MonkeyButt

1 hour ago, fenderbender said:

They lost two great WRs from last year.   Both had over 1000 yards.  One had 16 and the other 20 TDs.   IMO, they made the QB look better than he was.  

 

 

It is still a weird perspective. Usually if the QB is the best one you have you don't move him to a position that is dependent on the position from which they were moved. 

36 minutes ago, fenderbender said:

Well, I answered my own question.  He has stats at WR.  Looks like just a change at QB.

I found that interesting because Kyle Neddereip (sp) mentioned in his preview of week 6 that the QB made a decision to go to WR to help out the team. He said it was an unselfish move. That is confusing to me. A WR still needs a QB to get them the ball. How is this an unselfish move if he is the best QB? I wonder if there had been a QB competition and the back up one out and so they moved the starter, an athletic football player, to WR because they lost a great WR last year? I don't know. If you can fill a spot at WR with a better athlete, that is great. But at the expense of losing your starting QB? I don't know. Sounds weird to me.

And let me add one more thing: Kirschner is now the AD at WC. I don't know if it is interim or permanent, but at a school like WC I don't know how he will be able to do both jobs at the level that is expected for either position. It will be interesting to see how that all plays out.

I am really interested in the Lutheran/Scecina game. QB Willis vs DE Tamir Woods, who is gonna get it done. 

14 hours ago, FootballFan28 said:

Also had 2 good kids transfer in freshman year to join the ‘23 class. 1 bailed to Cathedral. 

Yep 👍. But bailed is a terrible way to describe why the kid left. He had an extremely good reason to do so.

On 9/19/2022 at 12:31 PM, scarab527 said:

Man, I know Pike has looked better than their record indicates, but if the Red Devils beat the Warriors then Warren and Kirschner are in some trouble. I also think LC will keep it a little closer than that with CG. I think we'll see these next few weeks whether the Bears are a serious threat to Cathedral in Sectional 6. 

I completely agree with these possibilities. Pike can taste it. And LC just needs to play consistent LC football. There may be some upsets coming.

4 minutes ago, BDGiant93 said:

Having worked with Mike Kirschner for 18 years at Ben Davis, I know you have the right person.

I don't know. Last year and this year seems to be the same old same old. As a matter of fact it has been the same old same old since 2019. Last year the 2022 senior class was blamed. This year, according to an interview K was quoted as having no idea what was going on, but did say it is on him as the HC. Look, I was really excited when it was announced that he was going to be the coach last year. I really was hoping he would be the guy to turn it around. But behind the scenes it was nothing but chaos. It seems to be more of the same this year. I get he has an impressive resume, but he is struggling at WC. I know he cares, but something isn't translating here. He has an amazing group of kids talent-wise, parent-wise, and dedication-wise.

This 2023 class was suppose to be the start of something awesome for WC. But it isn't like they are losing games while looking good doing it. They are literally imploding each game, minus the Detroit King. Mistakes killed them against CG, BD, NC, and LC. Lack of offensive ball movement has been the hallmark of the WC offense since 2019. The defense, who is usually stellar, had several uncharacteristic blown coverages against BD. And the defense is on the field too much and too long which can make any great defense struggle. Especially when they have to turn right back around because of a turnover. Also the personnel choices are baffling. They were baffling last year too. The mistakes are the type of mistakes that I put largely on the coaching staff not getting the boys straightened out during the week of practice to play sound, mistake free football. Again something isn't translating. 

BUT it can be turned around for sure. How or what to do to turn it around? That is the question. Hopefully those 18 years of working with Mike Kirschner will start to kick in because this 2023 class deserves the best possible opportunity to get to state. They have been through a lot over the years and have worked too hard for this. I pray that I will be able to watch WC against Carmel at LOS this year. It can still happen, but the road is a steep uphill battle right now.

13 hours ago, crimsonace1 said:

2025 - those guys are all sophomores, so they're just now seeing the field. 

They've lost three games - by nine to Center Grove, by two touchdowns to a very good Ben Davis squad and by 12 to a very improved Lawrence Central team. I think more just shows the MIC is a meat-grinder. WC may be (and probably is) one of the top 7-8 teams in 6A but you can be a top team in 6A and still be in the lower half of the MIC because of the difficulty of the conference. 

Those sophomores are the best class of sophomores in the state right now. My opinion obviously. They have proved that for last three years against all of the MIC schools. Several saw significant playing time last year and many are varsity ready.

Look, the MIC, honestly is balanced this year because no one team is outstanding. WC has an EXTREMELY talented group right now. If they can stop making the mistakes and the OC utilizes the QB inside the ability that he has (whether it is Keith Jackson Jr or Jewell Jagoe), then they will be fine and make a deep run. But the mistakes are killing them which means they are beating themselves more than the other teams beating them. Look at their turnover ration and the amount of TDs the opposing team has capitalized on as a result. It is staggering. WC, talent wise, is still the top 2 in the MIC and state (including former MIC members). But their coaching is holding them back. Again my opinion.

CG is down. But a down CG is coached by one of the best coaching staffs in the state. So CG is never really down. BD in my opinion, now that Thomas Gotkowski is playing, is the best team in 6A. I see them correcting their mistakes and beating Brownsburg, then CG in Semi. LC is much better. LN is down compared to the past two years. Pike is always on the verge of breaking through with a win. NC is way down this year and the number of points they put on WC is because of WC's turnovers. The HCC has caught up with the MIC, but I still think the MIC will prevail at state this year. So even though the HCC has had the better of the MIC in-season, they will still struggle to make it to state and largely because of BD. Carmel will win the north bracket.

Can't forget Cathedral. I think they get out of their section, but not easily. 

13 hours ago, temptation said:

Wow.  A damning accusation considering the head coaches’ resume.

At the risk of sounding like I am gossiping I will say I have a very personal familiarity with the program for the last 6 years. There is a lot going on there. Much of it is out of the control of the kids and it falls on the adults; administration and coaching staff. This is both in the school and on the field. Until the adults not only take responsibility, which I believe they have (I hope), there needs to be serious changes to follow up the admission of responsibility.

2 hours ago, Warren Central Warrior said:

Warren Central has also taken a swan dive off a cliff. It completely blows my mind how far the Warriors have fallen since winning state 4 years ago 

I am a firm believer it is because of coaching.

Just now, Grover said:

Warren's JV & freshmen have looked good in recent years.  Did some of that talent move out?

Two players. That's it. All the original athletes are still there. This team should be a lot better. Comes down to coaching at this point. The 2023 class went undefeated Freshman year and this is the same class with the dominant Creston group that went undefeated both 7th and 8th grade blowing through teams, except 8th grade they beat CG Central by one point. Freshman year they blew through everyone. The 2024 class has some studs too. The 2025 class is probably one of the best classes to come through Warren. All three of those middle school teams were undefeated until they played each other. That freshman team blasted everyone and CG twice. So it is odd that now that these two classes are together and they cannot keep it going.

1 minute ago, temptation said:

They’ll always have that 2018 regional game against Warren…

One of the most nerve racking, coldest, and best games I have seen in a while. "They better not kick it to David Bell.... oh boy, they kicked it to D Bell. He gone." Pretty much my exact words on that punt that changed the momentum of the game. And NC's Liam Thompson was the best QB in the state that year. You can't tell me any different.

27 minutes ago, Footballking16 said:

Next month of football will tell a lot about Lawrence Central. Played admirably against both HSE and Westfield to start the year and had the big win over Warren, but their schedule is brutal to close out the regular season; 3/4 last games are all on the road against Center Grove, Ben Davis, and Carmel. Getting through that meatgrinder relatively healthy may be priority #1. 

I absolutely agree. Even if they lose all three games I still think they have a different side about themselves come playoff time. LC can be inconsistent during the season, but playoffs under this HC they seem focused. Cathedral is obviously the favorite and for good reason, but I certainly don't think they are a lock. But that final part of the schedule for LC is brutal, I agree. 

21 minutes ago, Warren Central Warrior said:

Like Warren Central last year

I wasn't going to say it, but yeah.

1 hour ago, fenderbender said:

New Pal from a very brief watch of their game vs Mt Vernon

New Pal

#

H

W

YR

New Pal

#

Name

H

W

YR

RT

70

Ian Moore

6'5"

290

Jr

DT

75

Brownfield

6'3"

235

FR

RG

55

Wood

6'3"

275

Sr

NG

52

Thacker

6'1"

268

So

C

65

Keele

6'2"

275

Sr

DT

65

Keele

6'2"

275

Sr

LG

56

Purciful

6'0"

250

Sr

LT

76

Burgess

6'8"

270

Sr

Remember the name Brock Brownfield. Freshman starting DT and stepping in for Moore at LT. Kid is going to another highly recruited Dragon. 

14 hours ago, Tippy said:

I think most would agree that these teams will win their sectional.

Cathedral

Warren Central

Center Grove

Merrillville

Northwood

New Palestine

Norwell

Evansville Mater Dei

Park Tudor

Adams Central

Sheridan

North Decatur

Indy Lutheran

Are there any other teams?

 

I would also say that Cathedral is not a lock in their sectional. LC could give them more than people expect. They have been know to surprise teams in section play.

9 hours ago, Tippy said:

I think most would agree that these teams will win their sectional.

Cathedral

Warren Central

Center Grove

Merrillville

Northwood

New Palestine

Norwell

Evansville Mater Dei

Park Tudor

Adams Central

Sheridan

North Decatur

Indy Lutheran

Are there any other teams?

 

Roncalli will win their sectional

9 hours ago, TransplantedPanther said:

It’s actually a 3-3-5. The way they line it up at times does look like a 4-3, but surprise. Lol

My most favorite defense if you have the right athletes!

5 minutes ago, BTF said:

I think Ralph knows that the recipe for success against enrollments twice that of New Pal is to take your best athletes and keep them on the field the entire time. I don't think New Pal could play 22 different players and expect to compete with 6A schools. 

I agree. I also think playing a 6A schedule would be a true test of the Iron Man football type of team. Can New Pal beat any team in 6A on any given night? IMO yes. But running through an entire season (depending on the conference) and then getting deep into the playoffs would be quite the challenge. I'd love to see them try though. 

12 hours ago, crimsonace1 said:

HHC week 6

Greenfield-Central (4-1, 2-1) at New Palestine (5-0, 3-0) WRGF-89.7, NewPalRadio.com, IHSAAtv.org/NewPalestine. The Dragons have passed every test with flying colors, but G-C is vastly improved and senior-laden. Their wishbone offense can control the game and cause problems for opposing defenses as Andy Zellers and Brayden Herrell frequently both rush for 100+ yards, while NP has been able to beat people with both the run (Grayson Thomas is averaging over 150 yards/game) and pass (Danny Tippit is throwing for 200+ yards per game). The trenches will be key. 

Delta (3-2, 1-2) at New Castle (1-4, 0-3) WLTI-1550. The Eagles are coming off back-to-back losses to Yorktown and Mt. Vernon, although they've been putting up points, their defense has struggled a bit. New Castle gave Yorktown a scare last week but eventually fell 25-19. 

Mt. Vernon (2-3, 2-1) at Pendleton Heights (2-3, 1-2). WEEM-91.7.  The Marauders have been putting up a lot of points against everyone not named New Palestine, while PH found something offensively in the second half against the Dragons, but fell 42-14. The key will be can MV get Bridenthal & Burhenn going, and can PH slow them down. This is an old rivalry game that will be PH's homecoming and is always a great atmosphere. 

Shelbyville (2-3, 1-2) at Yorktown (4-1, 2-1). WSVX-96.5/1520, Giant.FM. The Tigers kept New Castle at arm's length last week before eventually holding on for a 25-19 victory. Mason Moulton and Kolton Nanko are one of the area's top passer/receiver duos. Shelbyville is much-improved, although they followed up their win two weeks ago against New Castle with a 54-7 loss at home last week against Greenfield-Central. 

👍👍👍 It is also homecoming for New Pal. May make a difference in New Pal's favor. May not. I don't see the defense having any problems with the GC run game. Run defense is their strength. 

4 hours ago, TigerFan20 said:

Memorial’s measurements for OL

RT 6’5 215

RG 6’6 290

C 5’11 295

LG 6’3 185 (I don’t think the weight is right for him)

LT 6’4 255

DL

DE 6’3 200

DT 6’1 205

DT 6’4 245

DE 6’4 255 or 6’2 195

 

Reitz’s OL is already posted, here is their DL (correct me if I am wrong, my pausing abilities are not great)

DE 6’3 245

DT 6’1 315

DT 6’2 210

DE 6’1 225

In my experience I feel like 4A has bigger O lines and D lines than 6A. Weird.

6 hours ago, temptation said:

Misquoted him/her...sorry.

"ill take over at 6-8 wins.....i trust the coaching....i trust the conditioning, i know the DNA most of these kids come from, and im not just saying that because im a former player, coach or alum....the far east side had been counted out recently, every since WEST left."

Will re-visit in weeks.

Poster showed up and acted offended for about 10 days and then disappeared once the season started. 

👍👍👍

24 minutes ago, temptation said:

Paging @FAREASTSIDEWC...was here every day in the preseason leading up to week 1.  I believe also called 8 regular season wins for the Warriors.

@FAREASTSIDEWCsaid they would win 8 games? I might have said it in the preseason, but highly unlikely because it depended on a lot of things needing to happen. I hoped for it, but after seeing the first game against CG, I knew that it would be an uphill battle the rest of the way. BD will win the MIC and possibly state unless Brownsburg has something to say about it. I think whoever wins that section will win state.

53 minutes ago, fenderbender said:

You bring up what may be Roncalli's downfall this year.

Last year Roncalli lost their #1 WR in the Chatard game due to a concussion the game prior to Mt. Vernon.  He holds every Roncalli receiving record and had two TDs against MtV the year prior and was the key deep threat that teams had to respect.  Without him, Mt. V was able to commit more to the run and won by 5 on their way to a state title.

Rocalli is still trying to replace him.   We will see if Roncali can find a passing game this season.

Size does not always matter, but good size does.  Four of those linemen were starting as Sophmores on the state title team.  (One started the year before as a Fr.)  Lauck is going to Iowa, Skartvedt to N. Illinois, and Neu to Central Michigan.

The Roncalli is no slouch. Those boys are big and can move. That is why Hansen is getting the yards he is, not to take anything away from him. Grayson Thomas in the same situation Hansen is. Great running backs with great O lines is a deadly combo. But New Pal's defense is toughest against the run. Unless Roncalli can get a passing game going they are going to struggle to score. New Pal's defense has quite a few INTs though. 

It will come down to Roncalli's defense against New Pal's offense. Can Roncalli's game plan and execution slow down one of the most balanced offensive groups in the state? Take away the run and then there's the pass game. Take away the pass and then you got to defend the run. Every team this year has stacked the box on New Pal without success. Pendleton did keep Grayson Thomas from gaining 100 yards, holding him to 85 (which is a good game anyways, but a low yardage game for Thomas), but the passing game put up 280 yds in the first half and over 300 total on only 18 total completions. And the passing game is just getting started. Not to mention the third running clock game this season.

I know that Roncalli has lost some important skill players due to graduation, but with a storied program like theirs you can't assume they aren't going to bring their best game each week. I am sure they are all about reloading and not rebuilding. If both teams make it to face each other in regional, and I predict they will, it will likely be the state championship game because who ever wins will be my choice to win all of 4A.

If Jackson Jr is out I see this more of a potential possibility than if he is good to go. But WC is killing themselves with sloppy and undisciplined play. I hate to say it, but Pike is playing better each week and are looking to upset someone soon. This could be the week. 

I think LC takes down the Trojans. After getting lazy against Pike I see their wake up call keeping them focused. They have a tough defense and a play making offense. 

BD rolls LN. LN will be lucky if they get 7 points on the board. I give them 7 and BD 42. That BD QB is legit. I've been saying this since the summer workouts I saw him at.

Carmel and NC... nuff said.

35 minutes ago, crimsonace1 said:

Only two players - Blaine Nunnally (WR/DB) and Isaiah Thacker (WR/DB) - start on both sides of the ball. A number of OL rotate in at the nose (Keele/Moore/Purciful) but in the 10 years Kyle Ralph has been at NP, this is the smallest number of two-way starters they've had. They often have had quite a few in the past - the team went to the 5A title game in 2015 basically playing 15-16 players. 

It amazed me how they beat CG two years in a row with the amount of players going both ways. It hit me this year after realizing that this is a normal thing for NP.

15 minutes ago, BTF said:

Ralph always seems too get the most out of his best athletes. It's pretty impressive that they can play the whole game without running out of gas. 

I have been very impressed with Coach Ralph. Not only does he get his boys prepared week in and week out, but he is one of the smartest coaches in terms of film, in game adjustments, and personnel. I have been around some good coaches and I believe he is one of the best in the state.