MDAlum82

For those mathematically challenged, SHOULD this scenario play out, it would be magical "3 years in a row" which seems to be the acceptable norm among posters... Hope he misses the bus? 😁 Loading the box to attempt to stop the run seems highly likely...and then hope to put enough pressure on QB for some errant throws...stay tuned...

Appreciate the insight into the story behind the question. I understand your position much better now and, I actually agree with it. Thanks.

It says digital tickets can be purchase "during business hours" but does not say what those are. "Assume" ticket window will be open at least an hour before the game like the gates but also hate to "assume" anything with IHSAA & Ticketmaster... Digital tickets may also be purchased in person at the Lucas Oil Stadium Box Office (without service fees) during business hours (credit card or cash purchases only).

Lucas Oil only allows for E-tickets so I went online to buy them for State Finals. There is a $5.60 per ticket fee PLUS a $5.60 per order fee for a total of $16.80 in FEES ..wth? 🤑

This harkens back to the old "pod" system in the 80's. Unfortunately, under this system, there were many occasions "deserving" teams did not even get in the playoffs. Easy to see a team like FW Luers NOT make it due to their season record yet still be one of the better teams for their class/region. Now, to deal with these situations, you have to create a review committee and a set of rules to govern these kinds of scenarios which makes it subject to human bias...which was the genesis for the "all teams get in" movement in the first place.

Honestly, while I am a fan of high school football, I really only follow my high school, which is currently in 2A, and other teams from So. Indiana. I don't follow Chatard or other teams outside of my area not in 2A. However, I think it is accurate to say that MOST, not all, but most teams that are bumped up, find little success at the higher level and fall back to their original class in short order. One exception I am aware of is Evv Memorial, who moved from 2A - 3A - 4A over the past decade and have had a high level of success as each level. Certain there are other examples from other parts of the state, I am simply not familiar with them. I believe LCC has moved up to 2A and back to 1A at least once in recent memory, possibly twice(?)

Uncertain what you are trying to say here: " but they could Gerrymander Sectionals for repeat offenders... that Some peeps want off their streets.... jus not in my back yard..... n on it gose...." but your concern seems to be with teams that have easier/more difficult sectional paths..but I may be missing something ... Sectionals have always been geography based to a large extent to reduce travel times & distances, largely as a safety and financial consideration for the schools involved. These are HIGH SCHOOLs we are talking about with limited budgets, resources. Success in sectionals has always been a case of who "ur thrown in with" (SIC). At some point - Regionals, SS, etc. you have to play the better teams. Would you propose teams from North of Indy play in in a sectional in southern/northern Indiana, 3-4 hours away to appease some sense of "fairness"?

The reality is Mater Dei has been fortunate in the timing of most of their deep runs. Last year was year 2 of previous SF cycle and this is year 1 of new 2-year cycle. They finished with 5 pts, 1 shy of 6 needed to be bumped up to 3A. This has happened a couple of times since the SF was implemented. fwiw, many see next year to be a bit of a "rebuilding" year so uncertain what to expect. Lots of talk about current frosh and 8th grade teams as next back to back classes with a good deal of football talent from what I have heard. Time will tell.

So is LCC a wolf or a sheep? Seem to be a wolf in 1A but more of a sheep in 2A. Why is the SF a failure in your eyes? How does gerrymandering address the issue(s)?

You can watch online here: https://www.ihsaatv.org/ Not certain about the cost. Locally, Bally's shows all 6 Indiana State Championship games for free on Spectrum Cable but no idea about outside the local network. You can also find the IHSAA Champions Network on Roku, Google TV, Firestick and other streaming services.

Also, fwiw, MD has moved up to 3A on 2 occasions previously then moved back down to 2A.

These scenarios also have to occur within the same 2 year period. The IHSAA reorganized after last year so this year is year 1 of next 2 year evaluation period.

I forget the origin of the now often used quote: "You cannot stop him, you can only hope to contain him", but it certainly applies here with Bowen. Few, if any, would argue Bowen will be the best player on the field. That being said, even the best players have off nights or someone else steps up and has the game of their life to negate them. Ref. Dan Dakich guarding Michael Jordan in 1984 Sweet Sixteen.

Please elaborate...haven't heard much about this game yet.

This game did not go the way many thought it would. While I expected - hoped for - a MD victory, I never thought MD would put up 24 pts before LS has its first 1st Down. Best offensive half this year, IMO. MD scored on every possession. One often overlooked aspect of the high school game is the kicking game. IMO, a good kicking game can such be a BIG factor in high school. The Marx kid put every KO inside the 5 with lots of height so kick coverage could easily get down the field. The Miners' BEST starting field position in the first half was the 20 yd line on a touchback. Coach Knight's defensive plan worked really well too. The MD Defense completely stifled the LS offense for most of the first half. The Miners only had 1-2 first downs when Gennics took it to the house from about 70 yds. LS made a run, closing to 31 - 16 at half but that was as close as it would get. The curse lives on for at least one more year...

Honestly, for MD to come out on top, they will have to find a way to "contain" Bowen and outscore Andrean in a 42-35 type game. Not sure MD can put that many points on board against a strong Andrean D. Perhaps the best way for that to occur is for Bowen to miss the bus... 🤪 MD's offense has really been clicking the last 2-3 weeks and the defense has really stepped up. They seem to be playing their best football at the right time. That will need to continue next week. Wunderlich threw some absolute dimes last night - the pass down the sideline to Stoltz, the slant to Turner across the middle - perfect touch, perfect timing... Pierre had well over a 100 yds and was able to sneak through the line and get into the secondary often. Last year Andrean shut down MD's passing game with pressure on Wunderlich - often Bowen on a blitz. When Wunderlich gets uncomfortable in the pocket, he tends to force some ill-advised throws, i.e. the INT near goal line last night. If he can remain calm and make some good passes, MD has a chance.

y'uge...IF

I read that Bowen hung 200 yds ad 3 TDs on Luers...in the first half. That young man is a FOOTBALL player. Did I hear he has an offer from Notre Dame? Reminds me of the Combs kid from Evv Memorial a few years back. MD will have to find a way to slow him down and put some pts on the board too. Last year's game was dominated by the defense until mid-way through the 3rd qtr. Once the dam broke, Andrea pulled away for the win. Mater Dei has their hands full...

MD drives for a late FG to close half leading 34 - 16

Linton making a move MD 31 to 16

I could easily see Linton taking this one...but not by 14 pts. Now, if MD gets an injury to Pierre, McDurmon, Stoltz or worse...Wunderlich, that changes the calculus. Interesting comments from several LS fans about a tendency to give up TOs by the Miners...if that continues tonight, that could be a YUGE! advantage to MD. TOs at this time of the year can end a season real quick...cold fingers slip off the ball, both when running with it and trying to catching it...who adapts and who gives in? Should be a great game. Best of luck to both teams for a well-played and injury free game. Everyone travel safely there and back...

Correct. LS went for it on a 4th & 2 right at midfield and came up short. MD took the short field and put its final pts on the board with just 10 seconds left to go up 28 - 19. Interestingly enough, the LS announcers were questioning the call, as there was so little time left in the half...they advocated for LS to punt MD deep, play D, and run clock out to neuter MD's passing game which had been working well to that point. Turned out to be prescient. Wunderlich hit Luke McDurmon with a perfect strike on a wheel route down the left side of the field.

Temps are expected to be in low 30's/upper 20's by kick-off but wind is expected to be minimal < 5 mph, per Channel 14. Cold will likely have more of an effect on passing game than running game but use of gloves by WR's can often mitigate this, as long as wind is minimal. I watched some of LS's last 2 games and their only weakness on D is the passing game as they have trouble defending receivers in space. Not a dig at LS as most high school teams, esp in the smaller classes like 2A, rarely have the athletes needed at DB, SS positions to be really effective at stopping the pass - including MD. For MD to win, they will need to use the passing game effectively enough to open up some lanes to run ball as well. Like LS, if MD can run ball and eat up the clock while putting pts on board, those factors will go a long way to securing a W tonight. Ever the unabashed "MD homer" I am picking the Wildcats; 31 - 21. Though I will not be surprised in the least however if LS breaks the spell MD has had on them the last few years. As always, looking for a well-played and injury free game for both teams & their fans. Hope all LS fans travel safely to & from the Bowl tonight. Peace.

Whiteland Mater Dei

Always good to read your posts and know you are doing well. Happy 91st, even if a bit early. May we all be so lucky to live long enough to gain wisdom.