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Having gotten to see some of the SB schools as NW plays them in the post season now (including SB St. Joe), I don't see many, if any, kids going to the nearby high schools for football reasons. Sitting in the visiting stands watching a playoff game in SB is quite sad. For a team to have 30ish kids on the team, there may be 20-30 people in the stands max...and that includes the folks sitting in front of the cheerleaders who are not there to watch football...rather the cheerleaders. As well as the 4-5 police officers sitting there. If a kids wants to go to Penn or Mishawaka or some other neighboring school, they have to get there on their own. They also have to get home in the evenings after practices. There is zero support from their families. I don't see how a kid could "transfer" without some support from their families (for transportation reasons). If kids wanted a better school for athletic reasons....with vouchers...if they wanted to leave their current public school...St. Joe and Marian are options...however that is not being taken advantage of either. While I am not a supporter of the arguments on the GID in realation to socioeconomics...in this case...that is the exact reason why kids won't transfer from the SB schools. NorthWood has benefited in sports due to kids coming into the Wanee school system...however...those kids have the support of family / friends to make it happen. I see this transfer rule actually effecting other schools in the area more than the SB schools such as Jimtown / Goshen / Wawasee. Those kids have family support and are...in my opinion...more likely to leave for an upward trending school rather than stay at their current schoo. Just my opinion

With NorthWood's 2 year contract with Portage in week 2 done. Does anyone have any idea who NorthWood will play in Week 2? Also, I am disappointed to see the Week 1 yearly match up with Jimtown come to an end. I understand its been one sided for quite some time, but it was still a game both communities looked forward to...it reminded me of when Bremen was removed from NW's schedule.

I have been a fan of this Warsaw team since before the start of the season..even saying they were the team to beat in the NLC. With that said and having watched them a couple of times this year...I would venture to say their biggest issue will be themselves. I'm sure NLCTigerFan07 would agree...in the games they lost this year...they just shot themselves in the foot over and over again with turnovers. If Warsaw runs their offense as they can...holds on to the ball...and doesn't fall behind early...they are hard to beat. To be fair...I have not seen any DC games nor am I familiar with how their season went...I'm just saying if I were betting at the track...it would be on Warsaw.

Warsaw at Concord: Having seen both teams a couple of times here are my thoughts: Concord has the size and talent to win this game (and many more), however, their offense at times looks brilliant, and at others they seem to stall out and underperform. Warsaw...their offense just like to shoot themselves in the foot on a regular basis. Their Defense does the exact same thing. The weather looks fantastic Friday night, so I don't think it will effect either teams game plans. If both teams play to the level that they should...I like Warsaw to win the rematch. I am betting Warsaw cleans things up and wins this in a close game. Warsaw 31 Concord 21 Mishawaka at NorthWood: In the 1st meeting, NW made it look interesting for a couple of minutes...but then did NW stuff and got handled pretty well. NW's defense has not show the ability to stop a misdirection offense all year. I guess I don't understand why, when you play a team like Warsaw / Mishawaka...you don't load the box with people. Make them beat you in the air. This has been a question I have had for many years...call me old school...but I don't care for a 3 man defensive front...this is not college...NW does not have the kids that can play D Line in that type of scheme, nor the linebackers to fill gaps. Load the box! Anywho...I would like to see NW compete in this game...but I could see a blow out. Mishawaka 49 NW 17

6A Carmel @ Zionsville Fishers @ Noblesville Ben Davis @ Pike 5A Michigan City @ Chesterton Concord @ FW North McCutcheon @ Kokomo Bloomington South @ TH South 4A New Prairie @ Hobart Logansport @ Lebanon Indy Roncalli @ Brebeuf Ev. Reitz @ Jasper 3A Jimtown @ Mishawaka Marian Griffith @ Knox Cascade @ Tri-West Madison @ Scottsburg 2A Western Boone @ Laf. Central Catholic Rochester @ Eastern (Greentown) Centerville @ Lapel South Vermillion @ Linton 1A Tri-County @ Taylor South Adams @ Tri North Davies @ Perry Central

NorthWood and Jimtown play for the Doc Abel traveling trophy. It is an actual medical bag that Doc Abel used as he was the team doctor for both teams. The winning team's name / year are placed on the bag. Jimtown has never won the "bag" and it has been with NorthWood since 2017.

The second season starts Friday and it it kind of a repeat of the season in regard to the NLC. Sectional 18 welcomes a couple of South Bend schools while Sectional 11 welcomes FW North. To the NLC schools in Sectional 18, NorthWood got the best draw when it comes to playing a couple more weeks. Even with all of their injuries, I think they play for a sectional championship. Washington and Riley are just bad. St. Joe is probably on the same level as NW. The top bracket of 18 is a bit better than the bottom. I don't see Mishawaka losing to any of those teams (sorry Northridge / Plymouth) and should make their way into the championship...where they will face NW...and they will run all over NW. Sectional 11 gets a bye this week, however, I feel like there will be a rematch of the in season game that Warsaw lost by 4. If all goes as it should in that sectional...Concord will host Warsaw for the sectional championship. While a lot of folks are picking Concord to make a run in 5a this year (rightfully so as they have a heck of a team)...I am going with Warsaw actually having the advantage playing AT Concord. The weather will be different when that game rolls around...and playing on grass in northern Indiana weather...I think as long as Warsaw protects the ball...they win that game. Its been an interesting year in the NLC with Plymouth showing such great improvement. I think everyone knew they would be better...but they far exceeded my expectations. Concord wins an outright title which is typically hard to accomplish in the NLC as the top is usually pretty even. NW and Northridge had down years, but each team has a bright outlook as they appear to have some younger fellas getting some playing time...that should pay off next year. Wawasee, hopefully the guys buy into that offense, as they have the athletic ability and size to complete. The one negative is...poor Goshen...they need to do better. They...were...awful this year and I will leave it at that. Mishawaka and or Concord / Warsaw have the best chances of representing the NLC throughout the tourney...and I look forward to cheering whichever teams are still playing each week.

6A: Brownsburg over Westfield 5A: Merrillville over Bloomington North 4A: Chatard over East Noble 3A: Evansville Memorial over Garrett 2A: Andrean over Triton Central 1A: North Judson over Providence

The final week of the regular season is already here...that went fast. Last week there were no real shockers in the NLC...I will say NW being up by 21 at one point was shocking...but Warsaw then did what Warsaw does. Here my my thoughts on the last week's matchups before the second season. Concord at Plymouth: Plymouth will finish the season at the least .500 this year no matter what happens the last two games. It has been sometime and hopefully they will build on this season and it will carry over the next couple of years. Congratulations to Concord...outright NLC Champs win or lose this game. I don't think Concord will have much trouble in this game and will win it fairly easily. Concord 38 Plymouth 10 Goshen at NorthWood: Odd season for NW this year. With all the injuries, the one plus side is the younger fellas are getting some varsity experience. Last week that freshman QB that started the game held it together for a while and NW was up by 21...no one saw that coming. But then Warsaw did Warsaw and ran all over NW scoring at will against NW's defense. I have no idea if or when any of NW's starters will be back to playing...with that said, I think Goshen may keep it close, however, NW will win in a close one. NW 23 Goshen 14 Mishawaka at Wawasee: Tough season for the boys by the lake. Mishawaka has looked great some weeks and then plays a headscratcher. This game will give Mishawaka a little breather headed into the playoffs giving those with some bumps and bruises a rest Mishawaka 45 Wawasee 7 Warsaw at Northridge: Probably the best matchup of the week. I don't understand Warsaw's defense. We all know they are coached well and they have the size...but that side Warsaw's team is unimpressive. If they can shore up that defense...they would be force to be dealt with. Its been a disappointing season for NR and they will more than likely finish under .500 for the first time in a while. With that said, I like them in this game at home. I think their defense will play well enough to slow down Warsaw...and they will score on that Warsaw's D. Northridge 31 Warsaw 28

NorthWood 21 Warsaw 0

Completely agree...Plymouth won both of those games and should be proud of that...and I would never try to take that away from them. As a NW fan...I remember a certian year they won State...there were those that thought they shouldn't have been there. I was just replying to your question as to why people are counting Plymouth out. I have no dog in the fight any longer when it comes to making myself feel better about a high school football game. I'm just a fan of the NLC and making weekly observations / thoughts.

I take nothing away from Plymouth winning the last two weeks...bravo to them...and I really do like the direction the entire program from high school to middle school is headed. I think they have a really bright future. With that said...If I were betting on the ponies...Warsaw is the better team...9 out of 10 times they win that game. They shot themselves in the foot. In regard to NW...If NW would have had a healthy quarterback or running back...they win that game. They lost by 4...running the exact same 2 plays on repeat with a wide receiver as a quarterback...and a linebacker as a running back...NW is the better team with a healthy team.

This coming Fridays thoughts: Concord at Wawasee: There isn't a lot to say about this game. Concord will roll through the next two weeks on to a unshared conference championship. This will be a running clock. Concord 49 Wawasee 7 Northridge at Goshen: Northridge should win this game with no issues. Its been a tough year for Goshen's first year head coach. Northridge 35 Goshen 14 Plymouth at Mishawaka: Plymouth comes back down to reality this week. After watching them play a beat up NW team...I am saying Mishawaka will handle them with ease. Mishawaka 31 Plymouth 14 Warsaw at NorthWood: I don't know if any of NorthWood's quarterbacks or running backs will be back for this game. I would say at this point, let them rest the remainder of the year and get healthier for the playoffs. With a fully healthy team, NorthWood hasn't shown the ability to stop a misdirection offense this year, and that wont change Friday. Warsaw is a total of 5 points away from being the conference champs...and I still believe from top to bottom they are the best team in the conference. NorthWood will stick around for about a quarter followed by Warsaw running away with this game. The highlight of this game may be watching the kickers from both teams. Warsaw 45 NW 17

I don't know much about Mississinewa (other than I once turned off the beaten path to view the historical graves...I enjoyed it...my wife did not)...so an honest question. Do the fans at Mississinewa hate their schedule? It appears they could be the poster child for a team that plays a regular season with not much competition...then gets beat in the playoffs.

Some interesting things happened last Friday....Plymouth...HUGE. I have not seen Plymouth play this year, however, I don't think I am the only person who thought it may have been a running clock. This may be the season Plymouth needs to get people excited for football down in Plymouth again. NorthWood lost to Concord...however, that kicker...If the colts had him suited up yesterday, the Steelers could have wiped their tears with those terrible towels. Also, in regard to NW's' offense...kuddos to the receiver playing quarterback and the linebacker playing running back. I can't remember a time with NW where there were so many injuries to key people....at the same time. With that said, NW played Concord pretty well...with their starters...it may have been an upset. Concord has some SIZE. Concord will win out the season and be crowned the solo NLC champs...Bravo to them! On to this Friday: Goshen at Concord: Not a whole lot to say here...kind of a broken record with anyone playing Goshen. I see a running clock. Concord 49 Goshen 7 Mishawaka at Warsaw: Who will run that offense better...whos quarterback will make a couple of completions. This game could be a coin toss...but I am taking the home team by a very close score. Side note...I almost always take Warsaw at home in close games because...other schools need to learn from Warsaw...hands down...the best concessions in the conference. Warsaw 17 Mishawaka 14 NorthWood at Plymouth: I would have said NW with a running clock at the beginning of the year...I am not so sure this week. I have no idea who will be playing offense this week for NW. I am sure they will have something figured out by Friday. Plymouth coming off probably its biggest win in a long long time is riding a high. I think Plymouth will keep it close, however, ill still take NW. NW 23 Plymouth 14 Wawasee at Northridge: I don't remember the last time NR started the season 1-5. They and NW have been towards the top for so long. But it happens to every school. NR needs this game. Wawasee...you got your first win last week...bravo...but now its back to reality. NR 28 Wawasee 7

Honest question in regard to a quarterback in a misdirection offense ( I know nothing of what happens in a practice with said type of offense). When a starting quarterback (such as possibly Warsaw) is out...I would assume in most cases QB2 is the JV quarterback who runs the same offense with a different group of guys...but basically the same plays. Other than their ability to throw the ball...does it really make a difference? As long as they know the plays...the QB's and WR's seem irrelevant to an offensive scheme. And I understand the QB often keeps the ball and WR's block.

My reasoning for NW upsetting Concord are as follows: Concord has one 3 of their 5 games by a total of 6 points...while they did win (and I am a believe of a win is a win)...there is a way to stop their offense and I am sure by this point in the season there is enough tape to review. With that said, NW can not stop a misdirection run to save a kitty from a housefire. Concord has a fantastic running back, however, it will be a we are running to point A...stop it. I think NW will slow their running game down, and their pass coverage is pretty good. The second reason is its at home...and their quarterback will be back. There was a notable change in NW's offense last week when QB2 came in...otherwise, that wouldn't have been a 1 point victory. And the last reason...Concord is ranked top of 5A in the first time in how long? I don't believe they were ever ranked that high back in 98 or 99 when they made it to Indianapolis. Good for them and I am excited to see either them or Warsaw take down the mighty Lafayette team in regionals...setting up a great matchup in teh region. I just think this may be a trap game for them. But any who...if I were placing a pony bet on this game...it would go on Concord...but I like NW's change. Just my two thought.

Week 6! Concord at NorthWood: NorthWood got by Northridge with some people out of the game...and to a really good kick. Concord may be undefeated, however, 3 of those victories can with a combined point total of 5. If I were a betting man, I would say Concord, however, I am going to take an upset here. Northwood at home 31 Concord 28 Goshen at Wawasee: This will be a boring game. Two teams that are not that great going at it. I am taking Goshen as I just don't see the Wawasee team buying into their new offense yet. Goshen 28 Wawasee 14 Northridge at Mishawaka: This could be another possible upset. Northridge hasn't played any misdirection offenses as of yet, so I don't know if their defense is up to the challenge of stopping it. I am taking Mishawaka at home. Mishawaka 35 Northridge 17 Plymouth at Warsaw: While Plymouth has made a lot of progress...this isn't the year they will compete with Warsaw. I am still sticking with Warsaw winning the NLC this year (probably a co champ). Warsaw 35 Plymouth 7

Not a whole lot to talk about from last Friday. All the teams that were supposed to win...did. On to the this Friday: Mishawaka at Goshen: Not a whole lot to say here...this will be a running clock and the folks that go to Goshen's field can get to the backed up traffic jam that occurs outside of the stadium quicker. Mishawaka 49 Goshen 7 NorthWood at Northridge: This game has two NLC powers whom are down this year. I would normally take the home team in this close of a matchup...but selfishly I am going to take NW in a close game. I think NW has the offense to win close games and it will be evident in this one. NW 28 Northridge 14 Warsaw at Concord: Probably the game of the week. Both teams have impressed me this year. I picked Warsaw at the start of the season to win the NLC and be a contender for State. This will be a preview of the two best teams in that sectional. I know its hard to beat the same team twice in once season...but I think Warsaw has the team to do it. Concord may be the most well rounded team in the NLC this year in regard to the run / pass offense...however...Warsaw's bart ball will be too much. Warsaw 35 Concord 17 Wawasee at Plymouth: Two programs going in opposite directions. Plymouth is making great strides this year. Even in the games they have lost...they are showing fight and not just rolling over. I have watched Wawasee...and I understand "bart ball" but it appears their team is not yet bought into it. They can throw the ball...and they have the guys to do it. Its hard watching a team run a dive or counter on a 4th and long. You can see the kids hate it in their body language after the plays. With that said: Plymouth 25 Wawasee 7

I agree with the QB situations at NW and Mishawaka...both young men are doing fantastic jobs. In regard to the NW Mishawaka game...my theory of a running clock was ruined by NW's offense actually having some life against Mishawaka's defense. Mishawaka did in fact run all over the NW's defense as I thought they would...but...the offense stayed on the field long enough to prevent that from happening. Side Note....that may have been the smallest crowd for NW I have seen at a Mishawaka game since they joined the NLC,

On to the next week...not a great week of matchups with a lot of lopsided victories. Concord at Northridge: I too am curious about Concord's victory last week against Mishawka. I will say, bravo to Concord for beating a Mishawaka team that handled Penn and quickly became the NLC favorite. Northridge got a win over much better Plymouth team...however, the victory was not all that impressive. Concord should have its way with NR...as this year is going to be a learning year for the younger raiders. Concord 45 NR 12 NW at Mishawaka: I feel like this game will expose NW's inability to stop the "bart ball" that we have come to see in the NLC. I don't know why Wawasee didn't continue running outside on NW last week...it appeared NW wanted no part in stopping those types of runs. This game may be the first time since the running clock began...that it will be against NW. I hope the NW defense will figure it out...but I am not sold on it. Mishawaka 35 NW 7 (this may be my largest spread of having NW lose a game...ever...and I still think Warsaw is the best team in the NLC) Plymouth at Goshen: Goshen...its pretty bad...that's about all I have to say about them. Plymouth...moving in the right direction. I see them being .500 after this week...and being over .500 next week...LETS GO PILGRAMS...or ROCKIES...or whatever they go by. Plymouth 28 Goshen 7 Warsaw at Wawasee: I don't see Wawasee scoring in this game. And the opposite for Warsaw. I see them scoring every drive they have. I still say Warsaw is the cream of the crop in the NLC this year. Warsaw 56 Wawasee 0

And Conference Play Begins! Goshen at Warsaw: While Warsaw took on a challenge last week and lost, I agree with scheduling those kind of games as it only make you better. Goshen...its going to be a long season. This game should have a running clock. Warsaw 49 Goshen 6 Mishawaka at Concord: Hands down the best conference game of the week. Mishawaka shocks everyone and handily beats Penn...maybe I was overlooking the cavemen this year as I thought they would be down from the last couple of seasons. I like Concord's team this year, however, after seeing what Mishawaka did Friday I can't bet against them. I think Concord will keep it close. Mishawaka 35 Concord 28 Northridge at Plymouth: Plymouth is much improved this year and Northridge is down. I don't think Plymouth will win this game, however, they will make Northridge work for it compared to years past. Northridge 21 Plymouth 10 Wawasee at NorthWood: I don't really know what to say about the Panthers last Friday. No knock on Portage, however, NW should have won that game. Mental mistakes killed the panthers. The panther defense also showed no desire to stop the run game. They will need to work on the run defense if they want to stay in the mix for an NLC title. Someday something will change for Wawasee...but not this year. At least the fans have the opportunity to meet a Colts cheerleader as they will be at the game. NorthWood needed this game after last Friday as the next three games are going to be tough for them. NW 35 Wawasee 7

Week 1 in the books...Two things stood out to me from last Friday. While I know nothing about Twin Lakes...good for Plymouth! Putting up 53 points on anyone is a great way to start the season...I hope those boys can keep that going. The second is Goshen...come on giving up 55 to a 3A is tough...I just don't get it...and as I have said multiple times, that game will stick with the young men from Goshen all season. On to this weeks predictions: Columbia City at Plymouth: CC shut out Busco, so they must be doing something right. Plymouth had their biggest win in a long long time and I hope that carries over to Friday. This will be my upset special. I will take Plymouth in a tight one. Plymouth 21 CC 20 Concord at Jimtown: Jimtown played way better than their score showed from Friday. They drove the ball the entire first half against NW, coming up short of a couple of touchdowns. Concord squeaks one out against Elkhart (and people say kicking is no longer relevant in football). I'm not sold on Elkhart as of yet, but good for Concord pulling that out. I think Jimtown will tighten things up from last week and will play Concord well. I think this will be a close game with Concord on top. Concord 28 Jimtown 21 New Prairie at Goshen: Not a whole lot to say about this game...lots of yards on the ground will be seen by multiple players from New Prairie...Its going to be a long night for Goshen. NP 45 Goshen 14 Northridge at Elkhart: NR lost a tough one on Friday as did Elkhart. I think this game is really evenly matched. I still don't know what to think of Northridge. I am taking the home team in a close one. Elkhart 21 NR 14 Penn at Mishawaka: Mishawaka got things going against Marian last week. The only down side to that...this week its Penn rather than a rebuilding Knights club. I think Penn is for real this real and is a well rounded team. I can see Mishawaka slowing Penn down a bit...but the thing about Mishawaka...they can not play catch up with the bart ball. Penn 45 Mishawaka 14 Warsaw at Warren Central: This is going to be a fun game...Warsaw's bart ball vs. Warren's defense. A lot of talk about Warren this year and they shut out a Snider last week. I don't think Snider is as good as they were last year (they should have lost to Mishawaka in the playoffs last year) however, that is not taking anything away from WC. I think Warsaw will make WC work for this win, and I would say it would be closer if it were at Warsaw. WC 42 Warsaw 28 West Noble at Wawasee: Its going to be a long year for the fellas in Syracuse...and lake season is about over. Not much more to say here...West Noble 42 Wawasee 7 Portage at NorthWood: I don't know a lot about Portage (other than they are holding on to that mascot...good for them). Last year I noticed they had some big boys on their team...and then showed size does not in fact matter. Last Friday we saw that NW has a quarterback...for his first game...you couldn't ask for a better performance. NW will need to shore things up on Defense before playing some of those bart ball teams. If they can't get that under control, its going to be tough going. Their offense will be fine. NW 35 Portage 14

I realize the 4A North is not great this year...but....Mishawaka may be a bit of a stretch as the Northern representative. I could see them losing 4-5 games during the season this year.

I realize the 4A North is not great this year...but....Mishawaka may be a bit of a stretch as the Northern representative. I could see them losing 4-5 games during the season this year.