FootballFan2000

Been off the grid for a long time this year in posting, but still reading. I decided to go to the HH/VL game last week purely as a fan of HS football (and I hadn't seen HH play in person, at the Jungle). VL starting the game with 2 impressive drives, eating up a bunch of the clock on their own. 14 play drives or something crazy. Yes, they converted a few 4th downs and got "lucky" on the tipped TD, but still up 14-13 at the half was more than a surprise to me, and the HH fans I was sitting near. HH defense is very stout, outside of the down linemen, it was sometimes just a blob of people standing and moving around. Makes it difficult to know who is dropping in coverage as a DB or playing as a LB or who might be blitzing. HH scored on a big pass play for their first TD, and it could've been the only pass they completed? If my memory serves me correct. They tried a few more deep shots but were unsuccessful. The other pass plays Goldsberry would just take off if nothing was open, which is a good offense for them. I too was shocked by the 4th down conversion early in the game, had VL stopped that, it could've gotten even more wild. But as someone else mentioned, I don't think VL was expecting it either and it worked, so ended up being a good call. Goldsberry had a tough time gaining any real momentum running the ball against the VL D. Don't know if he was banged up a little but everything I had read leading into the game is how fast he was, which could be true in the open field. VL DEs did a decent job containing and rallying to tackle him. Of course, HH had their success too or they wouldn't have scored 34 points. In a one game setting, not knowing anything about either QB ahead of time, I would say I was more impressed with VL's QB play. Final note, not sure who called it but running the starting RB/QB with less than a minute to go when it was obvious VL wasn't using their timeouts was asking for an injury. Either the QB needs to be taken out or just take a knee. Also, HH had several late hit/unsportsmanlike penalties against them. VL had one or two as well but HH was doing stuff I've seen from Reitz teams in the past. All that said, close game, Ben Johnson is the best coordinator in the southern part of the state, Memorial by a score.

From my friends up north who were at the VL game, Bosse just might be the bottom dweller this season. I didn’t see Central or Harrison last night (went to Castle vs North), but from my understanding, it’s going to be hard to be worse than the Bulldogs.

When does Brunson’s seat get hot at Reitz? 18-0 regular season, 3-2 post season. Inexcusable to lose to that version of memorial for the undefeated SIAC champion

Brunson curse. His teams continually decline as the season wears on. I picked Reitz by two scores, mainly because Memorial has such a hard time scoring. However, their D is legit and could easily stifle Reitz and beat them. I honestly would not be surprised by either team winning this one. Reitz would've probably preferred to play Jasper.

Are you comparing your rushing attack to being similar to North? I can guarantee your size up front on either side of the ball is not the same. A 5A team with that enrollment should be able to roll 3A teams, on most occasions. Or that you guys can pass it better than someone in the SIAC? I don't know your stats or what point you were trying to prove. Where would you rank your offense against those in the SIAC since you have all the stats easily accessible? Honest question because I do not know. What I do know is that VL has a better D than Washington, MV, or Boonville. It's been 5 weeks since your offense has been challenged, based on your schedule. I'm sure everyone will have their teams as prepped as possible. I look forward to following this one from Enlow.

Well..... In that case, let the conversations begin! Reitz by 2 scores is my prediction.

No championship thread started yet for this one!? I figured with Memorial in it, @TigerFan20 would've had it up by midnight Friday!😄 (it's a joke before anyone wants to jump down my throat)

Not to stray too far away from my SIAC/Sectional 24 thread but thought I'd offer my opinion on this. Yes, they beat Memorial 6-0 without him. However, their offense struggled to do anything (0 offensive points) and had Memorial played with a healthy roster as well, they likely would've been able to beat VL. They lost to Jasper 13-0 the following week. Again, they struggled to do anything offensively (0 offensive points) without their QB1. However, they were able to hold Jasper to 13 points when they had come in on a good roll, if I remember correctly. I will be the first to admit I do not know as much about either team as some obviously will be able to talk more about each of them, but, from my unofficial view, this game is absolutely a toss up. They didn't need to demonstrate if QB1 was fully healthy but my guess is he is or they wouldn't have risked it against inferior opponents in their previous sectional games. I know even less about the teams GS has played all season in (and out) of the PAC but I would bet this VL D is one of the best they will see, besides maybe those KY teams?

Ok. Now I know this is a joke. But just for fun, I did “look at the games played” and I did “look at the numbers” here they are for you to look at too. picture 1: Northington from North picture 2: Rode from Memorial

To add to this, Rode ranks 3rd on his own team for rushing yards. Northington from North, for comparison, has him by about 500 yards and equal TDs.

I’m sorry. But I have to dispute this. These haven’t been updated since post week 7 so forgive me but Rode’s name is not on either of these lists so how exactly is he “easy” RB1 choice for all-city team?

I don’t know much about any of these opposing teams (other than the SIAC game, obviously) but the lines seem fair at first glance. other than VL. Good god! How bad is PC? I know they are historically down but that is a TON of points for a spread! Also think NP may cover the -7. Gut tells me Jasper wins, unless the sloppiness continues. Give me Floyd, Castle, and Reitz. No cover from Reitz.

Thanks. Nothing unexpected other than Reitz looking pedestrian 2 weeks in a row. VL seems to be glad QB1 is back. MD looks vulnerable, who in that sectional is their toughest competition? NP?

What were are the finals across the conference? Central, Harrison, and Bosse bounced after round 1 is no shocker, unfortunately.

Good deal! Never want to see injuries play a factor in postseason games. Best of luck.

While you're here, what happened to your QB1? Had some conversations over the weekend with some buddie and one of them said he left your game against Boonville. I told them it was probably because you guys were up so much on them early, but then I was told you weren't when he went out.

Care to explain? If you wanted to fix it properly, just put a 2 next to everyone who is 6-3 and list them alphabetically. How do you see that Jasper is above Castle and Memorial who beat them and VL is below Memorial and Castle who they beat.

Ok. I was a little confused lol. My head is still spinning after being at one game but keeping up with outrageous scores elsewhere. Should’ve gone to the North game. Curious as to how they still scored so many points, even with a running clock!

Curious if this is serious or a joke?

(Picks are based off of JH lines posted at the top) Central @ North (-42): North wins this one running away. 42 points is a bunch. North wins, and covers. North -42 Harrison @ Bosse (-18): Wagner to cement his POY case tonight? Bosse wins this one and covers. Bosse -18 MD @ Reitz (-32): Reitz gets the undefeated regular season, again, does not cover. MD +32 Memorial @ Castle (-7): Memorial is struggling right now in the worst way. Fisher out for good, Rode not himself (yet), OL struggling to block. Castle wins this one and covers. Castle -7 Jasper @ VL (-4): VL without Hunt will continue to struggle to score enough points against a quality D. Cats were able to put back to back games with 30+ points on teams, one being North who shut out VL. Cats win this by 2 scores (at least). Give me Jasper +4

RB1 played against VL but based on stats and the film I saw, he didn’t look healthy at all. QB1 I have no clue.

Allow Central and Harrison to schedule some more winnable games to build confidence and momentum within their programs. That is how they can build themselves back up. Going 0-10, 1-9, 2-8 every season does not make HS students want to join the team. I understand there are other things that contribute to the success or failures of a program but generating excitement brings more kids out.

This sectional reaffirms my thoughts that the SIAC needs to be two divisions to allow the teams to play some non-conference games. So this sectional isn't several repeat of games from the regular season. The entire bottom half and the championship (most likely) game will all be rematches from the regular season.

I know Memorial is still 6-2 and all that but after seeing the tape on them from last Friday, I do not see how they have a higher percentage to win the sectional than Jasper. I think Jasper is able to handle them this time around when they meet in round 2.

Pretty straight forward drawing I thought. Reitz will be looking for revenge from last season....poor Boonville. BNL beats Harrison, Reitz beats Boonville, Memorial beats Central, Jasper beats Bosse. Jasper beats Memorial, Reitz beats BNL. Jasper vs Reitz at Jasper in the championship is my prediction right now.