6A Tournament: OFFICIAL Thread

[23andCounting]

33 minutes ago, BLACKGOLD2007 said:

What happened in the Carroll Westfield game?

Turnovers happened. Westfield won the turnover battle 4-0.

I'd say the two second half turnovers were a result of Westfeild's pressure on the QB. Kudos to them. And we knew the second half would be won by the Rocks, it's just the way they are build, solid run game, massive offensive line. Which is why it was really important for Carroll to take a 28-7 lead into halftime. Tied 7-7, the wet ball that slipped through the Charger receiver's hands into a Westfield DB at the Rock's 45 yard line didn't help matters. Then, up 14-7, on their way to an apparent 14 point lead, Carroll gives up a fumble at the Westfield 20 yard line. The rest is history. Westfield ties the game with 17 seconds left until halftime and receives to open the second half. At that point I knew Carroll was in trouble. 

I'm sure Penn fans can relate. They had their opportunity to put Carroll away, then that fumble at the 4 yard line late in the third happened. 

Many won't like my assessment, but when someone asks, I gotta tell it like a see it. 

[temptation]

48 minutes ago, 23andCounting said:

Turnovers happened. Westfield won the turnover battle 4-0.

I'd say the two second half turnovers were a result of Westfeild's pressure on the QB. Kudos to them. And we knew the second half would be won by the Rocks, it's just the way they are build, solid run game, massive offensive line. Which is why it was really important for Carroll to take a 28-7 lead into halftime. Tied 7-7, the wet ball that slipped through the Charger receiver's hands into a Westfield DB at the Rock's 45 yard line didn't help matters. Then, up 14-7, on their way to an apparent 14 point lead, Carroll gives up a fumble at the Westfield 20 yard line. The rest is history. Westfield ties the game with 17 seconds left until halftime and receives to open the second half. At that point I knew Carroll was in trouble. 

I'm sure Penn fans can relate. They had their opportunity to put Carroll away, then that fumble at the 4 yard line late in the third happened. 

Many won't like my assessment, but when someone asks, I gotta tell it like a see it. 

Ya see, and this is why I have trouble taking you seriously.  You give Westfield credit and then (in the very same breath) blame a "wet ball" and then choose the words "Carroll gives up a fumble."

Turnovers are a two-way street, no doubt but this is head scratching.

[Bash Riprock]

1 hour ago, 23andCounting said:

Turnovers happened. Westfield won the turnover battle 4-0.

I'd say the two second half turnovers were a result of Westfeild's pressure on the QB. Kudos to them. And we knew the second half would be won by the Rocks, it's just the way they are build, solid run game, massive offensive line. Which is why it was really important for Carroll to take a 28-7 lead into halftime. Tied 7-7, the wet ball that slipped through the Charger receiver's hands into a Westfield DB at the Rock's 45 yard line didn't help matters. Then, up 14-7, on their way to an apparent 14 point lead, Carroll gives up a fumble at the Westfield 20 yard line. The rest is history. Westfield ties the game with 17 seconds left until halftime and receives to open the second half. At that point I knew Carroll was in trouble. 

I'm sure Penn fans can relate. They had their opportunity to put Carroll away, then that fumble at the 4 yard line late in the third happened. 

Many won't like my assessment, but when someone asks, I gotta tell it like a see it. 

the ball "slipped" through a receiver's hands, into a DB's hands"?  The ball is wet for one and not the other?  Carroll gives up a fumble.  

Games boil down to execution....who makes less mistakes, who executes the game plan.  You make it sound like Carroll gave up the game....perhaps.  Perhaps they simple were outexecuted.  

Time to acknowledge the victor...shake hands and hope for another day.

[PDB26]

1 hour ago, 23andCounting said:

Turnovers happened. Westfield won the turnover battle 4-0.

I'd say the two second half turnovers were a result of Westfeild's pressure on the QB. Kudos to them. And we knew the second half would be won by the Rocks, it's just the way they are build, solid run game, massive offensive line. Which is why it was really important for Carroll to take a 28-7 lead into halftime. Tied 7-7, the wet ball that slipped through the Charger receiver's hands into a Westfield DB at the Rock's 45 yard line didn't help matters. Then, up 14-7, on their way to an apparent 14 point lead, Carroll gives up a fumble at the Westfield 20 yard line. The rest is history. Westfield ties the game with 17 seconds left until halftime and receives to open the second half. At that point I knew Carroll was in trouble. 

I'm sure Penn fans can relate. They had their opportunity to put Carroll away, then that fumble at the 4 yard line late in the third happened. 

Many won't like my assessment, but when someone asks, I gotta tell it like a see it. 

All I can relate to is that Carroll made a bunch of plays in the fourth quarter to win that game and Penn didn’t.

[23andCounting]

4 hours ago, temptation said:

Ya see, and this is why I have trouble taking you seriously.  You give Westfield credit and then (in the very same breath) blame a "wet ball" and then choose the words "Carroll gives up a fumble."

Turnovers are a two-way street, no doubt but this is head scratching.

That wasn't an easy catch to haul in with wet hands, you know that. I did feel that Carroll "gave up" the fumble at the 20 yard line. I felt he could have done a better job protecting it. On live TV, there was actually some question as to whether or not it was even a fumble, but they didn't really dive into replays to investigate it. All I know is that Carroll utterly sliced through Westfield like butter in the first half. Had it not been for the two turnovers, neither forced in my opinion, Carroll ends the half with 28 points. I really don't care if you take me serious or not. I love that I can come on here and say what I really feel without having to worry about "coach speak."

In the end, I felt that Westfield was the better team. I'm just pointing out that it was IMPERITIVE that Carroll go into halftime with the lead. They came out no huddle, moved the ball at will for two quarters. I just didn't see them sustaining that pace the entire game. Had they avoided the turnovers, they could have went into halftime with a 28-7 lead. Sorry that bothers you. 

[23andCounting]

4 hours ago, Bash Riprock said:

the ball "slipped" through a receiver's hands, into a DB's hands"?  The ball is wet for one and not the other?  Carroll gives up a fumble.  

Your smart, you know that rain favors the team running the ball, not the passing team. C'mon man. 

4 hours ago, Bash Riprock said:

Time to acknowledge the victor...shake hands and hope for another day.

Congrats to Westfield. Carroll put up a fight, but the better team won that night. 

Edited November 24, 2025 by 23andCounting

[temptation]

5 minutes ago, 23andCounting said:

That wasn't an easy catch to haul in with wet hands, you know that. I did feel that Carroll "gave up" the fumble at the 20 yard line. I felt he could have done a better job protecting it. On live TV, there was actually some question as to whether or not it was even a fumble, but they didn't really dive into replays to investigate it. All I know is that Carroll utterly sliced through Westfield like butter in the first half. Had it not been for the two turnovers, neither forced in my opinion, Carroll ends the half with 28 points. I really don't care if you take me serious or not. I love that I can come on here and say what I really feel without having to worry about "coach speak."

In the end, I felt that Westfield was the better team. I'm just pointing out that it was IMPERITIVE that Carroll go into halftime with the lead. They came out no huddle, moved the ball at will for two quarters. I just didn't see them sustaining that pace the entire game. Had they avoided the turnovers, they could have went into halftime with a 28-7 lead. Sorry that bothers you. 

Doesn’t “bother me”.  You both sided this contest before kickoff and had both narratives in the chamber ready to go.

I’ll answer for you.  No, Carroll was not in in the discussion for the state title this season…unless Westfield happens to somehow blow out Brownsburg this weekend.

Edited November 24, 2025 by temptation

[23andCounting]

4 minutes ago, temptation said:

I’ll answer for you.  

Thanks.

[FastpacedO]

1 hour ago, 23andCounting said:

 I did feel that Carroll "gave up" the fumble at the 20 yard line. I felt he could have done a better job protecting it. On live TV, there was actually some question as to whether or not it was even a fumble, but they didn't really dive into replays to investigate it.

On the flip side of that coin it can be determined that Westfield forced the player to fumble the ball. Live TV showing replay wouldn't have mattered. There are no replays to overturn calls in Indiana High School football and the call was fumble recovered by Westfield. It is what it is.

[Bash Riprock]

3 hours ago, 23andCounting said:

Your smart, you know that rain favors the team running the ball, not the passing team. C'mon man. 

Congrats to Westfield. Carroll put up a fight, but the better team won that night. 

So rain doesn’t benefit the receiver, but it benefits the DB who made the play??  
 

Carroll had a great season. Just ran into a team that played a little better on that night. Celebrate a regional champ in 6A. No easy accomplishment!! Great season!! 

[23andCounting]

1 hour ago, FastpacedO said:

On the flip side of that coin it can be determined that Westfield forced the player to fumble the ball. Live TV showing replay wouldn't have mattered. There are no replays to overturn calls in Indiana High School football and the call was fumble recovered by Westfield. It is what it is.

Just watched the replay. Definitely a fumble. Receiver was taken down from behind. Defender wrapped him, right arm swung around and could have been an intentional attempt to dislodge the ball. Either way, good play for Westfield and probably the turning point of the game. Instead of Carroll being 25 yards from going up 21-7 (likely the way they were moving the ball in the first half), the Rocks go down and tie it with 17 seconds remaining. 

[23andCounting]

4 minutes ago, Bash Riprock said:

So rain doesn’t benefit the receiver, but it benefits the DB who made the play??  
 

Carroll had a great season. Just ran into a team that played a little better on that night. Celebrate a regional champ in 6A. No easy accomplishment!! Great season!! 

Yes. Easy catch for the DB, landed right into the bread basket after slipping through the wet receiver's hands on a high throw. 

Look, you guys brag about Central Indiana and rub into our faces how bad the North is every year. So what if I point out that a few errors made by Carroll cost them a potential 28-7 lead. Who cares, you guys won..........again. No one in Central Indiana wants parity. Total domination in 6A is what you want, and you've got it. Congrats. "Great season"......"celebrate," bla bla bla. No one wants that moral victory bull crap. 

 

[temptation]

17 minutes ago, 23andCounting said:

Yes. Easy catch for the DB, landed right into the bread basket after slipping through the wet receiver's hands on a high throw. 

Look, you guys brag about Central Indiana and rub into our faces how bad the North is every year. So what if I point out that a few errors made by Carroll cost them a potential 28-7 lead. Who cares, you guys won..........again. No one in Central Indiana wants parity. Total domination in 6A is what you want, and you've got it. Congrats. "Great season"......"celebrate," bla bla bla. No one wants that moral victory bull crap. 

 

False.

[Rodney]

Hey now

 

I was rooting for carroll

[Yuccaguy]

1 hour ago, 23andCounting said:

Yes. Easy catch for the DB, landed right into the bread basket after slipping through the wet receiver's hands on a high throw. 

Look, you guys brag about Central Indiana and rub into our faces how bad the North is every year. So what if I point out that a few errors made by Carroll cost them a potential 28-7 lead. Who cares, you guys won..........again. No one in Central Indiana wants parity. Total domination in 6A is what you want, and you've got it. Congrats. "Great season"......"celebrate," bla bla bla. No one wants that moral victory bull crap. 

 

Why would "parity" not benefit Central Indiana?  

You are looking at the situation COMPETELY wrong.  Central Indiana is the standard bearer with regard to FB in most of 5A and so far the past decade in 6A.  It does nothing for them to 'level up' to Northern IN.  It does EVERYTHING for Northern IN to 'level up' to Central Indiana.  

Northern IN doesn't deserve to get a "participation trophy acceptation" in order to get to level of the HCC or MIC.  They need to play stronger competition as well as play those in the HCC and MIC on their 'open weeks'.  

[23andCounting]

1 hour ago, Rodney said:

Hey now

 

I was rooting for carroll

Of course, that's your school. 

[FastpacedO]

13 hours ago, 23andCounting said:

Just watched the replay. Definitely a fumble. Receiver was taken down from behind. Defender wrapped him, right arm swung around and could have been an intentional attempt to dislodge the ball. Either way, good play for Westfield and probably the turning point of the game. Instead of Carroll being 25 yards from going up 21-7 (likely the way they were moving the ball in the first half), the Rocks go down and tie it with 17 seconds remaining. 

That is what Westfield has done all year. Solid sound defense, run the football and throw if needed.

Carmel got Westfield in week 2 of the season. Carmel was much improved and they threw up 34 points against Westfield.

Since week 2 the most points given up by Westfield was 21 against Avon. Avon despite their 6-5 record could score some points (they racked up 47 points against rival Brownsburg). Even Brownsburg who has been able to score at will on anyone was held to their lowest point total "14" against Westfield. Westfield gives up yardage and some plays and sometimes it takes a few for the defense to figure out what the offense is doing, but eventually they make adjustments force a turnover or create a stop and they play really well in the second half of games defensively.

In all honesty for the best possible competitive 6A State Championship game it is probably best to have Brownsburg playing Westfield. Westfield IMHO has the best shot at slowing Brownsburg's Offense and possible sneaking out a win. I think Carroll (FW) is a fantastic team with some great players but I think they would have been way over matched if they were to play Brownsburg. I mean that as no slight to Carroll but more to how good Brownsburg has looked all year.

Outside of a 14-10 win at Westfield and the 55-47 win at Avon (can't stress enough some don't understand how bitter this rivalry is as the towns are next to each other), Brownsburg has looked to be unchallenged. The only team I think can challenge them is Westfield because 1.) they play terrific defense and run the ball well 2.) they are very familiar with Brownsburg. Any other team I think would have been doomed before stepping foot into Lucas Oil Stadium. 

 

[gonzoron]

2 hours ago, FastpacedO said:

That is what Westfield has done all year. Solid sound defense, run the football and throw if needed.

Carmel got Westfield in week 2 of the season. Carmel was much improved and they threw up 34 points against Westfield.

Since week 2 the most points given up by Westfield was 21 against Avon. Avon despite their 6-5 record could score some points (they racked up 47 points against rival Brownsburg). Even Brownsburg who has been able to score at will on anyone was held to their lowest point total "14" against Westfield. Westfield gives up yardage and some plays and sometimes it takes a few for the defense to figure out what the offense is doing, but eventually they make adjustments force a turnover or create a stop and they play really well in the second half of games defensively.

In all honesty for the best possible competitive 6A State Championship game it is probably best to have Brownsburg playing Westfield. Westfield IMHO has the best shot at slowing Brownsburg's Offense and possible sneaking out a win. I think Carroll (FW) is a fantastic team with some great players but I think they would have been way over matched if they were to play Brownsburg. I mean that as no slight to Carroll but more to how good Brownsburg has looked all year.

Outside of a 14-10 win at Westfield and the 55-47 win at Avon (can't stress enough some don't understand how bitter this rivalry is as the towns are next to each other), Brownsburg has looked to be unchallenged. The only team I think can challenge them is Westfield because 1.) they play terrific defense and run the ball well 2.) they are very familiar with Brownsburg. Any other team I think would have been doomed before stepping foot into Lucas Oil Stadium. 

 

Carroll could possibly be a top 10 5A team.

[temptation]

6 hours ago, gonzoron said:

Carroll could possibly be a top 10 5A team.

A bit too far.

[23andCounting]

10 hours ago, FastpacedO said:

That is what Westfield has done all year. Solid sound defense, run the football and throw if needed.

Carmel got Westfield in week 2 of the season. Carmel was much improved and they threw up 34 points against Westfield.

Since week 2 the most points given up by Westfield was 21 against Avon. Avon despite their 6-5 record could score some points (they racked up 47 points against rival Brownsburg). Even Brownsburg who has been able to score at will on anyone was held to their lowest point total "14" against Westfield. Westfield gives up yardage and some plays and sometimes it takes a few for the defense to figure out what the offense is doing, but eventually they make adjustments force a turnover or create a stop and they play really well in the second half of games defensively.

In all honesty for the best possible competitive 6A State Championship game it is probably best to have Brownsburg playing Westfield. Westfield IMHO has the best shot at slowing Brownsburg's Offense and possible sneaking out a win. I think Carroll (FW) is a fantastic team with some great players but I think they would have been way over matched if they were to play Brownsburg. I mean that as no slight to Carroll but more to how good Brownsburg has looked all year.

Outside of a 14-10 win at Westfield and the 55-47 win at Avon (can't stress enough some don't understand how bitter this rivalry is as the towns are next to each other), Brownsburg has looked to be unchallenged. The only team I think can challenge them is Westfield because 1.) they play terrific defense and run the ball well 2.) they are very familiar with Brownsburg. Any other team I think would have been doomed before stepping foot into Lucas Oil Stadium. 

 

Haven't seen much of Brownsburg, presuming they beat you down with their offensive line? From what I've seen, that's what Westfield is good at. Carroll had to play a flawless game to beat Westfield, and they didn't. Not many teams do. I'd agree that Carroll would have their hands full with Brownsburg. Same scenario. Play lights out, nearly error free, and maybe have a chance. 

[Rodney]

I am willing to cede that the HCC is competitive in 6a 

(3 state championships in 25 years [including the one happening this week])

Thats the bar though

until then nobody else is catching up and there is no gap closing

[FastpacedO]

13 hours ago, 23andCounting said:

Haven't seen much of Brownsburg, presuming they beat you down with their offensive line? From what I've seen, that's what Westfield is good at. Carroll had to play a flawless game to beat Westfield, and they didn't. Not many teams do. I'd agree that Carroll would have their hands full with Brownsburg. Same scenario. Play lights out, nearly error free, and maybe have a chance. 

 Brownsburg has an elite Offensive Line but it isn't just about beating you up with their O-line. You come into the game thinking they are just going to pound you with their O-line and run the ball and the coaches and opposing team will be stunned when Sharpe with his outstanding speed runs by your secondary for multiple long TD's. Cathedral had a very solid defense (as witnessed in the New Pal Cathedral game) Sharpe had 8 receptions for 237 yds 2 TD's against Cathedral

They run 3 terrific running backs at you Senior Jobe (1,483 yds 20 TD), Junior Lewis (709 yds 9 TD), Senior Sumpterbey (622 yds 6 TD). They have an excellent Junior QB in Frye who doesn't make many bad throws (2,366 yds passing 28 TD's 2 Int). They have an elite WR Junior WR in Sharpe (992 yards 12 TD) and another terrific WR Robinson (652 yds 6 TD). Defensively there isn't just one name that stands out they have a collective group that plays very well together. The best quality about their defense is their defense knows their Offense is going to put up points so they get aggressive and take chances 9 times out of 10 their defense makes a play on those chances.

[23andCounting]

1 hour ago, FastpacedO said:

 Brownsburg has an elite Offensive Line but it isn't just about beating you up with their O-line. You come into the game thinking they are just going to pound you with their O-line and run the ball and the coaches and opposing team will be stunned when Sharpe with his outstanding speed runs by your secondary for multiple long TD's. Cathedral had a very solid defense (as witnessed in the New Pal Cathedral game) Sharpe had 8 receptions for 237 yds 2 TD's against Cathedral

They run 3 terrific running backs at you Senior Jobe (1,483 yds 20 TD), Junior Lewis (709 yds 9 TD), Senior Sumpterbey (622 yds 6 TD). They have an excellent Junior QB in Frye who doesn't make many bad throws (2,366 yds passing 28 TD's 2 Int). They have an elite WR Junior WR in Sharpe (992 yards 12 TD) and another terrific WR Robinson (652 yds 6 TD). Defensively there isn't just one name that stands out they have a collective group that plays very well together. The best quality about their defense is their defense knows their Offense is going to put up points so they get aggressive and take chances 9 times out of 10 their defense makes a play on those chances.

Honestly, I don't see much gap in speed and athleticism between a school of 2000 and one of 3500. The big difference is the size of the kids on the offensive line, especially home grown kids in the suburbs. Winning 6A starts with the offensive line, the rest will follow. A good offensive = impressive QB, WR, and RB stats. 

I think a team like Brownsburg punishes you with coaching and precision. When they take the field, they don't look much different than 10 other teams in my opinion. Same with Center Grove. The execution is top notch. 

[BLACKGOLD2007]

On 11/24/2025 at 9:05 AM, 23andCounting said:

Turnovers happened. Westfield won the turnover battle 4-0.

I'd say the two second half turnovers were a result of Westfeild's pressure on the QB. Kudos to them. And we knew the second half would be won by the Rocks, it's just the way they are build, solid run game, massive offensive line. Which is why it was really important for Carroll to take a 28-7 lead into halftime. Tied 7-7, the wet ball that slipped through the Charger receiver's hands into a Westfield DB at the Rock's 45 yard line didn't help matters. Then, up 14-7, on their way to an apparent 14 point lead, Carroll gives up a fumble at the Westfield 20 yard line. The rest is history. Westfield ties the game with 17 seconds left until halftime and receives to open the second half. At that point I knew Carroll was in trouble. 

I'm sure Penn fans can relate. They had their opportunity to put Carroll away, then that fumble at the 4 yard line late in the third happened. 

Many won't like my assessment, but when someone asks, I gotta tell it like a see it. 

Yes as Carroll let the game go through their hands as did Penn in the Carroll game. However, Carroll was hitting big plays on O and D left and right during that game. 

[BLACKGOLD2007]

17 hours ago, temptation said:

A bit too far.

Wait, this is likely sarcasm, but I haven't been on here much this week...

We think Carroll would not be a top 2 or 3 team in 5A?

Like New Pal will be playing 6A ball soon, but I don't think there is anyone in 5A north that is stopping Carroll... Especially Merrillville.