MIC Week #8

[temptation]

9 hours ago, Footballking16 said:

LN’s win extremely impressive but Center Grove just seems to lack some juice this year. Defense in the two games I’ve seen is very prone to giving up the big play and just can’t seem to get off the field when it matters and the QB has been a turnover machine the last few games. 
 

LN’s athletes are scary good and LN’s QB puts the ball where it needs to be more times than not. They are susceptible up the middle defensively and I thought Center Grove got away from that the second they went down a score. Nobody is beating LN in a shootout this year I wouldn’t think.

The difference in team speed between Lawrence north and the rest of the field this year is as wide as the Grand Canyon.

Not necessarily saying that is why they will win as sometimes that can be negated in sloppy, cold weather games, which you usually see in the tournament, but that has been the most popping thing about the Wildcats to me this year.

Watch some of Neiddenreip’s highlights from their game last night on Twitter with popcorn in hand.

Edited October 12, 2024 by temptation

[BTF]

26 minutes ago, WarrenGrad12 said:

I still wouldn’t count out Warren and here’s why: it’s not necessarily about their ability to beat LN because LN is going to have a tough road before a potential rematch. The question is: would Warren be able to beat Center Grove and that’s a good question. I don’t know but I think it’s a better shot than if they played LN again. 
 

Many times the team you think is going to go through gets beat and it opens things up greatly. Warren’s offense looked much much better last night with a different QB both passing and rushing. We shall see.

Not counting them out completely, I just have my Top 5 at this point, and WC sits at #6. I really think the state champion is going to come from the Top 3 right now. 

[temptation]

4 minutes ago, BTF said:

Not counting them out completely, I just have my Top 5 at this point, and WC sits at #6. I really think the state champion is going to come from the Top 3 right now. 

Never thought it’d say this but I’m still waiting for Warren to beat a great (sorry Snider and Warsaw) team.  The combined record of the teams they’ve beaten is 25-31.  The one time they did, they were throttled.

Not saying, they can’t get hot but it’s a 1 game season for Warren as their schedule is currently constructed.  It’s CG in the regional.  Not your typical CG team as we’ve seen this fall but still THE thorn in Warren’s side.

Now, there is also a team on the southeast side of Indy that is building momentum and could potentially make this conversation a moot point.

[BTF]

13 minutes ago, temptation said:

The difference in team speed between Lawrence north and the rest of the field this year is as wide as the Grand Canyon.

Can we honestly say that? Let's not pretend that Brownsburg and Westfield aren't REALLY good. And Crown Point gets better every year. Hard to count them out completely right now. I still think it's a crapshoot between three, maybe four teams. There's something missing at Warren Central. I don't know enough about the inner workings in their program, but something just seems off. Maybe it's just lack of playmakers on offense. 

[BTF]

6 minutes ago, temptation said:

Never thought it’d say this but I’m still waiting for Warren to beat a great (sorry Snider and Warsaw) team.  

No need to be sorry, Snider's not great this season. Warsaw isn't even on the radar of being great. Snider will be a non factor up north unless they revisit the offense they ran against Homestead. And even if they do that, they're still just a Top 10 team instead of Top 15. The state champion is going to come from one of four teams this year. That's just the way it is. 

Edited October 12, 2024 by BTF

[temptation]

6 minutes ago, BTF said:

Can we honestly say that? Let's not pretend that Brownsburg and Westfield aren't REALLY good. And Crown Point gets better every year. Hard to count them out completely right now. I still think it's a crapshoot between three, maybe four teams. There's something missing at Warren Central. I don't know enough about the inner workings in their program, but something just seems off. Maybe it's just lack of playmakers on offense. 

I’m just speaking to the speed aspect.  Nothing more, nothing less.

Its palpable.

4 minutes ago, BTF said:

No need to be sorry, Snider's not great this season. Warsaw isn't even on the radar of being great. Snider will be a non factor up north unless they revisit the offense they ran against Homestead. And even if they do that, they're still just a Top 10 team instead of Top 15. The state champion is going to come from one of four teams this year. That's just the way it is. 

Your four are?

[BTF]

1 minute ago, temptation said:

I’m just speaking to the speed aspect.  Nothing more, nothing less.

Its palpable.

Hey, they're good, I get it. I saw their offense first hand. But Westfield, Brownburg, and Crown Point are well run programs. Hell, give Cathedral's staff two weeks to prepare, and they could upend LN. 

[temptation]

Just now, BTF said:

Hey, they're good, I get it. I saw their offense first hand. But Westfield, Brownburg, and Crown Point are well run programs. Hell, give Cathedral's staff two weeks to prepare, and they could upend LN. 

So you have FIVE teams in it to win it?

[BTF]

1 minute ago, temptation said:

So you have FIVE teams in it to win it?

I really think four, with Cathedral, WC and Center Grove on the outside looking in. 

[temptation]

7 minutes ago, BTF said:

I really think four, with Cathedral, WC and Center Grove on the outside looking in. 

Gotcha.

[BTF]

8 minutes ago, temptation said:

Gotcha.

Look, I'm a realist. I'm not going to pretend to know Indianapolis like you guys down there. All I have to go by is numbers. I also looked pretty foolish in predicting a Roncalli upset, so maybe all my credibility goes out the window. But................give a team like Cathedral two weeks to prepare, and that could be all she wrote for Lawrence North. Not saying it will happen, but it could. Underestimate the Irish and you're done. I think LN is hungry, so they won't be underestimating anyone. They just have the misfortune of facing Cathedral when the Irish have two weeks (potentially) to prepare. If I'm Cathedral, I'm BEGGING to draw LN in the first round. For the same reason I'm begging for Snider to draw Carroll in the first round. Good coaching staffs are difficult to beat with two weeks on the table. 

Edited October 12, 2024 by BTF

[temptation]

8 minutes ago, BTF said:

Look, I'm a realist. I'm not going to pretend to know Indianapolis like you guys down there. All I have to go by is numbers. I also looked pretty foolish in predicting a Roncalli upset, so maybe all my credibility goes out the window. But................give a team like Cathedral two weeks to prepare, and that could be all she wrote for Lawrence North. Not saying it will happen, but it could. Underestimate the Irish and you're done. I think LN is hungry, so they won't be underestimating anyone. They just have the misfortune of facing Cathedral when the Irish have two weeks (potentially) to prepare. If I'm Cathedral, I'm BEGGING to draw LN in the first round. For the same reason I'm begging for Snider to draw Carroll in the first round. Good coaching staffs are difficult to beat with two weeks on the table. 

Cathedral is definitely capable of upending this whole thing and beating LN and I’d actually argue they may actually be the closest to LN in the speed department.

The obvious great unknown to me is Crown Point.  Are they better than last year?

I think we can all agree that there is not a team in 2024 that compares to last year’s BD team and despite being labeled as an “Indy guy” think it would be amazing to see them pull it off.

[FastpacedO]

1 hour ago, temptation said:

Cathedral is definitely capable of upending this whole thing and beating LN and I’d actually argue they may actually be the closest to LN in the speed department.

The obvious great unknown to me is Crown Point.  Are they better than last year?

I think we can all agree that there is not a team in 2024 that compares to last year’s BD team and despite being labeled as an “Indy guy” think it would be amazing to see them pull it off.

My problem with Crown Point is 1.) how is their secondary this year 2.) have they seen the speed they would see from (Lawrence North, Brownsburg, Cathedral, Center Grove)?

Lawrence North presents MAJOR problems for any team in 6A offensively right now. Yes LN has some very minor deficiencies (they have done great despite those). LN's offense though you have to defend 3 WR's with TREMENDOUS speed and then you mix in their RB who is looks small but is like a spider-monkey zig-zagging and even making disciplined tackling teams grasp at air trying to tackle him.

I think Crown Point is good no doubt I just think there a 3-4 teams in the South bracket better and 1 for sure in the North bracket.

Just my observation 

 

 

https://x.com/KyleNeddenriep/status/1844884664890057122

 

 

Edited October 12, 2024 by FastpacedO

[RegionFBFan]

Crown Point is better than last year. You saw it here first….Crown Point will win 6A this year! 
I’m not saying it will be easy but they are a machine this year. Defensively much improved from last year.

[temptation]

50 minutes ago, RegionFBFan said:

Crown Point is better than last year. You saw it here first….Crown Point will win 6A this year! 
I’m not saying it will be easy but they are a machine this year. Defensively much improved from last year.

Love statewide representation on this site.  Hope you’re right. 

You’d become an instant legend on this forum, instead of just the most recent prophet stating that the Indy area 6A run comes to an end THIS year.

Happens every October.

The earliest we will be able to find out if this post has some legitimacy is seeing how easily CP can dispatch of the winner of Sectional 2 in the regional round.

If that’s a tight game in the fourth quarter. I’m afraid I have bad news for you.

Edited October 12, 2024 by temptation

[RegionFBFan]

Keep underestimating them. I love it. They are more experienced and much better. I’m not 100% sure but I think every game has gone to a running clock. Physical football team with a talented QB.

Westfield  thought like you did last year! How’d that turn out for them???

Looking forward to the second season!

[temptation]

8 minutes ago, RegionFBFan said:

Keep underestimating them. I love it. They are more experienced and much better. I’m not 100% sure but I think every game has gone to a running clock. Physical football team with a talented QB.

Westfield  thought like you did last year! How’d that turn out for them???

Looking forward to the second season!

Yeah, you conveniently left out what happened the week after they beat Westfield.

You claimed they are the team to beat.  Getting to state doesn’t count.

Likely looking at a Penn, Carroll, Westfield path with the big dogs from the south (albeit no BD from 2023) waiting again should they get there.

[RegionFBFan]

2 minutes ago, temptation said:

Yeah, you conveniently left out what happened the week after they beat Westfield.

You claimed they are the team to beat.  Getting to state doesn’t count.

Likely looking at a Penn, Carroll, Westfield path with the big dogs from the south (albeit no BD from 2023) waiting again should they get there.

CP 2+ td’s better than Penn and Carroll. Westfield will be a game but they are better than Westfield. No team in Indy this year is nearly as good as Ben Davis last year. 
 

I don’t have a dog in the fight but CP is playing like dominating football. You will see.

[temptation]

Can I point something out however?

(And by no means am I attempting to paint this as a fact…)

Taking the IMG game out of the equation last year, BD won its regular season games by an average of 30.1 points per game.

So far in 2024 (with two shortened games due to weather I mind you) LN has won its 8 games by an average of 27.3 points per game.

Maybe we are underestimating Lawrence North in this comparison?

 

Edited October 12, 2024 by temptation

[Jetackow]

5 hours ago, FastpacedO said:

6 hours ago, temptation said:

Cathedral is definitely capable of upending this whole thing and beating LN and I’d actually argue they may actually be the closest to LN in the speed department.

The obvious great unknown to me is Crown Point.  Are they better than last year?

I think we can all agree that there is not a team in 2024 that compares to last year’s BD team and despite being labeled as an “Indy guy” think it would be amazing to see them pull it off.

I think Crown Point is good no doubt I just think there a 3-4 teams in the South bracket better and 1 for sure in the North bracket.

I have ZERO fight in the game. I love high school sports, but I think many schools, including smaller ones and those not based in Indy, like CP often get overlooked on this site

CP is much better than last year. Do you know how many current seniors are committed to playing D1 next year or how many juniors already have D1 offers? Maybe that’s something worth noting. It seems the stats of all the Indy teams, even the ones that aren’t doing great, are widely known. You both admit CP is good, yet they remain an unknown. Who exactly is better than CP in the North bracket, and what is that opinion based on? Judging by the posts, it’s clear there isn’t much familiarity with CP, despite their unexpected run at State last year. Is this lack of interest simply because "Indy is Indy?" Even the schools you claim aren't great in Indy manage to keep games close against these Indy powerhouse teams, who suddenly in week 8 is listed as number 5 and 6.

Yes, many 6A Indy (and surrounding area) teams are fantastic, and Indy has been the center of powerhouse football for at least two decades. It would be great if CP could play more regular season games against 6A Indy powerhouses. Unfortunately, the DAC isn't strong. But logistically, CP would have to travel two hours to face teams like Brownsburg, Center Grove, Carmel, Warren, and Westfield, and there's also the time zone difference. It even takes 1.5 hours just to get to Penn/Elkhart (and there is also a time zone difference there too)! Meanwhile, Indy teams have much shorter trips and remain in the same time zone. Hopefully, CP can schedule a good 6A opponent next season and make it work, and continue to make their schedule stronger. Just imagine the force they will be. Coach Buz took them to state after only being there for 3 years.

I admit, many 6A Indy teams are great and Indy has had the powerhouses for 2 decades now at least. It would be awesome if CP would have more regular season games against 6A teams, or some of the Indy powerhouses. The DAC is not great. But think about it, it takes 2 hours for CP to get to Brownsburg, Center Grove, Carmel, Westfield, LN,  and Warren - and there is also an hour time difference. Heck, it takes 1 1/2 hours to get from CP to Penn/Elkhart and there is an hour time difference as well. It takes the Indy teams generally less than an hour to get to each other and is in the same time zone. Hopefully, CP can add a game next season against another 6A team that will is good and make it work out.

This season, CP has had a running clock by halftime in all 8 games. CP’s 1st team defense has shut out opponents in the first half in 7 of those 8 games. The stats are impressive, especially considering the starters mostly only play the first half (sometimes just the first quarter). Often, both the starters and backups take a knee on extra points or focus on other aspects of the game instead of running up the score. CP has committed just one turnover (a fumble) and has thrown zero interceptions this season.

Here’s a look at CP’s 2024 season games:

• Lowell: 44-7
• Arizona College Preparatory: 42-7
• Merrillville: 46-13
• Lake Central: 42-14
• Portage: 58-20
• Valparaiso: 41-6
• LaPorte: 42-0
• Chesterton: 41-7

For comparison, here are some of CP’s "closer" games from 2023 along with Tournament games:

• Merrillville: 39-6
• Lake Central: 38-12
• Valparaiso: 19-14
• Chesterton: 21-7
• Lafayette Jefferson (Sectional Semi-Final): 42-10
• Lake Central (Sectional Championship): 42-7
• Penn (Regional): 34-33
• Westfield (Semi-State): 38-31
• Ben Davis (State): 38-10

Even with a weaker schedule, CP only lost to Ben Davis by 28 points in the State Championship last year. That was CP’s first-ever trip to State in football, and Coach Buzea was only in his 3rd season while battling cancer throughout his tenure as a coach during those 3 years at CP. Losing by 4 TDs in their first trip to State with a weaker schedule is pretty impressive, especially considering other teams that have been to State before have lost by similar margins.

Last year, CP only beat Valpo by 5 points. This year, CP beat Valpo by 35 points. Penn, who beat Valpo by 17 points last year, barely scraped by with a 7-point win this season. Penn is 6-2 this year, with losses to Mishawaka (7-27) and Elkhart (3-7). Both Elkhart and Penn played New Prairie—Elkhart won by 3, while Penn won by 17. If a Penn/CP game happens, I think it will be a good game, however, I think it will be a MUCH different game than it was last year. If the Penn/Elkhart was a close game and Penn/Valpo was a close game, there is little reason to believe otherwise, especially with the New Prarie game for both teams. If CP makes it out of Sectional 1, then they will have to the winners of Sectional 2 for Sectional Finals, so Carroll, Elkhart, FW Northrop, or FW Snider. If CP is Sectional 1/2 Champion and moves on to Regionals, they will play the Sectional 3/4 Champion, so either Carmel, Harrison (West Lafayette), Westfield, Zionsville, Fishers, HSE, Homestead Noblesville. Last year, everyone thought CP would be out at Regionals, just like everyone thought that Brownsburg or Centergrove would go further. All those assumptions were wrong. In fact, CP dominated Regional game and Semi-state game, however, in the 2nd half they allowed way to many mistakes which allowed Penn and Westfield to get back into the game and make it too close for comfort. Hopefully, CP learned from the mistakes, and are stronger and better for it.

I’m not sure how the rest of the season will play out, but I think CP and Coach Buzea are ready to make some noise for the North. They’re hungry for it! If 

[temptation]

2 minutes ago, Jetackow said:

I have ZERO fight in the game. I love high school sports, but I think many schools, including smaller ones and those not based in Indy, like CP often get overlooked on this site

CP is much better than last year. Do you know how many current seniors are committed to playing D1 next year or how many juniors already have D1 offers? Maybe that’s something worth noting. It seems the stats of all the Indy teams, even the ones that aren’t doing great, are widely known. You both admit CP is good, yet they remain an unknown. Who exactly is better than CP in the North bracket, and what is that opinion based on? Judging by the posts, it’s clear there isn’t much familiarity with CP, despite their unexpected run at State last year. Is this lack of interest simply because "Indy is Indy?" Even the schools you claim aren't great in Indy manage to keep games close against these Indy powerhouse teams, who suddenly in week 8 is listed as number 5 and 6.

Yes, many 6A Indy (and surrounding area) teams are fantastic, and Indy has been the center of powerhouse football for at least two decades. It would be great if CP could play more regular season games against 6A Indy powerhouses. Unfortunately, the DAC isn't strong. But logistically, CP would have to travel two hours to face teams like Brownsburg, Center Grove, Carmel, Warren, and Westfield, and there's also the time zone difference. It even takes 1.5 hours just to get to Penn/Elkhart (and there is also a time zone difference there too)! Meanwhile, Indy teams have much shorter trips and remain in the same time zone. Hopefully, CP can schedule a good 6A opponent next season and make it work, and continue to make their schedule stronger. Just imagine the force they will be. Coach Buz took them to state after only being there for 3 years.

I admit, many 6A Indy teams are great and Indy has had the powerhouses for 2 decades now at least. It would be awesome if CP would have more regular season games against 6A teams, or some of the Indy powerhouses. The DAC is not great. But think about it, it takes 2 hours for CP to get to Brownsburg, Center Grove, Carmel, Westfield, LN,  and Warren - and there is also an hour time difference. Heck, it takes 1 1/2 hours to get from CP to Penn/Elkhart and there is an hour time difference as well. It takes the Indy teams generally less than an hour to get to each other and is in the same time zone. Hopefully, CP can add a game next season against another 6A team that will is good and make it work out.

This season, CP has had a running clock by halftime in all 8 games. CP’s 1st team defense has shut out opponents in the first half in 7 of those 8 games. The stats are impressive, especially considering the starters mostly only play the first half (sometimes just the first quarter). Often, both the starters and backups take a knee on extra points or focus on other aspects of the game instead of running up the score. CP has committed just one turnover (a fumble) and has thrown zero interceptions this season.

Here’s a look at CP’s 2024 season games:

• Lowell: 44-7
• Arizona College Preparatory: 42-7
• Merrillville: 46-13
• Lake Central: 42-14
• Portage: 58-20
• Valparaiso: 41-6
• LaPorte: 42-0
• Chesterton: 41-7

For comparison, here are some of CP’s "closer" games from 2023 along with Tournament games:

• Merrillville: 39-6
• Lake Central: 38-12
• Valparaiso: 19-14
• Chesterton: 21-7
• Lafayette Jefferson (Sectional Semi-Final): 42-10
• Lake Central (Sectional Championship): 42-7
• Penn (Regional): 34-33
• Westfield (Semi-State): 38-31
• Ben Davis (State): 38-10

Even with a weaker schedule, CP only lost to Ben Davis by 28 points in the State Championship last year. That was CP’s first-ever trip to State in football, and Coach Buzea was only in his 3rd season while battling cancer throughout his tenure as a coach during those 3 years at CP. Losing by 4 TDs in their first trip to State with a weaker schedule is pretty impressive, especially considering other teams that have been to State before have lost by similar margins.

Last year, CP only beat Valpo by 5 points. This year, CP beat Valpo by 35 points. Penn, who beat Valpo by 17 points last year, barely scraped by with a 7-point win this season. Penn is 6-2 this year, with losses to Mishawaka (7-27) and Elkhart (3-7). Both Elkhart and Penn played New Prairie—Elkhart won by 3, while Penn won by 17. If a Penn/CP game happens, I think it will be a good game, however, I think it will be a MUCH different game than it was last year. If the Penn/Elkhart was a close game and Penn/Valpo was a close game, there is little reason to believe otherwise, especially with the New Prarie game for both teams. If CP makes it out of Sectional 1, then they will have to the winners of Sectional 2 for Sectional Finals, so Carroll, Elkhart, FW Northrop, or FW Snider. If CP is Sectional 1/2 Champion and moves on to Regionals, they will play the Sectional 3/4 Champion, so either Carmel, Harrison (West Lafayette), Westfield, Zionsville, Fishers, HSE, Homestead Noblesville. Last year, everyone thought CP would be out at Regionals, just like everyone thought that Brownsburg or Centergrove would go further. All those assumptions were wrong. In fact, CP dominated Regional game and Semi-state game, however, in the 2nd half they allowed way to many mistakes which allowed Penn and Westfield to get back into the game and make it too close for comfort. Hopefully, CP learned from the mistakes, and are stronger and better for it.

I’m not sure how the rest of the season will play out, but I think CP and Coach Buzea are ready to make some noise for the North. They’re hungry for it! If 

“Even with a weaker schedule, CP only lost to Ben Davis by 28 points in the State Championship last year.”

LOFL.

[Jetackow]

29 minutes ago, temptation said:

“Even with a weaker schedule, CP only lost to Ben Davis by 28 points in the State Championship last year.”

LOFL.

LOFL is ALL you got out of all of that. You claim that while your an Indy guy it would be amazing for them to pull it off, yet you literally show zero zero inkling of wanting know know anything about them. 

[Jetackow]

36 minutes ago, temptation said:

“Even with a weaker schedule, CP only lost to Ben Davis by 28 points in the State Championship last year.”

LOFL.

Again, as you said earlier- Taking the IMG game out of the equation last year, BD won itsregular season games by an average of 30.1 points per game.

so cp actually did better than it’s average regular season opponents. 

[temptation]

21 minutes ago, Jetackow said:

LOFL is ALL you got out of all of that. You claim that while your an Indy guy it would be amazing for them to pull it off, yet you literally show zero zero inkling of wanting know know anything about them. 

It’s no fault of Crown Point’s whatsoever that I am leery of their ability to pull it off.

It’s an annual October GID tradition on here where a poster (or multiple posters) throw common sense and history to the wind and claim that “Insert non-Indy 6A north team here” is being disrespected and should actually be FAVORED against the best 6A team from the south.

If you go back and check my posting history, I have been adamant that I want parity in the 6A class and would love to see a non-Indy team pull it off, but I need to see it to believe it.  Hell, being competitive would actually be a good start. 

CP has some next level talent, maybe even enough to keep up with the teams mentioned frequently on this forum.  The difference is usually the fact that the Indy teams have MORE, along with the depth necessary to wear the other team out.

Crown Point plays a schedule that is currently outside of the top 50…you can’t blame me (and I’m not the only one who has pause, yet you chose to target me in your “manifesto”).

Serious question here. You mentioned the difficulty with CP playing teams from Indianapolis, but Chicago is right around the corner. Have they not tried or are there no teams from the Windy City and it’s suburbs available?

 

 

Edited October 12, 2024 by temptation

[RegionFBFan]

I’m aware of at least 3 D1 offers/commits on CP. QB committed to Miami OH, TE/LB B1G offers for LB, TE/ DE committed to either Miami OH or Ball St. There might be more but I know for sure.

Agree CP could bolster their non conference schedule and wouldn’t have to far to travel. They could and should play some of the Chicago area schools.

Whoever CP faces,  their opponent better be ready for a very physical brand of football on both sides of the ball for all 4 quarters.