BTF

At Center Grove in 2024. Host Center Grove in 2025. Replace them and renew with Warren Central in 2026.

The team that's 20-42 over the last 6 seasons? I get it, they have a tough schedule, but "destroy?" They'd lose to Crown Point. I don't see them beating Merrillville or Valpo by much more than a touchdown.

Agree, but I'm not going to fault programs like Merrillville and Valpo for staying down in 5A. It will be their only chance at a state title. Class 6A isn't a level playing field. In fact, it's lopsided as hell. It's no coincidence that three 6A's four state champions are by far the largest enrollment schools in the state. To be fair, "by far" doesn't apply to Warren Central. But the gap between Carmel, Ben Davis and everyone else is an entire school's student body. If you're not in the top twenty in enrollment, you don't have a prayer at that level.

Nineteen students separate the smallest three schools...............Northrop, Warsaw, and Jeffersonville. The gap between Jeffersonville and Arsenal Tech is 23 students. Then comes Lafayette Jeff, but they'd have to lose about 75 students. Using these classifications, Snider bumps up, Northrop bumps down. Harrison, Valpo, and Chesterton are the most likely to shift in population enough to bet a bump up. Of course the forementioned schools would have to lose population. For now I think we just roll with Snider and Northrop switching spots.

If you look at this program historically, I don't see Homestead being average for long. Unless something else is going on over there, I'm sure there's a run on talent coming.

Harrison bumping up? That's three. Jefferson, Warsaw, and Northrop coming down? I was going to take a stab at this, but not now. Too many unknowns.

Would be easier if we knew whether or not Valpo is bumping up or down. So there will be one or two teams coming down. Do we know who those teams will be?

Not sure what I would have done there. I went into that game glass half full, hoping for a good contest.

I'm willing to bet that it did. Football can be cruel. A high school quarterback could head into college as the "golden boy", the resurrection of a program. Unfortunately, there's three other quarterbacks at the same school with the same lofty expectations of their own careers. Case in point.............Tyler Buchner. Had he chosen to go to Indiana he could very well be an NFL prospect. It's also about development. In some cases, a quarterback comes out of college worse than what he was in high school. Massive decision for a kid.

I'm starting to think he's the smartest one in the room.

I'm pretty sure Carroll hosts CG in 2025.

For just two beers? Might as well take the bet and make it interesting.

Host Hamilton Southeastern Week 1. At Center Grove Week 2

Lots of respect for the Chargers for scheduling that one.

I'll take the bet.

Snider returns at least four key guys (very good players) on defense, so they should be strong on that side of the ball. I think the big thing for the Panthers is this years senior class. They set an example for the younger guys, a very talented junior class, to follow. This years class worked hard in the offseason, not wanting a repeat of the 2022 semi-state. This class knows they'll have to work just as hard as this year's seniors if they want to make any noise in 6A. You can be good and still bow out in the sectionals at that level. They should be very balanced next season on the offensive side with a first year starter at quarterback who can sling it. One thing is for sure, the anomaly we saw in 2020 seems to be long forgotten. Snider's not about to succumb to the fast growing suburban areas anytime soon. Carroll will probably have something to say about that. Jimmy Sullivan returns for his senior season at quarterback. He already sports offers from Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota, and a slew of MAC programs. It appears that Dinan has this program in the reloading stage.

They earned it for sure. No one can accuse them of getting there through a soft path. Congratulations to them and their national ranking. Why do they always look better in the friendly confines of an indoor stadium? Speed kills in that environment. I was optimistic for the north, but the game was pretty much over before it even started.

Right now there's indications that Snider will be pretty good next year. Good enough to make a run to Lucas? To be determined.

And they will, so take a deep breath. Penn is a good football team. I know this because they are widely discussed on this forum. Congrats on a fine year.

Controversial mood? All we here about all year long is how good Hamilton Southeastern and Westfield are. But somehow Carroll and Crown Point still stink. Lol, I'm glad this season is over. Time to move on.

Contrats to your team. Impressive team, program, and fan base. Good luck in 5A next season.

If Valpo's enrollment pushes them up to 6A as some are predicting, it could look like the Merrillville/Mishawaka show. The south certainly strengthens with the addition of East Central.

Can't let this thread end on the previous post. Congratulations to both teams. Snider proved that they are the real deal. Some didn't believe before, but they do now. Some still don't believe. At the end of the day, it really doesn't matter. The Panthers are state champions and wouldn't back down from anyone in the state. Decatur Central is good. I was really impressed with their defense. I saw some things that many tend to overlook. They were just too one dimensional to really have a shot at this one. This team appears to be young and should make some noise in the next couple of years. Hopefully the "5A is weak" ramble subsides next season. I'm looking forward to seeing who comes out on top between DC and EC. I'm sure there will be other contenders as well.

I admire your persistence. It was a game where the East Central fans, the most vocal of the tournament, pretty much stood up and screamed if the refs even looked at their players the wrong way. Forgive anyone on the other side for wanting something to go their way as well. That being said. Before I bow out for 2023. I'd like to congratulate East Central on a great season. This was one of the games I was most looking forward to see. I wanted to see how good this team really was. I wanted to see the D1 guys on Northwood's side of the ball and if they'd be able to make a game out one that NO ONE was giving them a chance in. I actually came away impressed with both squads. I think Northwood could have made it closer by playing it a bit more conservative instead of giving away good field position. In the end, it didn't matter. One way or another, the Trojans were going to win that game. They beat you with discipline and fundamentals. Good line play and a hell of a quick running back. Some think your team is the second best in the state. Some think you're the seventh best team in the state. In the end, the players think they are BEST team in the state, and that is all that really matters. Once again........congrats!

Thanks for the insight. Noted and respected. Still think it was ticky tack.