Trojan67

What's the take on North Vermillion? @Donnie Baker didnt you have to hide a boat down around there?

I don't think it has anything to do with Triton becoming a football school. I think it is more culture shock. People find it easy to cast doubt when there has been lack of success. Looking at the road ahead, I just feel like this is a different team than what I have seen in years past.

Kinda the point of my post, but also calling out the doubt because for some in the Triton community, it is all about gearing up for boys basketball.

Love the optimism @FinePrint, but I am inclined to disagree with you. 3 things that I have noticed about the Jays over the last 3 weeks compared to Triton. 1. Jays kicking game vs Triton's kicking. Triton takes the field position game, extra point game, and fg game all day. Field position will be the biggest factor in this game and the disadvantage is Judson. 2. Judson's offense vs Triton's offense. Judson has shown inconsistencies in the pass game all season. Understanding they are a run first team, the passing game has been has been throw the deep ball and pray that the receiver catches the ball. Triton has shown way more balance in both the running and passing game all season. 3. Defensively both teams have played lights out the last few weeks, no doubt. Unfortunately, I don't know how a 1 dimensional team can stop balance. Unless something dramatic happens where turnovers are a problem, I feel like this game absolutely goes to Triton. The score maybe different, but I don't think it will be that much different.

Glenn at Knox The Falcons have been a mystery this year. They have had a couple of games that have been head scratchers, but nonetheless, this game should be better than the last. Knox was tested pretty well against West Noble. I am interested to see how healthy they are after that test. I can see it going either way, but ultimately, Knox is the better of the 2 teams. Knox 35 Glenn 31 Bremen at LaVille You know how that Pioneer's field is called "The Pit" and that it was notoriously known for being one of the worst fields in the state? Yeah. Lancer Field should take the #1 one spot. Both teams are going to be impacted by the poor field conditions. I am not sure if they are considering moving to Plymouth or someplace like that, but I can only imagine that LaVille's field is going to be like walking into a quick sand pit after all of the rain we have had and potentially will have more at some point this week. Either way, I think Bremen will be more affected by the conditions of the field which makes LaVille's chances better. LaVille 21 Bremen 18 North Judson at Triton I have always thought that after the first couple of years between these 2 teams that this game would turn into a really good rivalry. Both teams have played each other 11 times over the last 8 years and will be the second sectional championship game between the 2. I think the 2 key difference between these 2 teams is depth and speed. That was what I noticed in the first matchup. It seemed like Triton was able to sub guys out a little more. I know the passing game also was huge for Triton in their win, but being able sub is a blessing the Trojans have over the Jays. Triton's field should be in pretty good shape. Fireworks will be booming after the game. Triton 42 Judson 21

SB Tribune had a live update last night on this game. Sounded like it was back and forth in the 4th and a turnover killed Marian's momentum. https://www.southbendtribune.com/story/sports/high-school/football/2023/10/20/live-updates-ihsaa-football-sectional-games-south-bend-area-paw-paw-niles-michigan/71196382007/

Looking at the HNAC sectional schedule, 3 or 4 games that I think most of all of us are going probably going to be intrigued by. Knox at Lakeland Lakeland seemed like they started the season off pretty strong. The loss to Garrett, if I am not mistaken, is a pretty big rivalry, and was a bad loss, tough loss against West Noble, and a bad loss to Blufton on a rainy night. I think consistency is going to be the key for this game. Knox has shown consistency throughout the season. Knox did what they should have against the formidable and smaller schools. Knox's 3 back look is a killer and keeps defenses guessing. Knox 42 Lakeland 28 Andrean and LaVille Don't let the 59er's record deceive you. Although they are down this year, their schedule has been brutal playing 3A Chatard, 5A Merriville, 5A Valpo, and other very quality opponents. I think the speed they have played in their opponents only helps them. The Lancer's have a bad taste in their mouth and it has been heard that all they want is to get back at this team. LaVille has to play perfect and fast because Andrean will take advantage if LaVille has a slow start. I am confident that the Lancers can stand tall, but one turnover could be the end of their season. Laville 24 Andrean 21 Winamac at LCC Winamac should stand tall and keep their heads up. They went through a lot of changes over the season and had a lot of growing pains. They finally put some things together, but they just do not have enough to contend with LCC. LCC 49 Winamac 0 Culver at South Central This game is kinda interesting to me from the standpoint that the first matchup was 44-22. I think Culver could keep it interesting, but in the same token, I just don't think they have the fire power and unfortunately that hurts the Cavs. I don't know how much South Central has improved, but they should really use this game to fine tune their blocking in both the passing and running game. I don't think they can afford to have their QB running all over the field on top of the running backs having no where to go. SCUM 35 Culver 22 Caston at North White 100% giving this game to the underdogs. 14-6 last meeting. Caston is grinding their teeth this week. Caston 20 North White 14 Pioneer at North Judson This game is a hard pick. I said it above and will say I again, Pioneer has to play perfect. Playing at Liberty Field is already tough enough and Pioneer has to have that killer mentality. Judson has the bragging rights right now, but they have to stay humble. I am fifty, but looking at the situation, here is my pick. Judson 21 Pioneer 20 South Newton 42 Bowman 12 Triton at North Newton Triton will be on the road longer than actually playing the game (almost 4 total hours of driving Friday). It is a long a road, but the Trojans mean business because it is their time to shine. Triton 56 NN 0

Culver at LaVille Not a whole lot to say about this matchup. I think for the Lancers they need to keep guys healthy. Lancer Field's drainage sucks and is going to be a mess. Work the younger guys in and keep varsity guys healthy. Lancers 42 Culver 0 Knox at Caston I have been impressed with Caston all season. I wish they had a few more guys around them because they have a ton of heart and have played tough all season. I have said from the beginning that Caston could potentially have a huge game and I have that feeling that come next week, this game is going to only help them regardless of the outcome. Knox gets the young guys in second half to see what depth they have because next week is go time for them. Knox 42 Caston 0 Judson at Pioneer Honestly do not know what to say about this game because it matters, but it doesn't. It matters because of the conference standings, but it doesn't matter because they play next week. The only thing we know is that The Pit is going to be a mud bowl. I think the outcome will be the outcome in this game. Triton at Winamac I think I was surprised by the outcome of this. I think Oldschool said it last week and it wasn't the same Triton team we have seen. It seemed just seemed like something was missing last week for Triton and I can't seem to figure out what it was. Winamac has gotten much better since the changes, but it sounds like they will be down with Jones out in concussion protocol. Triton gets back on track this week and regains their confidence running the ball. Triton 35 Winamac 12

Pioneer and North Judson got the absolute worst draw. Play each other 2 weeks in a row in sectional 41

Caston at Winamac sounds like is on hold for the moment. No power.

I am not trying to put any team down by any means, but West Central's and North White's schedule does absolutely nothing for them. The MWC right now is extremely weak. I was expecting Winamac to win that game. As for Judson, I have no idea what happened there. I can only to assume that the changes helped Winamac. The play calling has seemed to stay the same though. As for Caston, I saw what happened with the Triton game and have followed what they have done up to this point. Caston playing Triton, everyone said, including myself, that the game was a tied ball game if Caston had not turned the ball over. Offensively, I know that their 2 kids playing LB are gritty kids on both sides of the ball and feel that based on what I have seen from both teams, Caston I feel have the edge on both sides of the ball. But like I said, what Winamac team are we going to see on Friday?

It was obvious that Judson was more worried about the run. They did a really good job at keeping the run in front of them, but Triton's big shots down the field in the passing game killed them.

I think the biggest thing in this game is who wants it more. Caston's linebackers have been getting nothing but praise and are the focal points on both sides of the ball. Winamac has just been underwhelming. Have the Warriors done good stuff? Absolutely. But both teams have played the same schedule up to this point. If Winamac doesn't match the physicality of Caston, 100% Caston wins this game. Just my take on the situation.

Caston at Winamac The Comets get in the win column and saw a huge confidence boost last week hosting the Cavs. Winamac also has picked up a few nice wins and called their win last week against WC. I like the Comets in this game simply because of their linebackers. I believe Caston can pull out a huge win and continue building their confidence because they are tired of being bullied. Caston 36 Winamac 22 LaVille at North Judson The name of the game this week is resiliency. After watching the Jays last week, speed killed them last week against Triton. For the Lancers, do they take big shots down field? Or do they allow the Jays to keep things in front of them and clobber the run game and keep things interesting? You cannot look past the Jays run defense. LaVille 35 Jays 21 Pioneer at Culver Not much to say. I think the Panthers use this game to help clean things up and get kids healthy. Pioneer 54 Culver 0 Triton at Knox All of the odds are stacked against the Trojans this week and I think spoiling the Redskins hopes of being the lone conference champion is on the hearts and minds of everyone in Bourbon. Knox is riding high right now and their confidence is at an all-time high for the progrum and the same is true for Triton. I talked about resiliency in my prediction for the LV and NJSP game. I think the same is true for both teams in this game and how they handle things on the field. With rain in the forecast on Thursday and possibly Friday night, this could be the difference maker. I am going to go out on a lomb here and say the Trojans win this game because of the odds. Trojans 24 Knox 20

I think it was more than just Shively. Triton was obviously the faster team and took advantage of Judson being flat-footed. It seemed like Judson was 3-4 steps behind Triton on everything. Judson was good at keeping things in front of them, but once someone got behind them, they just couldn't stay up with the receivers. Triton was also way more physical on defense. Stopping Benson was on the menu and it was evident they worked heavily on it. Overall it was a Triton team win.

Culver at Caston I am going to go out on limb here with Caston for just a second and give them a bunch of praise after their performance against North White. I am convinced that the MWC is overall the weakest conference in 1A and only hurts North White who if they were in the HNAC, they would be 3-3. Just pointing out the bold reality of the MWC and the lack of strength to help them get better. Nonetheless, Caston get the win this week over Culver. Caston 35 Culver 14 Winamac at West Central A 1 win team who is struggling to find identity vs a 6-0 team who has played barely any competition this season. I hope that after their performance against Judson and Culver carries over to this week. Again, West Central's schedule does not help them in the slightest as I stated above. I think Winamac can pull it together and win this game. Winamac 21 West Central 13 Knox at Pioneer The Redskins are coming off that high flying feeling after securing top spot in the conference. Pioneer, from what I am hearing, is feeling a bit salty after their loss last week to the Trojans (I don't think there was any malice behind the final touchdown, but I digress). I think overall this game will be gritty and points will be left on the field. Knox is in a dangerous position right now and have to stay composed. Knox 28 Pioneer 16 LaVille at Glenn The question of the week is what teams are going to show up this week? After coming off a loss for the Lancers, I can see how they may feel defeated. But you cannot let that defeat be the defining moment of your season and decide to not show up. Glenn has been interesting. Smoke Bremen, get blown out by Knox, held Riley to 20, beat Jimtown, etc. Just been a weird season for John Barron and the Falcolns. Intriguing game of the week. LaVille 21 Glenn 20 North Judson at Triton Let's talk about this rivalry. Triton and Judson have bad blood between them and both teams bite at the bullet every time. There have been a few games in this rivalry that have been downright nasty and physical. Here are the keys for Triton. Stop Benson. That's all you have to do. Stop him. Hit him low and he falls. Judson's keys. Shively. Don't allow him to break loose and force him to make a mistake. Both of these teams are very evenly matched as far as size and speed. It just comes down to who wants it more. Triton 28 Jays 22

Ok. I found what he said. Now I understand lol.

I don't remember what Johnny said lol. Now I gotta go back and see what he said because I have slept since then 🤣🤣🤣

Not sure how what I said got pulled into this because clearly you are not talking to me.

Are you saying that Pioneer doesn't have anyone else to replace what they have lost? Kinda confused to your response.

...Continuation of my last post Knox at LaVille For those wondering what is at stake right now for conference titles, there are some spicey what if factors that should be looked at. If LV wins, potential for outright with only NJSP being the potential dangerous game and sets up 3 way tie for 2nd (Knox, NJSP, and Triton or Pioneer). If Knox wins, sets up 3 way tie for 2nd (LV, NJSP, and Triton or Pioneer) with Knox's potential dangerous games being Triton and Pioneer. Not sure how I feel, but kind of want Knox to knowing that the odds are stacked against them. But I also like LV at home. Knox 28 LV 21 South Central at NJSP SC has played a lot of like teams as they prepare to enter the HNAC next season. I think SC holds their ground defensively, but NJSP gets the best of them. I think the Jays will be making SC's QB run for his life most of the night. Jays 35 SC 10 Triton at Pioneer Both teams knows what's at stake. I think Triton is getting back to full power and needed the blowout win last week to build their confidence heading into this week. Triton has had a lot of players step up for them over the last few weeks and made it known they are the future of the program. Based on what we have heard from Pioneer's injury report, it sounds like even younger guys are now going to have to step up and it could cost the Panthers offensively in this. Triton 35 Pioneer 21

Caston at North White Old MWC foes. Caston has certainly gotten better as the year has progressed. On the flip side, who has North White really played? I do not doubt for one instance that North White has improved from last year and has put up numbers, but they haven't been battle tested. Caston is going to test the Vikings more so than their schedule has done for them thus far and what their schedule will do for them heading into sectionals. If Caston takes care of the ball and doesn't get down early, I can see this being a really good game. But they have to take care of the ball and start fast. The Comets get the upset here. Caston 22 North White 21 Culver at Winamac Battle of the winless. Culver showed some grit last week against Triton and showed some signs of life. A big hit gave them a little juice and it was their mistakes that Triton was able to capitalize on to make it a rough night for the Cavs. On flip side, let's talk about these Warriors. Something tells me that no one is telling them they are better than what they are. I get that there is inexperience, but how in the world do you come out with that much fire and hold your rivals down for a solid 2-2.5 quarters? I don't know what the locker room is like, but if it took 5 games to find that grit, something tells me that there are choices being made on that team that was holding them back. Winamac 21 Culver 15

If you look at HC's schedule, it does nothing for them. Good scheduling call on Pioneer's part. Shows just how bad scheduling is on HC's part and why it is important to play formidable opponents.

Hammond Central at Pioneer Pioneer has been the dark horse of the conference. Being well coached and facing a 5A school only helps them get better. HC is 4-0 and has a few blowout wins, but don't think the competition was all that stiff. I think it will be a pretty good game all around, but I think size could kill in this one. HC 28 Pioneer 14 Glenn at Knox Leading up to the start of the year, all of the hype was surrounding the Falcons. I had heard that South Central gave them some fits in their scrimmage and the first weeks really struggled, especially after the blowout loss to Riley. I hate to say, after watching their game on IHSAA Network of Culver, I felt that Knox seemed off. I don't think Knox is nearly as aggressive as what I was expecting. Hearing about Glenn's defense, I think they will be menacing after holding off the Jimmies last week. I think Knox suffers it's first loss of the season to the Falcons this week. Glenn 21 Knox 16 LaVille at Caston Not much to say here. Caston doesn't have the depth and I agree that they could potentially pick up a few nice wins over Winamac and Culver in the upcoming weeks. LaVille 49 Caston 0 Winamac at NJSP I have seen a game or 2 of Winamac and have a lot of questions. My first question is how they produce someone of the tallest and biggest boys height and weight wise, but are not producing at all? To spare us all of my questions about the Winamac team, I just have to wonder what it's going to take for them to get rolling? I don't think they can this week, but it just baffles me how they haven't been able to produce. Jays win this one easily. Jays 56 Warriors 0 Triton at Culver The conference is the most competitive that it has been up to this point since its inception. Triton has lost 2 and was given a fight by Caston. I think the injury plague was what deflated the Trojans. I think last week's loss to Bremen, though, defeated the minds that think the Trojans are nothing without Shively. It proved so many wrong and I absolutely love this because that was a team last week who didn't stop fighting even though they got thrown all over the yard on. I think it also solidified Triton's sophomore class and that they should not be taken lightly because they stepped up in huge ways last week. Now it's about that iron sharpening iron going into their toughest part of their season. Trojans take it home. Triton 56 Culver 7

Culver at West Central Watched the Culver vs Knox game and Culver is very young. I think that hurts Culver immensely in this game. West Central is keeping things going this week and get the win. West Central 35 Culver 12 NJSP at Knox One of 2 games to watch tonight. Knox is the favorite and will have that home field advantage. But it will be the battle of the defenses. If the Jays are at full strength this week, I can see it being a different game. I think it will be a close game but I am going with the home team in this game. Knox 21 Jays 14 Pioneer at Caston I was thoroughly impressed with Caston's senior linebackers last week. They were the playmakers against Triton. If Caston can limit their mistakes, it will be a much different ball game. But Pioneer will be ready and focused as they always are. Pioneer takes the dub. Pioneer 42 Caston 6 Winamac at LaVille Not much to say in this one. Winamac has been underwhelming to watch and LaVille capitalizes. LaVille 49 Winamac 0 Bremen at Triton The injury plague has hit Triton really hard. I think Coach Whit stays with the gameplan and that is controlling the clock. I think no matter who is under center tonight that is the philosophy that is going to be stuck to. On the other hand, Bremen will come out on their first drive and try to kill any momentum. Bremen is out for blood. Bremen has shown that they can score quick with their passing game. The Trojans will have to play smart ball of they want to have any chance. Unfortunately I am not going to pick a winner in this because there is so much uncertainty in this game that it is really hard to determine what is going to happen.