz has this year isn’t a top 25 team in the state then Indiana high school football is absolutely loaded.

You may be in the minority on that one. Everybody I talked to was impressed by the turnout and estimates I heard put it at the highest attendance in a game there since 2015. I know mid first half the bowl side was full except for a small area behind the MD student section. I get what you’re saying though, it did seem like the MD crowd was a little less than expected, especially in the visitor bleachers. Nevertheless, it was definitely a really cool atmosphere and those kids won’t forget it.

Agree with this. The real story in this game was the Reitz defense. There were definitely a few questionable penalties/missed calls that kept it close, but once again, in this matchup the records and talent-on-paper can be thrown out. The Reitz passing game is still struggling a bit but we can only guess that maybe Davies is still not at full strength or just rusty. Vera is quite a game-changer though. I do think good teams will be able to adjust to the Vera-led offense like Mater Dei did in the 2nd half, which is why Reitz is probably hoping Davies and the pass game can get going in full stride again. The Reitz defense continues to impress though, which bodes well for a postseason run. Mater Dei is playing much better football now than they were early on. Linton and Triton Central stand in their way but Mater Dei is capable of making a repeat trip.

Castle at Memorial - This one remains close all throughout but Memorial wins on a last drive TD. Bosse at Harrison - Harrison wins this one by 3-4 scores and carries much-needed momentum into their sectional matchup. North at Central - North runs the ball at will and wins by a lot. Reitz at Mater Dei - Should be a big crowd and a great game. Mater Dei hangs tough for 2-3 quarters but Reitz is just too talented overall. Panthers stay undefeated and win by 2-3 scores. Vincennes at Jasper - This could also be a close game and VL really needs a big momentum win headed into their matchup with GS. But I think Jasper wears them down and wins by a few scores.

It was throwing shoulder and I agree, don't think he is 100% yet. It seems like they have been easing him back into it and hoping for progress. I guess we will find out Friday - see how he does on a big stage against MD. I would think Reitz is really hoping this is the game he shows progress as they head into sectionals. Although as we have seen, they can be just as or more dangerous with Vera at QB, it just limits their deep play ability with those WR weapons.

That sounds right. And I think they had 1 or 2 more starters that got hurt during the game. Also, I think they had about a dozen penalties that game. Reitz really was fortunate to win that. But it must have been a wake up call because they’ve been rolling ever since.

I echo Reitz as my "OH MY" team. Lots of talent all over the field and their defense really gets after it. Very fun to watch.

Indiana SRN website broadcasts all Memorial football games this year, can even re-watch past games. Same for WZDM that streams the VL games.

Central @ Castle - The Knights win this one by a lot and the Bears move closer to a winless season. Harrison @ Mater Dei - Harrison may hang around a bit but Wildcats win going away. Interested to see if the rejuvenated Harrison offense can put up points in this one. Memorial @ Vincennes - This is a tough call and I do think VL can make this a close game or even win if the QB goes wild. But I think the Tigers win by 1-2 scores. Great matchup here and will definitely watch the broadcast. Reitz @ Bosse - I think Bosse and Harrison may hang around this week longer than they should. Reitz and MD will both be looking toward the week 9 Westside Rumble. Reitz still wins by a lot and continues to be undefeated. Biggest question here is whether Reitz will transition back to Davies at QB full time this week or if they will continue to roll with Vera at times. GAME OF THE WEEK: Jasper @ North - I can see this one going either way. Both teams riding on some momentum right now, this should absolutely be a great game. I believe both teams are at or near fully healthy now. Can North stop the Jasper rushing attack? Will North be able to air it out if they need to? I think it's back and forth and Jasper finds a way to win in the end.

I'd be surprised if this game is close. MV might score a few times since they do have a few playmakers, but GS should be able to name their score.

week 6 predictions North at Vincennes - This one should be close for a while but I think the Alices pull away and win by a few scores. North is trending towards another underachieving season it seems. Central at Harrison - This one is a decent matchup by records, but I actually think the Warriors win this one by three scores. Bosse at Mater Dei - potential running clock for MD in this one. Bosse is currently going through a tough stretch of games. Jasper at Castle - This one could definitely be close. Reitz just ran all over the stingy Castle defense, but can Jasper do the same? Not so sure. I think the Knights bounce back with a win. GAME OF THE WEEK: Reitz at Memorial - Another huge test for the Panthers and a chance to lock up the SIAC title. Memorial will be chomping at the bits to knock off the undefeated team. But I doubt either team will unleash everything considering they'll most likely have a much more important matchup again in the sectional. The big questions in this matchup revolve around Davies being back or not and Memorial scoring enough to stay in it. I predict Davies will play so it may take their offense some time to get going again. So, I think similar to their game against Castle, this game will be low-scoring and close at half. But I think the Panthers just have too much firepower on offense and pull away in the 2nd half again. I'll pick Reitz by a few scores to stay undefeated.

Well, are you referring to Reitz or Memorial? Exactly. Has to be something strong. Definitely not the lines I would be setting.

It took Reitz a bit to get going due to turnovers and realizing they didn't need to pass at all, but once they got going it turned very lopsided. Castle had to have known what was coming but they just didn't have an answer for Vera or Burnett. Two very skilled runners. I was still shocked with how many points and yards Reitz put up considering they did not use Summers or Thomas at all. Additionally, the Reitz defense is very impressive with their QB/run pursuit and pass coverage. They fly around, get off blocks, and tackle well. Castle did not have much success on offense. I will be interested to see what Memorial's plan of attack will be. But if there is any coaching staffs in the area that can find something that works, Memorial's is one of them. Reitz has to be hoping Davies is back for this one to open up their playbook again. But even with Davies potentially coming back, I could see there being some rust and them taking a few drives or a quarter to get going. But, they're going to score. Castle's defense is no slouch; Reitz had 10 points at half, 17 into the 4th, and then they still put up 41. Even if they struggle at times, they're going to have stretches where they put up points. The big question will be can Memorial score enough to stay in it and what will they have success with. Definitely will be watching this one.

Very true. I mentioned earlier in the week that I wonder who Castle will be preparing for. It’ll be interesting to see who starts and how the defense will adjust to it.

Last I heard it is another game-time decision, or unknown at the very least. I would guess that since nobody has heard anything about him playing, the chances that he plays are low. Can the Panthers win with Vera at QB again? Vera was awesome at QB against Central, but this is a whole different defensive beast. We know he runs very well, and it seems like he throws decently well, but just does not have the size or arm that Davies has. Personally, I think they are good enough to win either way though. Should be a great game.

4A is loaded. It's kind of unfortunate for Reitz because on a typical year or in 5A I think their team is talented enough to be top 3-5 and a state contender. However, even IF they happen to get through their sectional and East Central in the regional, they get rewarded with New Pal or Roncalli at semi-state, which would seem more like a state championship game. Even still, there's no guarantee they even get out of their own sectional because Jasper and especially Memorial are also contenders when at full strength and playing to their potential.

I think it’s very much up in the air still. Obviously it’s a big question in this matchup because I think Reitz has a strong chance of winning if he’s back. However, it seems like their offense is just as or more dynamic with Vera at QB considering his ability to run. Really just adds another threat to an offense already loaded with them. Kind of makes you wonder what Castle is preparing for because it’s two very different QBs. Seal, since you’ve seen both teams, what is your prediction?

GAME OF THE WEEK: Castle @ Reitz Felt like this one deserved more of a breakdown, especially since I'll be attending in person. Massive SIAC matchup. Both ranked in the top ten, Reitz in 4A and Castle in 5A. Reitz has a chance to stay undefeated and increase their lead in the conference. Also a chance for them to make another statement to the rest of the state if they win convincingly. Castle has a chance to even up with Reitz if they win and put themselves in position to win it. This is another tough call and could definitely be a close game. Would be interested to hear input from fans who have seen both Castle and Reitz this year. Common opponents: vs. North - Castle won 28-21, Reitz won 38-15 vs. Harrison - Castle won 21-8, Reitz won 39-8 vs. VL - Castle won 35-21, Reitz won 31-28 Points: Reitz total PF-PA: 193-65 Castle total PF-PA: 154-67 I think Reitz offense against Castle defense is the key matchup in this one. However, the Reitz defense and Castle offense have also been better than most people thought. But can the Knights match-up with the Panthers' array of weapons? Love the group of skill guys and linebackers that both teams have. I think the big question on everybody's mind is whether or not Ben Davies will be back at QB for the Panthers. I would think so. One thing is for sure, the Reitz Bowl will be rockin' on Friday night for a can't miss kind of game. Prediction: Reitz stays undefeated and wins by 2 scores.

Bosse @ Memorial - Easy call here, the Tigers win big and carry their win streak into a huge week 7 matchup with Reitz. Tigers with a running clock. Harrison @ Vincennes - The Alices return home and get back on track with a big win. I'd say VL wins by 3 scores. Mater Dei @ North - This is a tough call and I could see it going either way. Mater Dei has started figuring some things out but I think North can control the clock with their running game, especially if they have St. Louis back. I think the Huskies take it by 1 score. Jasper @ Central - Besides @ Harrison next week, this is the best chance for Central to get a win. Jasper has started to get a bit healthier and if they take care of the ball this will be an easy win for them. I would say Wildcats by 3 scores.