Renegade 2008 Pre-Season NW Indiana High School Football Poll

MERRILLVILLE (8-16-2008) It's the final year before the next big change in high school football. Not everyone realizes it or accepts it, but things must change in 2009. Not only are teams reclassified due to enrolment in 2009, but with the number of teams state wide passing 320 (there are 317 now), the six-week, five class tournament will become obsolete.

Class 6A has already been discussed and most likely it will include only the top 32 teams. There are a lot of positive possibilities for this change that we've discussed in past years and will touch on again during 2008. But there is no question things will change after this season. And things have changed this season. Crown Point, Morton, Valparaiso and Merrillville all will begin the season on artificial turf fields.

Early reports are largely positive with the only problems coming from the heat of the turf in hot weather, something that will only be a problem for a couple more weeks. Also, there is a rug burn you get from being smashed into the funny grass. But boys will be wearing sleeves as the weather gets colder so that problem, as well, will go away. Some have asked what effect this will have on the actual game and my guess is it will emphasize speed over size.

Boys with speeds can run like ponies and you can't hurt them by smashing them into the ground because the 'turf' doesn't hurt so much, especially in cold, dry weather. I believe that place kickers may have some problems, because it's a little or difficult to plant your feet. I also think there will be more kick return touchdowns because the ball won't bounce so wildly and the returners can accelerate faster. There may also be more blocked kicks on artificial turf because the rushers can turn corners around the blockers more effectively. Finally, there will be fewer knee injuries because players' spikes can't get stuck in what basically is a giant potted plant.

The story from Gary is not very good. West Side can't play at home against Hobart because of the condition of their field so they'll play at Gary Roosevelt. Three of the Gary schools could not form a nine-team schedule. Wirt has no home field. Roosevelt barely got helmets in time to play the season. The answer for Gary football players' parents? Move to Merrillville, I guess.

This is a season where, after the first three teams, everybody else can go south. South on I-65 or just south into that good night. The top three teams are tradition-rich programs looking at top years and Griffith will be the litmus test because the Panthers play both Lowell and Merrillville. I have confidence they'll be the top three at the end of the season even though all three have only four regular season home games.

I'm not sure about anyone else here. I've got five DAC teams after the top three and they all go head-to-head in September and October. Any of the five could finish second in that league, which seems as balanced as it has ever been. But I would suggest that of the Top-10 here, as accurate as it may be, Lowell, Griffith and Andrean all have a better chance to play in the new Lucas Oil Arena, home of the state finals, than anyone in the DAC.

We welcome Bowman Academy to NW Indiana high school football. And the same people who run the Gary public schools clearly don't run Bowman because the Bowman Eagles, in their first year of existence, put together a complete nine-game football schedule involving teams in three different states. Bowman, a 1A school which will play in the state tourney when the IHSAA realigns again in 2009, faces TF North, a school of over 1500, Class 4A East Chicago and 5A Elkhart Memorial.

You have to give them a lot of credit. They may go 0-9 but the Eagles definitely have landed. They are very serious about competing in high school football.

	1.) 5A Merrillville (12-2)
Senior QB Dolapo Macarthy (8) is a running and throwing threat for the Pirates that defenses will have to respect in 2008. (All photos by Mark Smith)	2007 (12-2), 2006 (7-5), 2005 (11-3), 2003 (5-6), 2004 (6-5)
	MERRILLVILLE: Merrillville returns the top defense in NW Indiana with all-state linebacker Dionte Day (5-6, 202), Division 1 defensive end Aaron Kaczmerski (6-6, 250), track speed corner Keith Dockery (6-0, 166) and other veterans like fast linebackers Chris Stokes (5-8, 200) and Marcus Howard (5-11,185). After they open the season with Warren Central, they won't see anybody faster than they are, especially on their new artificial turf. Day finished the 14-game season with a NW Indiana-leading 190 tackles and he is a unique player, very difficult to block. Nobody has more potential at QB than senior Dolapo Macarthy (109 of 254, 1,807 yards, 11 TDs, 4 interceptions), a running-passing double threat. Macarthy (6-6, 208) carried the ball 128 times for 558 yards and 10 TDs last year. All-state kicker Ryan Stokes (11-of-19 field goals, 44-46 XPs) gets the Pirates three points in most games, but the offensive line, led by senior tackle Christian Beezhold (6-4, 268) hopes to limit Stokes to extra points. I do not know who will start at running back, but wingback Adonis Madry (5-10, 160) and tight end Jaquail Washington (6-4, 228) will see time. I think this is potentially a state finals team, but I don't think they'll go 8-1 during the regular season like they did in 2008 because the schedule is even tougher this year. My only wish is that they'd paint the artificial turf purple.
Merrillville coach Zac Wells (19-7 in his 3rd year at school) hopes to take his team a step further than their 35-13 Semistate loss to Carmel last year.

	2.) 4A Lowell (13-2) 2007 (13-2), 2006 (7-6), 2005 (11-4), 2004 (9-4), 2003 (11-2) LOWELL: Lowell is coming off their greatest season. They won a program-best 13 games and they won three playoff games on the road. Can they top that? After two state finals appearances in three years, you don't want to be too bold about what Lowell football can and can't do. The Devils have a lot coming back, led by quarterback Kurt Monix (48-of-96, 1,000 yards, 6 TDs, 6 interceptions), a strong-armed varsity wrestler who led his team to the championship of the Indianapolis Colts' 7-on-7 summer tourney. Lowell does not throw often and that's unlikely to change with halfback Brandon Grubbe (6-1, 175) who set an all-time Lowell rushing record for sophomores when he carried 281 times for 1,675 yards and 20 TDs. The Devils' offensive line is bigger than usual with Nick Schultz (6-0, 238), Brian DeMario (6-3, 232), Justin Juarez (6-3, 227), David Eastling (6-0, 223), and new tight ends Joe Bell (6-4, 191) and Trevor Kersey (6-1, 230). One wide receivers will be Jake Belt (5-9, 160). Cody's brother Cole Midgett (5-7, 140) has a lot of speed and he could be used once in awhile, but I just don't see Lowell throwing the ball 15 times a game. Lowell appears to have more running backs than they can use with Grubbe, Cody Midgett, Andrew Eldred (5-10, 184), speedy Gavit transfer Deron Johnson (5-7, 162) and big blocking wrestler Nate Cleveland (6-4, 200) who did not play in 2007. The defense returns three linebackers in Juarez, Eastling and Bryan DeSomer. Grubbe and Cody Midgett should play the corners, but the safety is undecided and that's a key position. Logan Wright (5-11, 256) will anchor the defensive line. DeMario, Kersey and Bell are big defensive end candidates. Matt Berkos is Lowell's first new kicker in four years. Like Merrillville, I don't see Lowell going 8-1 during the regular season again. They travel to Griffith, Andrean and Crown Point instead of hosting them. But, barring major injury, Lowell seems a November win over Concord away from a sixth consecutive 4A sectional title.
Senior QB Kurt Monix (2) returns in 2008 to lead Lowell with a strong arm and respectable numbers (48 o f 96, 1000 yards, 6 TDs, 6 INTs) for a team better known for running the ball. (All photos by Mark Smith)

Lowell junior tailback Brandon Grubbe (25) set all all-time sophomore rushing record for the Red Devils last year (281 carries, 1675 yards, 20 TDs).

	4.) 5A Lake Central (7-5)
Senior QB Cory McNulty (7) is expected to lead a bigger Lake Central team in this year's Duneland Athletic Conference race. (All photos by Mark Smith)	2007 (7-5), 2006 (4-6), 2005 (2-8), 2004 (1-9), 2003 (1-9)
	ST. JOHN: You have to look at the offensive line when you pick teams and Lake Central is loaded up front with Mark Kalinich (6-4, 305), Jeremy Harrison (6-3, 250), Matt Spryka (6-4, 280), Keenan Wick (6-3, 246) and Nick Terry (6-0, 254). IF LC can shorten the game, keep the clock running and pound the other side, they have a chance against anybody. Senior Cory McNulty (6-1, 195) figures to be the QB with hard running Dillon Jamroz (5-9, 180) carrying the football. Drew DuMont (6-1, 185) and John Hurley are experienced receivers. The defense is largely new, but nose guard Kyle Laya (6-2, 252) and linebacker Tylor Foster (6-1, 215) are good anchors. Last year, in their fourth year in the DAC, LC finally resembled a DAC team with big offensive and defensive lines. But even good defense can't win the games at the big school level. You have to have playmakers and linemen to free them up. LC has the line and eventually the stars will shine.
Lake Central's success in 2008 will depend in large part on big offensive linemen like Keenan Wick (76).

5.) 5A CROWN POINT (8-3)
2007 (8-3), 2006 (12-1), 2005 (11-1), 2004 (4-7), 2003 (5-5)

CROWN POINT: CP is 31-5 the last three seasons, and while they can't keep that pace up, the Bulldogs will win more than they lose in 2008 behind senior rookie QB Marcus Shrewsbury (6-2, 210), a state finalist wrestler. Shrewsbury, who has always been a QB, will bring hard running ability and roll-out passing to the CP attack once he gets some experience. Shrewsbury's unlikely to throw for 2,000 yards in his rookie season, but he might throw for 1,000 and run for 1,000. The Bulldog offensive line will be big but untested, led by senior vet Nick Colonna (5-11, 250) and senior rookie Chris Lakich (6-5, 230). Quick-footed tailback Mason Popovich (5-8, 160) will get the first chance as the new tailback replacing 1800-yard rusher Russell Chick and I wouldn't be surprised to see Mike Kozlowski (5-10, 210) get the ball a lot in short yardage situations. Nick Bruno is proven. He's the old reliable at halfback, but he's also the safety and you can't do both 100% of the time. Linebacker Lance LaMere (6-2, 210), who made 83 tackles in 2007, anchors the defense and the Bulldog defensive secondary returns intact, led by Nick Bruno, the team's fourth leading tackler in 2007. The line will be anchored by Nick Jones (5-9, 250) and Kyle Land (5-10, 230). Punter Mike Kozlowski (32 yards per kick) and place-kicker Michael Lipton (32 of 35 XP, 4 FGs) are also back. CP's schedule is a tougher than it was in 2007 even though they play the same teams. The 2008 Bulldogs have just four home games on their new artificial turf. They travel to Hobart, Merrillville, Michigan City and LaPorte, all of whom figure to have good seasons. But CP's defense is going to be very good and Lipton virtually gives them three points every game. After Merrillville, predicting the DAC is tougher than watching the Olympics at 2:00 a.m. But CP is one of the teams that could upset Merrillville.

6.) 3A ANDREAN (9-4)
2007 (9-4), 2006 (8-3), 2005 (8-2), 2004 (13-2), 2003 (12-1)

MERRILLVILLE: The 59ers have a new coach in Phil Mason but he's not really new as Mason was the 59ers defensive coordinator last season. I believe the next 59er quarterback will be sophomore Demetri Blanco (5-10, 175), a very quick double threat runner-passer with a significant future. Senior Joe Magura (6-2, 260) will anchor the offensive line in from of senior sprinter Kyle Kovach (177 carries, 1,100 yards) who has speed to rival Blanco's. Newcomers up front will include Coleman Gidcumb (6-0, 245) and Alex Villarreal (6-0, 255). Blanco's older Brother Dominic Blanco (6-2, 180) should roll up good numbers catching passes from his brother and senior Pat Gorney is a solid kicker. Defensively, Darius Foster (6-0, 240) and James Comer (6-2, 240) can hold the line in front of linebacker Sam Tornicasa (5-8, 155). Blanco, Kovach and Khari Thompson (5-7, 155) add a lot of speed to the secondary. Demetri Blanco is a runner, passer, kick returner and, if he stays healthy, the Niners will score a lot of points. The lines may need half a season to get straight but Andrean seems bigger than they usually are. They may slip and slide through a 5-4 season but this is a pretty good 3A team and the Niners will be very much ready for the 3A playoffs.

7.) 5A Michigan City (2-8)
2007 (2-8), 2006 (1-9), 2005 (6-5), 2004 (4-6), 2003 (3-7)

MICHIGAN CITY: I'm serious. I know that since the consolidation in 1995, Michigan City has never been a power. But the Wolves return 20 starters and a big offensive line including Kenny Sheppard (5-10, 210), Darius Johnson (6-1, 250), Raphael Young (6-5, 255), Scott Kalvaitis (6-0, 245) and big junior Tyler Prybylla (6-6, 285) in front of quarterback Nathan Scully (6-2, 180) and hard runner Adam Harmon (5-9, 180). Ten starters return on defense including Ryan Issac (6-5, 265) and Michael Brooks (5-11, 240) on the line and two-year starters Austin Evans (5-11, 230), Scott Boeckling (6-1, 205) and Adam Harmon at linebacker. The secondary returns Blake Surface (6-4, 170), DaQuay Sherrod (6-1, 165) and Phil Taylor (5-10, 165). Look, it doesn't matter what I say here. Look at the records. You're not going to believe MC's any good until they win some games. That's going to happen quickly. The Wolves could be 4-0 going to Merrillville on Sept. 19. Take them seriously.

8.) 5A Portage (5-5)
2007 (5-5), 2006 (6-5), 2005 (2-8), 2004 (8-4), 2003 (11-2)

PORTAGE: The Indians got coach Mark Peterson relatively late in 2007 so this will be his first real season. Senior QB Jason Melcic (5-11, 180), a two-year varsity veteran, has reportedly been declared academically ineligible. If that's true, it's down to promising soph Zach Huston. His line is big and experienced with Cesar Granillo (6-1, 255), Nate Coleman (5-10, 220), Vince Phillips (6-1, 235) and junior newcomer David Spurrier (6-5, 270). Ryan Cherry (5-10, 180) gained almost 500 yards rushing last season, while tight end Clark Mussman (6-4, 225) gained 338 yards on 17 receptions in 2007. The defense returns five starters, including Cherry (87 tackles) and defensive backs Justin Ortiz (6-0, 170) and Justin Rhein (5-8, 165). The word here is that the sophomore class will contribute this year with boys like QB-RB Hutson (5-10, 180), RB-DB Jake Dixson (6-0, 175) and big sophs like Travis Pride (6-1, 275) and Jake Wirick (6-4, 250). If Portage can beat Andrean and Highland in August (and they'll be favored), they'll fly high into the DAC season.

9.) 5A LaPorte (3-7)
2007 (3-7), 2006 (10-4), 2005 (9-2), 2004 (7-4), 2003 (6-4)

LaPORTE: l talk a lot about the importance of the offensive line and that's why LaPorte, with an excellent returning QB and RB combination, is ninth in this poll. Only Trevor Sales (6-2, 250) returns on the line against some very good defenses in the DAC. But I just can't leave LaPorte out with junior QB Dustin DeMuth (6-1, 180) and senior running back Carlton Austin (6-1, 200) still playing in LaPorte County. DeMuth completed 85-of-175 last season for 1,225 yards and 10 TDs while Austin carried 209 times for 1,048 yards. Senior fullback Bryce Holland (6-0, 190) also has 1,000-yard potential, but only with blocking. So John Saylor (6-1, 240), Trevor Sales (6-2, 250) and Dustin Smith (5-11, 185) are among those who must contribute. LaPorte has been known for high-scoring games in recent years and that won't change this season. The Slicers have a solid defensive end in Bryan Willis (6-4, 190) and a run-stopper in Scout Nickell (5-11, 250) at tackle, but they need a lot of volunteers to stand tall on the defensive side of the ball. LaPorte has just four home games and that's too bad, because the Slicers figure to play some very entertaining games this season.

10.) 5A Valparaiso (6-5)
2007 (6-5), 2006 (3-6), 2005 (5-5), 2004 (6-5), 2003 (5-6)

VALPARAISO: Valpo suffered heavy graduation losses but most of the offensive line returns and you can build off the line. Neil Sarkisian (6-2, 230), Zach Grenier (6-3, 265) and Devon Scott (6-3, 230) are all back, as is junior tight end Jon Holloway (6-2 238). Even receivers Kevin Piet (6-2, 175) and Matt Hittinger (6-2, 180) have Duneland Conference size. Piet caught 46 passes for 703 yards last year. That's a lot for new QBs Brian Bartholomew (6-5, 210) and Adam Butterfield (6-2, 180) to work with. All-DAC kicker Tony Hite was 29-of-32 on extra points in 2007 and he booted six field goals. Valpo's defense has not been good for two years (they allowed 292 points 11 games last year), but they should be improved in 2008 as returning linebacker Tony Gallinati (6-0, 200) made 88 tackles last year and Ben Olejniczak (6-2, 185) combined with teammate Ben Kollar (6-0, 175) for 127 stops. Hittinger, JJ Pellar and Matt Hills return in the secondary and Ben Tobey (6-3, 210) anchors the line. The Vikings always get that immediate reality check when they begin the season with Penn. It looks like Gary Roosevelt will have to forfeit the second game of the year so the Vikings will have two weeks to get ready for the debut of their mean, green artificial turf on Sept. 5 against LaPorte. I don't have an explanation for why they were so bad defensively the last two years, but a lot of those players have graduated. The offensive line, the size and the kicker guarantees Valpo a winning season.

The RENEGADE

2008 Pre-season: NW Indiana High School Top-10 Football Poll