BTF

I'm not sure kids are any different now than they were in the 80's and 90's. I think the biggest difference is that back then, you had to be better than four teams to win the championship. Now there's 10-15 teams that have the resources to take you out of the tournament.

Tell us more.

I don't see him going anywhere this fall. I suppose there's a better chance the following fall. School most likely to hijack him: North Side. Why move though? Pump up his numbers? He's already getting offers from the best programs in the country.

Guilford? I don't have much information on him. It's hard to pay much attention to a program like Northrop. https://www.wane.com/high-school-sports/guilford-gearing-up-for-breakout-year-with-northrop/

How long has the transfer portal been a thing in Indy?

Massively, it's outgrowing the other districts by far. Fort Wayne used to look like a circle. It's starting to look like the shape of Idaho. They'll be 3000+ in a few years.

Russ Isaacs' model in the 90's........."year round training."

Dinan don't give a shit. He just wants to be good and will do whatever it takes. I hope he's not "just having a good run" and his program continues on the uptick.

As you should, any sane betting man would. Not sure what your correlation is with CG and Sister's of the Poor. Someone help me on this. Sister's of the poor are a bunch of nuns who care for old people. Do the Trojans take mercy on their lessor opponents? I really don't know.

Good post, not much to add. I have a lot of respect for Carroll and their willingness to go to Greenwood when many others turned them down. Dinan's no dummy, he knows that front row seat will make his program better.

Offensive line most specifically. If you don't have a deep, imposing offensive line in 6A, good luck and God speed.

You have to respect what Craig Buzea has done at Crown Point , they've improved in each of his first three seasons. If they improve in year four, they could make some noise again. I also think the excitement Travon Curry brought to Elkhart is worth noting. Carroll has a D1 quarterback and a D1 tight end, that could be interesting. I see what you're saying though. Weeks 1 & 2 are going to provide some answers. Carroll vs HSE, Snider vs Warren Central, and Carroll vs Center Grove. That will show how big the gap is, if there is one at all.

I'm not sure I'm willing to put more stock into rich kids than I am fast kids. I think coaching is the ultimate factor. Now, I do think an "average" coach is probably going to have more issues with a poor socioeconomic factor. I think Merrillville is a lot like Ben Davis and Warren Central. Good coaching, fast athletes, very dangerous. The only difference there is enrollment. I have a lot of respect for Eric Moore and what he's done at Center Grove. If there's a blueprint to follow, it's probably his. But you're right, it's time for the others to step up. Looking forward to Week 2 in Greenwood.

Actually, I was thinking of this very same thing the other day. My number was also 15%, including Cathedral. But the Irish are certainly among the top of the "best of the rest."

He's not wrong, but he's referring to programs as "chumps" who are half the enrollment of the Big 3. If you're going to call out the rest of the field, at least put an enrollment disclaimer by Carmel, Ben Davis, and Warren Central.........three largest schools, 34 titles combined........not coincidence. He follows Ben Davis, pretty lucky to be privy to 4600 kids. I mean, what if Snider, Carroll, or Crown Point had 4600 kids? Much respect for the Ben Davis program and guys like BDGiant. Little respect for the 250 lb guy who body slams the 150 lb guy, then thumps his chest afterward claiming "I'm the best." I'll add a civil opinion on 6A in another post. But this forum is fun where all opinions matter. Lay it on Kmart.

Well, if you can't win a state title with enrollments like 5200, 4567, & 3748, then you have a serious problem.

I'm game.

My interpretation is that he's saying anyone not named Carmel, Ben Davis, Warren Central, or Center Grove is irrelevant. Las Vegas oddsmakers would agree. However, using the word "irrelevant" is irresponsible. There are probably 10 other relevant teams capable of beating those four if they don't put their absolute best forward.

Lol, he likes the word "irrelevant".

Irrelevant.

The first two paragraphs certainly make it look like Heritage NE Indiana. Read the rest of the story and it's clearly the Heritage Patriots southeast of Atlanta Georgia.

Agree, I've seen 10 fans on a few occasions. Trust me, wondering why the top (by far) football revenue producing school in Fort Wayne just happened to be the only program without a field has always been the million dollar question. Maybe this current plan has been in the works longer than we realize. I do give credit to FWCS, they could have said, "Northrop's been your home for five decades and it will continue to be your home." Instead, not only are they building a stadium, but they are pumping 30 million in improvements to the campus. Just take it, don't look back, and savor the memories of the all gigantic games at Spuller Spuller stadium.

Spacing could very well be an issue and the reason for 4000 (which will accommodate most games). I just think the financial payback will be significant if they can find a way to squeeze in an extra 1000 (will be needed twice a year on average, sometimes once depending on the playoff run that year). Word gets around when you don't have ample seating for the visitors. They won't bother showing up, they'll stay home and watch it on the internet. To South Side's defense, I've seen 100 in the visiting stands before. They do seem to show up for their home games though.

High hopes for Warren Central this year? Defensive line should be stout.

Dwenger is 3200. Carroll is 6000. But Carroll has more space and resources than Snider and Dwenger. I would implore to FWCS to push more toward the 5000 mark. Right now, I'm presuming 2600 on the home side and 1400 on the visiting side. Although that would work for most games, I can see revenue massively affected for one or two games per season. Catch Dwenger, Carroll, Homestead, or North Side on a good season, and they'll fill up the 1400 fast. In fact, some fans won't show up if they know there isn't ample seating.........see Dwenger and Luers as examples. It also won't be enough for good traveling teams like Merrillville and Penn. But again, I'm sure the Snider football community is thrilled at the proposal as it sits. I just hate to see potential revenue left on the table. The visiting side at Spuller Stadium seats 2500. Over the last two seasons, three programs darn near filled that up. Visual estimates: Carroll probably brought 2300 last season. Merrillville probably brought 1800. The season before, North Side was near that 2300 mark. Ideally, Snider's home side should seat 3000 with the visiting side seating 2000. Is it reasonable to think that Snider, who regularly fills up Spuller's 2500, will bring more fans since the stadium is now withing walking distance for many? Either way, this is a great thing for FWCS's and Snider.