NLC - 2024 Season

[Fairfield 02]

Goshen 0 Warsaw 70: I mean no disrespect to the Redhawks, but Warsaw is much better prepared for this game, and will have SO much talent on the field.  I really hope Goshen turns things around, but this is definitely a year that will build character....the ole ball coach just needs to find a way to keep the kids playing.

Mishawaka 42 Concord 38:  The Caveman are on a high, which might make this a bit of a trap game for them.  Regardless, I feel like Mishawaka is the best team in the NLC until proven otherwise.  

Northridge 34 Plymouth 7:  Northridge will gather their thoughts and take care of business against Plymouth.  Northridge has been exposed to better talent this year than Plymouth, which pays dividends.  

Wawasee 0 Northwood 42:  The Panthers get right back on track playing the rebuilding Warriors.  Wawasee hasn't beat Northwood since the coach Ekovich days.  It has been 10 years.  

Edited September 4, 2024 by Fairfield 02

[NLCTigerFan07]

Went 6-2 last week and now 11-5 on the year. Very impressive win by the Caveman last week, while the Panthers let one get away. Meanwhile, the Tigers took a licking against one of Indiana's finest programs, and the Raiders slipped to 0-2 on the season for the first time since 2016. Onto the conference season, with a big one out of the gate.

Goshen (0-2) at Warsaw (1-1): As others have said, this one will likely be a running clock. Hoping that both teams remain healthy WARSAW BY 42

Mishawaka (2-0) at Concord (2-0): Game of the week for sure in the conference and one of the best in the state. Concord has looked impressive, but the Cavemen have played better opponents. MISHAWAKA BY 12

Northridge (0-2) at Plymouth (1-1): Pilgrams came back to earth last week, and the Raiders are searching for some consistent offense. I think they find it this week, but could find themselves in a dog fight at the Rock Pile. NORTHRIDGE BY 4

Wawasee (0-2) at NorthWood (1-1): The Warriors are another team struggling to find offense, and they will be facing a Panther's team who likely practiced angry this week. That's not a good scenario to be walking into. NORTHWOOD BY 35

[NLCTigerFan07]

I am hoping someone can provide insights into the ending of that Mishawaka and Concord game! I was following along on Twitter, and don't have an Elkhart Truth subscription to read the follow up article.

Based on Twitter this is my recap of the game. Anyone that can give more details, I'd certainly love to hear them!

- Mishawaka jumped out to a 14-7 lead after Q1
- Then, Concord went on a 21-0 run to take a 28-14 lead after Q3
- Both teams scored in the first half of Q4, with Concord leading 35-20 with only 4:37 remaining in the game
- Mishawaka scores with 1:13 left in the game, and gets the 2pt conversion, making it 35-28
- Mishawaka AGAIN scores with 24 seconds left, but the conversion fails, and Concord wins 35-34

Was it a missed PAT? Or did the Cavemen go for 2 points, and the win? How did Mishawaka get the ball back after the TD with 1:13 left in the game? Onside kick? Or quick 3 and out?

Thank you!

[00NWP]

On to the next week...not a great week of matchups with a lot of lopsided victories.

Concord at Northridge: I too am curious about Concord's victory last week against Mishawka.  I will say, bravo to Concord for beating a Mishawaka team that handled Penn and quickly became the NLC favorite.  Northridge got a win over much better Plymouth team...however, the victory was not all that impressive.  Concord should have its way with NR...as this year is going to be a learning year for the younger raiders.  Concord 45 NR 12

NW at Mishawaka:  I feel like this game will expose NW's inability to stop the "bart ball" that we have come to see in the NLC.  I don't know why Wawasee didn't continue running outside on NW last week...it appeared NW wanted no part in stopping those types of runs.  This game may be the first time since the running clock began...that it will be against NW.  I hope the NW defense will figure it out...but I am not sold on it.  Mishawaka 35 NW 7 (this may be my largest spread of having NW lose a game...ever...and I still think Warsaw is the best team in the NLC)

Plymouth at Goshen: Goshen...its pretty bad...that's about all I have to say about them.  Plymouth...moving in the right direction.  I see them being .500 after this week...and being over .500 next week...LETS GO PILGRAMS...or ROCKIES...or whatever they go by. Plymouth 28 Goshen 7

Warsaw at Wawasee: I don't see Wawasee scoring in this game. And the opposite for Warsaw.  I see them scoring every drive they have.  I still say Warsaw is the cream of the crop in the NLC this year.  Warsaw 56 Wawasee 0

Edited September 9, 2024 by 00NWP

[Fairfield 02]

An outsider's NLC Power Rankings after Week 3

1. Concord

2. Mishawaka

3. Warsaw

4. Northwood

5. Northridge

6. Plymouth

7. Wawasee

8. Goshen

[Fairfield 02]

Concord 42 Northridge 14: Concord has played a very tough stretch of 3 games and have come away 3-0.  They are much better prepared for this matchup.

Northwood 21 Mishawaka 35: This is huge opportunity for Northwood, but in the end, I feel that Mishawaka will pull away with that smash mouth football.

Plymouth 28 Goshen 14: Plymouth seems to be slightly improved from last year, but Goshen is struggling and rebuilding.

Warsaw 56 Wawasee 0: The battle of the W....remember when Warsaw always found a way to lose this game???  Not this time. New culture, new expectations....business as usual for Warsaw.

[MikeTyson15]

1 hour ago, Fairfield 02 said:

Concord 42 Northridge 14: Concord has played a very tough stretch of 3 games and have come away 3-0.  They are much better prepared for this matchup.

Northwood 21 Mishawaka 35: This is huge opportunity for Northwood, but in the end, I feel that Mishawaka will pull away with that smash mouth football.

Plymouth 28 Goshen 14: Plymouth seems to be slightly improved from last year, but Goshen is struggling and rebuilding.

Warsaw 56 Wawasee 0: The battle of the W....remember when Warsaw always found a way to lose this game???  Not this time. New culture, new expectations....business as usual for Warsaw.

Concord 42 Northridge 21

Mishawaka 38 Northwood 14

Plymouth 35 Goshen 7

Warsaw 49 Wawasee 0

[Fairfield 02]

An Outsider's NLC Power Rankings after Week 4:

1. Concord

2. Mishawaka

3. Warsaw

4. Northwood

5. Northridge

6. Plymouth 

7. Wawasee

8. Goshen (Ranked dead last in 5A Sagarin Rankings)

[Crusty]

 Mishawaka and NW are set at QB for a few years, 2 really good young FB players.

[00NWP]

I agree with the QB situations at NW and Mishawaka...both young men are doing fantastic jobs.  In regard to the NW Mishawaka game...my theory of a running clock was ruined by NW's offense actually having some life against Mishawaka's defense.  Mishawaka did in fact run all over the NW's defense as I thought they would...but...the offense stayed on the field long enough to prevent that from happening. Side Note....that may have been the smallest crowd for NW I have seen at a Mishawaka game since they joined the NLC,

[Crusty]

Still three times as many fans as most NIC schools would had.

[00NWP]

Not a whole lot to talk about from last Friday.  All the teams that were supposed to win...did.  On to the this Friday:

Mishawaka at Goshen: Not a whole lot to say here...this will be a running clock and the folks that go to Goshen's field can get to the backed up traffic jam that occurs outside of the stadium quicker.  Mishawaka 49 Goshen 7

NorthWood at Northridge:  This game has two NLC powers whom are down this year.  I would normally take the home team in this close of a matchup...but selfishly I am going to take NW in a close game.  I think NW has the offense to win close games and it will be evident in this one.  NW 28 Northridge 14

Warsaw at Concord: Probably the game of the week.  Both teams have impressed me this year.  I picked Warsaw at the start of the season to win the NLC and be a contender for State.  This will be a preview of the two best teams in that sectional.  I know its hard to beat the same team twice in once season...but I think Warsaw has the team to do it. Concord may be the most well rounded team in the NLC this year in regard to the run / pass offense...however...Warsaw's bart ball will be too much.  Warsaw 35 Concord 17

Wawasee at Plymouth: Two programs going in opposite directions. Plymouth is making great strides this year. Even in the games they have lost...they are showing fight and not just rolling over. I have watched Wawasee...and I understand "bart ball" but it appears their team is not yet bought into it.  They can throw the ball...and they have the guys to do it.  Its hard watching a team run a dive or counter on a 4th and long.  You can see the kids hate it in their body language after the plays.  With that said: Plymouth 25 Wawasee 7

[Fairfield 02]

Week 5 NLC Picks:

Mishawaka 63 Goshen 0:  This will be over quickly.  Unfortunately, the Red Hawks jut aren't very competitive this year.  Goshen has had 7 losing seasons in a row.  Mishawaka has not had a losing record since 1998.  And the last 7 years, Goshen is 12-56.....Mishawaka is 60-23.  That's right...Goshen has won 12 games in 7 years.  It's safe to say these programs have been trending in opposite directions.

Northwood 27 Northridge 35: Upset alert.  I think the Panthers are the better team, however Northridge has faced some pretty tough opponents, preparing them for this game.   Going with the home team.

Warsaw 28 Concord 21: Concord is flying HIGH....having played arguably the toughest schedule so far in the NLC AND being undefeated.  I am calling out the overconfidence factor.  Warsaw upsets the Minutemen, bringing all sorts of drama to the top of the NLC.  Never count out Bart's Boys.

Wawasee 14 Plymouth 20:  I know everyone refers to the triple option/power football as Bart Ball around these parts....however.....call me an old fuddy duddy, but high school football offenses should look different EVERY YEAR.  If Wawasee has the talent to throw the ball, then they need to adjust to their strengths....nothing makes me more angry than a high school football coach limiting their player's abilities because they want to run "their system"...when in reality...the system should be flexible enough to coach to each player's strengths....if you have two 6'5", blazing fast receivers, and a quarterback with a cannon, why in the (insert words), would you play Bart Ball?  There is a time and a place for Bart Ball, and when it works, it's unstoppable...but what happens when it doesn't work?  Your offense should be about your players, not you.  Okay....off my high horse....Wawasee is the worser of the two.

[Fairfield 02]

By the way, where are all the NLC faithful??  This thread is as silents as my sister-in-law's farts. (Truthfully, she doesn't fart in front of people)

[Coach Lou]

I saw on the news where Goshen couldn't even practice Wednesday. Something about not having enough players in school.

 

[MikeTyson15]

10 hours ago, Fairfield 02 said:

Week 5 NLC Picks:

Mishawaka 63 Goshen 0:  This will be over quickly.  Unfortunately, the Red Hawks jut aren't very competitive this year.  Goshen has had 7 losing seasons in a row.  Mishawaka has not had a losing record since 1998.  And the last 7 years, Goshen is 12-56.....Mishawaka is 60-23.  That's right...Goshen has won 12 games in 7 years.  It's safe to say these programs have been trending in opposite directions.

Northwood 27 Northridge 35: Upset alert.  I think the Panthers are the better team, however Northridge has faced some pretty tough opponents, preparing them for this game.   Going with the home team.

Warsaw 28 Concord 21: Concord is flying HIGH....having played arguably the toughest schedule so far in the NLC AND being undefeated.  I am calling out the overconfidence factor.  Warsaw upsets the Minutemen, bringing all sorts of drama to the top of the NLC.  Never count out Bart's Boys.

Wawasee 14 Plymouth 20:  I know everyone refers to the triple option/power football as Bart Ball around these parts....however.....call me an old fuddy duddy, but high school football offenses should look different EVERY YEAR.  If Wawasee has the talent to throw the ball, then they need to adjust to their strengths....nothing makes me more angry than a high school football coach limiting their player's abilities because they want to run "their system"...when in reality...the system should be flexible enough to coach to each player's strengths....if you have two 6'5", blazing fast receivers, and a quarterback with a cannon, why in the (insert words), would you play Bart Ball?  There is a time and a place for Bart Ball, and when it works, it's unstoppable...but what happens when it doesn't work?  Your offense should be about your players, not you.  Okay....off my high horse....Wawasee is the worser of the two.

Mishawaka big

Northwood by 5

Warsaw by 14

Plymouth by 6

[US31]

3 hours ago, Coach Lou said:

I saw on the news where Goshen couldn't even practice Wednesday. Something about not having enough players in school.

 

Wow

[Crusty]

Goshen's WR / DB  number 7 is one heck of a FB player, much respect young man....

Edited September 22, 2024 by Crusty

[Yuccaguy]

Northridge should have played for OT, as the home team

[Fairfield 02]

An Outsider's NLC Power Rankings after week 5:

1. Concord

2. Warsaw

3. Mishawaka

4. Northwood

5. Northridge

6. Plymouth

7. Wawasee

8. Goshen

[Fairfield 02]

This week's NLC games:

Friday, Sep. 27
Concord at NorthWood ©, 7 pm
Goshen at Wawasee ©, 7 pm
Northridge at Mishawaka ©, 7 pm
Plymouth at Warsaw ©, 7 pm

 

My week 6 predictions:

Concord 28 Northwood 12 (All field goals):  This game has potential to be a trap game for the Minutemen, however they have proven that they belong on the top of the NLC.  I would be surprised if Northwood won, but how about that kicker!  

Goshen 34 Wawasee 28:  These two teams better get fired up, because it might be either one's only win of the season. I think Wawasee is the better team, but the Bart Ball bites them in the butt late in the game when they need to pass.  The Redhawks get their ONLY win of the season.

Northridge 21 Mishawaka 35: Northridge is probably the best 1-4 team in the state.  This could be close, but the Raiders seem to not be able to seal the deal this year.  Mishawaka is the better team.

Plymouth 0 Warsaw 42:  Another game that doesn't really help Warsaw prepare for tournament time.  The Tigers win easily.

[00NWP]

Week 6!

Concord at NorthWood: NorthWood got by Northridge with some people out of the game...and to a really good kick.  Concord may be undefeated, however, 3 of those victories can with a combined point total of 5.  If I were a betting man, I would say Concord, however, I am going to take an upset here.  Northwood at home 31 Concord 28

Goshen at Wawasee: This will be a boring game.  Two teams that are not that great going at it.  I am taking Goshen as I just don't see the Wawasee team buying into their new offense yet.  Goshen 28 Wawasee 14

Northridge at Mishawaka: This could be another possible upset. Northridge hasn't played any misdirection offenses as of yet, so I don't know if their defense is up to the challenge of stopping it.  I am taking Mishawaka at home. Mishawaka 35 Northridge 17

Plymouth at Warsaw: While Plymouth has made a lot of progress...this isn't the year they will compete with Warsaw.  I am still sticking with Warsaw winning the NLC this year (probably a co champ).  Warsaw 35 Plymouth 7

[NLCTigerFan07]

I just realize I haven't been posting - I've been reading the thread and many others on the forum - but haven't been responding.

Concord should go 9-0 and likely be ranked #1 in 5A by the end of the season. Can't say I saw that at the beginning of the season, but congratulations to the Minutemen! Hoping to see a rematch between them and Warsaw, preferably for a sectional championship and not in the first round.

The Pligrims have a heck of a gauntlet facing them the final four weeks of the season. They have their most wins in 5 seasons, but they might not pick up another. As well, if the Tigers can get past their US 30 rivals Friday, they have a challenging final 3 weeks of the season.

Someone picks up a win this week in Syracuse. Last week I would have likely told you the Warriors would win this game, but after getting shut out at the Rock Pile. Coach Thacker went winless in year 1 at Fairfield as well, before the Falcons improved drastically in years 2 and 3. Hoping the Wawasee faithful can hold strong and buy in to the coaching staff and offensive scheme. I would go with Goshen winning an ugly game this week.

Can anyone sell me on a reason why the Panthers can upset Concord and make the NLC race REALLY interesting over the last 3 weeks?

Any insights into the Raiders this year? They have faced a strong schedule, but still surprised to see them sitting at 1-4 with 1-5 looking like a real possibility and a 6-loss regular season record for the first time since the 2018 season when they went 2-7.

[00NWP]

My reasoning for NW upsetting Concord are as follows: Concord has one 3 of their 5 games by a total of 6 points...while they did win (and I am a believe of a win is a win)...there is a way to stop their offense and I am sure by this point in the season there is enough tape to review.   With that said, NW can not stop a misdirection run to save a kitty from a housefire.  Concord has a fantastic running back, however, it will be a we are running to point A...stop it.  I think NW will slow their running game down, and their pass coverage is pretty good.  The second reason is its at home...and their quarterback will be back.  There was a notable change in NW's offense last week when QB2 came in...otherwise, that wouldn't have been a 1 point victory.  And the last reason...Concord is ranked top of 5A in the first time in how long?  I don't believe they were ever ranked that high back in 98 or 99 when they made it to Indianapolis.  Good for them and I am excited to see either them or Warsaw take down the mighty Lafayette team in regionals...setting up a great matchup in teh region. I just think this may be a trap game for them.  But any who...if I were placing a pony bet on this game...it would go on Concord...but I like NW's change.  Just my two thought.

[aceswild]

1 hour ago, 00NWP said:

My reasoning for NW upsetting Concord are as follows: Concord has one 3 of their 5 games by a total of 6 points...while they did win (and I am a believe of a win is a win)...there is a way to stop their offense and I am sure by this point in the season there is enough tape to review.   With that said, NW can not stop a misdirection run to save a kitty from a housefire.  Concord has a fantastic running back, however, it will be a we are running to point A...stop it.  I think NW will slow their running game down, and their pass coverage is pretty good.  The second reason is its at home...and their quarterback will be back.  There was a notable change in NW's offense last week when QB2 came in...otherwise, that wouldn't have been a 1 point victory.  And the last reason...Concord is ranked top of 5A in the first time in how long?  I don't believe they were ever ranked that high back in 98 or 99 when they made it to Indianapolis.  Good for them and I am excited to see either them or Warsaw take down the mighty Lafayette team in regionals...setting up a great matchup in teh region. I just think this may be a trap game for them.  But any who...if I were placing a pony bet on this game...it would go on Concord...but I like NW's change.  Just my two thought.

Your logic is sound!