Football Fanatic

I agree. Huge addition for Reitz. Absolute game-changer if used correctly with the mix of size and elite speed. If I remember right, based on highlights and word of mouth, he was doing well last season but was unable to play the full season (not sure why). With a fresh start and adding him to an already talented group of skill players, plus to an experienced defense if he goes both ways, it may be just what he and Reitz needs. Seems to be a kid that could go to college for track or football.

I think they only return one starter on the OL. But I’m guessing they have some capable OLmen in the loaded sophomore class that will step in. RBs and WRs will be solid. Defense will be experienced at least. For them it all comes down to the QB situation and how good the new OL is whether they will be a contender or not.

That sounds right, and a couple of them were juniors. Lots of experience on their defensive side. You are right about their offense, as they have to replace a majority of the unit. QB is a huge ? for them, and unless they have a QB transfer in, I wouldn't think they have many good options. I know they have a really talented 8th grade QB but highly doubt he would start as a freshman. Maybe the JV starter or the Vera kid? IMO their offense requires a serviceable QB so it'll be interesting to see how it plays out for them. I think Burnett will do well at RB, he was doing well last year until he got hurt and Smith took over full time. I agree on the WRs, they should be really solid.

Okay, thought so. I don't know exactly how the process works but I assume it is not all black and white. Might work out for some of them but I would guess it is fairly complicated to make it work.

I knew they were pretty young last year, I believe they return 8 or 9 starters on their defense. Will be interesting to see if or how much they improve in that department.

Not sure this is true. Obviously there's been some rumblings about many players leaving, but it's not that easy. If anything I think maybe Memorial got one and Reitz got one so far, if they've even been released. Of course there is still plenty of time for things to happen, especially when the school year ends. Could get interesting though.

Bosse DLmen Ashon Stewart and Hurley Esters both committed to play football at Bethel University. We knew Bosse had some talented players and it’s nice to see some colleges notice! Coach Mullen is a great fit to build that program and get his kids opportunities.

Saw another SIAC commit today. Jay Smith of Reitz will continue his football career at Rose-Hulman. The engine that kept the Panthers going the past few seasons seems to be a perfect fit for the Fightin’ Engineers!

Agreed. One of the best safeties to come through the SIAC in recent memory. Good for him!

Will surely be a hot topic among the crowd of those that dislike when coaches “woo” or “poach” players from other schools. Ironically or un-ironically. If there’s a will and a way it’s going to happen whether we like it or not. Heck, a lot of the times it’s the kids/parents making the decision on their own because they want to be a part of a winning team. I’m sure there will continue be more transfers within the SIAC.

Yeah the Rode to Memorial has been rumored for a while but did not know anything about the Waller transfer. Another solid RB and big OL for Memorial to work with. Good for them.

My (educated) guess is that VL goes independent as soon as possible until they figure out a conference to join, GS stays in the PAC and simply replaces one of their long-travel weeks with an SIAC opponent.

Exactly. I have had similar thoughts and conversations. Lots of upcoming changes in the very near future.

I think we can chalk that one up to recency bias. However, having those programs in the “average” tier actually goes to show how strong the conference is. Central had a really nice stretch of seasons recently, not sure about their near future. Reitz and North have struggled for awhile now but I’ve heard both have a lot of young talent coming up so maybe they up their level of play to compete better with the top 4 dogs. The SIAC is and will continue to be one of the more competitive conferences statewide. They beat each other up all season and there is always at least a few teams making postseason runs. Lots of talent in the area and spread out fairly well. Back to the VL news. I can’t help but wonder…when they leave and nobody replaces them…all the SIAC schools will have an open week. Could set up for some interesting and exciting non-conference matchups in the near future! (mainly referring to potential PAC vs. SIAC matchups)

Compared to the Big 8 and what they know about the PAC, I should say. Personally, I don’t think the gap is as big as most think. But FWIW, I do think there are at least 4 teams in the SIAC that would finish top 2 or 3 every year in the PAC.

It would be interesting to hear what players, coaches, and fans from Vincennes were thinking when they made the jump and then what they think now. The one person I talked to from Vincennes was notably shocked at how much better the talent pool is in the SIAC.

I do think Boonville or MV get first opportunity. But I'm with you, I doubt either would be interested in joining. What about that team over in Lincoln City?

That’s honestly huge for a high school program. I don’t think many schools can say they are signed with Jordan. Couldn’t have been cheap but I bet they are very fortunate with the support they have. As big as that is, will it really help attract/keep kids in the program? Can’t hurt I guess. Looking forward to seeing their gear. Look good, play good…right? We’ll see! Only 3 months until spring camps, 6 months until summer ball, and 8 months until the 2022 season begins. Be here before we know it.

Castle returning Guerzini, Purdy, Harris, and Aigner is huge for them. Those dudes will be problems for opponents every Friday night. It remains to be seen what kind of supporting cast they will be able to put around them though. If they can put a good line together and field an efficient QB they could be just as good.

I’d be shocked if anything “bad form” is going on. I’ve heard nothing but good things about Brunson and he seems like a true from-the-ground-up kind of coach. Reitz has lost some great players out of their program to transfer in recent years though, so maybe the time comes again when they start to retain or attract kids. I’ve heard they have some good young talent coming up along with the talented sophomore class. And I think the QB that was referred to is their 8th grade QB, last name Johnson I believe. Apparently one of the more talented 8th graders city-wide. Have a hard time believing they would start him as a freshman though. Reitz definitely has a long way to go to contend with the top dogs but it seems that strides are being made.

What do you mean by that? Do you mean conference wide as the offseason generally runs its course...and transferring becoming more common? Or are you referring to Reitz specifically?

Never too early. Some 2021 recaps and notes for 2022: - Similar to Montgomery at Southridge, I highly doubt Tilly plays football his senior year. He will be focused on Auburn and getting drafted. Castle will still be good though. It helps having a solid RB back, but they will need to replace some key players. Projected key returnees: LB John Purdy, RB Peyton Guerzini, WR Weston Aigner, WR Antonio Harris - Central is in a tough spot with new coaching and coming off a rough season, but do return both QBs which always helps. They were missing some key players due to injury throughout the season, so hard to tell how good they will be. Projected key returnees: RB Rojelio Diaz, RB Porter Rode, QB Blake Herdes, QB Ben Davies, WR Luke Pokorney - Harrison lost a few of their best players throughout the season which didn't help an already struggling team. They have some young talent but we will have to see if they stick with the program and buy in. Projected key returnees: RB Albert Wadlington, WR Asher Horn, OL Random Phillips - Bosse started off promising but struggled late in the year due to some injuries, trouble, and schedule. They do return some solid players and have a lot of talent at the younger levels. But similar to Harrison, we will have to see if that talent sticks with the program and buys in. Mullen is great for that program though. Projected key returnees: RB/DB Jaiden Thomas, WR Amari Hope, LB/RB Keith Hall - Reitz showed improvements at times but were very young in a lot of spots. I believe they will return 8 or 9 starters on defense. They will have to replace some key players on offense. If they can field some playmakers and a QB to get them the ball, we may see a winning season from the Panthers coming. Projected key returnees: WR/DB Roland Vera Jr., WR/DB Hayden Summers, RB Jonas Burnett, LB Ayden Wells, OL Harlen Summers - Jasper had a great season but really disappointed with a first round loss to NV. They do lose some key players but with Lewis and that offense they will most likely reload every year. Not sure who all they have coming back. If I had to guess we will see a different conference winner though. Projected key returnees: QB Grant Young, DB Bralen Bair - Memorial does lose some but has a lot of talent coming up and key players returning. It will be interesting to see if they keep their QB there or give Fisher a shot at it. I think Memorial will still be a strong contender for the conference title with their mix of players returning and young talent coming up. Projected key returnees: QB Caleb Ellspermann, WR Hugh Pearce, WR Leo Collins, LB Carac Johnson, OL Drew Weinzapfel, OL Edward Hartig - Vincennes battles hard every game but so far has lacked the team speed and talent to contend with the big boys of the conference. I look for them to make some strides and get an extra win or two next season, I think Salters does a great job with that program. Projected key returnees: WR Dejuan Gillis, RB/LB Tanner Gilbert - North always seems like they are on the verge of getting over the hill but have yet to get there. They are very close though. Losing Brawdy and Hankins will hurt but they do have a lot of talent returning. Projected key returnees: RB Angelo St. Louis, WR Jaylonn Mitchell, TE Kaleb Harris, OL Timmy Dixon, LB Cale Johnson, DL Jaylen Hazelwood - Mater Dei had a great season and started to peak in the playoffs before running into the buzzsaw that was Andrean. Unfortunately they lose some key players, but also return some. Their underclassmen are solid too. I think they will be just as good next year. Projected key returnees: QB Mason Wunderlich, WR Luke McDurmon, WR Ethan Stolz, RB, Joey Pierre, OL Austin Vanover, OL Cody Wells Feel free to add any other notes or returning players worth mentioning, I'm sure I missed some.

Notre Dame

I've seen footage of Dutra from his days in high school and college. That kid was a monster. Don't remember a kid that could explode off the line and attack the ball as well as him. TW sure could have used him to get pressure on Allen last Saturday!

Predict who will win in each class and add any thoughts you have. I'll start. 1A: Adams Central vs. Indianapolis Lutheran - Saints win this one by a lot. I think they would even win 2A. 2A: Evansville Mater Dei vs. Andrean - This one could really go either way and both teams have been playing well. Give me the Wildcats by one score. 3A: Brebeuf Jesuit vs. Gibson Southern - Brady Allen and company are just too good on offense. This is the year we will remember the Titans. 4A: Northridge vs. Mt. Vernon (Fortville) - The Marauders have impressive team speed+strength which puts an end to the impressive run by Northridge. 5A: Cathedral vs. Zionsville - The Fighting Irish are the 2nd best team in Indiana regardless of class and will continue to show it with a big win here. 6A: Center Grove vs. Westfield - The Trojans continue their dominance and win another state title. The 'Rocks are tough but Trojans win by two scores.