SEAL_63

Answering questions regarding the VL roster from the other thread.... Lincoln actually graduated 2 seniors from their secondary...and pass defense was without a doubt the weakness of the '22 squad, especially late in the season. That's something they are going to have to shore up if they hope to reach the upper tier of the conference. They do return the entire front seven including guys like Keller, Hambrick, and Patton. Offensively they return 6, and you could even say 7 depending on the formation. The O-line graduated a couple good seniors but returns Daniel Nash who was arguably the best of the group. McCrary returns at RB (Jackson Johnson was the listed starter in '22 but split carries). Receiver is where Lincoln will have to develop some younger guys at all 3 spots.

I get tired, as much as the next person, of reading about this year after year....but it's something the IHSAA should feel obligated to look into with the annual controversy surrounding the format. -I don't want to ever see a qualification system, keep it all inclusive...there will always be an opportunity for a Monrovia type team to make a run and that should never be fully eliminated. It's a great thing for all sports to have an underdog story. -But SEED THE SECTIONALS...this is the easiest middle ground solution! Sectional 30, for example, literally had the top 4 out of 8 in the top half of the bracket..This cannot be allowed to happen! -Someone brought up having regional and semi state games at neutral sites...I can definitely see the upside of this. There are a plentiful amount of football facilities (college and high school) that have popped up in the last 20 years, that you didn't have at the turn of the century. If I'm the IHSAA, I look at this as a way to highlight growth of the sport in our state. Why not play your biggest games of the year at the premier stadiums?? But at the same time..there's something special about a high school program getting to host a late tournament game...such a big event for the community.

Just glad this is a semi state match up...for once the sectional alignment/draw got this one right. Can't wait to see.

What a shocker...Monrovia scores late with just under 2 min to go for the lead...which still left plenty of time for the high powered OV offense to respond. OV actually got a great return to the Bulldog 35 off the squib kick and looked primed to pull off one final TD...but turned it over on downs. Heartbreaking for OV with an opportunity for a regional title on their home turf.

Rough..looks like EC will get their revenge from last year. Still…really remarkable that Memorial played for a regional title considering how their season started. Nice season for the Tigers.

And having to play at Boonville…never an easy place to win a game. Memorial better bring their A game.

So OV defense played the game of their lives.

Hmm. Seems Lincoln had the wrong officiating crews. We had phantom holding calls all season long.

What a crazy night. I expected a battle between Memorial and Jasper the sequel, but Boonville leading Reitz?!? I thought the Pioneers could maybe keep it close for a half but didn’t see this coming. Panthers need to get it going.

If the OV offense is similar to what I saw this time last year (mostly predicated on the run) that VL held to 14 pts, then the Patriots are in real trouble. I hope they’ve made real progress in the passing game in 2022 in order to keep pace with GS…Or hope their defense has the game of their lives. But ultimately, I feel like we already witnessed the two best teams square off last week in fort branch. GS wins in similar fashion as last week…3+ scores

This place is fantastic. One reason I love taking 67 to Indy.

The 3rd down GS converted deep in their own territory to start the 4th quarter was a major moment in the game. All the momentum had swung VL's way after they cut the lead to 7. If Lincoln gets that stop to force a punt it's hard telling where the game goes from there. Instead GS converts and that's all their offense needed to move down and score again. And it was all Titans the rest of the way.

Special teams the difference tonight. Lincoln had a bad snap that resulted in a safety and gave up 2 kickoff returns for TD. Both offenses incredible. Xander Hunt with the game of his life so far. Looking forward to his senior season

Alices hanging tough 49-42 GS

You’re absolutely right. Nothing bad that you can really say about either team. I was just kind of surprised the thread hadn’t generated a little more discussion. Five years ago it seemed like there were 10 pages at this point in the week. In a way, I think both teams have exceeded expectations. You’re right, I really thought after the Reitz and Mater Dei games that Lincoln wood finish roughly 6-3 or 5-4 at worst. 4-5 certainly not a reflection of their season. And I know I’ve seen a few Gibson Southern folk on here saying they did not expect to be undefeated. That’s a testament to the players for not allowing a hangover season and to the standard that Coach Hart has established.

Well you guys certainly looked superior. Hoping Lincoln has got this run of bad football out of their system or expect to see a similar result in Fort Branch.

Well..it’s Thursday… I wasn’t going to resort to this but the lack of insults being thrown to this point has left me no choice! Bobe’s > Sandy’s Any day of the week.

I second this. Good work @TigerFan20

Just indicating the result was a questionable one...stirring the pot. Nothing that actually needed changed.

There it is! I thought you might save it for next week..but here we are on Saturday!

Had to adjust that for the record.

Doesn't seem like it's been 5 years. That game was another good one...very good Lincoln team that fell just short to the TItans.

Congratulations to Jasper on the win tonight. The Cats are clearly clicking on all cylinders at the right time. The rematch with Memorial is going to be incredible. This marks 3 years running that Jasper has embarrassed VL in this rivalry…I really felt Lincoln would bring the fight on the road and play some good football ..win or lose. But a totally disheartening performance…September I would have given the Alices a shot against anyone in SW Indiana. The last 6 quarters they’ve been a shell of themselves…to the point where they’re non competitive.

Only if they don’t smell like roses!

Good God it’s almost 1 AM the Friday of rivalry week and I’ve not thrown one jab at my beloved Cats. I hear people in Dubois County make their own bath bubbles and sniff them! Can’t wait to feel the love in 18 hrs at Alumni Stadium! Go Big Green!