A USA-365.com Special Report by Mark Smith
10-16-2007
MERRILLVILLE (10-16-2007) -
What actually changes when we reach the post-season? For one: Junior varsity players become varsity players, whether they like it
or not, because the JV season is over. I don't honestly know whether all JV
players continue to practice, but the better ones almost certainly join the big
team Monday afternoon after the final JV game in case they are needed.
JV place-kickers, punters, long snappers and centers probably need to keep in mind that they are one injury away from making their state tournament debut this Friday or any Friday from now on.
I would think that you also work on specialty plays like two-point conversions and onside kicks and kick coverage. Plus, if you have a gimmick play that your side does especially well, you might as well get it ready for this week because there may not be any next week.
At this point, nobody cares what your record is. Everybody thinks they can win three in a row and ride off into the sunset. I think there's a couple of things for players to keep in mind.
1.) You will fall behind.
In the post-season even teams that have not trailed all year will fall behind.
Don't panic. Lots of teams fall behind 10-0 or 14-0 and win. It's been done, at
least, 20 times this season in NW Indiana. There is more time left than there
appears to be.
2.) The first quarter is an illusion.
Everybody's an all-pro and a big talker in the first period. Real players
shut up and knock folks out in the fourth quarter. A lot of talk on the
field might be translated to say: "We're afraid you're going to beat us." The dangerous guys are the ones who never say much.
3.) The other side isn't going to give up in a playoff game.
Teams reach a 'breaking point' during the regular season where they give up and start thinking about next week. In the post-season, early leads of 7-0, 14-0 or 21-0 aren't good enough because the other side isn't going to quit. There is no 'next week'. The side that's trailing is just going to get more desperate and play harder. Good teams leave themselves vulnerable to big comebacks because they forget that fact.
1.)
5A Merrillville (8-1)
2006
(7-5), 2005
(11-3), 2003 (5-6), 2004 (6-5)
MERRILLVILLE
-
Merrillville rolled up 400 total yards and ran away from Chesterton 38-10 in a
game last Friday (10-12-2007) that was simultaneously the regular season finale
and a sectional preview. The Pirates travel to Chesterton to start the
state tournament this coming week. Merrillville halfback Roosevelt Williams
(125 carries, 989 yards) ran 19 times for 140 yards. Tall QB Dolapo
Macarthy (68-of-150, 1,281 yards) has still thrown only one interception all
season, which is the secret to the Pirates' offensive success. The Pirates
seem to be getting a lot more out of the offensive line and who is senior
Jonathan Lee and how does he have 305 yards on just 11 pass receptions?
With no turnovers last week and only four penalties, this team is not doing a
lot wrong. With six consecutive wins, the last five by a combined score of
196-51, you don't want to be the next team to play them.
PLAYOFF POSITIVES: Perhaps the best defense in NW Indiana in this
decade. They have allowed 2300 yards and 111 points (12.2) in nine games
against the most difficult schedule that anyone has played in Northwest Indiana
in decades. Outstanding team speed and elite defensive players like LB
Dionte Day (110 tackles) and CB Demarreo Richardson (8 interceptions). They
have a 1000-yard rusher in Roosevelt Williams (5-10, 185) and NW Indiana's top
place-kicker in Ryan Stokes (35 of 35 extra points, 5 field goals).
PLAYOFF PROBLEMS: The Pirates' offense is a finesse attack that
does not use a blocking back. Bad weather will hurt them. But other than
'pray for rain', there's not a lot you can do against Merrillville.
2.)
5A CROWN POINT (7-2)
2006
(12-1), 2005
(11-1), 2004 (4-7), 2003 (5-5)
CROWN
POINT - Crown
Point had some more pass defense problems, but they closed out the regular
season with a 35-21 win over Michigan City last week in another high percentage
game for QB Blake Mascarello (75 of 134, 965 yards, 12 TDs, 8 INTs) who hit 12
of 15 passes. Halfback Russell Chick (256 carries, 1,562 yards, 18 TDs)
continues to produce outrageous totals. Chick became the first CP player
to run for 100 yards in every regular season game. Tight end Zach Cecich (23
catches, 416 yards, 7 TDs) caught four passes 47 yards.
PLAYOFF
POSITIVES: A run-oriented offense that would survive a snowstorm.
Perhaps the best run-blocking offensive line in recent school history. A
three-year starting QB and a consistent place kicker and punter combination.
A defense that has been tested by the top offenses in NW Indiana.
PLAYOFF PROBLEMS: Wide receivers have not been productive.
Team speed. CP isn't really that slow, but compared to Merrillville?
Yes, they are slow. CP must open the post-season with two on the road.
That's the 'Wizard of Oz' schedule. It's a long way home.
3.)
4A Lowell (8-1)
2006
(7-6), 2005
(11-4), 2004 (9-4), 2003 (11-2)
LOWELL
-
The Devils
dropped the hammer on Andrean 31-3 last week as TJ Lukasik ran two kicks back
for 80 total yards and a TD. Lowell did not commit a turnover and
dominated play after the first period. The Red Devils defense had four
sacks of Andrean QB Austin Sutter and place-kicker David Lang booted his seventh
field goal of the season. The speed of Lowell was impressive, bottling up
a 59er squad that is not slow. HB Brandon Grubbe needs 54 yards to become
Lowell's first (in the state tournament era 1973-present) sophomore 1,000-yard
running back.
PLAYOFF POSITIVES: A run-based offense that is weatherproof. The
fastest defense this side of Merrillville. A three-year varsity punter and
place-kicker who seems to like to try the game-winning kicks. Several of the
boys starting now were on the field when Lowell won the state title in 2005.
Two quality halfbacks capable of carrying 30 times.
PLAYOFF PROBLEMS: The offensive line is still looking for the best five. Lowell is not a big team physically, even by 4A standards. 4A Sectional 10 can be a nightmare of time zone travel.
4.)
5A Chesterton (6-3)
2006
(5-6), 2005
(3-8), 2004 (5-5), 2003 (7-4)
CHESTERTON
-
Chesterton has given up 80-points in the last two weeks in a 42-24 loss to CP
and a 38-10 loss to Merrillville. Here's a team that may have been doomed
by the draw. When the Trojans drew Merrillville and the Pirates were
already their ninth week foe, it put them on the eve of destruction. But
the Trojans' offensive lineman Sam Jaeger (6-5, 295) didn't play last week and
this week's playoff game is in Chesterton. It may rain. This team does
miss top receiver Austin Bower (out for the year), but it's not over for the
Trojans. Chesterton ran 27 times for 110 yards last week and they need more
rushing.
PLAYOFF POSITIVES: A three-year starting QB and a very big and strong offensive line. This would be a good bad weather team. They are seeing the same foe they lost to last week. HB Zach Carnahan has been productive in every game this season.
PLAYOFF PROBLEMS: The last two weeks have to have been
discouraging. The belief level here has to be low. Who am I kidding?
The biggest problem is that they have to play Merrillville to start the
post-season.
5.)
4A Griffith (6-3)
2006
(12-2), 2005
(12-1), 2004 (9-3), 2003
(7-5)
GRIFFITH
- The Panthers dropped the big
one on East Chicago, 38-6 to end the regular
season. QB Derek Hitt tossed 3 TD passes as
the Panthers gained almost 400 yards. EC
came in with a five-game winning streak.
The Panthers led 38-0 at the half and never
punted. Keep in mind, the losses here are to
Merrillville (8-1), Andrean (6-3) and Hobart
(6-3) and they did win at Lowell (8-1). 400 yards gained and no punts last
week indicates they are ready for the
playoffs.
PLAYOFF POSITIVES: Rookie QB Derek Hitt has 11 TD passes. For a Griffith QB, that's multiple offense. Two-way stars Doug Ashenbaugh (TE-FB-DE) and David Alexander (WR-RB-DB) both scored a TD in the season finale and they may have overcome injuries. Griffith expects to win in the post-season. They may not see a non-Lake County team until the semistate.
PLAYOFF PROBLEMS: They do not appear to be 100% healthy and they open with a hard-hitting team in Morton. They do not have a good pass defense and they open with a passing team in Morton. This is largely a young team that will be making its post-season debut. Plus, let's tell the truth. This is a 3A school playing in Class 4A.
6.)
3A ANDREAN (6-3)
2006
(8-3), 2005
(8-2), 2004 (13-2), 2003 (12-1)
MERRILLVILLE
- I
don't think the 31-3 loss to Lowell said as much about Andrean as a whole as it
did about Andrean's special teams, which got embarrassed. Andrean gave up
350 yards, but they also led 3-0 and dominated the first quarter before punting
and punt coverage breakdowns started handing Lowell TDs. I don't know if the
59ers have any significant injuries, but they need to create a little more
running attack to control the ball a little better. This was a bad matchup, as
it turned out. Lowell is very well suited to take on Andrean's perimeter
attack.
PLAYOFF
POSITIVES:
Andrean
expects playoff success. They have a QB who is a significant pass-run
threat. The defense is usually solid against the run. The Niners
play eight teams during the regular season that are above the 3A level.
The Niners are almost a 4A school competing in the 3A playoffs. They have
a lot of playmakers in John Kennedy, Kyle Kovach, Demetri Blance, Jon Bronisz
and Sutter, guys who can go coast-to-coast on any play. One big positive
is that Andraen won't see Lowell in the state tournament.
PLAYOFF PROBLEMS: They don't run the ball in between the tackles
well and that is a major problem as the weather deteriorates.
Andrean
has also had punting problems all year. Plus, there are a lot of places
you'd rather go on Friday night than New Prairie.
7.)
4A Hobart (6-3)
2006
(10-2), 2005
(6-6), 2004 (9-2), 2003 (5-7)
HOBART
- Hobart took a half-share of the Northwest
Crossroads Conference title with a 47-0
shutout of Highland. Mike Josifovski kicked
a 48-yard field goal and Josh Huddelston ran
for 3 TDs. Hobart's losses are 22-20 to
Crown Point (7-2), 20-15 to Morton (5-4) and
10-7 to Lowell (8-1).
QB Matt Barras (67-of-117, 1,049 yards, 10 TDs)
still has just two interceptions all season. Andrew Jackson scored his 14th TD. This team
just wants to get to the playoffs relatively
healthy and, I think, they've done that.
PLAYOFF POSITIVES: Hobart has a big, strong
running game with Josh Huddleston and Andrew
Jackson, who have a combined 23 TDs. Matt Barras has been very steady
with just two interceptions in 117 attempts. Hobart's defense isn't on the field a lot
because the offense controls the ball. Mike Josifovski is an excellent place-kicker. This should be an outstanding bad weather
team. The Brickies have two game-breakers
with Bobby James at WR and Jackson, an
intimidating runner. Hobart's been
eliminated by Lowell in sectional play in
each of the last four years and Lowell is no
longer in the same sectional with Hobart.
Hobart should host the sectional semifinals
and finals.
PLAYOFF PROBLEMS: Health. If Hobart is
healthy, they are the sectional favorite, but
I think they have some health problems on
offense (line, backs) that will limit the
running game. The Brickies might be a touch
slow defensively.
They need big defensive plays late to save
close games and they didn't get them during
the season.
8.)
5A Valparaiso
(5-4)
2006 (3-6), 2005
(5-5), 2004 (6-5), 2003 (5-6)
VALPARAISO
- Valparaiso shut out Lake Central in the
second half of a 17-14 win, which was
significant, because this was the first time
all season Valpo has shut out ANYBODY in the
second half. I'll say it again. The Vikings' losses
include Penn (8-0) and Merrillville (7-1), so
they might be better than most 5-4 teams.
Valpo gained 375 yards and 18 first downs.
Valpo did hold LC to 128 yards rushing. Lake Central has been sliding a little
since midseason but this was a big defensive
win.
PLAYOFF POSITIVES: QB Alex Sarkisian (135-of-240, 1,839 yards, 15 TDs, 8 INTs) is a top leader and Scott Rastovic (48 catches, 850 yards) and Tony Piet (38 catches 550 yards) are good enough receivers to keep Valpo in any game. Valpo played the entire DAC and Penn (9-0). They don't have to be worried about anybody. The Vikings are in the opposite side of the sectional one bracket as DAC champs Crown Point (7-2) and Merrillville (8-1).
PLAYOFF PROBLEMS: Valpo begins the post-season with Portage, which has won three in a row. While they did cut the average against LC, Valpo still gives up almost 200 yards rushing per game. Nobody wins that way.
9.)
5A Lake Central (5-4)
2006
(4-6), 2005
(2-8), 2004 (1-9), 2003 (1-9)
ST.
JOHN
-
LC lost a close one 17-14 to Valparaiso to
finish at 3-4 in DAC play. LC punted seven times and drew seven penalties.
Not a good day. But a team that had been allowing over 27 points a game over
the last five games did buckle down against a top passer in Valpo's Alex
Sarkisian, who was 'held' to 11-of-24 for 129 yards. Injured senior back
Tony Morang returned and ran for a TD. LC figured to struggle against the tough
second half of their schedule and they did.
PLAYOFF POSITIVES: The big one is that LC hosts an injury-depleted
Michigan City (2-7) in the sectional opener. They can get a much-needed win to
break a 3-game losing streak. HB Tony Morang coming back is a major plus. LC
also gets the benefit of DAC champs Merrillville (8-1) and CP (7-2) being in the
opposite half of the sectional one bracket.
PLAYOFF PROBLEMS: LC's offense really hasn't been good all year. They've been held to 14 points or less five times. LC cant get into high scoring games with anybody. The struggling offensive line needs a real good month.
10.) 3A New Prairie (7-2)
2006 (10-4), 2005 (9-2), 2004 (7-4), 2003 (6-4)
NEW
CARLISLE - The Cougars ran 52 times for 393 yards in a 31-14 win over Knox.
Option QB Cody Williamson carried 15 times for 139 yards as the Cougars rallied
from an early 7-0 deficit. Halfback Brock Roberts added 115 yards and 3
TDs on 14 carries. But New Prairie gave up 231 yards passing which is a
big red flag heading into a playoff game with Andrean. The Cougars have
lost only to LaPorte (4-5) and Jimtown (9-0) and New Prairie is undefeated (4-0)
at home. The Cougars won four in a row down the stretch and they average
33 points a game.
PLAYOFF POSITIVES: Their style of play. New Prairie doesn't throw more than six passes a game unless they're getting beat. The Veer option has rushed for 2,500 yards this season. They are the ultimate bad weather team. Williamson, is a state class option runner.
PLAYOFF PROBLEMS: They drew Andrean in the opening game of the post-season. The Niners are four-time state finalists. That's not what you want. NP gave up 230 yards passing to Knox QB Cody Binkley (20-of-33, 231). If you can't stop Cody Williamson, what are you going to do with Austin Sutter, who has thrown for 1500 yards and 18 TDs? The Cougars aren't a come-from-behind team and if they fall down early, it's probably over.
On the outside looking in...
11.) 4A Hammond (8-1)
2006 (2-10), 2005 (1-10), 2004 (2-8), 2003
(1-9)
HAMMOND - Hammond won
the Hammond city title with a dominating
57-21 win over rival Clark. The Clark
defense, which had allowed 40 points all
season, gave up 28 first quarter points
against Hammond. Senior David Moore saved his best game for
his final home contest, gaining 242 yards on
14 carries. Hammond ran wild in the biggest
game of the season, totaling 415 yards. The
Wildcats ran back two interceptions for TDs
and the only loss is to another 8-1 team,
Lowell. They scored 30 or more seven times
so Hammond did everything they could
possibly do this season.
PLAYOFF POSITIVES: They drew Gary West Side,
which has no field, so Hammond may get
another home game. The Wildcats have an
excellent pass defense and are the fastest
team in their sectional. The Wildcats have
played Lowell and Morton so they know what
they're yup against in the 4A playoffs.
Confidence is a big thing and Hammond has to
be covered with it right now.
Hammond is also 3-2 in sectional play the
last two years.
PLAYOFF PROBLEMS: Hard-running squads can wear them down. Hammond doesn't have the offensive line for long drives. They must get big plays. The Wildcats are also probably the smallest team in roster and in physical size. They will not be a good bad weather team.
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Revised: October 16, 2007
.