HCC Week #1

[temptation]

Let’s get rolling!

Avon @ Lafayette Jefferson:  This one really intrigues me as I have tons of respect for the Jeff program but I think Avon is on the verge of a huge upswing.  The Orioles have to get this one if they want anyone else to agree with me.  I’m saying they do.  Avon 31-20.

Fishers @ North Central (Indianapolis):  These two teams are in different spots as Fishers has a deep tournament run in mine whereas North Central just wants to be competitive.  I think the Panthers will be improved, but will be extremely overwhelmed in week one.  Fishers wins 34-14.

Fort Wayne Dwenger @ Brownsburg:  A long drive for Alan County for a Dwenger program who folks in the know on here claim is in transition and whose glory days are currently behind them.  Brownsburg has been the best team in Indiana during the regular season multiple times and will start this season with a bang.  Brownsburg wins 41-13.

Hamilton Southeastern @ Carroll (Fort Wayne):  A great one between two teams in my top 10 heading into the season.  Plenty of next level talent on the field for both teams and I see this one coming down to the wire.  Gimme HSE 20-17.

Mount Vernon (Fortville) @ Noblesville:  Not really sure what to think of this game as Mount Vernon has consistently been one of the top teams in 4A and is growing rapidly.  Not to sound like a broken record, but I keep waiting for Noblesville to take the next step. Similar to Avon, if they want to be taken seriously in this conference, they have to get this one.  They will.  Noblesville 24-20.

Perry Meridian @ Franklin Central:  Similar to the Fishers/NC matchup, these are teams at the opposite end of their goals heading into this season.  The Falcons need to show respectability and the Flashes want to prove they are a threat to the CG dynasty once the tournament rolls around.  FC wins big.  45-10.

Westfield @ Center Grove:  Cannot wait for this matchup on the southside.  Another one between two teams comfortably inside of my top 10 and both whom have state championship aspirations.  Both want to get the taste of semi state losses out of their minds and I expect some high-level football in this one.  CG is at home and is more of a proven commodity as they continue to roll annually.  They win 24-14.

Zionsville @ Pike:  This another one that intrigues me as I expect Pike to be improved and do not see many wins outside of this one on either teams’ schedule once conference play starts.  Meant as no disrespect as the HCC/MIC are absolute grinds.  A win here could catapult one of these to a surprising season.  I’ll take the Eagles in a fairly close one.  Zionsville 23-17.

What say you?

 

 

Edited August 17, 2024 by temptation

[Bears62]

Heard Jeff took it to Pike a bit yesterday, on the other hand I need to see more from Avon until I pick them to win many games. Jeff 27-21

Fishers 56-0

Brownsburg 45-13

Could go either way but I'll take the Millers at home. Noblesville 30-28

Perry Meridian surprisingly had a lot of close games last year, no clue how they are supposed to be this season. FC 38-21

Both will be solid, but have to roll with CG until proven otherwise. CG 35-14

Zionsville 42-14

[WCGrad92]

Lafayette Jeff

Fishers

Brownsburg

Hamilton Southeastern

Noblesville

Franklin Central

Center Grove

Zionsville

[BTF]

Whether it's 45-13 or 41-13, I'd be thrilled with that score after the way Brownsburg manhandled Dwenger last season. 

[CWPRD67]

19 hours ago, Bears62 said:

Heard Jeff took it to Pike a bit yesterday

That’s interesting, not what I seen in person, heard or seen on film 🤔

[WestfieldRocks]

On 8/17/2024 at 1:52 PM, temptation said:

Let’s get rolling!

Avon @ Lafayette Jefferson:  This one really intrigues me as I have tons of respect for the Jeff program but I think Avon is on the verge of a huge upswing.  The Orioles have to get this one if they want anyone else to agree with me.  I’m saying they do.  Avon 31-20.

Fishers @ North Central (Indianapolis):  These two teams are in different spots as Fishers has a deep tournament run in mine whereas North Central just wants to be competitive.  I think the Panthers will be improved, but will be extremely overwhelmed in week one.  Fishers wins 34-14.

Fort Wayne Dwenger @ Brownsburg:  A long drive for Alan County for a Dwenger program who folks in the know on here claim is in transition and whose glory days are currently behind them.  Brownsburg has been the best team in Indiana during the regular season multiple times and will start this season with a bang.  Brownsburg wins 41-13.

Hamilton Southeastern @ Carroll (Fort Wayne):  A great one between two teams in my top 10 heading into the season.  Plenty of next level talent on the field for both teams and I see this one coming down to the wire.  Gimme HSE 20-17.

Mount Vernon (Fortville) @ Noblesville:  Not really sure what to think of this game as Mount Vernon has consistently been one of the top teams in 4A and is growing rapidly.  Not to sound like a broken record, but I keep waiting for Noblesville to take the next step. Similar to Avon, if they want to be taken seriously in this conference, they have to get this one.  They will.  Noblesville 24-20.

Perry Meridian @ Franklin Central:  Similar to the Fishers/NC matchup, these are teams at the opposite end of their goals heading into this season.  The Falcons need to show respectability and the Flashes want to prove they are a threat to the CG dynasty once the tournament rolls around.  FC wins big.  45-10.

Westfield @ Center Grove:  Cannot wait for this matchup on the southside.  Another one between two teams comfortably inside of my top 10 and both whom have state championship aspirations.  Both want to get the taste of semi state losses out of their minds and I expect some high-level football in this one.  CG is at home and is more of a proven commodity as they continue to roll annually.  They win 24-14.

Zionsville @ Pike:  This another one that intrigues me as I expect Pike to be improved and do not see many wins outside of this one on either teams’ schedule once conference play starts.  Meant as no disrespect as the HCC/MIC are absolute grinds.  A win here could catapult one of these to a surprising season.  I’ll take the Eagles in a fairly close one.  Zionsville 23-17.

What say you?

 

 

Agree, except I expect the CG/Westfield game to have a bit more scoring.

[temptation]

13 minutes ago, WestfieldRocks said:

Agree, except I expect the CG/Westfield game to have a bit more scoring.

How much of a loss is the Westfield RB and who is in line to be the guy this fall?

[WestfieldRocks]

Just now, temptation said:

How much of a loss is the Westfield RB and who is in line to be the guy this fall?

I'd say a big loss. He almost won that Crown Point game by himself. Once Westfield got going in the second half, he was unstoppable. In fact,  I wished that they had run him on a two point conversion in the first OT to end it there instead of kicking the PAT. I have not heard who the #1 RB will be. It might be the QB, who has already received a D1 scholarship with not much playing time last season behind Jackson Gilbert. 

[RocksFan23]

6 hours ago, WestfieldRocks said:

I'd say a big loss. He almost won that Crown Point game by himself. Once Westfield got going in the second half, he was unstoppable. In fact,  I wished that they had run him on a two point conversion in the first OT to end it there instead of kicking the PAT. I have not heard who the #1 RB will be. It might be the QB, who has already received a D1 scholarship with not much playing time last season behind Jackson Gilbert. 

Was stunned Coach Gilbert didn’t go for 2 late in regulation to win 25-24. Had no clue Garnett left for WC, how soon into the summer did that happen?

[FridayNightLights]

Avon @ Lafayette Jefferson:  I think Avon surprises some people this year. Avon 31-17

Fishers @ North Central (Indianapolis):  Fishers wins 42-14

Fort Wayne Dwenger @ Brownsburg:  Expecting a down year from Brownsburg...The good news for the Bulldogs is their down seasons are still better than most. Don't see this one being close. Brownsburg wins 42-13

Hamilton Southeastern @ Carroll (Fort Wayne):  HSE has the talent to win it all this year, or at least to represent the North. HSE 28-17.

Mount Vernon (Fortville) @ Noblesville:  Noblesville seems to be loading up some talent that isn't normal for them. Expect them to compete in the HCC this year and win a couple of games they normally wouldn't. Noblesville 28-10

Perry Meridian @ Franklin Central:  FC 42-24

Westfield @ Center Grove:  Westfield continues to produce talent, and CG is still CG. CG 28-24

Zionsville @ Pike: Tough game to pick. I'll take Pike to win a close one 28-24

 

MY HCC Preseason Power Rankings  

1. HSE

2. Westfield

3. Fishers

4. Brownsburg

5. Avon

6. FC

7.Noblesville

8. Zionsville

Edited August 19, 2024 by FridayNightLights

[WestfieldRocks]

17 hours ago, RocksFan23 said:

Was stunned Coach Gilbert didn’t go for 2 late in regulation to win 25-24. Had no clue Garnett left for WC, how soon into the summer did that happen?

Yea, he could have gone for the win late in regulation, like he did at Brownsburg the season before. The Garnett deal, I don't know. I had heard the rumors. I checked his status on MaxPreps. As of June, it had him at WC, but then about a month later back at Westfield. His Twitter (X) account, as of the other day, showed him as a Westfield senior, class of 2025. With WC snatching several kids for this season, I guess it's not a surprise. What ever happened to the IHSAA rule that prohibited a transfer for athletic reasons? 

[temptation]

18 hours ago, RocksFan23 said:

Was stunned Coach Gilbert didn’t go for 2 late in regulation to win 25-24. Had no clue Garnett left for WC, how soon into the summer did that happen?

Whenever it was clear he’d no longer be welcomed back at Westfield?

Just a hunch.

[RocksFan23]

3 minutes ago, temptation said:

Whenever it was clear he’d no longer be welcomed back at Westfield?

Just a hunch.

Want to elaborate on that? You must know something. Just a hunch.

46 minutes ago, WestfieldRocks said:

Yea, he could have gone for the win late in regulation, like he did at Brownsburg the season before. The Garnett deal, I don't know. I had heard the rumors. I checked his status on MaxPreps. As of June, it had him at WC, but then about a month later back at Westfield. His Twitter (X) account, as of the other day, showed him as a Westfield senior, class of 2025. With WC snatching several kids for this season, I guess it's not a surprise. What ever happened to the IHSAA rule that prohibited a transfer for athletic reasons? 

Just checked Twitter after seeing your response last night and bio shows WC now. Guess we'll see what Temptation says, he has a hunch evidently.

[temptation]

20 minutes ago, RocksFan23 said:

Want to elaborate on that? You must know something. Just a hunch.

Just checked Twitter after seeing your response last night and bio shows WC now. Guess we'll see what Temptation says, he has a hunch evidently.

I don’t have a hunch on WHY he left, I have that on good authority.

I have a hunch the move to WC came once he realized his Westfield days were over.

[WestfieldRocks]

3 hours ago, RocksFan23 said:

Want to elaborate on that? You must know something. Just a hunch.

Just checked Twitter after seeing your response last night and bio shows WC now. Guess we'll see what Temptation says, he has a hunch evidently.

I think Temp has more than a hunch, but has already posted that he doesn't want to post it publicly. 

[temptation]

20 minutes ago, WestfieldRocks said:

I think Temp has more than a hunch, but has already posted that he doesn't want to post it publicly. 

Accurate.

[Boilernation]

On 8/17/2024 at 1:52 PM, temptation said:

Let’s get rolling!

Avon @ Lafayette Jefferson:  This one really intrigues me as I have tons of respect for the Jeff program but I think Avon is on the verge of a huge upswing.  The Orioles have to get this one if they want anyone else to agree with me.  I’m saying they do.  Avon 31-20.

Fishers @ North Central (Indianapolis):  These two teams are in different spots as Fishers has a deep tournament run in mine whereas North Central just wants to be competitive.  I think the Panthers will be improved, but will be extremely overwhelmed in week one.  Fishers wins 34-14.

Fort Wayne Dwenger @ Brownsburg:  A long drive for Alan County for a Dwenger program who folks in the know on here claim is in transition and whose glory days are currently behind them.  Brownsburg has been the best team in Indiana during the regular season multiple times and will start this season with a bang.  Brownsburg wins 41-13.

Hamilton Southeastern @ Carroll (Fort Wayne):  A great one between two teams in my top 10 heading into the season.  Plenty of next level talent on the field for both teams and I see this one coming down to the wire.  Gimme HSE 20-17.

Mount Vernon (Fortville) @ Noblesville:  Not really sure what to think of this game as Mount Vernon has consistently been one of the top teams in 4A and is growing rapidly.  Not to sound like a broken record, but I keep waiting for Noblesville to take the next step. Similar to Avon, if they want to be taken seriously in this conference, they have to get this one.  They will.  Noblesville 24-20.

Perry Meridian @ Franklin Central:  Similar to the Fishers/NC matchup, these are teams at the opposite end of their goals heading into this season.  The Falcons need to show respectability and the Flashes want to prove they are a threat to the CG dynasty once the tournament rolls around.  FC wins big.  45-10.

Westfield @ Center Grove:  Cannot wait for this matchup on the southside.  Another one between two teams comfortably inside of my top 10 and both whom have state championship aspirations.  Both want to get the taste of semi state losses out of their minds and I expect some high-level football in this one.  CG is at home and is more of a proven commodity as they continue to roll annually.  They win 24-14.

Zionsville @ Pike:  This another one that intrigues me as I expect Pike to be improved and do not see many wins outside of this one on either teams’ schedule once conference play starts.  Meant as no disrespect as the HCC/MIC are absolute grinds.  A win here could catapult one of these to a surprising season.  I’ll take the Eagles in a fairly close one.  Zionsville 23-17.

What say you?

 

 

Avon @ Lafayette Jeff: I'll roll with Avon as well in a close one as Gibson starts getting the Orioles back on track in Year 2. 

Fishers @ North Central: Agree. Tigers roll.

HSE @ Caroll: I'll take the Chargers by 7. Carroll's offense should be ready to go. HSE lost their top WR to Purdue and top RB to Ball State. They return the dual threat Weston at QB, but will the offense take a step back?

MV @ Noblesville: This has been a high scoring game the past 3 contests that went Noblesville's way with the Millers moving ball at ease in the run game and MV having a lot of success in the passing game.  Not sure what to expect this year. Noblesville will have a new starter at QB who is a Sr. They'll also be breaking in some new RB's. Bowling Green recruit Aiden Brewer returns at TE.  The defense lost a lot of guys who were 3 year starters or contributors. Boston College recruit Israel Oladipupo does return on the DL. This will be an interesting year for Noblesville. Will they take the next step with some new players? I'll take Noblesville by 10.

PM @ FC: Not much to say. Will be a lopsided W. 

Westfield @ CG: I'll take CG as well by about 10. I am very interested though in seeing how Westfield looks in year 1 post Gilbert. 

Zionsville @ Pike: I was at this one last year and Pike could have easily won it. Similiar to Noblsville, I'm not sure what to expect from Zionsville. They lost a lot of contributors on O and D. I didn't see their scrimmage, so I'm not sure who is playing QB. The Eagles have a Junior who started a few games last year at QB and they have a Sr. who transferred in from Carmel. Jr. Sam Manna will likely take a majority of the reps at RB1 and he showed a lot of promise running the ball last year.  Of course Wisconsin commit Eugue Hilton returns at WR. He's a TD threat anytime he has the ball in his hands. I'm hoping Zionsville can find ways to get the ball in his hands as much as possible in the short passing game. I'll take Pike by 6.

[Boilernation]

I missed Dwenger at Brownsburg: Agreed. Dwenger fans are either channeling their inner Lou Holtz or futures on the Saints are looking grim. 

[LC_Bears_04]

I give any team from the HCC the benefit of the doubt over any NCC team.  An improved Avon team beats Lafayette Jeff by 10-14 points.

Fishers blows out North Central.

Brownsburg blows out Fort Wayne Dwenger.

HSE at Carroll:  Should be a hell of a game.  HSE graduated a lot of players.  Carroll returns a Big Ten recruit in Iowa commit Jimmy Sullivan and a strong senior class.  Carroll wins by 3.

Noblesville should control the line of scrimmage and literally run right over Mount Vernon.  Noblesville wins by 17.

Franklin Central blows out Perry Meridian.

Zionsville and Pike always seem to play good games against each other.  I think Eugene Hilton will be the difference.  Zionsville beats Pike by 3.

I think Westfield shocks the world and beats Center Grove and here's why:  First, Westfield returns a lot more experience than Center Grove does.  I know Kendall Garnett transferred to Warren Central, but they return I think 8 starters on offense, and that doesn't include QB Carsen Melvin, who is committed to Bowling Green, and should be even better than Jackson Gilbert.  At running back, they still return Mikeah Webster.  They return 4 starters on the offensive line, and the offensive line should keep the running game going even without Garnett.  They returns a great group of receivers, led by Ball State commit Gabe Aramboles, along with Beau Braun and Parker Knott.  Westfield returns their leading tackler Mikeah Webster along with Drew Law and Deacon King among other returnees on defense.  Center Grove has a brand new QB, a new set of receivers, and they lost DE Kobe Cherry to a season ending injury according to Kyle Neddenriep.  I'll say Westfield wins 31-24.  Hoping I don't have egg on my face after making this prediction.

 

[BTF]

"HSE graduated a lot of players." 

"Hamilton Southeastern as the talent to win it all this year."

Confused.

[FridayNightLights]

57 minutes ago, BTF said:

"HSE graduated a lot of players." 

"Hamilton Southeastern as the talent to win it all this year."

Confused.

Cameron Gorin, Hamilton Southeastern , Offensive Tackle (247sports.com)

Mason Alexander, Hamilton Southeastern , Cornerback (247sports.com)

Schools of their size can generally reload. They do have 2 of the top 10 recruits in the state of Indiana this year. 

[BTF]

16 minutes ago, FridayNightLights said:

Cameron Gorin, Hamilton Southeastern , Offensive Tackle (247sports.com)

Mason Alexander, Hamilton Southeastern , Cornerback (247sports.com)

Schools of their size can generally reload. They do have 2 of the top 10 recruits in the state of Indiana this year. 

So both quotes are accurate. Lost several starters but reloaded with some very talented kids. Thanks. They do seem to be on solid ground (reloading mode) under the the direction of Michael Kelly. Top contender in the North seems to be the norm. 

[MikeTyson15]

Noblesville puts together a good season

[Gipper]

2 hours ago, MikeTyson15 said:

Noblesville puts together a good season

I hope so!  Go Millers...which is an awesome nickname!

 

Did it open a can of worms?  Probably...

 

[temptation]

On 8/22/2024 at 12:38 AM, LC_Bears_04 said:

I give any team from the HCC the benefit of the doubt over any NCC team.  An improved Avon team beats Lafayette Jeff by 10-14 points.

Fishers blows out North Central.

Brownsburg blows out Fort Wayne Dwenger.

HSE at Carroll:  Should be a hell of a game.  HSE graduated a lot of players.  Carroll returns a Big Ten recruit in Iowa commit Jimmy Sullivan and a strong senior class.  Carroll wins by 3.

Noblesville should control the line of scrimmage and literally run right over Mount Vernon.  Noblesville wins by 17.

Franklin Central blows out Perry Meridian.

Zionsville and Pike always seem to play good games against each other.  I think Eugene Hilton will be the difference.  Zionsville beats Pike by 3.

I think Westfield shocks the world and beats Center Grove and here's why:  First, Westfield returns a lot more experience than Center Grove does.  I know Kendall Garnett transferred to Warren Central, but they return I think 8 starters on offense, and that doesn't include QB Carsen Melvin, who is committed to Bowling Green, and should be even better than Jackson Gilbert.  At running back, they still return Mikeah Webster.  They return 4 starters on the offensive line, and the offensive line should keep the running game going even without Garnett.  They returns a great group of receivers, led by Ball State commit Gabe Aramboles, along with Beau Braun and Parker Knott.  Westfield returns their leading tackler Mikeah Webster along with Drew Law and Deacon King among other returnees on defense.  Center Grove has a brand new QB, a new set of receivers, and they lost DE Kobe Cherry to a season ending injury according to Kyle Neddenriep.  I'll say Westfield wins 31-24.  Hoping I don't have egg on my face after making this prediction.

 

Love the bold pick.  Would definitely turn some heads.

By my calculations, CG is 18-1 at home since Covid.