from_the_sidelines007

Sorry, didn't mean to use it if you use it . . . I missed that line. Kudo if you did! as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

Alright Everyone . . . On to the hardware round of the IHSAA State Football Tournament! Congrats to Knox, LaVille, North Judson, and Triton - all among the 16 taams left in their respective Class! The sectional championship pairings are: John Glenn at Knox, Community Field, Knox HS, 7 p.m. *Knox beat JG 37-8, Sept 15 at Knox Bremen at LaVille, Lancer Field, LaVille HS, 7 p.m. *LaVille beat Bremen 17-10 Aug 18 at Bremen North Judson at Triton, Triton HS, 7:30 p.m. *Triton beat NJSP 40-7, Sept 29 at Triton -> Do those early season or mid september games mean anything? -> Is everbody healthy? -> Teams have their typical play makers. What are the difference makers Friday night? What Say You? as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

Looks like Laville controlled the game? That's along ride for Laville and the game might have been just a little longer if the clock was running at some point in the 2nd Half. Were you at the game last night mumm6866?

Alrighty . . . Here's my two cents for the semifinal round: Knox playing at home. Redskins having a year! KNOX Long trip for the Lancers. They'll shake off the bus-lagg with a dominating victory. LAVILLE NJSP should have no problem in this one. TROJANS take this one over their HNAC rival. CARROLL wins Stay healthy! as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

I would agree FinePrint . . . Didn't look at the SOS via Sagarin. The SOS numbers change weekly based on the last game played. I was looking at each teams actual schedule and comparing. Definitely appears that the Hoosier was off this year and, as you mentioned, pretty solid for a small school conference. If that's the case, maybe, just maybe the HNAC helped prepare LaVille for a deep run in the state playoffs. Congrats to each team for a job well done! as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

Rochester/LCC/LaVille and Bluffton are all having a solid season, for sure. LCC hasn't lost its three games to just anyone - Guerin Catholic, Hamilton Heights, and West Lafayette. All 3 are having a good run this season and are a class above at 3A. Rochester, with just 2 losses, is also having quite the season, dropping games to a very good TValley and Peru. In looking at the schedules of those listed above, I would say that LaVille has the weaker schedule. The biggest factor for all of these teams is - Mr. Obvious here - the injury factor. Do we know if all of these teams are healthy heading into the Friday semifinals? Yeah, all the coaches say, next man up when that happens. But when you have one guy go down that holds down 2-3-4 positions on the team and many times is one of the better athletes on the teams, it can be a tall task. Would like to see some of these teams play in the regional, semi-state, state finals with a healthy roster! as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

All: Congratulations to the six remaining HNAC teams in the IHSAA state football tournament from the first week. Below are the sectional semifinal pairings for the next round of action: Friday, October 27 Caston at Carroll, 7 p.m. Triton at Culver, 7 p.m. West Noble at Knox, 7:30 p.m. LaVille at Whiting, 8 p.m. South Newton at North Judson, 8 p.m. *All times Eastern Good Luck To Everyone! as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

Appreciate the explanation and clarification! Always easier to ask sometimes when you don't know. Just one person's opinion. as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

All: After watching much confustion during the final plays of the Andrea-LaVille game Friday night, a few questions came to mind. Checking if anyone can shed some light for me? Not trying to be a wise guy here, trying to understand better. Is there an appointed game official (the guys in the stripes calling the game) that watches the game clock/play clock? Friday, there seemed to be multiple opinions on how much time was on the game clock and what down it actually was. Since we have no instant replay in Indiana high school, who decides if/when time is put back on or taken off the game/play clock and to adjust the line of scrimmage. Friday, the clock was changed from 10 seconds left in the game, to 40 seconds left, to 42 seconds left in the game. There was confusion on both sides of the field - coaches, teams, and fans. Thanks, guys! as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

So reading between the lines, HNAC all-conference is basically a waste of time. It is interesting, though, how many schools join a conference and want conference recognition for their respective student-athletes - in as many sports as the conference can fill teams for. There are those that choose not to join a conference, while others want in a conference and may not be able to find a conference. I don't know exactly how many players are eligible for nomination for football in the HNAC, but it seems like the number is rather high. Based upon the release of the All-HNAC football team last year, over 40 players received recognition. I'm pretty sure that the higher you finish, the more players you are allowed to nominate. At least that what last year's HNAC listing looked like, If the HNAC is like so many other conferences, coaches are not allowed to vote for their players. I have also seen other conferences list players by a first team and a second team. Some then add either a third team with no honorable mention or an honorable metion following a second team. Seems like some conferences have such a large amount of nominations per sport that players that are selected first team, are actually more deserving of honorable mention. Now granted, each athlete that receives a vote is generally considered HM in some conferences. And, there are some coaches that simply indicate that they are nominating a player and would like for them to be considered an HM selection. I would agree with fineprint that the process should be more direct in narrowing it down. Maybe something like 7 linemen, 5 backfield, 3 receivers, 2 special teams, and a kicker. Just spit balling here . . . . Maybe someone else has some input? as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

Season has flat flown by . . . . Here we go for Week 9 of the HNAC season. Culver at LaVille Knox at Caston North Judson at Pioneer Triton at Winamac How do the Bluejays and the Panthers play this one since they drew each other in the first round of the IHSAA state tournament? Or does it matter? Both tied at 3-3 in the HNAC standings headed into the final week of the season. Placement in the conference standings up for grabs. How you all playing this one? What say you? as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

All: We're in the home stretch of the regular season. HNAC Week #8 Does Knox take a step toward the 2023 HNAC Championship? Or can Triton step into the HNAC spotlight? Friday, Oct. 6 Caston at Winamac ©, 7 pm LaVille at North Judson ©, 7:30 pm Pioneer at Culver ©, 7 pm Triton at Knox ©, 7:30 pm What say you? as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

I knew I could count on folks to help out! Life happens to all of us. Do what you can do. Remember, every little bit helps! as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

All: Just want to give a shout out to the Gridiron Digest staff for all their had work and for the opportunity for us to continue to talk about high school football in Indiana! I do not work for GID. I have renewed my membership with a donation to help support the cause. Would you please consider making a donation today? There are bills to pay and the donation seems a bit down this year. Appreciate all you guys at GID! Keep up the great work! as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

While I'm always fascinated by the predictor tool, my question is . . . Is there really a home field advantage in high school? Not trying to be a wise-apple here. I'm just curious what ya'll think about home field. I've seen schools that travel and are just a superior team than their counterparts. They play they same at home, even with a crowd. as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

As we head into Week #7 of the high school season, October is around the corner and the IHSAA draw comes on Oct. 8. Games involving Hoosier North teams for September 29: Friday, Sep. 29 Culver at Caston ©, 7 pm Knox at Pioneer ©, 7:30 pm LaVille at Glenn, 7 pm North Judson at Triton ©, 7:30 pm Winamac at West Central, 7 pm What say you? as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

Caston @ North White - Too much Viking quarterback. North White takes this one. Culver @ Winamac - I've watched Winamac play. After the Warriors hung with North Judson into the 4th quarter 0-0, WHS takes this one over the Cavs. Knox @ LaVille - Two top 15 teams in their class and both unbeaten on the season and in Hoosier North Athletic Conference play to this point. This is one of the other games that I felt a couple of weeks ago was going to be a Game of the Week. Both teams have beaten tough opponents and dominated other foes. These two teams have played very close games the last two years - 21-20 in 2022 and 7-6 in 2021. I look for more of the same Friday. Who has the ball last could win this one. Additionally, wouldn't be surprised if this is another 1-pt game - maybe a missed/blocked PAT or 2-pt conversion to decide a winner. I honestly see challenges for both Knox and LaVille. I continue to believe the champ is the champ until someone beats the champ. LaVille wins by 1-point South Central @ North Judson -The Jays will be in no mood after the challenge put forth by Winamac last week. NJSP takes this one comfortably. Triton @ Pioneer - This game intrigues me. Triton was in the conference conversation early on and was hit by the injury bug. Pioneer has a young and athletic group of underclassmen that are trending up. Another one that I see coming down to the final horn. Don't be surprised if this one goes OT! Pioneer takes this by a point at the Pit! as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

Week Six - Involving Hoosier North Athletic Conference Teams! What say you for this week? Friday, Sep. 22 Caston at North White, 7 pm Culver at Winamac ©, 7 pm Knox at LaVille ©, 7:30 pm South Central at North Judson, 8 pm Triton at Pioneer ©, 7 pm as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

Team A plays to the level of Team B for this weeks game? We see it all the time in sports. Doesn't necessarily occur in one sport over another. There is a rivalry game . . . crosstown rivals, city rivals, neighborhood rivals . . . kids, families, people know each other. And no matter what the records might be, toss them and the rankings out the window, lace 'em up and let's play some ball. There is also two teams ranked in the top 10 square off against each other. Game comes down to the last play, or gets decided in overtime, or by a blocked kick, or a pick six. The game is where we hate to see a team lose. This week Team A should beat Team B handily. Until Team B comes to play and keeps the score close into the fourth quarter. Or, this week is a supposed let down game because Team A is set to play a big rival and both teams appear in top 10 of their class, division or whatever next week. If you have been around sports for awhile, you've seen several games like the one's mentioned above. Similarities in each scenario are that these are high school kids, teenagers, playing their heart out. Making the big play. Getting a sack, an interception, or the game winning touchdown. As we watch them play for moments like these each night there are winners and losers. But they are student-athletes - boy and girls. As we move into Week 6 of high school football and final half of the season for many other sports, Thank you kids for bringing the game to a town near all of us! Bring your favorite seat cushion, arm chair, stadium seat. Bring your enthusiasm. Bring you weather appropriate clothing and support your local high school team! Happeinng at a school near you! as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

I would agree that LaVille is a top 10 team this season and a questionable #3. It seems to me that a couple of weeks ago was a bit predictable to have LaVille move up in the poll. There were a bunch of teams that lost ahead of them, so with a few games under their belt, a piece of logic would have them move up. When looking at the LaVille '23 sked, 2 of the first 5 games were against teams with a winning record. The same can be said for the final 4 gamess . . . Knox and JG have a winning record after 4 games. They have not had that breakout game yet, but that quite possibly could be on the horizon in either Knox, Glenn or North Judson . . . If they get through the regular season without a loss that becomes brand new territory. No other LaVille team would have had two - let alone back-to-back - undefeated seasons. Not trying to put the cart before the horse here. And, yes, I am fully aware there are still games to be played. A lot of things have to happen before a 9-0 start to the state tournament become reality. If it happens, good for them! Time will tell . . . as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

Yeah, those pollsters don't know what they are doing. I guess they put up teams on the board and throw darts! lol Kind of like the ping-pong balls come state tournament draw time, huh? as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

Sunny and middle 70s to start Friday Night Football! Sportsmanship has a face . . . YOURS! Stop by and support the students that make up the high school football team, band, cheer and so much more! Here's my picks for Week 4 of HNAC action. Hammond Central at Pioneer - Picking Pioneer to win at The Pit. 28-24 John Glenn at Knox - Feel like this is the Game of the Week. Redskins keep this train moving down the tracks. 31-27 LaVille at Caston - Lancers have shown they are working to improve the running and passing game recently. If they can continue to find ways to move the ball and finish drives by mixing the run/pass game, they should be able to compete much of the season. Probably going to see running clock in second half. LaVille 38-6 Triton at Culver - With the expected return of Shively, the Trojans have no problem with the Cavs. 42-7 Winamac at North Judson - Blue Jays probably get the benefit of the running clock in this win. 38-6 as always the game is better from_the_sidelines007

All: Thank you to all those that continue to direct GID. We appreciate each of you! For those that take part in reading and contributing to GID, please consider making a donation to help this site continue! as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

Where do these weeks go . . . #4 already! Here's my 2 cents . . . . Bremen at Triton - With the late news re: Triton's QB not playing, Lions probably post a shut out. Culver at West Central - West Central will fare well over the Cavs. North Judson at Knox - Agreed . . . Game of the Week among HNAC games this week. I'd definitely say it is one of the conference games of the season, but not necessarily 'THE' conference game of the season. Still think there are a couple other games that can be in that category. Biggest question is will this Knox team play up to potential. I think the Redskins will win in a tight game. Don't be surprised if this one goes OT to decide a winner. Pioneer at Caston - The Panthers are looking to pick things up again. This is a young and athletic group I watched play toe-to-toe with LaVille for a half of football. Caston will hang, but Pioneer pulls away in the second half. Winamac at LaVille - I read that Allen has been cleared to play Friday against Winamac. A bonus for LaVille is that the passing game was brought to life last week against Pioneer. The Lancers have themselves a couple good receivers and now with Allen back, if the new coach can continue LaVille on a good balance of run and pass, this will turn out to be a running clock to start the second half. as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007

Hard to believe we are at Week 3 already! Great night for football. Here's my two cents . . . Keep the change! Triton over Caston - Trojans get it done against the Comets. Knox over Culver - Knox too much for the Cavs. North Judson over CMA - It's tough when a couple of the top players are injured and can not contribute. Time for next man up from the Blue Jays! LaVille over Pioneer - Be careful what we assume. Following a concussion, even if mild, doctor's will not release the athlete sooner than a week from the injury. In more than 75% of concussions, it takes 7 to 14 days, with an average of 10 days to recover. With that in mind, I'm inclined to think that the young man from LaVille would be held out for his safety. With that being noted, other than the extra points and the safety, no one else has scored for LaVille this season. Let's see what the depth looks like on the LaVille side of the field. On the other side, you have a young and improving group of Panthers. Watch out for more of the passing game from the LV QB. He's not been given the green light yet bec. the running game has been effective. I mentioned this last week ... The champ is the champ until someone beats the champ. North White over Winamac - The NW QB is tough. I think he's the difference in this one. as always, the game is better from_the_sidelines007