Marshall Mathers

Covington vs FC - Definitely surprised on the Covington/NV game last week. Hinchee was very impressive, and Covington without their QB will struggle. I didn't get a chance to see the hit on the FC QB, but heard it was away from the play and completely unnecessary. It isn't the first time an RP player has sent a kid to the hospital on a dirty hit like this. Give me an FC trick play for the W 22-13. PH vs Attica - PH wins this by what they want, but I'm not completely sold on them yet. WRC is weak enough this year that they will win some more games, but I don't want to say they will give RP a run for their money just yet. 47-6. RP vs Seeger - May be close for the first 3 minutes, but RP will destroy Seeger up front and get to Salts all night. With Seegers lack of a running game, this will be a blow out unless Seeger can win their 1 on 1s quickly against cover 0. 54-13. SV vs NV - This will be a good battle early between the two QBs. Hinchee is showing his arm is very good, and Shryock has been a lot more involved with his legs this year. SV's running game alone will be enough to win this game, but if they figure out their passing game it wont be within 3 scores. 35-13.

Itll be 19 points after the first 8 minutes

FC vs RP - Ill take RP for 800 Alex NV vs Covington - NV is still struggling offensively. They have no run game, but Hinchee has some upside. Covington lost to the Polytechnicians last week. Ill still take Covington this week by a few scores. 27-12 Seeger vs Attica - Seeger by as many as they want. QB had quite a week last week 5 TDs no INTs. Is he the best QB in the conference? 47-6 SV vs PH - This is game of the week for me. PH dominated last week, and SV got a spankin. PH will have home field advantage, but the Cats will use the power of the Little Italy Festival weekend to win on a last second hail mary, then stompa da grapes on the field directly after. 35-34

Attica vs Tri County - Attica may not be as improved as expected, but Tri County may not win a game this year. 20-13. Covington vs Purdue Englewood - What is this pick up? What is an Englewood? Are the Trojans cherry picking Ws, or could they genuinely not find a team to play. Fountain Central vs Crawfordsville - FC lost a VERY tough one last week, and Crawfordsville won a very close one. ThePrince is probably jumping for joy in Herb's basement that Earls didn't pull off the week 1 win against SM that Herb never could. Give me Crawfordsville in a 21-12 game. NV vs Paris - NV played NC a little closer than I expected. I don't know how Paris is but they got close W last week. 28-7. Seeger vs BC - Both teams coming off a loss last week. Ill take Seeger here in a very close one. 21-20. SV vs Sullivan - SV has an impressive backfield that will be able to make plays, but I don't think their defense is up to par yet. Especially not this week when they have to go up against one of the states best RBs. Ill take Sullivan 41-14. PH vs WV - Both teams coming off a loss last week, but I will give the edge to PH this week. 34-28. RP vs Tri - RP by 1000.

Attica - Giving attica this one. Should be improved from last year, and Faith was one of the worst 1A teams last year Caroll - Seeger return one of the better QBs in the conference, but graduated a large chunk of their running offense from last year. I don't see another season like last year, although the WRC is weak enough that it's possible. Covington - Smooth sailing for the Trojans week 1 PH - I don't know much about Crawfordsville, but I do know the Wolves have improved a lot this year. Favor the WRC here NC - NC has some athletes. NV not as many. Heard Hinchee is a solid QB. NV still a year or two from winning games. RP - 15-0 Southmont - As if losing a HOF coach wasn't enough, they lose the best athlete in the conference from summer basketball. Going to be a long season for the Earls.. hopefully he learned something as an assistant under two HOF coaches in the WRC, because he will need it. SV - Still young, but returned a large core. I look for them to be competitive in the WRC this year, but not quite competitive at the 2A level yet. ---Excited for another season of WRC football. Can't wait to watch the Panthers hoisting the Lombardi trophy in November!!

Third annual pre-season rankings from a very dedicated fans perspective. Lots of new coaches this year - Attica, RP, NV, Seeger, SV, FC 1. Parke Heritage - Clear favorites again this year, and I don't see them being challenged in the WRC. They graduated 2 very important pieces in Luce/Harper, which will inevitably be hard to replace, but with another year of experience for their younger guys, I don't see their dominance stopping. They bring back some core pieces in Schelsky, Pickle, Crum, Goins, Miller, and add Riverton Parke's best players as transfers. They will still have the size to dominate the post, and have the best guard play around the area. I believe they have 4/12 all conference players from last year on their team this year, and with Treigh Schelsky leading them for the 4th year, they will be tough. Look for them to make another run in March. Lost 20 out of 64PPG from last year, but got 17PPG & 10PPG transfers from Riverton. (7-0 Conference Prediction) 2. North Vermillion - I have NV/Seeger being a very close match up, but since the game is at NV, I will give them the edge. NV graduated a couple key pieces in Dawson/Edwards, but will be replaced with another big kid, and some underclassmen guards. NV has turned the corner the last couple of years, and will only continue to get better with Teagan Leonard leading the team, who is on track to end his career around 2,000 points. Leonard has some complimentary pieces around him with 4 year starter Dowers, and 2 year starter Thomann. If they stay healthy I do think they can beat anyone in the conference outside of PH. Lost 23 out of 61PPG from last year. (6-1 Conference Prediction) 3. Seeger - Seeger only graduated two players from a very competitive/sophomore heavy team last year. They return ALL of those guys, and add a very good freshmen class to compliment them. I would not be surprised if they ended up 6-1 as well. This team will be scary next year if they don't lose guys due to transfers. They will be led by Jack Cole, but don't really have a standout guy, they're all just pretty solid. Lost 15 out of 55PPG from last year. (5-2 Conference Prediction) This is where it gets a little crazy, and could go so many different ways. 4. Covington - They graduated at least 3 starters from a solid team last year, but one of those starters was a key component to how their team runs in Stein. He was a their distributor or scorer for the last two years, and will not be easily replaced. They also graduated Waddell, who was a huge presence for them inside with Herzog last year. They return Herzog (who is a top 3 big in the conference, Smith and Rieman, who were sophomores that gave them good minutes. Lost 34 out of 52PPG from last year. (4-3 Conference Predicition) 5. Riverton Parke - They lost their best player and arguably second best player to Parke Heritage. I would've put them at 4 if they had those guys. They will have Sanders/Lezniak, and a couple other big kids. I will be interested to see how they fare without those two guys. Lost 31 out of 54 PPG from last year. (3-4 Conference Prediction) 6. Fountain Central - They have a top 4 player in the conference in Foxworthy, so they will be able to stay very competitive with him. They also return their second leading scorer from last year and didn't really graduate anyone that important. I see their season being very comparable to last year, and will be able to beat anyone in the 4-8 spot, just don't know if they will score enough outside of Foxworthy to win a lot of games. Lost 14 out of 38PPG from last year. (2-5 Conference Prediction) 7. South Vermillion - They took probably the biggest hit of all teams last year. They graduated at least 8 seniors that I know of, and didn't play any underclassmen. The only reason I put them at 5 is because their JV from what I hear was decent last year, and I think that alone will edge out Attica. I don't know much more about this team than that, but can easily see them being 5-8 as well. Lost 57 out of 59PPG from last year! (1-6 Conference Prediction) 8. Attica - They return some key pieces and made a big jump last year. I think they will be competitive in the 4-8 games for some portions, and could see them winning a game if things go perfect. Lost 14 out of 42PPG from last year.

I want what you're on. FC 6 wins are against a combined 15-35 opponents Their 4 losses are against a combined 33-7 opponents They seem to struggle when the other team is good, and it just so happens that South Putnam is really good. Give me SP 48-13

Sanders being the best coach in the WRC clearly has his guy developing at an extreme rate. They're easily 2A in a couple years

I think we are all wondering what the Prince's fascination is with King Herb after he's been nothing but average for years. Only possibility is it's his family, or a loyal solider from the Rox State team.. or maybe its a Kevin Allen burner account? Nobody will ever know.. But on a real note, who is Kevin Allen, and does he want some of Mom's Spaghetti?

One of these coaches chases talent more than the others

What is Moore's record against Crabtree? Asking for a friend.. But NOBODY has turned a program around like Sanders has at RP

'07 Rockville because Herb is your kin? They weren't better than the '18 NV team

This Panther team is better coached, and much more physical/athletic than that NV team. RP would've beaten them by 2 scores.

Attica vs RP - RP 1 million - Attica 2 Covington vs Seeger - Seeger 42 - Covington 13 FC vs SV - FC 38 - SV 20 PH vs NV - PH 48 - NV 7

NV vs Attica - Crabtree out schemes the Ramblers. 28-13 NV PH vs Covington - This is a toss up for me, but Im going to go 33-27 Covington Seeger vs FC - If Foxworthy is playing Ill take FC 34-20 SV vs RP - RP by 100

Saved the best picks for last - Attica vs FC - 40-7 FC RP vs NV - 60-0 RP Seeger vs PH - 41 - 21 Seeger SV vs Covington - 28-21 Covington

Does it really matter? It's easy to take losses in the summer when it doesn't go on a record. How did those scrimmages help FC so far this season? Well Donnie I have a deal for you. Come up to Detroit and you can have some of Mom's Authentic Spaghetti.

Sounds like you need some of Mom's Spaghetti sir. RP would've been better off hosting an in house scrimmage with their JV team than playing Edinburgh.

Lucy I think this would be a really cool thing for you to implement in willing WRC schools. I know I would be terrified as an opposing player.

SURELY they could've picked somebody up better than EDINBURGH if they knew they were going to be solid this year right?

Im not sold on RP yet. Sanders is the best coach in the WRC, and it's not close, but they just haven't been tested yet. They wont get a true test until South Putnam in the sectional, but I also heard SP lost their good back. The starts could be aligning for Sanders after all.

Not sure your affiliations there, but he hasn't won a memorable game wince 2008.. correct me if I am wrong. I have seen Foxworthy play more than once. Very dynamic player.. potentially the best athlete in the conference. That could easily account for a few scores in the WRC. Don't get me wrong, they don't win with or without him against RP.

Who was hurt for FC? No way even healthy the Herbs can match Riverton Parke. Sanders has built that program with grit and determination from the ground up. Might I add he is also the winningest coach in RP history. RP goes undefeated in the regular season easy.

After now watching every conference team play at least once, and some a few times.. I wanted to give my guesses on all-conference players this year. Most teams still have 1-2 games left in conference play, but this is purely from a fan perspective, not seeing every single game, or even conference vs. conference games. I do believe there are 12 total athletes that get voted in each year, so I will put the 12 I think will get it. Parke Heritage - 1. Treigh Schelsky 2. Carter Crum 3. Renn Harper 4. Brayden Luce North Vermillion - 1. Teagan Leonard 2. Owen Edwards South Vermillion - 1. Aden Wallace 2. Dominick Garzolini Covington - 1. Austin Stein Riverton Parke - 1. Jonah Hopkins Seeger - 1. Jack Cole Fountain Central - 1. Luke Foxworthy Attica - I don't think anyone gets all-conference here

Mid season update with conference play starting or about to start. I have seen everyone play, and after looking at my first set of predictions in November, I was close, but not perfect. My 3/4/5 spots are changing a bit. Original Predictions - PH, NV, Covington, SV, RP, Seeger, FC, Attica 1. Parke Heritage - 11-1. (69 Offensive Average - 46 Defensive Average) This hasn't changed. They are still the team to beat in the conference, and are a top team in 2A. I think their loss to Linton has humbled them some, and unfortunately for the other teams in the WRC caused them to become even better. They have proven to be prominent in the inside out game with Crum & Pickel, as well as formidable with their guard play with Schelsky & Harper. They seem to only play 6 players most nights, but can get to 8-9 in the rotation. Conference Prediction (7-0) 2. North Vermillion - 10-3. (66 Offensive Average - 51 Defensive Average) I am keeping them at #2 for the time being. Leonard has proven to be a top freshmen in the state, and potentially making a case for the top player in the conference. They have some good players around him and seem to be scoring some points. My only complaint with them is their only notable wins are potentially North Central & Shakamak (42-67 for teams that they have beaten.) Their 3 losses are to teams with a combined 28-6 record. This is the best NV team since their 18/19 team though. Conference Prediction (6-1) 3. South Vermillion - 5-7. (59 Offensive Average - 63 Defensive Average) I am moving them up a spot. This group has a lot of potential. They can score points VERY quickly from a few different areas. Their offense revolves around Wallace, and he is at his best when he is balanced in his shooting and passing attack. Their guard play around him is quick and athletic. Their 5-7 record doesn't do them justice with losses to combined 67-18 record teams. They just had a shootout to Seeger in a 74-72 win. This team will be formidable in conference play. Conference Prediction (5-2) 4. Seeger - 5-5. (58 Offensive Average - 54 Defensive Average) They have caught me by surprise. Living in Parke County I don't get to see much Seeger, so I will take the incorrect prediction putting them at 6 initially. Their sophomore class has been very impressive this year. No true standouts, but they play team basketball. Their losses are to a combined 31-21 record, with a couple of those games within a few points. They beat Covington in the Bi-County tournament by 1pt and loss to South Vermillion by 2. Conference Prediction (4-3) 5. Covington - 5-8. (51 Offensive Average - 50 Defensive Average) The Trojans are having an interesting season. They are +1 in the margin of scoring and are 5-8. They have lost 4 games by 5 points or less, with one of those coming from a 2-9 Faith Christian team. If this group plays consistent that are a top 3 team, but they can't seem to put the ball in the hoop when it matters in close games. I still think with conference play starting that they can beat everyone but PH. They rely on Stein tremendously for offensive production, and he has been in a bit of a slump. If he is playing well, they are tough to beat. Conference Prediction (3-4) 6. Riverton Parke - 6-5. (56 Offensive Average - 51 Defensive Average) Their 6-5 record is similar to NV's 10-3 as they haven't beaten anyone good yet (23-47 record for teams they have beaten.) They are still much improved from last year, and have a solid sophomore class like Seeger. They have a bunch of guys that can score on any given night, but are getting great play out of Hopkins. I think they only have 2-3 more wins left this year, but are likely to give the top teams an early battle. Conference Prediction (2-5) 7. Fountain Central - 3-6 (38 Offensive Average - 38 Defensive Average) They are really struggling to score the basketball, and rely heavily on Foxworthy's production to score/win games. Most teams have figured this out and are not letting him catch it. Their wins are against a combined 3-26 teams. They have already beaten Attica once, and I expect them to do it again in conference play. Conference Prediction (1-6) 8. Attica - 1-6. (39 Offensive Average - 56 Defensive Average) They are much improved from last year. I'd assume a hall of fame coach in Pat Skaggs has helped that out, but they just don't have the guys to win games yet. Conference Prediction (0-7)