Merrillville 2025

[23andCounting]

Coach Brad Seiss boasts an impressive 63-13 record since 2019. Six sectional titles in six seasons. Five regional titles. There's not many coaches in the state of Indiana who can boast that kind of resume. Making this record even more impressive is that they did it in 6A for three seasons and 5A for three seasons. But.............no state title appearances and a disappointing 0-5 at the semi-state level. Not really wanting to add fuel to the fire, but their closest contest during that time was a 17pt defeat to Warsaw last season. I'm really wanting this program to get over the hump. Not only for Seiss and his players, but for the entire community. They support this program and travel very well to watch their kids play ball. If there's a program that deserves a trip to Lucas Oil, the Pirates fit the bill pretty well. Who's standing in there way in 2025? Valpo, Warsaw, maybe even North Side? One can only presume, based on prior years success, that this team is heading toward another double digit win season. 

[First_Backer_Inside]

On 4/14/2025 at 2:04 PM, 23andCounting said:

Coach Brad Seiss boasts an impressive 63-13 record since 2019. Six sectional titles in six seasons. Five regional titles. There's not many coaches in the state of Indiana who can boast that kind of resume. Making this record even more impressive is that they did it in 6A for three seasons and 5A for three seasons. But.............no state title appearances and a disappointing 0-5 at the semi-state level. Not really wanting to add fuel to the fire, but their closest contest during that time was a 17pt defeat to Warsaw last season. I'm really wanting this program to get over the hump. Not only for Seiss and his players, but for the entire community. They support this program and travel very well to watch their kids play ball. If there's a program that deserves a trip to Lucas Oil, the Pirates fit the bill pretty well. Who's standing in there way in 2025? Valpo, Warsaw, maybe even North Side? One can only presume, based on prior years success, that this team is heading toward another double digit win season. 

Yes sir, another winning season is a given. Another sectional too! Another regional as well! And then another exit in the semi-state...but they only lose by 16 pts this time!

[CoachMack219]

1 hour ago, First_Backer_Inside said:

Yes sir, another winning season is a given. Another sectional too! Another regional as well! And then another exit in the semi-state...but they only lose by 16 pts this time!

I would not count out the Valparaiso Vikings on April 16th so lets not pass out the Regional Trophy just yet. Lol I would be shocked if Merrillville isn't the "favorite" but Valpo is 2-4 against Merrillville from 2022- today and 2 of those losses were last season. Vikings are due for a shocking win. Lol 

[First_Backer_Inside]

1 minute ago, CoachMack219 said:

I would not count out the Valparaiso Vikings on April 16th so lets not pass out the Regional Trophy just yet. Lol I would be shocked if Merrillville isn't the "favorite" but Valpo is 2-4 against Merrillville from 2022- today and 2 of those losses were last season. Vikings are due for a shocking win. Lol 

I've been impressed with Valpo's physicality last couple of years. Wouldn't be surprised if they do beat Merrillville. I just like to troll Merrillville fans.  

[23andCounting]

6 hours ago, First_Backer_Inside said:

I just like to troll Merrillville fans.  

Fans or fan? Parkhurst is a tool for sure. Having one guy going to the NFL is "more important" than winning a state title, lol . 

In a day and age where fan support on the road is almost embarrassing, I've gotta give props to how the Merrillville community supports their program on long road trips. That fan base showed up in Fort Wayne in 2023. I wish them the best. 

[Bobref]

There’s an awful lot to admire about the Merrillville program. It’s unfortunate that some people can’t see past a single deranged Pirate fan and appreciate all the accomplishments of Coach Seiss and his staff. They’ve done a great job.

[23andCounting]

3 hours ago, Bobref said:

There’s an awful lot to admire about the Merrillville program. It’s unfortunate that some people can’t see past a single deranged Pirate fan and appreciate all the accomplishments of Coach Seiss and his staff. They’ve done a great job.

Couldn't agree more. For every three great fans of EVERY fan base, there's one idiot. I may be off on my numbers, but I think my point is taken. Now that Brad Seiss is playing other program's in Merrillville's weight class, it's just a matter of time before they get a state title. 

[scarab527]

They’ll have a shot in 5A every year that Cathedral isn’t in it. If Seiss stays around long enough, they’ll break through eventually. 

Edited April 18 by scarab527

[psaboy]

On 4/14/2025 at 2:04 PM, 23andCounting said:

Coach Brad Seiss boasts an impressive 63-13 record since 2019. Six sectional titles in six seasons. Five regional titles. There's not many coaches in the state of Indiana who can boast that kind of resume. Making this record even more impressive is that they did it in 6A for three seasons and 5A for three seasons. But.............no state title appearances and a disappointing 0-5 at the semi-state level. Not really wanting to add fuel to the fire, but their closest contest during that time was a 17pt defeat to Warsaw last season. I'm really wanting this program to get over the hump. Not only for Seiss and his players, but for the entire community. They support this program and travel very well to watch their kids play ball. If there's a program that deserves a trip to Lucas Oil, the Pirates fit the bill pretty well. Who's standing in there way in 2025? Valpo, Warsaw, maybe even North Side? One can only presume, based on prior years success, that this team is heading toward another double digit win season. 

North Side, no. 

Edited April 19 by psaboy

[23andCounting]

10 hours ago, psaboy said:

North Side, no. 

You never know. They have a passionate coaching staff and are only three years removed from a team that was capable of winning the 5A title. 

[psaboy]

On 4/14/2025 at 2:04 PM, 23andCounting said:

Coach Brad Seiss boasts an impressive 63-13 record since 2019. Six sectional titles in six seasons. Five regional titles. There's not many coaches in the state of Indiana who can boast that kind of resume. Making this record even more impressive is that they did it in 6A for three seasons and 5A for three seasons. But.............no state title appearances and a disappointing 0-5 at the semi-state level. Not really wanting to add fuel to the fire, but their closest contest during that time was a 17pt defeat to Warsaw last season. I'm really wanting this program to get over the hump. Not only for Seiss and his players, but for the entire community. They support this program and travel very well to watch their kids play ball. If there's a program that deserves a trip to Lucas Oil, the Pirates fit the bill pretty well. Who's standing in there way in 2025? Valpo, Warsaw, maybe even North Side? One can only presume, based on prior years success, that this team is heading toward another double digit win season. 

This would be the year for them, next year Snider will drop back down to 5A and they live rent free in the Pirates head. 

[23andCounting]

1 hour ago, psaboy said:

This would be the year for them, next year Snider will drop back down to 5A and they live rent free in the Pirates head. 

Maybe, maybe not. 

Merrillville has a chance with Snider in 5A. That gets slimmer with Cathedral in there. They never had any kind of chance at the 6A level. A school with an enrollment of 2400 has a very slim chance, let alone Merrillville at 2050. If Seiss continues what he's doing, he'll have a state title within 5 years. 

[Sparty]

7 hours ago, 23andCounting said:

Maybe, maybe not. 

Merrillville has a chance with Snider in 5A. That gets slimmer with Cathedral in there. They never had any kind of chance at the 6A level. A school with an enrollment of 2400 has a very slim chance, let alone Merrillville at 2050. If Seiss continues what he's doing, he'll have a state title within 5 years. 

At Merrillville or another school?

[23andCounting]

18 minutes ago, Sparty said:

At Merrillville or another school?

Well, I can't speak of what he may or may not do at an undisclosed future program. 

[Boilernation]

On 4/16/2025 at 4:33 PM, 23andCounting said:

Fans or fan? Parkhurst is a tool for sure. Having one guy going to the NFL is "more important" than winning a state title, lol . 

In a day and age where fan support on the road is almost embarrassing, I've gotta give props to how the Merrillville community supports their program on long road trips. That fan base showed up in Fort Wayne in 2023. I wish them the best. 

Haha. I'm not on Facebook and don't follow Parkhurst. Is he now claiming that Grant going in the 1st Round is more important than winning a State Title? That dude doesn't disappoint with his takes. 

Merrillville is an astounding 0-10 in Semi State matchups as the Semi-State round didn't exist when the Pirates won state in the '70's. I agree with many on here that at some point I think they'll break through if Seiss stays and Cathedral isn't in 5A. 

[23andCounting]

 

1 minute ago, Boilernation said:

Haha. I'm not on Facebook and don't follow Parkhurst. Is he now claiming that Grant going in the 1st Round is more important than winning a State Title? That dude doesn't disappoint with his takes. 

Merrillville is an astounding 0-10 in Semi State matchups as the Semi-State round didn't exist when the Pirates won state in the '70's. I agree with many on here that at some point I think they'll break through if Seiss stays and Cathedral isn't in 5A. 

It might have been after the Warsaw game. He said it was "more important" to have a guy like Grant playing at a high level at Michigan vs an entire team winning a state championship. Yeah, pretty comical. 

[CoachMack219]

On 4/23/2025 at 6:32 PM, 23andCounting said:

 

It might have been after the Warsaw game. He said it was "more important" to have a guy like Grant playing at a high level at Michigan vs an entire team winning a state championship. Yeah, pretty comical. 

While it is REALLY cool he went in round 1 last night and I believe is the first "Region" guy drafted in the 1st round in like 60ish years, this is about as Parkhurst as Parkhurst gets... Lol 

[23andCounting]

1 hour ago, CoachMack219 said:

While it is REALLY cool he went in round 1 last night and I believe is the first "Region" guy drafted in the 1st round in like 60ish years, this is about as Parkhurst as Parkhurst gets... Lol 

Yeah, that's what makes it "comical." I like the guy. I love his passion for the high school game. But damn. One guy going pro better than 50 kids getting a championship ring? For some reason I just can't get on board with that line of thought. 

[scarab527]

Parkhurst will cope in just about any way he can when the Pirates lose. 

After Valpo won state in 2022, he was trying to say the Pirates' run of 5 semistate appearances in a row was more impressive. Kid isn't all there. 

[23andCounting]

13 hours ago, scarab527 said:

Parkhurst will cope in just about any way he can when the Pirates lose. 

After Valpo won state in 2022, he was trying to say the Pirates' run of 5 semistate appearances in a row was more impressive. Kid isn't all there. 

When did that happen?

[Yuccaguy]

Coach Seiss is fantastic, and an absolute benefit to IN HS Football.   I would not ever say anything disparaging about the things he has brought to the "game".  This also goes with Coach Busea at Crown Point!

These are programs that are "Region based" and on the cusp of breaking out towards a State Finals... If not a State Championship in the ensuing years.  Anyone who is a Northerner would love for a Championship in the top 2 Classes to head beyond US24 (Fort Wayne also) ....  Let's be honest.

As an official, I don't care who wins.  As a fan, I moved and live above US24. 

I delve into the Indy Area on a frequent basis to officiate.  I just want and need the programs in the "North" to show on a consistent basis, that they are capable of competing at the highest of levels within IN HS Football.  

In all actuality, It kind of harkens to the SEC/Big 10 issues of the past 10+ years.  At this point the Big 10 has figured things out, and are now absolutely on par...if not better than the SEC.   I can easily see that happening within IN HS Football soon.  

[Sparty]

19 minutes ago, Yuccaguy said:

Coach Seiss is fantastic, and an absolute benefit to IN HS Football.   I would not ever say anything disparaging about the things he has brought to the "game".  This also goes with Coach Busea at Crown Point!

These are programs that are "Region based" and on the cusp of breaking out towards a State Finals... If not a State Championship in the ensuing years.  Anyone who is a Northerner would love for a Championship in the top 2 Classes to head beyond US24 (Fort Wayne also) ....  Let's be honest.

As an official, I don't care who wins.  As a fan, I moved and live above US24. 

I delve into the Indy Area on a frequent basis to officiate.  I just want and need the programs in the "North" to show on a consistent basis, that they are capable of competing at the highest of levels within IN HS Football.  

In all actuality, It kind of harkens to the SEC/Big 10 issues of the past 10+ years.  At this point the Big 10 has figured things out, and are now absolutely on par...if not better than the SEC.   I can easily see that happening within IN HS Football soon.  

GREAT post

*Buzea

[Komets2727]

On 4/19/2025 at 7:01 AM, 23andCounting said:

You never know. They have a passionate coaching staff and are only three years removed from a team that was capable of winning the 5A title. 

“Passionate” coaching staff at North Side? Wow, that is an interesting word to describe that dumpster fire…

[23andCounting]

1 hour ago, Komets2727 said:

“Passionate” coaching staff at North Side? Wow, that is an interesting word to describe that dumpster fire…

You don't think one can be passionate and running a dumpster fire at the same time?

[Komets2727]

On 5/19/2025 at 9:01 PM, 23andCounting said:

You don't think one can be passionate and running a dumpster fire at the same time?

No