Early region top 10 predictions

[Jimbo23]

Yup, it sure is about the Jimmie's and Joe's. I imagine that WeBo and South Adams have more Jimmie's and Joe's across the board than Andrean does. A division 1 O-lineman and two division 1 DB/WR's is NOT a recipe to run through the 2A competition to a state title. Bowen ran it 20+ times a game AND was the best player on their defense AND will probably start at NOTRE DAME this season. Comparing Bowen carrying them to two title games with these 3 fellas (who are all fine/ good players) is like comparing a baby kitten to a full grown Tiger, or an apple to a ribeye.

And yes, Valpo and Crown Point have done a fine job recruiting their buildings/ communities but lets not act like there aren't MULTIPLE posts on this forum (and I think this specific thread) that reference the transfers Crown Point has welcomed through their doors this offseason. Can't say the same for Valpo but even the mightiest of the mighty and the best "community recruiters" are SOMEHOW getting guys outside of their districts/ communities too. Times have changed, and the privates/ parochial's are NOT the ONLY ones taking advantage.

Yes those other teams have good players but there is a major difference in having 3 kids that could play at a big ten school vs guys who will be pledging frats in the fall. Makes the games a whole lot easier and yes upsets happen one of the years we love high school football but there is a reason a catholic school has won state in 2A 3 straight years

They have ONE player that could play in the Big Ten (Novak). I'll take the future frat stars by 2 scores over the Fighting 59ers of 2024, as of today. Any chance you know the last 2A public to win it all? I do... They won the 2A title, three times (2018-2020), and have spent the last few years in 3A. They're back now. I'll take the Stars over the Catholics and their 1 Big Ten guy that plays on ONE side of the line... Lol

[scarab527]

Yup, it sure is about the Jimmie's and Joe's. I imagine that WeBo and South Adams have more Jimmie's and Joe's across the board than Andrean does. A division 1 O-lineman and two division 1 DB/WR's is NOT a recipe to run through the 2A competition to a state title. Bowen ran it 20+ times a game AND was the best player on their defense AND will probably start at NOTRE DAME this season. Comparing Bowen carrying them to two title games with these 3 fellas (who are all fine/ good players) is like comparing a baby kitten to a full grown Tiger, or an apple to a ribeye.

And yes, Valpo and Crown Point have done a fine job recruiting their buildings/ communities but lets not act like there aren't MULTIPLE posts on this forum (and I think this specific thread) that reference the transfers Crown Point has welcomed through their doors this offseason. Can't say the same for Valpo but even the mightiest of the mighty and the best "community recruiters" are SOMEHOW getting guys outside of their districts/ communities too. Times have changed, and the privates/ parochial's are NOT the ONLY ones taking advantage.

Yes those other teams have good players but there is a major difference in having 3 kids that could play at a big ten school vs guys who will be pledging frats in the fall. Makes the games a whole lot easier and yes upsets happen one of the years we love high school football but there is a reason a catholic school has won state in 2A 3 straight years

They have ONE player that could play in the Big Ten (Novak). I'll take the future frat stars by 2 scores over the Fighting 59ers of 2024, as of today. Any chance you know the last 2A public to win it all? I do... They won the 2A title, three times (2018-2020), and have spent the last few years in 3A. They're back now. I'll take the Stars over the Catholics and their 1 Big Ten guy that plays on ONE side of the line... Lol

Just worry about the Govs actually getting out of a sectional for the first time in 10+ years.

[Jimbo23]

Yes those other teams have good players but there is a major difference in having 3 kids that could play at a big ten school vs guys who will be pledging frats in the fall. Makes the games a whole lot easier and yes upsets happen one of the years we love high school football but there is a reason a catholic school has won state in 2A 3 straight years

They have ONE player that could play in the Big Ten (Novak). I'll take the future frat stars by 2 scores over the Fighting 59ers of 2024, as of today. Any chance you know the last 2A public to win it all? I do... They won the 2A title, three times (2018-2020), and have spent the last few years in 3A. They're back now. I'll take the Stars over the Catholics and their 1 Big Ten guy that plays on ONE side of the line... Lol

Just worry about the Govs actually getting out of a sectional for the first time in 10+ years.

The Govs haven't been my primary concern in 6ish years. I defended the Govs on here just as I defended private/ parochial schools being attacked for recruiting. Same as I've defended others over the years since this board has been back up and running in other topics of debate. Don't be upset with me because I called it like I see it with the Niners. If I'm not mistaken, I'm PRETTY SURE you've laid out low expectations yourself for the Niners but you don't like it because a guy who graduated from Morton 14 years ago and hasn't coached there in over 6, had the AUDACITY to talk about the mighty 59ers!? I didn't expect this weak of a response from you, Scarab527. Always valued (and still do value) you as "one of the wise ones." That's how I know you can't REALLY be THAT upset about my comments on the Niners.

You know as well as I do, every single Andrean football state title game appearance in the last 20 years has had a team with:
- The BEST football player in school history (Drayk Bowen) --> If you have another, better one, would LOVE to hear it.
- Each of the best 2 QB's in School history
- GREAT IL Transfer(s)
- A LOT more talent than the 2024 roster has on it (based on all the Andrean chatter I've seen here and on the other board).

[scarab527]

They have ONE player that could play in the Big Ten (Novak). I'll take the future frat stars by 2 scores over the Fighting 59ers of 2024, as of today. Any chance you know the last 2A public to win it all? I do... They won the 2A title, three times (2018-2020), and have spent the last few years in 3A. They're back now. I'll take the Stars over the Catholics and their 1 Big Ten guy that plays on ONE side of the line... Lol

Just worry about the Govs actually getting out of a sectional for the first time in 10+ years.

The Govs haven't been my primary concern in 6ish years. I defended the Govs on here just as I defended private/ parochial schools being attacked for recruiting. Same as I've defended others over the years since this board has been back up and running in other topics of debate. Don't be upset with me because I called it like I see it with the Niners. If I'm not mistaken, I'm PRETTY SURE you've laid out low expectations yourself for the Niners but you don't like it because a guy who graduated from Morton 14 years ago and hasn't coached there in over 6, had the AUDACITY to talk about the mighty 59ers!? I didn't expect this weak of a response from you, Scarab527. Always valued (and still do value) you as "one of the wise ones." That's how I know you can't REALLY be THAT upset about my comments on the Niners.

You know as well as I do, every single Andrean football state title game appearance in the last 20 years has had a team with:
- The BEST football player in school history (Drayk Bowen) --> If you have another, better one, would LOVE to hear it.
- Each of the best 2 QB's in School history
- GREAT IL Transfer(s)
- A LOT more talent than the 2024 roster has on it (based on all the Andrean chatter I've seen here and on the other board).

You’re right, I’m not upset. I appreciate the kind words, I value you as a contributor as well. But the Niners and WeBo will likely play and we can talk about the game then, not months before, when summer practices haven’t even started. Just don’t see the point in that. And trust me, I’m not gonna sit here and say the Niners are gonna make a state run this year. Way too early to speculate on that. But the last time the Niners won state, no one in Niner nation thought they would preseason.

But no Andrean guy would tell you Bowen is the best player in school history. DeSommer and Finn still have that distinction, however you want to rank them.

[WAWG09]

Brickman- I stand corrected on Holmes. I admit I don’t know much about his background. Good player not D1 though.

Secondly, if you think CP is not recruiting outside their district you are blind my friend. How many from other NWI schools? How many from Illinois? Valpo I would agree pretty much stays within district but Buzea brought his recruiting skills from HF to CP.

Thirdly, I agree with Jimbo again. Transfer Portal is alive and well for all schools both Public and Private. Private argument has lost its credibility with open enrollment ie Hammond schools and TP in high school. Next it will be NIL at the high school level.

All about student-athletes and their families being able to attend whatever school they choose. They should be given at least one clean transfer in their high school career. Though, not a free for all.

[VPISU]

A good AD can screw up a transfer for a looong time. Don't pi$$ them off.

[VikingNation]

Brickman- I stand corrected on Holmes. I admit I don’t know much about his background. Good player not D1 though.

Secondly, if you think CP is not recruiting outside their district you are blind my friend. How many from other NWI schools? How many from Illinois? Valpo I would agree pretty much stays within district but Buzea brought his recruiting skills from HF to CP.

Thirdly, I agree with Jimbo again. Transfer Portal is alive and well for all schools both Public and Private. Private argument has lost its credibility with open enrollment ie Hammond schools and TP in high school. Next it will be NIL at the high school level.

All about student-athletes and their families being able to attend whatever school they choose. They should be given at least one clean transfer in their high school career. Though, not a free for all.

This would be interesting if the IHSAA put this in place:

https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/h ... 581831007/

[Jimbo23]

Just worry about the Govs actually getting out of a sectional for the first time in 10+ years.

The Govs haven't been my primary concern in 6ish years. I defended the Govs on here just as I defended private/ parochial schools being attacked for recruiting. Same as I've defended others over the years since this board has been back up and running in other topics of debate. Don't be upset with me because I called it like I see it with the Niners. If I'm not mistaken, I'm PRETTY SURE you've laid out low expectations yourself for the Niners but you don't like it because a guy who graduated from Morton 14 years ago and hasn't coached there in over 6, had the AUDACITY to talk about the mighty 59ers!? I didn't expect this weak of a response from you, Scarab527. Always valued (and still do value) you as "one of the wise ones." That's how I know you can't REALLY be THAT upset about my comments on the Niners.

You know as well as I do, every single Andrean football state title game appearance in the last 20 years has had a team with:
- The BEST football player in school history (Drayk Bowen) --> If you have another, better one, would LOVE to hear it.
- Each of the best 2 QB's in School history
- GREAT IL Transfer(s)
- A LOT more talent than the 2024 roster has on it (based on all the Andrean chatter I've seen here and on the other board).

You’re right, I’m not upset. I appreciate the kind words, I value you as a contributor as well. But the Niners and WeBo will likely play and we can talk about the game then, not months before, when summer practices haven’t even started. Just don’t see the point in that. And trust me, I’m not gonna sit here and say the Niners are gonna make a state run this year. Way too early to speculate on that. But the last time the Niners won state, no one in Niner nation thought they would preseason.

But no Andrean guy would tell you Bowen is the best player in school history. DeSommer and Finn still have that distinction, however you want to rank them.

We can absolutely discuss the WeBo/ Andrean matchup when we get there. Truthfully, I wouldn't have said anything about the Niners projections/ a potential matchup with WeBo, or South Adams, for the upcoming season but my buddy the Brickman saying he wouldn't be surprised by an Andrean run with this current roster coming off a 3-7 campaign kinda made me scratch my head a little. Not that Andrean making an unforeseen run is unheard of BUT before they went to state with Bowen, they went a combined 21-6 the two seasons before. In fact (you probably know this but it's news to me), the last time Andrean went to a state title game and were even close to being below .500 the season before was 2000 (6-4) and 2001 (lost in state finals). History just leads me to proceed with caution on this one regardless of how talented some of the Andrean roster may be. Nothing would make me happier than to be wrong and see ANOTHER region state title courtesy of the 59ers. I just don't see it as of 5/16/2024. That may absolutely change in 5 months.

If I was ranking the Andrean greats, I go with:
1. Drayk Bowen
2. Tommy Finn
3. Matt Desomer

You can get me to side with/ talk me into this:
1. Tommy Finn
2. Drayk Bowen
3. Matt Desomer

I'm not so sure I can agree with:
1. Tommy Finn
2. Matt Desomer
3. Drayk Bowen

Regardless, I'd be hard pressed to find anyone else that deserves to be in this top 3. Those are 3 PHENOMENAL players!

[nwifbfan]

Pump the breaks on Andrean run to State at this point. There is talent but it takes more than 3 players. Questions/concerns:
1. Depth/ Health- simply put not a large roster, limited depth, and tough big school opponents.
2. Offensive line- yes Novak is there are there others that need to step up. Offensive line has been the Achilles heal for this team the last 3-5 years. There is some talent and experience this year but need to see it on field. Not mean, tough, physical line.
3. QB - my expectations aren’t high. He’s not the thrower Andrean is used to. Decent athlete. Will they run him more than past? If so, who’s the backup…. Depth again.
4. RB - don’t have one and they didn’t have one last year either. Worse RB room I’ve seen at Andrean in a long time. Small, slow or both. Potential for the Reyna kid, freshman last year. Bigger kid, not a blazer more a full back type. I don’t think they have a fullback in their offensive scheme. Does scheme change?

1. Finn
2. Desomer
3. Bowen

I can see how you could get to Bowen. He was impactful at both RB and LB. As an RB, big, strong and fast but not really a true RB. Ryan Welch was the best RB in past 20 years.

Finn - Mr. Clutch and not because of just 4th and 26 play. He made the play when it was most needed in all of his sports. Most accurate thrower on the run especially to his left I’ve ever seen. Finn was a great safety when he played it.

DeSomer- he might be the best athlete of all three. Better runner than Finn. He only played one way though. Others in conversation:

Rob Caldwell
Mike Hadt
Bobby Finn
Ryan Walsh

[scarab527]

Pump the breaks on Andrean run to State at this point. There is talent but it takes more than 3 players. Questions/concerns:
1. Depth/ Health- simply put not a large roster, limited depth, and tough big school opponents.
2. Offensive line- yes Novak is there are there others that need to step up. Offensive line has been the Achilles heal for this team the last 3-5 years. There is some talent and experience this year but need to see it on field. Not mean, tough, physical line.
3. QB - my expectations aren’t high. He’s not the thrower Andrean is used to. Decent athlete. Will they run him more than past? If so, who’s the backup…. Depth again.
4. RB - don’t have one and they didn’t have one last year either. Worse RB room I’ve seen at Andrean in a long time. Small, slow or both. Potential for the Reyna kid, freshman last year. Bigger kid, not a blazer more a full back type. I don’t think they have a fullback in their offensive scheme. Does scheme change?

1. Finn
2. Desomer
3. Bowen

I can see how you could get to Bowen. He was impactful at both RB and LB. As an RB, big, strong and fast but not really a true RB. Ryan Welch was the best RB in past 20 years.

Finn - Mr. Clutch and not because of just 4th and 26 play. He made the play when it was most needed in all of his sports. Most accurate thrower on the run especially to his left I’ve ever seen. Finn was a great safety when he played it.

DeSomer- he might be the best athlete of all three. Better runner than Finn. He only played one way though. Others in conversation:

Rob Caldwell
Mike Hadt
Bobby Finn
Ryan Walsh

If we’re being completely honest OL has been a weakness for this program basically since Skinner has been the HC.

Not to continue the debate over all-time Andrean player rankings, but Berg and Zurek are the two best Andrean RBs of the past 20 years. Walsh was a very good player, but he was not on those twos level. For my money, Trevor Berg is the best RB to ever put on an Andrean jersey.

Hate to nitpick, but DeSommer also did play both ways when needed. He did a great job on an island by himself against Lonnie when we played West Side. Best pure athlete I ever played with in any sport.