Fairfield 02

Looking forward to another great year of football in Northern Indiana! The NECC was represented well by Garrett last year, who made it to the state championship game in 3A. Considering graduation losses and coaching changes, who are the preseason favorites this year for each division in the conference? BIG SCHOOL DIVISION Angola Fairfield Garrett Lakeland West Noble SMALL SCHOOL DIVISION Central Noble Churubusco Eastside Fremont Prairie Heights

Central Noble 0 Garret 70: Unfortunately, this game will not help either team. This is a game that will not prepare Garrett for the Sectional, and it's a game that Central Noble will be embarrassed in. The only reason the score might be closer is because of the running clock. Sorry Cougars...this is not your year. I do remember a time though that this would have been the top match up in the NECC. Eastside 14 Angola 28: The big schools have a huge advantage this year over the small schools. Angola has played a much tougher schedule, and the only reason the Blazers have a 4-4 record is because of the lack of competition in the small school division of the NECC. Fairfield 28 Churubusco 13: I can't figure the Falcons out this year. On paper, they are the better team, played the tougher schedule, have a strong senior class etc....but it seems like you never know which team is going to show up...the one that dominates the line of scrimmage or not. I can see this one being close, but if the Falcons play their best football, they should easily win. Jimtown 35 at Lakeland 21: The Jimmies impressed me this year. Lakeland showed some areas of concern last week that the immies will take advantage of. Sorry Lakers....reality stinks. West Noble 49 at Prairie Heights 7: PH is having a heck of a season this year, but the Chargers have a lot more talent on the field. This one will be over quickly. Congrats to both schools for having solid regular seasons.

Missed a couple of weeks. I have been busy! Here are this week's NECC matchups: Friday, Oct. 18 Central Noble at Garrett, 7 pm Eastside at Angola, 7 pm Fairfield at Churubusco, 7 pm Fremont at Blackhawk, 7 pm Jimtown at Lakeland, 7 pm West Noble at Prairie Heights, 7 pm

NECC Power Rankings after week 7: Big School 1. Garrett 2. West Noble 3. Lakeland 4. Angola 5. Fairfield Small School: 1. Churubusco 2. Eastside 3. Prairie Heights 4. Fremont 5. Central Noble

An Outsider's NLC Power Rankings after Week 7: 1. Concord 2. Mishawaka Tie 2. Warsaw Tie 4. Plymouth 5. Northwood 6. Northridge 7. Wawasee 8. Goshen

An Outsider's NLC Power Rankings after week 6: 1. Concord 2. Mishawaka 3. Northwood 4. Warsaw 5. Northridge 6. Plymouth 7. Wawasee 8. Goshen

NECC Power Rankings after week 6: Big School 1. Garrett 2. West Noble 3. Lakeland 4. Angola 5. Fairfield Small School 1. Churubusco 2. Eastside 3. Prairie Heights 4. Fremont 5. Central Noble

This week's NLC games: Friday, Sep. 27 Concord at NorthWood ©, 7 pm Goshen at Wawasee ©, 7 pm Northridge at Mishawaka ©, 7 pm Plymouth at Warsaw ©, 7 pm My week 6 predictions: Concord 28 Northwood 12 (All field goals): This game has potential to be a trap game for the Minutemen, however they have proven that they belong on the top of the NLC. I would be surprised if Northwood won, but how about that kicker! Goshen 34 Wawasee 28: These two teams better get fired up, because it might be either one's only win of the season. I think Wawasee is the better team, but the Bart Ball bites them in the butt late in the game when they need to pass. The Redhawks get their ONLY win of the season. Northridge 21 Mishawaka 35: Northridge is probably the best 1-4 team in the state. This could be close, but the Raiders seem to not be able to seal the deal this year. Mishawaka is the better team. Plymouth 0 Warsaw 42: Another game that doesn't really help Warsaw prepare for tournament time. The Tigers win easily.

My picks for Week 6: Churubusco 49 Fremont 0: How ironic is it that this tiny little conference in Northeast Indiana has TWO teams with the same mascot. The Eagles will win AND lose this Friday night...however it's the ninja turtle eagles that will be on the winning side....the ones with gold on their helmets. Churubusco has CLEARLY put themselves on the top of the small school list. Fairfield 28 Angola 14: I will probably be wrong. Fairfield's offense make me want to say swear words. It is not creative, it doesn't challenge a defense to be responsible, it doesn't confuse a defense, it lacks multiple formations or motion, and it's one dimensional. West Noble dared Fairfield to try ANYTHING different than the inside run by putting, most times, 9 defenders in the box! It was pathetic to see the Falcons not even try to spread the defense out with a creative formation, or effective passing to keep them honest. They allowed the WN defense to crash inside with all out blitzes the entire night. It was horrid. It's frustrating to see an offensive "system" get in the way of success. Sadly, any creativity came late in the 4th quarter, when it didn't matter and the Falcons didn't execute that creativity anyway. If this offense can't control the line of scrimmage with the inside run, they have absolutely zero answers of what to do. I believe the Falcons can control the line of scrimmage this Friday. Garrett 35 West Noble 21: I was not that impressed with West Noble on Friday. They basically won because Fairfield could do nothing on offense and the defense was on the field all night giving WN great field position. Pruitt was kept in check. They really haven't been tested this year. Garrett will be by far the best team WN has played all season, and if their defense is anything like Fairfield's they will win...because I am sure the Railroader offense is far superior to anything the Chargers have seen. Lakeland 56 Central Noble 0: Central Noble is the worst team in the NECC. Lakeland wins this one with ease. Prairie Heights 13 Eastside 14: I would love to see PH win this game. However, PH has lost to Eastside 14 consecutive times. Eastside is definitely down this year, but not THAT down. Blazers win.

An Outsider's NLC Power Rankings after week 5: 1. Concord 2. Warsaw 3. Mishawaka 4. Northwood 5. Northridge 6. Plymouth 7. Wawasee 8. Goshen

NECC Power Rankings after week 5: Big School: 1. Garrett 2. West Noble 3. Lakeland 4. Fairfield 5. Angola Small School: 1. Churubusco 2. Eastside 3. Prairie Heights 4. Fremont 5. Central Noble This week's NECC matchups: Friday, Sep. 27 Churubusco at Fremont ©, 7 pm Fairfield at Angola ©, 7 pm Garrett at West Noble ©, 7 pm Lakeland at Central Noble, 7 pm Prairie Heights at Eastside ©, 7 pm

By the way, where are all the NLC faithful?? This thread is as silents as my sister-in-law's farts. (Truthfully, she doesn't fart in front of people)

Week 5 NLC Picks: Mishawaka 63 Goshen 0: This will be over quickly. Unfortunately, the Red Hawks jut aren't very competitive this year. Goshen has had 7 losing seasons in a row. Mishawaka has not had a losing record since 1998. And the last 7 years, Goshen is 12-56.....Mishawaka is 60-23. That's right...Goshen has won 12 games in 7 years. It's safe to say these programs have been trending in opposite directions. Northwood 27 Northridge 35: Upset alert. I think the Panthers are the better team, however Northridge has faced some pretty tough opponents, preparing them for this game. Going with the home team. Warsaw 28 Concord 21: Concord is flying HIGH....having played arguably the toughest schedule so far in the NLC AND being undefeated. I am calling out the overconfidence factor. Warsaw upsets the Minutemen, bringing all sorts of drama to the top of the NLC. Never count out Bart's Boys. Wawasee 14 Plymouth 20: I know everyone refers to the triple option/power football as Bart Ball around these parts....however.....call me an old fuddy duddy, but high school football offenses should look different EVERY YEAR. If Wawasee has the talent to throw the ball, then they need to adjust to their strengths....nothing makes me more angry than a high school football coach limiting their player's abilities because they want to run "their system"...when in reality...the system should be flexible enough to coach to each player's strengths....if you have two 6'5", blazing fast receivers, and a quarterback with a cannon, why in the (insert words), would you play Bart Ball? There is a time and a place for Bart Ball, and when it works, it's unstoppable...but what happens when it doesn't work? Your offense should be about your players, not you. Okay....off my high horse....Wawasee is the worser of the two.

Week 5 (WOW!) Picks for the NECC Angola 14 Lakeland 28: Lakeland suffered their first loss of the year against Garrett last week. I think they rebound nicely in this one. Angola is 1-3, though they have played some tough teams, they just aren't quite prepared for the Lakers. Eastside 7 Garrett 35: I was actually surprised to see Eastside lose to Churubusco. The Blazers are rarely 1-3, but this might be one of those rebuilding years in Butler. Again, I think the Big School Division Teams are much better than the small school, and Garrett has impressed thus far. No chance for Eastside in this one. Fairfield 27 West Noble 28: I am using reverse psychology in this one....I picked against the Falcons last week and they won....so here's to hoping it happens again. Last year, this was a blow out...WN won 38-0. However, this Charger team isn't quite the same with key graduation losses. Unfortunately, for West Noble, their strength of schedule has not really been tough this year, their opponent's combined records is 2-14, but there is still the Pruitt factor. I think Fairfield will be more prepared, physically, for this game and it will be much closer than anticipated. Side Note: Fairfield' opponent's combined record are: 9-9 Fremont 32 Central Noble 34: This is a toss up. Both of these teams have really struggled this year. I am going with the home team, because Fremont has been very bad. Outside of last week, Fremont has been finding it hard to put the ball in the endzone. Prairie Heights 21 Churubusco 14: I am getting on the PH band wagon. The Panthers have not been 3-1 since 2003. This is a very historical start for PH. Those panther fans better travel all the way to Busco and support one of the best football teams they have had in a LONG time. (Prairie Heights has only ever won at least 3 games, once in the last 10 years). These people better be coming out of the wood work to support this team. Truthfully, I think Churubusco is the better team, and probably will win, but I just wanted to hype up those quiet kitties over there in eastern Lagrange County.

Friday, Sep. 20 Angola at Lakeland ©, 7 pm Eastside at Garrett, 7 pm Fairfield at West Noble ©, 7 pm Fremont at Central Noble ©, 7 pm Prairie Heights at Churubusco ©, 7 pm

An Outsider's NLC Power Rankings after Week 4: 1. Concord 2. Mishawaka 3. Warsaw 4. Northwood 5. Northridge 6. Plymouth 7. Wawasee 8. Goshen (Ranked dead last in 5A Sagarin Rankings)

Very glad to see the Falcons dominate the line of Scrimmage,while on offense, again. 2-2 is so much better than 1-3. Was surprised about Busco's win. NECC POWER RANKINGS after week 4: Big School: 1. West Noble 2. Garrett 3. Lakeland 4. Fairfield 5. Angola Small School: 1. Churubusco 2. Prairie Heights 3. Eastside 4. Central Noble 5. Fremont

Concord 42 Northridge 14: Concord has played a very tough stretch of 3 games and have come away 3-0. They are much better prepared for this matchup. Northwood 21 Mishawaka 35: This is huge opportunity for Northwood, but in the end, I feel that Mishawaka will pull away with that smash mouth football. Plymouth 28 Goshen 14: Plymouth seems to be slightly improved from last year, but Goshen is struggling and rebuilding. Warsaw 56 Wawasee 0: The battle of the W....remember when Warsaw always found a way to lose this game??? Not this time. New culture, new expectations....business as usual for Warsaw.

An outsider's NLC Power Rankings after Week 3 1. Concord 2. Mishawaka 3. Warsaw 4. Northwood 5. Northridge 6. Plymouth 7. Wawasee 8. Goshen

Week 3 Picks: Central Noble 14 Prairie Heights 27: I am excited for the Panthers good start this season. I feel that PH is slightly up this year, and CN is slightly down. Prairie Heights wins by 2 scores. Churubusco 13 Eastside 35: Unfortunately, the Eagles are going to get struck by lightning again this weekend. This will be close for a half, but Eastside wins handily. Culver Academy 28 Fairfield 7: Until I see more offense out of the Falcons, I have to pick against them. I feel that CMA's strength of schedule will help them here. Fairfield has played a tough schedule to start the year, and it looks like it won't be letting up anytime soon. Fremont 0 Park Tudor 49: This is really not a great matchup for Fremont. It seems odd that this game is even on their schedule. Good luck. Lakeland 28 Garrett 40: I have been impressed with Garrett this year. This battle of undefeated NECC teams will be interesting. On paper, it looks like the Railroaders have the edge. West Noble 42 Angola 7: Pruitt.......any other questions?

NECC Power Rankings after week 3: Big School: 1. West Noble 2. Garrett 3. Lakeland 4. Fairfield 5. Angola Small School: 1. Eastside 2. Prairie Heights 3. Churubusco 4. Central Noble 5. Fremont

Goshen 0 Warsaw 70: I mean no disrespect to the Redhawks, but Warsaw is much better prepared for this game, and will have SO much talent on the field. I really hope Goshen turns things around, but this is definitely a year that will build character....the ole ball coach just needs to find a way to keep the kids playing. Mishawaka 42 Concord 38: The Caveman are on a high, which might make this a bit of a trap game for them. Regardless, I feel like Mishawaka is the best team in the NLC until proven otherwise. Northridge 34 Plymouth 7: Northridge will gather their thoughts and take care of business against Plymouth. Northridge has been exposed to better talent this year than Plymouth, which pays dividends. Wawasee 0 Northwood 42: The Panthers get right back on track playing the rebuilding Warriors. Wawasee hasn't beat Northwood since the coach Ekovich days. It has been 10 years.

My predictions for week 3 in the NECC: Angola 34 Fremont 0: Unfortunately, this is looking like a rough year for Fremont. Both teams are 0-2, but Angola's level of competition has prepared them better for this game than Fremont's first 2 games have for the Eagles. I am surprised that Fremont put Angola back on their schedule after taking an 7 year break for this matchup. Both coaches last names are Thomas. Any relation??? I seriously don't know. Eastside 14 West Noble 63: I am not sure that anyone in the NECC can touch Pruitt. This one was pretty ugly last year for Eastside...and I think it's going to be even worse this year The talent level in the big schools versus the small schools in the NECC this year seems to be as far apart as I can remember. The Chargers win for the third year in a row. Garrett 42 Churubusco 7: Garrett has been surprising this year. I was very impressed with their week one win against AC, and then they won a close one last week vs. Dekalb. If the Eagles change their name to the Ninja Turtles before this game, it might be a little bit closer...but...I digress. The Eagles will get Railroaded on Friday night. Fairfield 21 Jimtown 20: I was very disappointed with the Falcon offense this past week. I am hopeful there have been some "tweaks". This one is personal for Jimtown, as they will be facing their previous football coach who is now coaching at Fairfield this season. Fairfield has been a bit of an enigma the first two weeks. Jimtown is 0-2, but have played 2 tough oppnenets in the first 2 weeks. This will be a close one. LaVille 14 Central Noble 7: It's going to be a long year for the Cougars. The first 2 weeks have not been very impressive for them. I just don't see them winning this game, nd looking at their schedule, I am wondering how many wins they will have this season. Lakeland 49 Prairie Heights 6: I love that Prairie Heights is 2-0. However, it will be 2-1 after this Friday. The John Harrell web site dates games all the way back to 1994. Since 1994, Prairie Heights has beat Lakeland ONE...yes, ONE TIME, in 30 seasons. That was in 2003, 21-20 in OT. Needless to say, this means Prairie Heights is the 2nd best high school football team in Lagrange County. I said football, not fútbol (Westview Soccer Fans....sheesh). I mean....since Lakeland has gone 29-1 in this matchup in the past 30 years, it makes me wonder why they still even play this game? It's not a divisional game for either team. Also...Prairie Heights has only been 2-0 one other time in those 30 years. So...this really has been a great start for them, but they can't compete with the Lakers.

I think I see st least 5, maybe 6. Depending on who they draw in Sectional, maybe more. I do think Marian might be the best team in that Sectional...at least after week 1...not sure how they did against CMA yet.

An Outsider's NLC Power Rankings after week 2: 1. Mishawaka 2. Concord 3. Warsaw 4. Northwood 5. Northridge 6. Plymouth 7. Goshen 8. Wawasee