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While I would really like to see the players from Plymouth come out on top and I think Plymouth is moving in the right direction (I give it about 2 years before they are competative in the NLC)....I really think St. Joe has played a much tougher schedule. Them playing the likes of Mishawaka, Penn, Elkhart and New Prairie gives them the edge in my opinion.

I guess Im taking Mishawaka to Semi State....as long as they do not fall behind early, they will be hard to beat. Judging from their game against NorthWood, any team they play has to make each offensive series count as you dont get many of them.

I was with you on your predictions at the begining of the year (other than Goshen). I thought the championship was going to be a toss up between Mishawaka and Warsaw. As a NorthWood follower, I am suprised by the fact we won the NLC outright. I really thought Mishawaka and Warsaw's running game was going to be the downfall of NorthWood. I was incorrect, and actually their defense has been stellar this year. I had them finishing around 3rd. I do however this that is how it will be next year as NorthWood is losing alot of talent this year. Here are my thoughts on the NLC post season: Wawasee: Will lose Friday Plymouth: Will Lose Friday Northridge: Will lose Friday NorthWood will win that sectional Concord will win next week...meaning Goshen will lose Mishawaka will win that entire sectional Warsaw: I think its coin toss with Elkhart, however, I think that is as far as they go. I see NorthWood making it to state this year and I will reserve my thoughts who they will play until later in the post season. (unpopular opinion...Roncalli is beatable) I think Mishawaka will give Merriville a game in regionals, however, I think they will fall to the pirates.

While not really an argument; In smaller communities such as Elkhart County, the regular season does mean a few things. Most kids in our area, are friends with kids from other schools. They get to know each other as do the families at football, wrestling and other sports. Not many teams are going to "make noise" throughout the playoffs in football; however, they will wear that conference patch on their jacket with pride. They will rib their buddies for the following year about beating their team. I would argue, to a lot of kids, the conference championship is more important than winning a sectional championship. I could care less about seeding of the playoffs; however, I am for letting the kids who will never play another down of football (other than some beer leagues as adults) play an extra game. As a fan...it shouldn't really matter...its about the kids.

Reading this thread, it is of my opinion, people whom are opposed to the all in format are those individuals whom want to watch "good" football games and be entertained. I think if there could be a poll sent to every kid playing football...those kids playing for not so "good" teams would vote for the all in format. On the other side, I think those kids playing for "good" teams, would vote against the all in format. For the most part, most kids playing football know they are never going to make it far into the postseason and just love playing football. The all in format allows for those kids whom will never put pads on again after high school to play another game. They dont care if everyone thinks and knows they are going to lose...they just like playing the game. Why would kids play for teams that dont win a single game one year, stay on the team for the next year...because they love playing football. In my opinion, those individual whom are against half of the teams in the State not being eligable for post season...are kinda of just being selfish. Football is an awsome sport to play...not just watch. Let the kids play...the best teams will work themselves out in sectionals...if the 1 / 2 teams play first...who cares...if they truely are the best, they would have to play one another eventually anyway. Just my two cents.

One more week left in the regular season...this upcoming week is kind of being overshadowed by playoff talk. Here are my observations from last weeks games and this weeks predictions: Mishawaka / Concord: Im not sure if Concord is on the upswing or Mishawaka is on the downswing. Its good for Concord going into the playoffs...may be concerning for Mishawaka going into the playoffs. Concord showed up to play! This was a good defensive game...that will be replayed here in a couple of weeks. In all the other games, there were no suprises...all the teams preformed as everyone thought they would. This weeks predictions: Concord V. Plymouth: Concord is playing at a higher level than they did in the begining of the year. Plymouth is playing the exact same. I dont see Plymouth being very competative in this game. Concord by 28 Goshen V. NorthWood: This may be the most lopsided NLC game of the year. Goshen is really struggling with the injury bug and NorthWood is well...being NorthWood. I forsee alot of younger guys getting alot of playing time and a running clock starting as soon as possible. NorthWood by 60ish? Mishawaka V. Wawasee: This will be a good game for Mishawaka to rest some of their players for the playoffs. When NorthWood played them, their running back (#14 i believe) was fantastic...however...everytime he got the ball...his shoulder injury would act up. I noticed Wawasee was using their back up QB...im not sure if their normal QB was injured or if something else was going on. Either way I see Mishawaka winning big. Mishawaka by 42 Warsaw V. Northridge: This will be the best game to finish up NLC play. You never know what Northridge team is going to show up each week. Their defense is excellent one week...then the next...suspect. Warsaw will run their offense, and it comes down to how Northridge handles it. Im going to take Northridge at home. Northridge by 7.

Observations from last Friday and this Fridays' predictions: The Concord / Northridge game turned into a good one! I feel for the Soph. quarterback from Concord spiking it on 4th. Chaulk that up to a learning experiance as up to the point, he did well for his 1st start on varsity. Kuddos to Northridge to come back and win that game. Warsaw / Wawasee: No suprises with that game. Goshen / Plymouth: Man, Goshen cant catch a break this year. They won with who they had left on the roster...im optimistic for the upcoming years for Goshen. Plymouth...its been a ruff year (s)...but on a plus side, they did win a Freshman game...so possibly will be a bit more competative in the upcoming years. NorthWood / Mishawaka: Great game this past Friday. NorthWoods defense stepped up and won this game for them. Mishawaka did a great job of shutting their passing game down (other than the 1st series). In my opinion, Mishawaka overall preformed better than NorthWood (i know the score says different). Fun fact, the young man who scored both TD's for NorthWood (receiving and special teams) was a transfer from Mishawaka to NorthWood last year. At the completion of the game, he went last in the line and about 97 percent of Mishawaka players gave him a hug (they must have been sad to see him go). Mishawaka's drives were taking upwords of 8 to 9 minutes...NorthWood's defense bent but did not break and capitalized on a couple of Mishawaka's untimely mistakes. I would assume that NorthWood's potent offense would have began producing...if they were ever on the field. I am a strong believer that both teams will represent the North in both 4A and 5A come November. This weeks games: I dont think there will be any suprises...or close games...this week in the NLC. For the teams that have a chance to win some post season games, this week will be a nice week to rest some banged up starters. Goshen V. Warsaw: I dont see Goshen being very competative in this game with all of their injuries. Warsaw will have its way with the Red Hawks. Warsaw by 40 Mishawaka V. Concord: Will probably be the best game of the week. I didnt watch the Northridge / Mishawaka game, however, they were able to keep up with Mishawaka and take them into 2 ots. If Concord can figure out that formula...they may make it competative. I dont see that happening. Mishawaka by 27 Northridge V. Plymouth: Northridge should win this easily. Plymouth just isnt there this year and depending what team shows up for Northridge, this could be very one sided. Ill take Northridge by 21 Wawasee V. NorthWood: I dont see Wawasee being that much of a threat to NorthWood. I feel like NorthWood's starters may play a quarter maybe two before a running clock starts. A lot of younger guys will see the field this week. NorthWood by 45.

Final: NorthWood 14 Mishawaka 6

I concur with NLCTigerFan. This game will come down to how well Mishawaka runs the ball and controls the clock. NorthWood is a pass heavy offense (however they ran alot against Warsaw). Mishawaka will need to keep NorthWood's offense off of the field. NorthWood will have to come up with a couple of stops / turnovers and capitalize and score off of those. I think a key to this game will be NorthWood's kicker. He is a fantastic kicker, and those 3 points may mean the difference in the game.

I watched a couple of videos from parents whom were recording their children. It appeard that Warsaws running back was laying on the ground behind the "scrum" of players. The officials were all running to the group of players when the back jumped from the ground and began running. They ruled it a touchdown. I wanst there...but it was an odd series of events.

Thoughts on last Friday and this week: Not a whole lot of suprises from last week. I thought the Mishawaka / Warsaw game was going to be a better matchup. I was wrong. Warsaw didnt really show up to play...one of the touchdowns...really wasnt a touchdown. Not really sure what happened there but things like that happen. Observations from the NorthWood V. Plymoth game: The score was not suprising, however, i was suprised by the number of kids on the team and the fan turnout. Typically teams that are not producing wins, have low numbers on the sidelines as well as fans. Not the case with Plymouth. Also, listening to the Plymouth post game radio station on my drive home, they were talking about the recent Plymouth freshman win. They said most of the Varsity team was present on the sidelines for said game supporting their younger teammates. Plymouth had what appeared to be good atheletes (Size / Speed) and good numbers. Hopefully after his first year, the coach can turn that program around. Thoughts on the upcoming week: Concord V. Northridge: I think this will be a great game. Both teams are on (in my opinion) the same playing level. I think ths game comes down to what defense shows up for Northridge. I am going with the home team in a close game. Northridge by 7. Plymouth V. Goshen: Not a whole lot to say here. Goshen just doesnt seem to play for 4 quarters. I gave my thoughts on Plymouth above. I think Goshen wins this game, but not a blow out. Goshen by 14. Warsaw V. Wawasee: I dont think Wawasee will be able to stop Warsaw's run game. This game could be a repeat of the Warsaw Plymouth score. Warsaw by 42 NorthWood V. Mishawaka: This is the game of the year for both teams (regualr season). The victor will have the out right conference title. Other than the 2 OT game against Northridge, Mishawaka hasnt really had any issues this year. I only saw the highlights from that game, but it appeared that Northridge was able to run the ball against Mishawaka's defense. I think the key to this game will be NorthWood's run defense. At the start of the year, I thought NorthWood's defensive line was going to struggle (undersized and young). I was wrong...their defense plays disciplined and everyone plays their role. I dont think either team is coming into Friday night questioning what the other team is going to do. Mishawaka is going to run their "bart ball" and NorthWood is going to throw the ball all over the field. Can NorthWood repeat what they did against Warsaw and stop their run game...does Mishawaka have the DB's to cover NorthWood's recievers? Im going to be a homer in this game. I think NorthWood will get an early lead forcing Mishawaka to change their game plan a bit. If that does happen, I dont think Mishawaka can keep up with NorthWood's passing game. Ill take NorthWood by 13.

Here are the lines for NorthWood: O Line LT - #74 6'3" - 190 LG - #78 6"3" - 235 / #64 5'11" - 240 (64 started the season / 78 has taken over) C - #67 6'0 - 287 RG - #61 6'0 - 259 RT - #56 6'2" - 236 D Line - NorthWood runs a 3 man front and rotates a lot of people in and out. These are the 4 "main" starters #71 6'3" - 290 #87 6"5 - 219 #15 6' - 212 # 33 5'9" - 189

With NorthWoods defense, they rotate so many people and never really show a true three man front. Number 71 is a big boy with lots of promise as he is only a sophmore. Other than him, weight wise, NorthWood is on the small size. On that note, I really thought NorthWoods defensive line was going to be the biggest weakness on the team...I was incorrect with that assumption and they have done quite well. That goes to my thoughts on size doesnt matter...they are coached well and they play their roles in the grand scheme of whatever game plan they have for the night.

I dont have a roster with me. I can say that all of NorthWood's OL are around 5'11 - 6' and around 230-250, exluding our LT. He is probably around 6' 215. If this thread is still going strong on Friday...i will post their sizes. I know there are not alot of NLC posters on this thread, but I can assure you that NorthWood may have the "smallest" team in the conference. I say that in size, not number of players. I have been involved / following NorthWood for over 20 years and could probably count on two hands how many times they were bigger than their opponets and those teams were probably Jimtown / Bremen / Fairfield (local teams to Nappanee). Im looking forward to watching some of the fellas mentioned in this thread during the postseason as more games get broadcasted by the IHSAA (I know most schools broadcast themselves but im typically at the NorthWood games).

Roncalli has from all appearances a fantastic line, with great players. Im not familiar with alot of football from around the state other than the Northern Indiana teams; however, I did watch the last years Semi State game in which pretty much those same players did not impress me against a much...i will say again...much smaller defensive line of Fortville. Again, I think Roncalli is a heavy favorite to win 4a, i just dont put much into size. I was at the NorthWood V. Warsaw game last week...and NorthWoods offensive line was looking up at Warsaws D Line and Waraw's Offensive line looking down at NorthWoods D line. I think one can plan against size. Again, not downplaying Roncalli's size or abilities...just pointing out..."size doesnt always matter".

Another week in the books! Other that the NorthWood / Warsaw game, I dont think there were many suprises with the outcomes of last weeks games. I had Goshen beating Northridge...alas...Goshen failed me. The program is still on the upswing and making progress and I am still on team Goshen. Also, I was suprised that Wawasee (while being shut out) that kept it that close to Concord...its the small things in life. Poor Plymouth...thats all i have to say about that game. Now in regard to the NorthWood / Warsaw game. I truly thought it was going to be a last person scores..wins...kind of game, and that is how it started. I was shocked at how well NorthWood's defense held up against Warsaw's running game. When they walked out to the field, I thought there would be problems judging by the size of their big boys compaired to the size of NorthWood's big boys (looking up at Warsaw's). NorthWoods' O and D lines actually won in the trenches...again...did not see that coming. With that said...and as a NorthWood follower...if this game is a preview of Mishawaka...I like NorthWoods' chances at winning the NLC outright. Anyway...on to Friday: Goshen V. Concord: I think Goshen will make this game competitive; however, Concord will grind out the win late in the game. I think it will be close. Concord by 10 NorthWood V. Plymouth: Not much to say here. I think NorthWood will get alot of their younger guys some playing time and rest some of their starters that got banged up in the Warsaw game. NorthWood by 42 Wawasee V. Northridge: Another game that there is not much to say. Northridge should win with no problems. Northridge by 17 And the game of the week Mishawaka V. Warsaw: This game will be a slugfest. If you like low scoring affairs, this will be the game to watch. Which team will run "Bart Ball" the best. Ive looked at both teams common foes and it appears the Warasaw has had more offensive sucess againt them; however, i dont know either teams situation in those games. Seeing Warsaw play NorthWood, I was not to impressed with their (Warsaw) run defense. NorthWood is not a great running team; however, they had the most rushing yards of the season against them. Mishawaka has appeared to be flawless in their offense operation however...the Northridge game sticks out to me. I was not there, nor do I have any incite into how the game played out...but Northridge does not impress me this year. I am going to be a homer on this game, and take Warsaw over Mishawaka. I say this selfishly as if Warsaw wins, it pretty much guarantees NorthWood a share of the NLC title. With my homer ways known, I think it will be close. Warsaw by a field goal?

In regard to 4A teams having 3 levels, I can say this year is the first year in 3 or so years that NorthWood has had a Freshman team. Im not sure if that was due to numbers or coaching desicions. The freshmen played JV and spotty in Varsity games. I can say if it was a coaching desicion to not play a freshmen schedule, it has some pros and cons. Cons, the young men dont get to see the field much their freshmen year. Pros, by playing "up" in competition, it prepares them a little better for Friday nights. In my opinion, this is why NorthWood is having sucess this year. The 18-19 senors on the team have been playing "up" for three years and it has payed off. Im glad to say, this year I am pretty sure we have about 30-35, which is a large number for NorthWood. With that said, NorthWood is a tradition rich football program, their young football league has good numbers and I can see our freshmen numbers staying at a level in which there will be freshmen team for the upcoming season.

I don't have any real incite into the Plymouth organization, however, something had to have happened after the 2019 season. Looking over at John Harrell's site (great site that I love), it appears Plymouth has only had 1 losing since 1994. From 2019 to the present, the team has not competed. I've been following the GID since the early 2000's (not a big poster / my last log in was deactivated I believe) and I do not recall any big Plymouth posters on here to get some real incite into their situation.

Observations from last weeks games: All the games worked out the way i thought they would...score wise. I was suprised how flat Northridge was on Friday. They didn't really compete with NorthWood which suprised me after the showing they had against Mishawaka. I will say that NorthWood has something they havent had in sometime...a passing attack. I dont know if many schools will have that many good DBs'to answer all of their receiver threats. With that said, the next 3 weeks will determine the conference champs as the 3 leaders all play one another. I still feel it will be a shared title. Here are my picks for the upcoming games: Concord V. Wawasee: Concord did better than i though they would against Warsaw. Good for Wawasee at finally getting that win...it was against Plymouth...but a win is a win. I think their smiles will be short lived and Concord will win this week. Concord by 21. Northridge V. Goshen: Afer watching Northridge last week...im not counting Goshen out of this game. I think Goshen has shown flashes of a good team, just not for a complete game. If Northridge plays like they did against Mishawaka, i think they win easy. If they play like they did against NorthWood...not so much. This is my NLC upset special this week. Goshen by 6. Plymouth V. Mishawaka: Not a whole lot to say here. I think Plymouth may loose this game by more than they did against Warsaw (I hope this is not the case for the kids sake). Mishawaka by 63? Warsaw V. NorthWood: This could be one of the better games in the state. NorthWood seems to have a passing attack that teams can not defend (they have so may receiving options). They also have two young men that have played and excelled at in quarterbacks and can throw the ball. Preparing to play NorthWood has to be a headache. On the other side of the ball, Warsaw hasnt missed a beat with their "Bart Ball" being led with QB2. I have said all season, NorthWoods heel is their defensive line. They have suprised me and have a bend dont break approach, with the line backers stepping up to fill holes. This matchup could go either way and is a toss up with me. I will guess that it will be a packed house at Andrews Field down in Nappanee. Ill take NorthWood by 3.

NorthWood 35 Northridge 0 at halftime...NorthWood with 3 offensive and 2 defensive tds.

Week 4 in the NLC and still no clear cut favorite to win it. I am going to guess it will be a shared title...possibly by more than two teams. One big suprise thus far (for me...maybe not others) is the play of the Northridge Raiders! I really thought it would be a down year for them...boy was i wrong. They took Mishawaka to the wire and i really thought their defense was outstanding against the ground and pound of Mishawaka...at Mishawaka. Northridge has moved up to be a favorite to share the NLC title as I dont think any teams will run the table in conference play. Here are my predictions for this Friday Mishawaka V. Goshen: I like what I am seeing from Goshen this year. They are being competitive and making improvements each week. Things are looking up for their future. That being said...I dont think it will take long for Mishawaka to pull away. I could see this game getting ugly for the Redskins...I mean Redhaws. Mishawaka by 28. NorthWood V. Northridge: Im not real sure why this game was scheduled at Northridge rather than at NorthWood as NorthWood was away last year as well. I dont mind as Northridge has excellent facilities...other than having to walk about 4 miles to get to the visitors stands. After watching NorthWood throw the ball about 5 million times to their outstanding recievers (Filley returned from injury) last week, teams had better have an outstanding secondary. I know Northridge has a good defense, im just not sure they have seen a passing game like NorthWood has this year. That will be the key to this game as I do know Northridge can defend the run. NorthWood's defense has suprised me as I thought their front...3...or whatever they are playing (it changes every play) would struggle. Most of the points scored against them were bombs thrown by opposing QBs. I think this game will be close...in the begining of the game. I can see Northwood pulling away later in the game and Northridge having to pass alot and attempt to play catch up. Northwood by 17. Warsaw V. Concord: Im not sure if Warsaw is that good or Plymouth is that bad. Warsaw completly destroyed Plymouth in all aspects of last weeks game. I dont know if Plymouth will be close in any games this year. After watching Concord play last week, i dont think they will give Warsaw much of a problem. Concord has some size and they did a good job of stopping NorthWoods run game, i just dont think they have enough to slow down Warsaw's offense. Warsaw by 28 Wawasee V. Plymouth: Well...here is the game both teams have been waiting for as someone will have to win. This could actually be a good game. Wawasee played better last week...not good...but better. Plymouth...well...they did not. I really hope the fellas stick with it down there. I fear years like this and last are going to have long term effects for their already struggling program. The boys in Syracuse should win this one...but i have hopes Plymouth will make it competative. Wawasee by 10. (Side note: Unpopular opinion...I was at the blueberry festival this past weekend down in Plymouth...and the bluberry doughnuts are overrated...i said what i said!)

We start conference match ups this week! Here are my week 3 predictions: Concord V. NorthWood: Through two games, NorthWood doesnt seem to come out of the gates strong. They havent shown themselves until toward half time. East Noble showed what I thought would be their biggest weakness this year...run defense. Northwood seemed to struggle with defending the good ol counter plays. With that said, I dont think Concord will match up too well with NorthWood this year. This is not the typical Concord team. I feel that NorthWood may have its way with them this week. Northwood by 28. Goshen V. Wawasee: Come on Goshen...your killing me. They have shown that they can play football...just not 4 quarters. I still have hope that they are turning that program around. Wawasee on the other hand...its a struggle bus down in Syracuse. I see Goshen winning this game with little to no trouble. Goshen by 21. Northridge V. Mishawaka: Probably going to be the best NLC game this week. Northridge is my biggest suprise thus far into the season. I really assumed they would be way down this year. It always hard to win in Mishawaka and i think Northrdige will come up short on Friday. I think it will be close...until the 2nd hafl. Mishawaka will grind out a win and keep Northridge's offense of the field. On a side note...Mishawaka has an awsome atmoshere and a beatiful surrounding (tucked into a neighborhood...beautiful school back drop...consession stands / restrooms on the visitors side...awsome scoreboard) but why is the actual football field in such bad shape. The school spent the money on the scoarboard, the entrance and the track...but spent 0 on the field. Why is that? Anyway...I will take Mishawaka by 14. Plymouth V. Warsaw: Warsaw's hasnt missed a beat with having QB2 at the helm. Plymouth...Plymouth...i dont know what to say about them. I feel for those kids that stick with it...and hopfully things will change for them. I dont think Warsaw will be playing startes beyond the 3rd quarter. Warsaw by 35.

NLC Week 2 Predictions: Chesterton V. Warsaw: I think this may be the best game in the NLC this week. Warsaw suprised me with how well they played MC. I saw Chesterton scrimmage NW earlier this year and they appeared to have a good squad but I dont know much about them other than the little from the scrimmage. I will take Warsaw by 3 being that it is in Warsaw. Concord V. Jimtown: After watching Jimtown last week, I think they will win the NIC (small school) as they have some play makers, NorthWood's depth and fresh legs wore them out in the 2nd half. With that said, I think Concord with its size will win. Concord by 14 East Noble V. NorthWood: NorthWood started slow last week before finding its way. I think NW's secondary will win this game for them against EN's passing attack. NW by 10. New Prairie V. Goshen: Goshen did well in the 1st half against Fairfield. If they can play well for an entire game, I think they will win some games this year. Not this game, but some games later. I think NP will be too much for them. NP by 21. Northridge V. Elkhart: Not a whole lot to say here. Northridge played much better than anyone thought they would last week, and if that continues, the NLC will be even more wide open this year. With that said, I think Elkhart is extremely good this year and will make a deep run into the postseason. Elkhart by 21. Plymouth V. Kokomo: Easy win for Kokomo. Kokomo by 28. St. Joe V. Mishawaka: Im not sure if Marian was that bad...or Mishawaka was that good. I am assuming a bit of both. I don't know much about St. Joe this year. I'll take Mishawaka by 21. West Noble V. Wawasee: Is this the game Wawasee will win this year...maybe...maybe not. Judging on how bad Wawasee did last week against Valley...i dont think so. I saw them scrimmage NorthWood this year, and they didnt seem to be that great. I will take West Noble by 14.

Here are my predictions for tonight Northridge over Adams by 10 Elkhart over Concord by 21 Goshen over Fairfield by 14 Michigan City over Warsaw by 7 Mishawaka over Marian by 14 NorthWood over Jimtown by 14 East Noble over Plymouth by 21 Tippy Valley over Wawasee by 7