Bash Riprock

Derek Moyers had some excellent years at Pike during his tenure. 14-1 in 2007 with their lone loss to Carmel in the state championship. 7-3 in 2008, 9-2 in 2009, 9-3 in 2010, 9-4 in 2012, 7-5 in 2013 (as previously mentioned). In the 2009 and 2010 eras, I remember a couple of excellent WR's...both I believe went to Univ of Cincy, with one of them really making a mark. I am sure other players on his rosters that played college ball.

Looks like Jimmy H. has hired Bart Simpson......see 2nd video below and attachment below

Georgia won last 2 years. Their prior championship was 1980. Since the CFP, you are correct that only Bama, UGA, Clemson, LSU, and Ohio State have won championships. Perhaps a select few will be added into the equation. But the “football rich” schools will continue to seperate themselves under this equation. They are undoubtedly a football rich school.

Can't stockpile talents? I think its just the opposite. Schools like Texas, Bama, Ohio State, Michigan, etc. have the opportunity to further distance themselves as they can pour more money into their NIL pools than the majority of schools in their conferences and especially from the mid-majors. Arch Manning made $3.2 million last year as a backup QB for Texas. That's more $$ than some starting QB's in the NFL. Majority of schools cannot use that type of money to incentivize recruits to come their way.

Great topic...... I think most of us would love if some of the higher rated Indiana HS players (recruiting ratings) would stay in state vs leaving. I guess they need a compelling reason to stay. Fact is that its tough in this state with so many big time programs within a 5-6 hour radius. Throw in NIL money, and ease of transferring, I understand why the highest rated players "take their shot". Hopefully, IU and Purdue can build more consistent and sustainable programs. But I can't help wondering if HS recruiting is taking a back seat to the portal now anyways. I truly think coaches are now looking there first. (or at least equal) BTW, when did it become a bad thing for a kid to accept a scholly at a mid-major program such as the MAC? Perhaps getting on the field as soon as possible may be he smartest thing one can do...while maximizing a free education. Congrats to any player that earns a scholly!!

I guess I am a data guy....I go off injury research and what I have seen through my years of youth football coaching and youth football admin. (BTW, you don't need to use the word "if" regarding my experience) I am not reading nor have I seen a higher incidence rate of head injuries with youth football. I do see people responding to emotion. Safety is a massive focus on our particular league and has been for years. If you have data specific to youth football that show strong evidence of higher rates of head injuries vs other sports with no head protection, thanks for sharing. Absolutely there is a risk of kids that don't enjoy the game as a youth and choose not to come back. If was no different back in my day as a player and our son's,,,but that risk occurs at both youth and middle school levels. There is still absolutely size and skill separation at middle school...sometimes even worse as physical maturity is highly variable at the middle school level. Yes I have seen the stud youth football player that doesn't lead to the young man being a strong varsity player and vice versa. I have seen that occur in all sports....that isn't isolated to football. Our league teaches and monitor's techniques to reduce head injury potential....they are taught the correct way as a child that carries with them as they grow in the game. Habit building is a critical attribute. It may be different in your area, but for years middle school football coaching in our area was suspect when limited to teachers coaching. That has strengthened over the years with coaching coming outside of the particular schools. We do very much agree on growing the game...perhaps different paths to get there. But in my neck of the woods, there is no doubt our youth football program has grown the game and is a critical variable into the high school program's success. I am just looking for hard data to eliminate this valuable opportunity for kids, and not just an emotional "warm fuzzy" for adults that would push to take it away.

Definitely some truth to there......the new world of college football....I hate it.

Indiana represents well for a state of its size. Here is where the Top 40 are committed. Perhaps this year isn't its strongest class. Many are heading to the MAC, but the Power 4 schools also took some players. https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2023/12/20/signing-day-where-indiana-high-school-football-top-players-are-going-ihsaa-recruiting-rankings/71979255007/

Been associated with youth football for a decade plus. I understand the physical differences between 2nd graders and 7th graders. But they don’t play each other and I have to hope most responsible leagues have age appropriate divisions. Younger kids aren’t typically bringing the force of older kids. I get all leagues aren’t the same when it comes to coach selection, development and safety, but some coaches I’ve experienced at the middle school level have no business being on a sideline. The same with equipment condition and kids being fit properly at middle school. I just don’t prescribe the game is safer for middle schoolers. I have not seen a high incidence of head type injuries during my time associated with youth football and injuries in general not out of the norm with other sports. But hey, I respect your views. As stated before, football not meant to be everyone’s game.

Curious....what makes the game safer at 12-13 vs 11-12? Feels like a false comfort. I'd hate the thought that kids would be denied learning the game itself and what the game teaches you until middle school so people feel more comfortable. There is so much competing for a youth's attention, and love of the game can start much earlier than 12 years old. If there is truly a quantifiable risk/safety issue, (I've read many studies that conflict) then why wouldn't we push for the same restriction for other sports, such as girl's and boy's soccer, competitive cheerleading, etc. As Temp says, what is the risk of kids sitting on the couch as home?? It is not zero. Just my opinion.

With Rourke, it would seem IU has their QB for next season with his one year of eligibility. Gives Cherry a year to learn, acclimate and perhaps be in the hunt his soph season....but again, more talent will keep coming. My opinion (not worth a ton) is that Tayven and Tyler are very different QB's....I think Tayven could run a RPO better, where Tyler that big, strong, tall pocket passer...very accurate. Will be interesting the type of offense Cignetti will run. I assume he will adjust based on the attributes of his chosen starter. I just saw the list of IU receivers...with transfers from Ohio, (Rourke's teammate) Texas Tech and Wake Forest, to go with their current receivers. Looks like a pretty darn strong group, based on the transfers performance last season...all massed over 1000 yds receiving. https://www.si.com/college/indiana/football/indiana-football-lands-ohio-quarterback-kurtis-rourke-from-transfer-portal#:~:text=Former Ohio Bobcats quarterback Kurtis,American Conference (MAC) honors.

I am seeing that quite a bit on X (formerly Twitter). Does the IU payout still apply if he goes back to work immediately? Was that part of the settlement following his termination at IU?

Congrats to Ben Davis (48), Center Grove (56) and Brownsburg (74) for all cracking the top 100!! (top 50 for BD)

George “Iceman” Gervin, Artis Gilmore, Moses Malone, David Thompson, etc. Great league!!

Guess we shall see. Reports he’s looking at IU and Michigan State.

So good…love Kennedy’s comments at the beginning

Bob, your comment about the "stache" made me think about this classic musical.....

Be truthful....were people stating the Michigan team sucks or stating their head coach was a two time cheater during the 2023 season? Those aren't one in the same....can't blame the kids for the actions of their head coach and his assembled team....some who were let go this season.

Last one…postgame locker room. Army coach Jeff Monken leads team in cheer I Will Fight Some More….

How about this young man?? Not about NIL or NFL contracts. Wow!

Always love the CBS game intro… 90 seconds to say your goodbyes…

Army sang second and won the CIC trophy. Go Army Beat Navy! My fav game of the year!!

that’s excellent Grover. Go to the 15 min mark to hear Cousins accept the Bart Starr award earlier this year.