Football Fanatic

On 6/5/2022 at 3:31 PM, TigerFan20 said:

Not confirmed, but it appears that Ben Davies has transferred to Reitz (rumored for months). His name popped up on the roster last week. Big get for Reitz if it is true

Indeed it has been rumored for a while. Massive addition for Reitz as I've heard and seen nothing but good things about him and they lock up their QB spot up for the next 3 seasons. Tons of potential with him, and pairs well with the skill position talent they have.

By the way, where are you seeing these rosters? I know about some other transfers around the city but unsure if any have been made roster official yet. 

I believe most summer practices will officially be underway today or this week! Interested to hear updates, as the summer goes on, about who all is/is not playing and where transfer candidates end up. Also about how various 7-on-7 tournaments and scrimmages go.

Sectional track meet was last night. I saw Memorial's Ray Brodie won the 100m with a 10.58 which is a sectional record. I also saw Reitz' Xavier Thomas won the 200m with a 21.58 which is also a sectional record. Two of the fastest kids in the state are in Evansville! Gotta love it.

I haven't seen many of the other results, how did all the other football players do?

2 hours ago, SEAL_63 said:

Gilbert is a FB/wing and will see plenty of touches. Lincoln is also excited to get back Jackson Johnson, who never played a down last season after an ACL tear in warm ups of the Bosse game. 

That's great for VL to get a key player back. I knew they had a guy out from the beginning but never heard how it happened, that's extremely unfortunate.  

Kind of surprising to me that those records have held this long with all the athletes to come through Reitz. Congrats to Xavier!

On 5/12/2022 at 9:28 AM, Football Fanatic said:

I saw his 100 time was 10.74 and 200 time was 21.55 which I believe is very close to the SIAC record. I think he is now the #1 200m dash runner in the whole state. Just a junior as well. With that speed and size I would imagine he gets some big college looks in track and football. Very dangerous weapon for the Reitz football team who already has a handful of them.

48 minutes ago, oldtimeqb said:

No love for the big guys? LOL 

I probably missed a few, but a lot of OL/DL guys placed in the Shot & Discus events. 

Yeah sorry, I just saw the All-SIAC teams released this morning so it's only 1st and 2nd place lol. And also wasn't sure who all were football players as well. Some teams will definitely be solid in the trenches!

14 hours ago, TigerFan20 said:

Pretty quiet on here lol. Let’s change that, Xavier Thomas is going to be one very fast player for Reitz judging by his Track stats. Believe he took the 100m and 200m last night.

I saw his 100 time was 10.74 and 200 time was 21.55 which I believe is very close to the SIAC record. I think he is now the #1 200m dash runner in the whole state. Just a junior as well. With that speed and size I would imagine he gets some big college looks in track and football. Very dangerous weapon for the Reitz football team who already has a handful of them.

Quote

North RB Angelo St. Louis took the 110m in Hurdles, will be a solid player for Coach P. Jasper DB Bralen Bair took the long jump crown too. Please add if there was any more players that participated in the SIAC championship yesterday! I don’t know where they keep all the records or results 

St. Louis has grown quite a bit too I believe. I imagine he will be a difficult guy to tackle. Bair has a great chance to be the best DB in the conference. Very athletic and always in the right place. As far as other results, I think the All-SIAC teams just came out. As far as football players, I saw senior Isaac Maynard from Reitz won the high jump and senior Eli McDurmon from MD won the 400m dash. Other one was junior Domonic Brown from Harrison was 2nd in 300m hurdles. There may be other football players that placed but unsure. Lots of dynamic athletes in the SIAC, looking forward to see how the rest of the track season plays out and then how all those guys perform on the gridiron!

56 minutes ago, Titan32 said:

I think a preseason ranking for GS of #9 is just stirring the pot for clicks from the active fanbase.

We think we will be pretty good.  Also, what about Tri-West in 3A south?

 

Hart vs Wilkerson.  GS leads the series 10-5.

 

I agree. I thought that ranking was a bit puzzling. I think GS should be closer to top 5, and definitely not behind HH. I do think that GS vs. HH game will be a great matchup this year. Sure, GS will not be as good as last year, but would not be shocked at all if they make another postseason run.

Looking forward to all the talent coming back in the SIAC this season. Lot of it untapped, underrated, or unknown at this point. Here is just the returning SIAC All Conference players:

QB

2nd team - Jr. Cameron Tilly - Castle -  (not playing this year)

At Large - Jr. Mason Wunderlich - Mater Dei

RB

2nd team- Jr. Jaiden Thomas - Bosse

WR/TE

1st team - Jr. Leo Collins - Memorial

2nd team - Jr. Weston Aigner - Castle

G/T

1st team - Jr. Drew Weinzapfel - Memorial

1st team - So. Timmy Dixon - North

2nd team - Jr. Jack Cassidy - Memorial

K

2nd team - Jr. Tyler Sitzman - Mater Dei

DL

2nd team - Jr. Kelton Farmer - Memorial

2nd team - So. Jayden Hazelwood - North

LB

2nd team - Jr. John Purdy - Castle

DB

1st team - Jr. Bralen Bair - Jasper

2nd team - So. Roland Vera Jr - Reitz

P

2nd team - Jr. Charlie Kabrick - Jasper

17 hours ago, tango said:

Wow. If GS ever loses a game in that sectional there ought to be an investigation. 

Agreed. Could be a positive or negative depending how you look at it, but GS will be able to play a majority of their sectional games with their backups/JV team. Keeps them fresh and healthy but also could limit the starter reps. Either way, they will be heavy heavy favorites to win their sectional for years to come. MV Posey will be competitive with them this season and maybe in the near future, but that's really it. And oddly enough, GS now has the chance to see HH or Southridge in either regionals or semi-state (not sure which it would be off the top of my head) if those teams make runs. Interesting, if not confusing, realignment there.

Sectional 24 comes out really nice with the realignments. One less team who could potentially beat our beloved SIAC teams (sorry Jasper and Reitz), one less place to travel. Boonville obviously isn't too bad of a trip, although the field could use upgrades. Now the dreaded trip will be Jasper, especially if you have to do it twice in a season. Bosse enters a more difficult sectional now, but on the positive, they will see more teams who they already play and know more about.

8 minutes ago, TigerFan20 said:

Love the insight, I forgot Reitz had Burnett, which I think he is a solid back.

And like I said before, Baker will probably RB1 followed by Broines/Horning depending if Rodes can play.

And I believe we are less than a month away for the “unofficial” start of the season!

He has definitely shown glimpses, has the ability to break a long run every time he touches it due to his small build and quickness. I believe he is a cousin to Mt. Vernon's QB Nicot Burnett. They should both be poised for big seasons! 

Memorial will definitely have options. Any updated word on whether Ellsperman will get the nod at QB or is it an open competition between him and Fisher? I feel like if Fisher seems ready, they may be even better with Fisher at QB and Ellsperman at WR. Or do they give Fisher a year to play JV and take over next year?

Getting close, summer practices and competitions should be picking up by the end the month!

Speaking of RBs, how about projected starters or 1-2 punches at the RB position in the conference. I know there has been talk of some transfers, but let's assume the transfers aren't happening or at least are not official yet. I admit I don't have much depth of knowledge on some of the rosters, just taking a shot at it. Lots of returning starters/contributors at the RB position it seems, should be a loaded position! Feel free to add your own thoughts or add input.

Memorial - Donavan Baker - very well built and a solid athlete, think he gets some opportunities regardless of who else they have

Castle - Peyton Guerzini - had a great sophomore season and high expectations last season before the OL was dwindled down and he got hit with an injury, hopefully he has a healthy senior season because that offense will rely on him heavily

North - Angelo St. Louis & Cainen Northington - heck of a 1-2 punch to have as they are both quick and talented, but not necessarily proven yet. With a new unproven QB taking over, they will be relied on heavily

Reitz - Jonas Burnett - has shown glimpses of how quick and talented he is, but has not been able to stay healthy the past two seasons, hopefully that changes his senior season as Reitz could be very solid if so

Mater Dei - Joey Pierre - huge for MD to return their QB and RB to defend their runner up season, Pierre should have a huge season

Harrison - Albert Wadlington - tough to tackle, sort of an MJD bowling ball type, may be relied on heavily to carry the load of the offense

Bosse - JD Thomas - made a name for himself last season until some trouble sidelined him, but good size and talent, with a new QB taking over should be relied on heavily

Jasper - Mitchel Leinenbach - maybe overshadowed by the other horses in the stable last year but still talented, forms a solid 1-2 punch with the returning QB, not sure who else they have in the flex backfield

Vincennes - Tanner Gilbert - he might be more of a fullback but not sure who else they have, and I do believe their JV or freshman RB is a solid player

Central - Rode/Diaz? - Honestly not sure, this is a wait and see, I think they also have a kid named Broshears who is talented but not sure what position he will play

2 hours ago, SouthernFan said:

Do we have anyone around here committed to the Saint Mary of the Woods college football team? I believe I saw where Sullivan's coach resigned to be the first head coach for the new program. A small college starting football giving some local kids and opportunity to play ball. 

Bosse had 4 commit to SMWC - Breylin Behme, DeBryan Bush, Adonimi Parker, Jeffrey Lapointe

If you have not heard yet...the Reitz community lost a freshmen Tuesday night in an accidental death. The school announced that it was Kaden Vera...younger brother of Roland Vera. So sad for that family and the community 😔

I disagree. USI will be competitive in D1 in the near future. Recruiting should not be an issue at all, especially with the transfer portal options. The big question will be maintaining and developing the players. As far as USI football goes, I agree the chances are low. However, I could see the wheels begin to turn within the next decade. 

15 minutes ago, Spitting Llamas said:

A lot of really good questions here. I'll try to answer a few or at least give my opinions.

Best O-line has got to go to Memorial. I believe they had the best o-line in the conference last year and return everyone if I'm correct. They are my clear choice. 

Best QB will be Mason Wunderlich at MD. He will be a 3 year starter and has the experience of a couple of deep playoff runs the last two years. He's started 29 games going into his senior season and that has to be a huge benefit to him and MD.

Best LB group would have to start with Castle and John Purdy. I think he's the top linebacker in the conference so the discussion has to start here. 

The others are a bit more murky.

Best receiver group could be Memorial with Leo Collins leading the pack. Mater Dei returns Ethan Stolz and Drew Martin who both started last year and made contributions. 

Best running back. Mater Dei and Castle both return what will be 3 year starters. Memorial loses their dynamite tandem, North and Reitz both graduated their starters as well. I believe Jayden Thomas is gone from Bosse but could be wrong there. 

TE is tough because I'm not sure outside of Jasper who really uses a TE much. No clue from me.

D line might be Castle as well. I know they lost some but they always seem to have a good d line. Mater Dei loses Ralph and Boots which is huge. Memorial loses most of their d line. Not sure what Jasper has returning but they were a menace last year. Another punt from me. 

Mater Dei returns both starting safeties in Pierre and Turner. Pierre lead the team with 4 interceptions a year ago and Turner had two if I remember correctly. Both played very well and should be better with a year of experience. 

Corners - no clue. Reitz returns most of their defensive backfield, including Roland Vera, so I might go with them here. 

I'm sure there are a lot of other opinions out there. I just wanted to try to get the ball rolling.  

Agree with a lot of what you said. I will add my additional thoughts...Best QB should be Wunderlich. Best RB will be Pierre or Guerzini, but look out for Burnett at Reitz if he stays healthy, or St. Louis/Northington at North. Best OL goes to Memorial obviously. Best WR group would be Memorial (Collins and Pearce), MD (Stolz, Martin, younger McDurmon), or Reitz (Thomas, Vera, Hayden Summers). North has talent at WR as well. Best LB group would be Castle led by Purdy or Reitz who returns all of their LBs. Best secondary would be MD, Jasper, or Reitz who returns all of theirs. Best corner probably Bair at Jasper. Best DL might be Castle or North. Lot of talent in the SIAC, looking forward to seeing them all play! 

15 hours ago, TigerFan20 said:

Since we are talking offense and defense, why not these?

Best receiver group?

Best RB room or duo?

Best O-line?

Best TE in the SIAC?

Best QB in the SIAC? (This one will be debated all season)

Best D-line?

Best LB core?

Best safeties?

Best Corners?

Some things to consider over the next few weeks before the summer practices begin 

Good topic. Not sure on all those specifics, but I will name 3 returning (that I know of, limited knowledge) impact players for each position off the top of my head.

QB - Mason Wunderlich (MD), Caleb Ellsperman (Memorial), Grant Young (Jasper)

RB - Joey Pierre (MD), Peyton Guerzini (Castle), Jonas Burnett (Reitz)

WR - Leo Collins (Memorial), Weston Aigner (Castle), Xavier Thomas (Reitz)

TE - Kaleb Harris (North), Branson Beal (Reitz), Brooks Thomas (Harrison)

OL - Edward Hartig (Memorial), Timmy Dixon (North), Harlen Summers (Reitz)

DL - Jayden Hazelwood (North), Levi Oxley (Reitz), Da'shon Stewart (Central)

LB - John Purdy (Castle), Ayden Wells (Reitz), Carac Johnson (Memorial)

DB - Bralen Bair (Jasper), Asher Horn (Harrison), Roland Vera Jr. (Reitz)

On 4/1/2022 at 8:08 PM, Screagle said:

Davis not as good as the kid they already have IMO. 

Not sure who you are referring to but based on last season and what I've heard about Davies, he's very solid for his age and has a lot of potential. Wherever he plays, I would guess he's a three year starter.

On 4/2/2022 at 5:09 PM, TigerFan20 said:

I’m intrigued with Reitz Defense for next year 

I don't see it happening but I do think the Reitz D has the potential to be a top 3 defense if their young guys have matured and improved. I would say the best D this year will be Castle. As far as offenses go, based on knowledge of key returnees, losses, and additions....I would say the top 3 scoring offenses will be Memorial, Reitz, and MD. I think Jasper, Castle, and North will be able to win games while not scoring a whole lot.                          

8 hours ago, Screagle said:

Central has biggest questions. The sophomore to be, Davis, transferring to Reitz and Herdes is rumored to be focusing on baseball and basketball. 

Not sure there is any truth to that. But if Davies does go, they might become a legit contender in the SIAC for the next few years. There have been rumblings about Herdes not playing but that would lead me to believe Davies would stay at Central to take over as QB. 

Not sure who Bosse, VL, or Harrison has next up.

North will probably have a QB battle between the McKinney kid and the younger QB.

Castle will probably start the Gordon kid unless they get a transfer. 
 

Jasper has Grant Young back which is good for their offense.

Speaking of a QB competition, it seems like at least a few teams will have some QB battles or question marks entering the season. The QB situations at each school may be a good topic of discussion.

13 hours ago, TigerFan20 said:

 

How will the conference look overall in the 2022 season? Very competitive from top to middle of the pack

Will Jasper defend its title or will a new/co champion will be crowned? New champ, MD or Memorial

QB trouble in Paradise? Who will take the reign of Castle’s QB1 for the season? I have an idea, and I think they'll be fine

Who replaces the Dynamic Duo RB combo at Memorial? Or potentially a new QB behind Memorial’s O-line? Not sure how the Rode situation will work out but I would think Donavan Baker gets some run

Can the Huskies finally get over the 5 win hump and get a winning season? QB will be a big question mark for them but I think they finish about the same

Do we see an improved Bosse team coming into the season? I think as a team they improve a bit but still end with 2-3 wins

Judging by the off season, is Reitz slowly becoming a potential Dark Horse in the SIAC? Or will the Panthers at least get over the losing season hump. I would say so, lot of experienced talent plus whatever they add. I could see them getting 5-7 wins depending on the QB situation

How do the teams of VL, Central, Harrison look like this upcoming season? Not great. I don't know who all Central is losing but I assume they have some young or returning talent. I would pre-rank those 1 Central 2 Harrison 3 VL

Can Mater Dei make another trip at the State Finals? Yes, another good shot at it and possibly meet up with Andrean again

Favorite(s) in the SIAC this season? Memorial or MD

Most intriguing matchup? Memorial vs MD

Deepest postseason run? Or multiple deep runs? MD at least goes to semi-state, Memorial goes to regionals, Castle possibly goes to regionals

Hardest schedule? VL has the toughest schedule due to traveling and being the underdog

Team to beat in the SIAC? Has to be MD as a returning state runner up

Will Tango make his Chili in Jasper? I have no knowledge of this Tango Chili

11 hours ago, TigerFan20 said:

Time for the unofficial way too early preseason power rankings (likelihood):

1. Mater Dei (It’s Coach Goebels)

2. Memorial (Hurley time)

3. Jasper (They always find a way)

4. Castle (depends on the QB, but that defense 👀)

5. Reitz (Nice additions to the offense)

6. North (Took some hits, but they should be solid again)

7. Bosse (I got faith in the Bulldogs)

8. Central (Long road ahead for the Bears)

9. Harrison (Brooks Thomas is legit, hope the Warriors can get some confidence)

10. Vincennes Lincoln (Might be another long year for the Alices)

I was just about to say it’s been quiet and see if anybody had any new updates or thoughts. Love me some early pre-season rankings. I mostly agree with your list. I think Memorial finishes at the top, especially if the RB situation works out. This could be the year Reitz jumps ahead of Castle and/or Jasper. Lots of young talent that is experienced now plus the huge addition that was previously discussed. I think North is just as competitive as last year but replacing a QB like Brawdy will not be easy. The top two seem unanimous, but the 3-6 could really finish any way. Your bottom four are probably spot on. 
 

We’re getting closer but it pains me that we’re still 5 months away from games. May even get an itch to try a preseason All-SIAC team soon.