Having coached at both levels myself, I can tell you that it is a HUGE jump. Even from the middle school to freshmen level! The middle schools have no governing body. You can do whatever you want! Practice as much (or little) as you want. Play as many (or few) games as you want. There are no eligibility requirements. It can be the Wild Wild West if you let it. Then you get to the high school and the IHSAA has more regulations than the Obama administration. (I know nothing about politics. I had to google that.)
As with many of you, I wish these gentlemen the best of luck. But it isn't going to be easy...