Boilernation

Why? Because in the Hoosier Heritage or 4A playoffs they didn't face a single O-Line that was as big and strong as Noblesville? IMO, IF Mt. Vernon wins tonight it'll be because Noblesville's D didn't step up. I don't see the Millers having any trouble moving the ball.

When does the TV contract end for the current Playoff format? My guess is that's when the break happens. I just hope it doesn't infiltrate the HS ranks. Could you imagine HS football and basketball being turned into a club sport that pays similar to soccer in Europe?

I thought I was good with YouTube TV and now I have to sign up for another streaming service. SMH. Guess I'll be a Peacock subscriber at some point. It was bound to happen anyways with EPL games mainly streaming on Peacock.

Delphi Tipton Lapel Harrison Central Catholic Pioneer Bombers Tri-West Northwestern LaVille

Andrean Brownsburg Chatard Harrison Linton Stockton Center Grove Carroll Evansville Memorial Cathedra East Central

Mt. Vernon couldn't handle Noblesville's O-Line last year and it was a blowout. Some late 2nd half scores by Mt. Vernon kept the score closer than what it was earlier in the 2nd half. I'll take Noblesville by 7-10 this year. In other action I like: Brownsburg Zionsville LN HSE North Central New Palestine Franklin Central

It'll be a historical game in Noblesville as the brand new Beaver Stadium will host it's first Varsity football game.

I haven't seen much out of NWI regarding Friday's scrimmages. Any noteworthy performances?

Dave, what's the change in schedule criteria with the GCL schools? Very interested to hear as I enjoy seeing those schools on Indiana schedules.

Why did 6 guys receive D1 offers and not actually sign with a D1 school? Who are the 8-9 players that will have D1 offers by the time the season ends?

Here's what I'm taking out of this post: Kyle Ralph developed a culture that works Kyle Ralph has complete buy in from the community of New Pal to follow his culture Football is potentially the #1 sport boys want to play at the youth level in New Pal The elite level talent at New Pal is beginning to increase Sounds pretty scary for 4A and potentially 5A football in Indiana. My understanding is Kyle Ralph played OL at Cincinnati St. Xavier and in Chapel Hill with the Tar Heels. And his wife is from New Pal? I completely understand the desire to live in your wife's hometown. But, I would think at some point this guy is going to get a HS or College (Assistant) offer that's too good to turn down.

Battle of Broadway: I have a feeling Andrean wins this one. I don't like how unproven Merrillville is at multiple positions and Andrean is returning some key starters from last year. I'm betting it takes Merrillville a few games to gel. I'll take Andrean by 6. Portage vs. Morton: God help the Red Tribe if they can't beat Morton. Hobart vs. Chesterton: I think the loss of Mullen will slow the Trojan offense down out of the gates. Maybe all year. Agree they're defense will be stout. I'll take Hobart by about 7-10. LaPorte vs. New Prairie: Glad to see Bob James was finally given the job he deserved. But, I'll take NP big as well. Lowell vs. Crown Point: It's time for the Buzea era to take off in Crown Point. Crown Point is either ready for 6A football or still a big school playing 4A/5A caliber ball. I'm expecting the Dogs to win big as well. Michigan City vs. Warsaw: No idea what to expect out of this one. City returns JR. Jaden Hart at RB who already has an impressive list of Power Conference offers. Have a feeling Warsaw gets revenge and pulls out a close W at home. Munster vs. Lake Central: I hate to give DT credit, but he could be right that hanging onto an aging legend for too long killed Munster football. Richard Good is in year 2 of being next in line to try turning the Lake County giant into a competitive football team. Should have an easy W with Munster and then a very tough road trip west on 30 to play Providence Catholic. The Celtics aren't as strong as they've been historically; however, they'll still be a good early test for LC. Valpo vs. Penn: Valpo apparently lost a lot of starters from last year. I have no idea what Penn is returning. I'll still take the Kingsmen at home by 3.

You made the exact same post on Facebook, which means you are who we thought "Piratefan101" is. The negativity thrown your way isn't about your football knowledge. It's about your continuous hyperbole surrounding Merrillville football that draws criticism. For starters, you consistently (3 years running now) grossly over sell the number of legitimate D1 recruits Merrillville has.

Interesting comment. I agree that they have a great coach who has won various hardware at Harding and Woodlan. I would not be surprised to see a drastic turnaround at Wayne in year 3 under Haydock.

A starter from Bishop Dwenger transferred to North for presumably football related reasons. Never thought I would hear that.

Or we could be seeing a repeat of 2020. 5-6 with a very potent offense. That Team: Beat Snider by 30 Lost to Dwenger by 13 Scored 48 points in a loss to Carroll Scored 46 points in a loss to Luers Scored 36 points in a loss to Homestead Scored 27 points in a loss to Northrop Lost to Dwenger by 8 in Sectionals

I'll give you some credit...at least you're consistent.

That's a shame. Was thinking they were in Sectional 14. Definately makes 5A a little weaker. Sectional 22 has the potential for a series of Hoosier Heritage rematches. Agree with New Pal. Zionsville? No, they belong in 6A.

How about Fort Wayne North? They may have the state's best skill player (regardless of class) at WR. I think I read a QB from Dwenger or Snider transferred in. Is North a true threat to Snider and Dwenger in Sectional 12 or just a decent team that will have an explosive offense?

What does Valpo have returning? Marshall has had a lot of very good talent, especially on the lines, the past 4 years. I guess the question is can he sustain the recent success or will Valpo fall back like Hoffman did after he lost the generational talent of Samardzija, Hanlon, etc.?

Fair assessment. This is why I'm probably the most interested in the 5A playoffs. From a Duneland perspective, it's their only shot at a State Title. From a competitive perspective, no Cathedral opens up the door for some new blood like DC or Merrillville to get a Title or a recent winner like New Pal, Columbus East, Snider, or Dwenger to add to their hardware.

Just my perception, but I think programs like Mater Dei, Memorial, Chatard, Cathedral, and possibly Dwenger are unique. They seem to have very loyal alums that stay connected to the program throughout their lives.

Agreed. But wouldn't that be more of a deterrent to the casual fan? Personally, I'll DVR a good college game in favor of a marquee Regional or Semi-State matchup. Of the HS sports I follow, football is the only one where the crowd size diminishes in Regionals and Semi-State. Is that due to Friday night games and/or weather conditions? Would fans be willing to travel more on a Saturday? IDK.

I don't think Illinois does neutral site, BUT they play a lot of Saturday afternoon playoff games.

I haven't seen DC play with him at QB. Is he primarily a runner? Kid is big. Guess I have to now lump Carmel and CG in with Chatard and Cathedral.