BTF

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.

We must be on the same page, I was getting ready to post something similar. Congratulations to all teams and the runner-ups. Back at you folks up there at Penn. Snider Nation has the upmost respect for the Kingsmen. There's a solid chance these two teams will meet up next year.

After showing the replay, those of us in the stands thought it was pretty ticky tack since refs seem to let kids play at this level of the tournament. Shouldn't have been called in my opinion. Overall though, I was very impressed how all the games were officiated. No one is perfect.

I'll chime in on this one. Your question is valid. I've been watching Snider football, like Komets, for a long time. This defense is arguably the best they've ever fielded. That's saying something for a program that's played for a state title nine times and who has the best record in Indiana going back 32 years. It wouldn't matter who they played, no one is making a fool out of this defense. It would keep them competitive against anyone. I agree with you. It's fun to debate these hypothetical rankings. I just wanted to give my opinion of what I think is a pretty special defense. I get it. You'll have some point at Homestead's 17 points in regulation, or Carroll's 24 and say, "what would Ben Davis's offense do if they played Snider?" At the end of the day, when they are playing at the top of their game, they are absolutely a "shutdown D." If you're a one dimensional run oriented offense, you're in big trouble.

Seriously though, when I saw that INDOT 3-laned I69 all the way to Anderson, I couldn't help but chuckle. "Did Snider mercy rule an Indy suburban team at the start of the third quarter?"

Homestead was snoring that game. They came back a week later and outplayed Indy's best team for two quarters without their best player. I didn't want to hijack the 6A title game, hence me saying "forget it" instead of: Snider was also a 45 yard field goal from bowing out to Mishawaka. Everyone in the state of Indiana not in attendance at that game deemed Snider "average." At the end of the day, I don't know why Ben Davis almost lost Warren Central anymore than you know why Snider lost to Homestead or almost lost to Mishawaka. Who really cares. None of it changes the fact that both Ben Davis and Snider are state champions.

They won't claim Anderson though, even though it's an Indy burb. Hopefully I get some laughs on that one.

Really though, after your "CG, Ben Davis, and Brownsburg would roll CP" comment, I had to look at Westfield's schedule, which led me to Brownsburg's schedule. Interesting that Brownsburg wasted Westfield and Noblesville was the closest game on their schedule. Lol, that's really all I was saying. You took it the wrong way. But since you took it there................. Forget it. Congratulations to Ben Davis on their state title and fantastic season.

With all of the "5A is bad" talk, I anticipated many posters outside of Northeastern Indiana claiming #6 is too high for Snider. Apparently you're one of them, and that's okay. Until these teams play head to head to head, it's all opinionated. Nothing is a guarantee on any given Friday. The best post I've seen is in another thread with just a simple congratulations to all 6 champions and runner-ups.

Interesting that Noblesville was Brownsburg's closest HCC game. I guess every team has one of those weeks.

I have a hard time betting against Brownsburg, Ben Davis, and Center Grove. I've got Snider, Chatard, Cathedral, and East Central in a dead lock at #4.

You're obviously dazed and confused, I believe you misread my post. Thank you for your opinion though.

Didn't take that into consideration. East Central won't be this good every year, but formidable for sure. DC will stick around.

Agree.

I dunno, DC looked like a darn good team to me. Let's not forget this was a one possession game going into the fourth quarter. I get it, Snider had some missed opportunities, but there was a defense on the other side of the ball that caused those disruptions.

Did I hear Tommy Rees? Sounds like something IU would do. They need a guy whose tasted success at the head coaching position. This is no job for a coordinator.

Michael Ledo. I was trying to remember that name. One of the better running backs to come out of Fort Wayne.

Not bad. Carmel, Warren Central didn't live up to the preseason hype. Chatard, and Decatur Central over exceeded. I like DC and Merrillville next year. I expect both to flirt with that 15 spot.

You and I were both hard on Luers this season. I love when a team proves critics wrong. I remember those years well. Anthony Spencer's years were just as good as the Jaylon Smith years. Both those era's saw Luers beat Snider two years in a row. That's saying something.

I think it will be hard for the committee to exclude an undefeated Power Five program...........even if deep down they think another team is better.

I'm not sure why they are so off on Snider. I can't imagine Snider's the only program that goes easy on inferior opponents.

I get what your saying, but damn, it's a close call. I can't stand Ohio State, just trying to be objective here.