IMG at New Palestine, Week 8, 2026

[jets]

2 hours ago, Coach Nowlin said:

How does New Pal or Ben Davis playing IMG impact Southridge? 

It doesn't at all.

My point is - after giving it some thought - moving forward - I think it would behoove us coaches to consider a similar stance that States like Texas and Georgia have taken. 

 

[Donnie Baker]

7 hours ago, Coach Nowlin said:

Interesting to see so many folks who are not involved with New Pal speak on what's best for New Pal 

Fascinating 

😂

 

 

And you said it right to their face!

[23andCounting]

19 hours ago, Coach Nowlin said:

Interesting to see so many folks who are not involved with New Pal speak on what's best for New Pal 

Fascinating 

😂

 

 

I get what you're saying. But to be fair, this is a fan forum. The coaches have one of their own. I think the purpose of this forum is to share opinions, respectfully, from a fan's perspective. 

That being said, as previously stated, I doubt any of us here are qualified to question what is or isn't in the best interest of Ralph's program. 

[Robert]

18 hours ago, 23andCounting said:

?

That's not just any 4A school in Indiana.  I've only coached other sports, but have taught with coaches who have big ol' rings on their fingers.  Some would rather play the best, some mediocre, and some prefer wins during the regular season (and it may depend on the psyche of the team, not the talent).  Funny how the AD position in public schools sometimes doesn't care what the coach wants.  

Edited March 5 by Robert

[23andCounting]

9 minutes ago, Robert said:

That's not just any 4A school in Indiana.  I've only coached other sports, but have taught with coaches who have big ol' rings on their fingers.  Some would rather play the best, some mediocre, and some prefer wins during the regular season (and it may depend on the psyche of the team, not the talent).  Funny how the AD position in public schools sometimes doesn't care what the coach wants.  

I admire anyone willing to take on IMG. I don't necessarily agree with it, but I certainly have to respect a program willing to schedule a team of that caliber. The same respect I have for Dinan for going out and getting Center Grove. The same respect I have for Homestead for continuing to schedule Indy teams whom they lose to 90% of the time. Not the model for all coaches, but I think one has to respect a coach who only schedules the "best." 

[Coach Nowlin]

17 hours ago, jets said:

It doesn't at all.

My point is - after giving it some thought - moving forward - I think it would behoove us coaches to consider a similar stance that States like Texas and Georgia have taken. 

 

How does Indiana HS coaches coming together to black ball IMG prove a point or send a message?   

How many Indiana Football HS players have left their home school to pay over 90k a year (granted could get lower with scholarships) ? 

 

[Coach Nowlin]

2 hours ago, 23andCounting said:

I get what you're saying. But to be fair, this is a fan forum. The coaches have one of their own. I think the purpose of this forum is to share opinions, respectfully, from a fan's perspective. 

That being said, as previously stated, I doubt any of us here are qualified to question what is or isn't in the best interest of Ralph's program. 

and my point is folks opining on what is best for New Pal is unfounded because there is just noise WELL outside the circle that is Ben Davis and now New Pal

Fascinating 

Instead of the potential of one of our states premier programs, pound for pound, deciding to take on one of the nations best, we have fans and now coaches questioning the decision that has zero impact to their own programs or the programs the fans are involved with.   

I would be more inclined to be, on the side of the coin of, give them the business Dragons and we are behind you !!!  

That's just me 

[coachkj]

10 minutes ago, Coach Nowlin said:

How does Indiana HS coaches coming together to black ball IMG prove a point or send a message?   

How many Indiana Football HS players have left their home school to pay over 90k a year (granted could get lower with scholarships) ? 

 

I know of one who left.  Pretty sure he didn't pay a dime.

[23andCounting]

1 hour ago, Coach Nowlin said:

and my point is folks opining on what is best for New Pal is unfounded because there is just noise WELL outside the circle that is Ben Davis and now New Pal

Fascinating 

Instead of the potential of one of our states premier programs, pound for pound, deciding to take on one of the nations best, we have fans and now coaches questioning the decision that has zero impact to their own programs or the programs the fans are involved with.   

I would be more inclined to be, on the side of the coin of, give them the business Dragons and we are behind you !!!  

That's just me 

It's really just opinions. No harm no foul. Coaches claim they don't read these forums anyway. 

[jets]

2 hours ago, Coach Nowlin said:

How does Indiana HS coaches coming together to black ball IMG prove a point or send a message?   

How many Indiana Football HS players have left their home school to pay over 90k a year (granted could get lower with scholarships) ? 

 

1st of all - I hope New Pal beats the brakes off them - that would be awesome. 

Secondly - to my broader point about banning together like Texas and Georgia and NOT playing these prep academies - IMO, playing these schools, you are in "support" of their concept and structure. Being a life-long educator, I don't agree with the model- thus I don't want to support it nor do I want Indiana schools supporting it. 

It really centers around for me that I don't agree with or like the model of school IMG promotes.....I don't think it's "education-based athletics" .....don't think they have allegiance to their school/community, etc...

Not to mention the potential for them to poach players....but I know that happens regardless of school model. 

 

[Coach Nowlin]

13 minutes ago, jets said:

1st of all - I hope New Pal beats the brakes off them - that would be awesome. 

Secondly - to my broader point about banning together like Texas and Georgia and NOT playing these prep academies - IMO, playing these schools, you are in "support" of their concept and structure. Being a life-long educator, I don't agree with the model- thus I don't want to support it nor do I want Indiana schools supporting it. 

It really centers around for me that I don't agree with or like the model of school IMG promotes.....I don't think it's "education-based athletics" .....don't think they have allegiance to their school/community, etc...

Not to mention the potential for them to poach players....but I know that happens regardless of school model. 

 

Fair enough

seems to be from my seats a whole lot of noise about a whole lot of nothing 

To each their own 

[Bash Riprock]

1 hour ago, Coach Nowlin said:

and my point is folks opining on what is best for New Pal is unfounded because there is just noise WELL outside the circle that is Ben Davis and now New Pal

Fascinating 

Instead of the potential of one of our states premier programs, pound for pound, deciding to take on one of the nations best, we have fans and now coaches questioning the decision that has zero impact to their own programs or the programs the fans are involved with.   

I would be more inclined to be, on the side of the coin of, give them the business Dragons and we are behind you !!!  

That's just me 

I don't care who New Pal or any other teams play...I have zero skin in the game.

I do think it makes sense to have an end in mind when scheduling...especially opponents that are considered to be significantly more talented.  Perhaps its measuring oneself against the best...I am not sure.  Getting beat soundly (not saying this is the absolute outcome) hopefully is for a reason.

Frank Beamer, while coaching at Murray State said it best prior to a game against Alabama....."Alabama needs a win, we need a new weight room."

[Coach Nowlin]

2 hours ago, coachkj said:

I know of one who left.  Pretty sure he didn't pay a dime.

Cool, hope it worked out well for them, if that is the choice the family made 

I mean we are in a state that now allows a 1 time transfer 1st 6 semesters and now we are going to have panic set in that a school in Indiana is playing IMG 

I just don't see the the reason for the hysteria or worry or whatever you want to call it

 

[crimsonace1]

On 3/4/2026 at 7:36 AM, tango said:

Curious as to how many kids from New Pal have gone on to play at the next level? 

This past season, there were 17 New Pal alumni on college rosters, including seven playing Div. I, and one on the Super Bowl champions' practice squad. 

[crimsonace1]

On 3/2/2026 at 2:19 PM, Muda69 said:

New Palestine football has completely outgrown the Hoosier Heritage conference, even with the recent additions of Brebeuf Jesuit and Guerin Catholic.  It would do well for the Dragons to leave and pursue an independent football schedule. 

Thanks for weighing in. 🙄

One of the reasons a conference exists is to aid in scheduling. An independent team has to fill nine weeks - and fit those in against other teams. And when you are a top program, a lot of schools *will not play you*, making scheduling even more difficult. When you're playing out-of-state teams, it's usually because there were no in-state options. 

The HHC is fine, especially with the new additions. It's a competitive league with really good communities, programs and coaches. And it still gives teams the freedom to schedule two more games (and, for New Pal, East Central will be one of those two going forward). 

[Sparty]

3 hours ago, Coach Nowlin said:

How does Indiana HS coaches coming together to black ball IMG prove a point or send a message?   

How many Indiana Football HS players have left their home school to pay over 90k a year (granted could get lower with scholarships) ? 

 

***cartel money?

[Coach Harvey]

2 hours ago, 23andCounting said:

It's really just opinions. No harm no foul. Coaches claim they don't read these forums anyway. 

I typically stay out of these threads, but every now and then I catch the usual noise and feel compelled to point something out.

For years the narrative was the same. "New Pal doesn't play anybody." "Sure they're undefeated, but who have they beaten?" "That schedule is going to catch up to them in the playoffs." We heard it over and over again.

Now we've put together what I'd call an elite schedule, and wouldn't you know it, those same voices have shifted right on cue. No credit for answering the challenge, just a new angle to complain from. It's honestly laughable, and it's all the proof you need that some people on here simply cannot be won over. The goalposts don't move, they disappear entirely.

What bothers me more than any of it is the inability, or maybe the unwillingness, to appreciate what Kyle has built. Not just at New Pal, but for Indiana high school football as a whole. That kind of sustained excellence should be celebrated on a forum that exists because we all supposedly love this game. Tearing it down runs counter to the entire point of why we're here.

Anyway, back to ignoring the noise. We've got 24 weeks to get our boys ready to run through a gauntlet. 

[Justasportsfan]

Im just hoping to watch the game, any chance of ESPN picking it up?

[Muda69]

26 minutes ago, Coach Harvey said:

Now we've put together what I'd call an elite schedule, and wouldn't you know it, those same voices have shifted right on cue. No credit for answering the challenge, just a new angle to complain from. It's honestly laughable, and it's all the proof you need that some people on here simply cannot be won over. The goalposts don't move, they disappear entirely.

 

Again, welcome to internet message forums. 

Yes,  New Palestine for 2026 may have couple "elite" teams on the schedule.  But the last time the Dragons lost an HHC conference game was in 2021.  Continuing to play teams you completely dominate year and year out is not "elite scheduling".  

 

[23andCounting]

56 minutes ago, Coach Harvey said:

I typically stay out of these threads, but every now and then I catch the usual noise and feel compelled to point something out.

For years the narrative was the same. "New Pal doesn't play anybody." "Sure they're undefeated, but who have they beaten?" "That schedule is going to catch up to them in the playoffs." We heard it over and over again.

Now we've put together what I'd call an elite schedule, and wouldn't you know it, those same voices have shifted right on cue. No credit for answering the challenge, just a new angle to complain from. It's honestly laughable, and it's all the proof you need that some people on here simply cannot be won over. The goalposts don't move, they disappear entirely.

What bothers me more than any of it is the inability, or maybe the unwillingness, to appreciate what Kyle has built. Not just at New Pal, but for Indiana high school football as a whole. That kind of sustained excellence should be celebrated on a forum that exists because we all supposedly love this game. Tearing it down runs counter to the entire point of why we're here.

Anyway, back to ignoring the noise. We've got 24 weeks to get our boys ready to run through a gauntlet. 

Thanks for your insight, it's good to hear from an actual coach once in a while. You hit the nail on the head, New Pal has taken a beating due to the teams they play in the regular season. I know I've given them a hard time in the past when the subject of "best team in the state" pops up. Pound for pound? Show me a better program. Kudos to what you guys have done. I love to see teams like Roncalli and East Central on the schedule. IMG? Damn, that's really amping it up. Personally, I don't think I'd possess those same set of balls if I were a coach, so kudos to New Pal for saying "bring it on." I think maybe the goal at New Pal is a 6A title. I'd be the first to congratulate. 

[23andCounting]

1 hour ago, crimsonace1 said:

Thanks for weighing in. 🙄

One of the reasons a conference exists is to aid in scheduling. An independent team has to fill nine weeks - and fit those in against other teams. And when you are a top program, a lot of schools *will not play you*, making scheduling even more difficult. When you're playing out-of-state teams, it's usually because there were no in-state options. 

The HHC is fine, especially with the new additions. It's a competitive league with really good communities, programs and coaches. And it still gives teams the freedom to schedule two more games (and, for New Pal, East Central will be one of those two going forward). 

I can't imagine any 6A programs saying no. East Central is 4A and they bit. I'm sure there's a handful of 5A teams who'd accept the challenge. I doubt Dwenger, East Noble, or Mishawaka would say "no." I honestly think IMG came calling and New Pal said, "lets do it." I'm sure they would have found someone to fill the spot. Just my perspective from the outside looking in. 

[Donnie Baker]

4 hours ago, 23andCounting said:

It's really just opinions. No harm no foul. Coaches claim they don't read these forums anyway. 

They read it, and the ones not tech savvy have someone read it to them. 

[Coach Nowlin]

2 hours ago, Coach Harvey said:

I typically stay out of these threads, but every now and then I catch the usual noise and feel compelled to point something out.

For years the narrative was the same. "New Pal doesn't play anybody." "Sure they're undefeated, but who have they beaten?" "That schedule is going to catch up to them in the playoffs." We heard it over and over again.

Now we've put together what I'd call an elite schedule, and wouldn't you know it, those same voices have shifted right on cue. No credit for answering the challenge, just a new angle to complain from. It's honestly laughable, and it's all the proof you need that some people on here simply cannot be won over. The goalposts don't move, they disappear entirely.

What bothers me more than any of it is the inability, or maybe the unwillingness, to appreciate what Kyle has built. Not just at New Pal, but for Indiana high school football as a whole. That kind of sustained excellence should be celebrated on a forum that exists because we all supposedly love this game. Tearing it down runs counter to the entire point of why we're here.

Anyway, back to ignoring the noise. We've got 24 weeks to get our boys ready to run through a gauntlet. 

RACK IT
 

Cheers

 

[Coach Nowlin]

1 hour ago, Muda69 said:

Again, welcome to internet message forums. 

Yes,  New Palestine for 2026 may have couple "elite" teams on the schedule.  But the last time the Dragons lost an HHC conference game was in 2021.  Continuing to play teams you completely dominate year and year out is not "elite scheduling".  

 

And how has playing in their current conference negatively impacted their post season play? 

Coach: Kyle Ralph, 155-14 in 14th year at school

13 years:    14 total losses.  (I won't hold this South All Star loss to his overall record in Summer of 2015 🙂. ) 

Coach Ralph's Program 

Year 1:  Semi State

2:  Won 4a State

3:  Lost 5a State 

4:  9-0 Lost to Columbus East round 1, who lost to Westfield in State 5a Finals

5:   10-1 lost Setional Final 5a Zionsvilel by 2 

6:   5A State Champs 

7:   5A State Champs 

8:   5a Lost Sectional final to Whiteland 

9:  Lost 5a Regional to Cathedral  (lost Conf game to Mt Vernon) 

10:  Lost 4a Regional to Roncalli  (lost conf game to Mt Vernon) 

11:   Lost 4a Semi State to East Central  (Opened season with 2 losses to Decatur Central / Westfield) 

12:   Won 4a State 

13:   Won 5a State 

14:   Playing 5a ?????????

 

So again:   How does their conference impact their success in the post season again ?? 

 

 

I believe the goals of every team in state of Indiana is to be playing their best ball come Tournament time.   Seems that their schedule has not hindered them in the least, so going Independent is hardly needed 

 

[Muda69]

14 hours ago, Coach Nowlin said:

So again:   How does their conference impact their success in the post season again ?? 

 

 

I believe the goals of every team in state of Indiana is to be playing their best ball come Tournament time.   Seems that their schedule has not hindered them in the least, so going Independent is hardly needed 

 

It doesn't, but that wasn't the point. You are the one who interjected "post season success" into the conversation.  Individuals are touting New Palestine's football schedule as now "elite" where it is in reality that is not the case, not with a bunch of non-competitive, run-up-the-score, conference games year in and year out.