5A Tournament: OFFICIAL Thread

[SIR IRISH]

3 hours ago, FastpacedO said:

Plainfield was solid not great. The game went about how I thought it would go just basing off Plainfield's performance against Decatur Central and Whiteland. I just really felt like New Palestine was going to control and dominate that game.

As for Cathedral at New Palestine. If Cathedral is as healthy as they can get they can make a game of it, but it will be an uphill battle and they need to play pretty well especially at Kelso Stadium. Both defenses are pretty good and equal, I will give New Pal the advantage Offensively, and Cathedral the advantage in Special Teams. Should make for a great Sectional Championship (although I would prefer to see it at a Semi-State or State game. 

I agree, Plainfield was pretty good.  New Pal has played nobody so I am not sure how to measure them.  I know this makes no difference and has no bearing on the game but New Pal's Freshman team was supposed to be the best Freshman team in the state and the best team Ralph said he has ever had at NP and the Cathedral Freshman dismantled them.  My point, I dont know what to expect.  If Cathedral can sustain some long drives and keep their D off the field all night I really like Cathedral's chances.  Let'ds dont forget the guantlet of a schedule Cathedral has, they are used to playing very good teams.  New Pal has not faced a team this year like Cathedral.  Should be a good competitive game.

2 minutes ago, SIR IRISH said:

I agree, Plainfield was pretty good.  New Pal has played nobody so I am not sure how to measure them.  I know this makes no difference and has no bearing on the game but New Pal's Freshman team was supposed to be the best Freshman team in the state and the best team Ralph said he has ever had at NP and the Cathedral Freshman dismantled them.  My point, I dont know what to expect.  If Cathedral can sustain some long drives and keep their D off the field all night I really like Cathedral's chances.  Let's dont forget the guantlet of a schedule Cathedral has, they are used to playing very good teams.  New Pal has not faced a team this year like Cathedral.  Should be a good competitive game.

 

[Komets2727]

If this is a close game, I like Cathedral to win, if it is a blowout, New Pal wins

[temptation]

1 hour ago, SIR IRISH said:

I agree, Plainfield was pretty good.  New Pal has played nobody so I am not sure how to measure them.  I know this makes no difference and has no bearing on the game but New Pal's Freshman team was supposed to be the best Freshman team in the state and the best team Ralph said he has ever had at NP and the Cathedral Freshman dismantled them.  My point, I dont know what to expect.  If Cathedral can sustain some long drives and keep their D off the field all night I really like Cathedral's chances.  Let'ds dont forget the guantlet of a schedule Cathedral has, they are used to playing very good teams.  New Pal has not faced a team this year like Cathedral.  Should be a good competitive game.

 

Decatur Central, Pendleton Heights and Yorktown are not pushovers, nor is Plainfield.

I feel like this is said annually about New Pal and they prove this narrative wrong more often than not.

[SIR IRISH]

25 minutes ago, temptation said:

Decatur Central, Pendleton Heights and Yorktown are not pushovers, nor is Plainfield.

I feel like this is said annually about New Pal and they prove this narrative wrong more often than not.

Well, we shall see.  PH and Yorktown have also played schools like Anderson which Cathedrals freshman team could beat.  

[FastpacedO]

21 minutes ago, temptation said:

Decatur Central, Pendleton Heights and Yorktown are not pushovers, nor is Plainfield.

I feel like this is said annually about New Pal and they prove this narrative wrong more often than not.

When I say Plainfield was solid and the game went about how I expected with New Pal, I meant that Plainfield wasn't quite up to a competition level of New Pal. Plainfield has struggled with Decatur Central over the last couple of years and New Pal is better than DC and a lot more disciplined.

Not all the teams on New Pal's schedule are pushovers. I don't think it really matters who New Pal is playing. They have shown over the years under Coach Ralph they really don't play up or down to their competition. They play very disciplined and control their own play. If they are light years better than a team they will blow them out. If they are on par with the team they play they do well in a tight game. They are very well coached and run their scheme's very well, they have had some years they have been young but still play very well. I have also seen some try to use the (they have 2 way players) but Coach Ralph keeps them very well conditioned knowing they have 2 way players. They will be strong and smart.

Looking over Cathedral's schedule I would put New Pal on par with Chatard, Center Grove (considering the CG injuries), and Covington Catholic. They are slightly below St. Xavier and above Ben Davis (at least this year) and Warren Central. I wouldn't put them on Brownsburg level of good, but not many teams are this year. I also will say Trotwood-Madison is a lot more athletic than New Pal but not as disciplined as New Pal. I think Covington Catholic and Chatard is a perfect comparison to New Pal. 

Regardless you are going to see a very well disciplined and conditioned New Pal team. They run their schemes very well and will be strong and physical. Both the Irish and Dragons defenses are pretty darn good. So if each teams defense plays to their best and their offenses don't make costly mistakes it will be an excellent game.

[SIR IRISH]

5 minutes ago, FastpacedO said:

When I say Plainfield was solid and the game went about how I expected with New Pal, I meant that Plainfield wasn't quite up to a competition level of New Pal. Plainfield has struggled with Decatur Central over the last couple of years and New Pal is better than DC and a lot more disciplined.

Not all the teams on New Pal's schedule are pushovers. I don't think it really matters who New Pal is playing. They have shown over the years under Coach Ralph they really don't play up or down to their competition. They play very disciplined and control their own play. If they are light years better than a team they will blow them out. If they are on par with the team they play they do well in a tight game. They are very well coached and run their scheme's very well, they have had some years they have been young but still play very well. I have also seen some try to use the (they have 2 way players) but Coach Ralph keeps them very well conditioned knowing they have 2 way players. They will be strong and smart.

Looking over Cathedral's schedule I would put New Pal on par with Chatard, Center Grove (considering the CG injuries), and Covington Catholic. They are slightly below St. Xavier and above Ben Davis (at least this year) and Warren Central. I wouldn't put them on Brownsburg level of good, but not many teams are this year. I also will say Trotwood-Madison is a lot more athletic than New Pal but not as disciplined as New Pal. I think Covington Catholic and Chatard is a perfect comparison to New Pal. 

Regardless you are going to see a very well disciplined and conditioned New Pal team. They run their schemes very well and will be strong and physical. Both the Irish and Dragons defenses are pretty darn good. So if each teams defense plays to their best and their offenses don't make costly mistakes it will be an excellent game.

I agree with everything you said.  Ralph is a great coach and always has his boys ready to play.  I expect a close competitive game.  

[temptation]

42 minutes ago, SIR IRISH said:

Well, we shall see.  PH and Yorktown have also played schools like Anderson which Cathedrals freshman team could beat.  

And Cathedral played Southport, who PH and Yorktown’s freshmen could hang with.

[Rodney]

1 hour ago, temptation said:

And Cathedral played Southport, who PH and Yorktown’s freshmen could hang with.

But apparently not tech

[23andCounting]

5 hours ago, FastpacedO said:

I have also seen some try to use the (they have 2 way players) but Coach Ralph keeps them very well conditioned knowing they have 2 way players. They will be strong and smart.

That's really the only way a school that size can compete with 6A teams. I think it would be hard for a school of 1500 to match 22 players up against the mega schools. Most teams that play the two way players gas out by the end, which is why most coaches don't do it. Somehow Ralph gets his 2-way guys to play four quarters. It's impressive.

Will there be a free link to the game? 

[PHJIrish]

Cathedral ended up with a Sagarin SOS of 14, and that includes three out of state games that don't count and games against Southport and Anderson.  That means the rest of their schedule was really good.  It will be a fun night Friday, that's for sure!

[SMAUG]

1 hour ago, 23andCounting said:

That's really the only way a school that size can compete with 6A teams. I think it would be hard for a school of 1500 to match 22 players up against the mega schools. Most teams that play the two way players gas out by the end, which is why most coaches don't do it. Somehow Ralph gets his 2-way guys to play four quarters. It's impressive.

Will there be a free link to the game? 

We could not compete with the big boys through a 9 week schedule as injuries would take their toll.  Our student population is 1200, and most importantly remember our kids “earn the right to play on both sides for four quarters” - we are a little old-fashioned.  Not certain who is televising but I am certainly excited for the rematch!

[LC_Bears_04]

12 hours ago, BLACKGOLD2007 said:

Is this the 5A state title game, New Pal v Cathedral?

Absolutely.

[FastpacedO]

12 hours ago, 23andCounting said:

That's really the only way a school that size can compete with 6A teams. I think it would be hard for a school of 1500 to match 22 players up against the mega schools. Most teams that play the two way players gas out by the end, which is why most coaches don't do it. Somehow Ralph gets his 2-way guys to play four quarters. It's impressive.

Will there be a free link to the game? 

I agree with what you've stated. I would say Coach Ralph has had to play less 2 way players than when he first took over the job as the roster has probably grown @crimsonace1would be able to tell more about that. Coach Ralph has always had a great sense that his teams have had to be very good conditioning wise and has always put a large focus on that. Being a former Offensive Lineman at St. X (Cincy OH) and North Carolina (2 time all ACC Offensive lineman) he has put a huge focus on strength in the weight room. Not just for the football team but the entire school and their athletics teams. I will forever say that I believe Coach Ralph is one of if not the best football coach in Indiana. His 151-14 record in 13 seasons is amazing. He didn't step into a huge football blue blood (like Ben Davis or Carmel). He has made New Palestine who was 3-7 when he took over into one of the best programs in the State. 

I am not sure of a link. I am pretty confident it will be on IHSAATV.

[23andCounting]

26 minutes ago, FastpacedO said:

 I will forever say that I believe Coach Ralph is one of if not the best football coach in Indiana. His 151-14 record in 13 seasons is amazing. He didn't step into a huge football blue blood (like Ben Davis or Carmel). He has made New Palestine who was 3-7 when he took over into one of the best programs in the State. 

Agree with both statements. But there's only so much you can do with his enrollment. New Pal will always be the gem of 4A as long as Ralph is there. But I believe his model to play with the big boys has always been to take the best players and play them on both sides of the ball. Again, he's not putting 22 players on the field to compete with 22 players from one of the bigger 6A programs. He's winning, so kudos to him for doing it as he prefers. 

[Indiana Fan]

On 10/31/2025 at 7:21 AM, FastpacedO said:

This is no dig towards you. In some aspects I would say Noblesville's previous coaches offensive philosophy was outdated and mundane to the parents not fully the competition faced (the results don't lie for sure). Noblesville was very competitive  in 2023 except for 1 game against Westfield. When you look at the results they had many one score ball games. They were not getting the wins yet but were competitive, they did struggle if they got behind by more than 1 score because they couldn't control the clock. I will say Coach Sharpe is a stand up guy, and he was pretty much ran off by the parents. It has been a rough start for Coach Herbert and things certainly can change, but right now it looks like a careful what you wish for. I get it in this day and age many want the flashy offense, but ball control was working for the Millers.

Noblesville 2025 (1st year Coach Hebert)

DATE	OPPONENT		EASTERN TIME				OA 10.6, DA 30.3
Aug. 22	at	Mount Vernon (Fortville) 4A	W	21	6
Aug. 29		Homestead 6A	L	10	13
Sep. 5		Fishers 6A ©	L	17	42
Sep. 12	at	Westfield 6A ©	L	7	41
Sep. 19		Zionsville 6A ©	L	7	30
Sep. 26	at	Franklin Central 6A ©	L	10	37
Oct. 3	at	Hamilton Southeastern 6A ©	L	6	31
Oct. 10		Brownsburg 6A ©	L	7	42
Oct. 17	at	Avon 6A ©	L	10	31
Oct. 31		Fishers 6A	7:00 pm				Sectional 4

Noblesville 2024 (Coach Sharpe)

DATE	OPPONENT		RESULT				TNY
Aug. 23		Mount Vernon (Fortville) 4A	W	43	24
Aug. 31	at	Homestead 6A	W	49	6
Sep. 6	at	Fishers 6A	L	14	17	OT
Sep. 13		Westfield 6A	L	18	38
Sep. 20	at	Zionsville 6A	L	28	35
Sep. 28		Franklin Central 6A	L	28	35
Oct. 4		Hamilton Southeastern 6A	L	21	28
Oct. 11	at	Brownsburg 6A	L	18	22
Oct. 18		Avon 6A	L	18	24
Nov. 1		Fishers 6A	L	21	31		sect

Noblesville 2023 (Coach Sharpe)

DATE	OPPONENT		RESULT				TNY
Aug. 18	N	Mount Vernon (Fortville) 4A	W	48	30
Aug. 25		Homestead 6A	W	42	0
Sep. 1		Fishers 6A	L	22	48
Sep. 8	at	Westfield 6A	L	21	28
Sep. 15		Zionsville 6A	W	24	7
Sep. 22	at	Franklin Central 6A	L	27	28	OT
Sep. 29	at	Hamilton Southeastern 6A	L	22	43
Oct. 6		Brownsburg 6A	L	22	27
Oct. 13	at	Avon 6A	L	7	14
Oct. 27	at	Zionsville 6A	W	31	24		sect
Nov. 3		Westfield 6A	L	12	24		sect

Noblesville 2022 (Coach Sharpe)

DATE	OPPONENT		RESULT				TNY
Aug. 19		Mount Vernon (Fortville) 4A	W	43	35
Aug. 26	at	Benet Academy (Ill.)	W	21	13
Sep. 2	at	Fishers 6A	L	25	49
Sep. 9		Westfield 6A	L	33	34
Sep. 16	at	Zionsville 6A	L	7	39
Sep. 23		Franklin Central 6A	L	7	21
Sep. 30		Hamilton Southeastern 6A	L	14	38
Oct. 7	at	Brownsburg 6A	L	28	45
Oct. 14		Avon 6A	W	43	41
Oct. 28		Zionsville 6A	W	35	10		sect
Nov. 4	at	Westfield 6A	L	21	42		sect

It is honestly very shocking and I can never wrap my head around why Noblesville is never better than what they are. They do not have a winning season since 2001. I realize it is a tough schedule with usually having a tough sectional, but it is a large school with an athletic community mixed with great facilities. Why can’t they have success?

[PHJIrish]

I just purchased my ticket for Friday night.  Word is that this game could be a sellout.  I'm not sure the size of the New Pal stadium.

[SMAUG]

1 hour ago, PHJIrish said:

I just purchased my ticket for Friday night.  Word is that this game could be a sellout.  I'm not sure the size of the New Pal stadium.

I would say this one will sell out, there is room for about 4000 fans.

[crimsonace1]

On 11/4/2025 at 7:08 AM, FastpacedO said:

I agree with what you've stated. I would say Coach Ralph has had to play less 2 way players than when he first took over the job as the roster has probably grown @crimsonace1would be able to tell more about that. Coach Ralph has always had a great sense that his teams have had to be very good conditioning wise and has always put a large focus on that. 

I am not sure of a link. I am pretty confident it will be on IHSAATV.

This year's team has a lot of 1.5-way guys. There are five two-way starters, but they generally split time on one side of the ball (e.g., both RBs are starters on defense, the TEs play about half the offensive snaps but most of the LB snaps). It's the deepest team he's had, by far, at NP. And these guys have played a lot of big games. But the weight room and conditioning are a huge, huge part of the culture. That's what it takes to be a state-caliber team at a 4A public school (especially playing up a class, as NP has earned the right to do for most of Ralph's tenure). 

By comparison, the 2015 5A state finalist team that scored 61 on Snider played about 15 guys total. 

[23andCounting]

2 hours ago, crimsonace1 said:

By comparison, the 2015 5A state finalist team that scored 61 on Snider played about 15 guys total. 

I don't think Snider played any guys on both sides of the ball that game and New Pal matched their energy in the fourth quarter. Impressive. You'd think they'd get blown out at the end of the game, not the beginning. 

[Footballking16]

Really, really good football game tonight between New Pal and Cathedral. About as physical and hard hitting of a game you’ll these days. I think for weeks the storyline was New Pal’s offense vs Cathedral’s defense, and ironically enough, the game can be defined by two special teams plays that both went New Pal’s way.

New Pal ran the opening kick back for a TD and later had a tremendous hustle play that prevented a TD on a kick return ensuing a Cathedral safety. Cathedral went on to throw a pick in the end zone from the 3 yard line 3 plays later. 

[IndianaWrestlingGuy1]

21-36 175 yards. Three picks. 

[Footballking16]

3 minutes ago, IndianaWrestlingGuy1 said:

21-36 175 yards. Three picks. 

Yep, unfortunate reality. Inconsistent QB play and the lack of a 2nd and 3rd gear offensively really prevented this Cathedral team from reaching its ceiling. 

[Coach Buchanan]

16 hours ago, Footballking16 said:

Really, really good football game tonight between New Pal and Cathedral. About as physical and hard hitting of a game you’ll these days. I think for weeks the storyline was New Pal’s offense vs Cathedral’s defense, and ironically enough, the game can be defined by two special teams plays that both went New Pal’s way.

New Pal ran the opening kick back for a TD and later had a tremendous hustle play that prevented a TD on a kick return ensuing a Cathedral safety. Cathedral went on to throw a pick in the end zone from the 3 yard line 3 plays later. 

Both by the same young man. Ryder Gardner returned the kick and also made the score saving tackle. Proud of him.

[crimsonace1]

8 hours ago, Coach Buchanan said:

Both by the same young man. Ryder Gardner returned the kick and also made the score saving tackle. Proud of him.

Ryder is also the backup QB. One thing that has impressed me about this team is that players are willing to step up whenever their number is called in whatever role they're needed. And there are a lot of playmakers. That was the Dragons' eighth special teams TD of the year (three KORs - by three different players, all on the opening kickoffs; one blocked field goal, three blocked punts and a punt return). 

NP was able to withstand the early field position battle when the defenses were dominating and use that KOR to build a halftime lead. Kyle Ralph is incredible at making adjustments, and he loosened up the defense with a pair of long passes to Garrett Ranes - who is a really mobile TE with great hands, but because they're so deep at WR/TE, doesn't get a ton of touches. Then, bolstered by a 27-yard run by Caden Jacobia, NP was able to add an all-important fourth-quarter TD. Andrew Davis - the QB's younger brother - sealed it with two of his three INTs in the fourth quarter (the three INTs tied a school record set by Garrett Kuhn in 2014). He also had the pick in the end zone. 

Tip of the cap to Cathedral. They are a great team. This game lived up to its billing as a hard-fought, high-level matchup between two of the best defenses in the state, with a great chess match between the coaching staffs. Both teams have great running games but struggled to consistently move the ball on the ground because of how stout the defenses were. 

[crimsonace1]

On 11/3/2025 at 10:00 AM, SIR IRISH said:

I agree, Plainfield was pretty good.  New Pal has played nobody so I am not sure how to measure them.  I know this makes no difference and has no bearing on the game but New Pal's Freshman team was supposed to be the best Freshman team in the state and the best team Ralph said he has ever had at NP and the Cathedral Freshman dismantled them.  My point, I dont know what to expect.  If Cathedral can sustain some long drives and keep their D off the field all night I really like Cathedral's chances.  Let'ds dont forget the guantlet of a schedule Cathedral has, they are used to playing very good teams.  New Pal has not faced a team this year like Cathedral.  Should be a good competitive game.

 

I usually don't challenge complete bunk remarks, but I'm going to here. 

"New Pal has played nobody," has been uttered for the last dozen years. In the Kyle Ralph era, New Pal's non-conference opponents have been Kokomo, Decatur Central, Westfield, Brebeuf, Center Grove, Whiteland, Lawrenceburg, Danville and Richmond. All but one of those programs have been playing on Thanksgiving weekend in the last decade. East Central and Roncalli are confirmed for next season. 

NP faced a down Kokomo team this year (but when that game was scheduled, Kokomo was coming off a semistate appearance and had a lot of talent coming back), but then beat a 6A sectional champ in Decatur Central (on the road) the next week. Also beat two Sagarin Top-30 teams in Yorktown & Pendleton Heights. 

The "they don't play anyone" crowd won't be satisfied unless 1991 Ben Davis and 2006 Warren Central show up on their schedules. It's largely based on jealousy. I hear the same, "well, let's see how they'd do against a 6A schedule." They don't need to play a 6A schedule, although they've played five eventual 6A sectional champions since 2018, and beaten four of them. 

Also ... I've been around New Pal football for more than 25 years. All I've heard is "this freshman class has some talented kids." Nobody has said anything about them being "best in the state," because freshman ball is freshman ball and it's ultimately to help prepare for Friday nights. I think you're putting words in Coach's mouth, because he's not going to pump up a group that hasn't played a varsity game. Results in freshman games mean nothing on Friday nights because *those kids aren't playing*. (And I didn't know a two-TD spread was "dismantling").