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City by the Lake.org, The Voice of Michigan City, Indiana _ City Sports _ 2011-2012 Official Wolves football thread

Posted by: southsiderMMX Jun 27 2011, 07:58 AM

http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/6139868-556/lazerus-michigan-city-coach-michael-karpinski-vows-to-stick-around.html

QUOTE
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before.

New football coach at Michigan City. Really excited about the gig. Sees unlimited potential in the “sleeping giant.” Plans to stick around and really build something at Ames Field.

Sound familiar?

Craig Buzea said all that in 2007 when he stunned Portage by leaving for the downtrodden Wolves. After three years and some significant progress, he left for Homewood-Flossmoor, and the program once again was in tatters.

Eric Schreiber said all that last summer when he took over for Buzea. One season and one win later, he left to take the top job at Hammond High.

Enter Michael Karpinski, Michigan City’s new head coach, who was approved last week by the school board. He’s really excited about the gig. He sees unlimited potential in the “sleeping giant.” He plans to stick around and really build something at Ames Field.

And he means it. Honest.

“I’m excited to add some stability,” he said. “I’m not planning on going anywhere. By no means am I looking at this as a stepping stone. I’m looking to build something here. I understand people have heard that before, but you don’t understand — my wife will kill me if we move again.”

Indeed, Karpinski’s no nomad. He’s no football mercenary. Heck, he only went after this job because he lost his teaching job at Franklin Central during a reduction-in-force that gutted the school district. The 43-year-old spent the last eight years coaching at Franklin Central — a former powerhouse that won four state championships between 1980 and 1990, but has fallen on hard times lately. After six years as an assistant, he was the head coach the past two years, going 7-13 with a pair of close losses in sectional openers.

Before that, Karpinski coached for six years at the University of Indianapolis, where he wound up after playing cornerback at Hillsdale College. Hillsdale is about 90 miles from his hometown of Hastings, Mich., where he was a high school quarterback.

Moving to Michigan City brings him much closer to home — and gives him a teaching job and an exciting opportunity.

“I just feel real blessed to be right here,” he said.

The Wolves can only hope he sticks around and helps the moribund program (no conference or sectional titles since Rogers and Elston were consolidated in 1995) realize the potential it briefly showed under Buzea.

After just four practices, Karpinski has been particularly impressed with the enthusiasm the players have for the game, for him and for his new system.

It’s easy to assume that the Wolves would be jaded and cynical while dealing with yet another new coach making the same old promises.

But Karpinski was thrilled to find that they’re not like that at all.

“I sure haven’t noticed it,” he said. “They sure haven’t shown it if that’s the case. They’ve been working their tails off and have done everything I’ve asked of them. I’ve come in with a lot of enthusiasm, and they seem to have responded.”

Karpinski made a good impression with his first practice. Rather than the usual morning workout, he brought his team to Ames Field — probably the coolest football stadium in the region — under the lights on Monday night. And while it took more than a half hour just to teach the kids how to warm up and break the huddle — “baby steps,” Karpinski said — things quickly came together.

He introduced the players to his offense — a traditional power-I. Not as complicated as Buzea’s multiple-set spread offense, not as one-dimensional as Schreiber’s option.

“It’s basic football,” Karpinski said. “In today’s game, it seems like a lot of coaches try to get too cute. We’re going to come out and run the football, be physical, and we’re really going to stress blocking and tackling — shoot, that’s usually what it comes down to. We’re going to play power football, fire off the ball and really be physical out there.”

Karpinski insisted he’s not daunted by the enormity of the task, trying to wake up the sleeping giant. But he’s got his work cut out for him. The football program always has taken a backseat to basketball. And the relentless losing has made it even tougher to convince kids to come out for the team. Karpinski said he’s ready for all of that.

He also said he’s not intimidated by the meatgrinder that is the Duneland Conference, a brutal schedule that makes rebuilding difficult — and painful. He knows the drill; at Franklin Central, he played state powers Lawrence Central, Pike and Columbus North every year.

“I just know it’s an unbelievable conference, and I’m excited,” Karpinski said. “I’m ready for the challenge.”

Heard that before, too, right? Every coach has said that. But the hard truth is nobody in the 16-year history of Michigan City High School has proven to be up to that challenge. Not for any extended period of time, at least.

Will Karpinski be any different? He sure seems to think so. But, of course, it’s too early for anyone to tell.

He won’t really get a feel for how well his new players can handle his system until they put on the pads in August. And the Wolves won’t really get a feel for Karpinski until they sweat their way through those two-a-days.

But Karpinski feels good about what he has. And while he knows these kids and this community have been burned before, he hopes the feeling is mutual.

“Kids are the same all over,” he said. “I think these kids are really looking for someone to step up and lead and fight for them. And I’m that guy.”

Posted by: MSFOOTBALL Jun 28 2011, 10:05 PM

QUOTE(southsiderMMX @ Jun 27 2011, 08:58 AM) *

http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/6139868-556/lazerus-michigan-city-coach-michael-karpinski-vows-to-stick-around.html


I have had the opportunity to meet the coach and I am very impressed. I had a chance to see warm up Monday night at Ames for what the coach calls "Monday night football." Just watching for 15 minutes of the warm up I could see the difference in the kids. They were focused, serious and executing the way they are suppose to under the coaches instructions. They were dressed as a team and looked like a team (no mismatched practice jerseys). I believe he is sincere with everything he has mentioned about his intentions for the program and the kids. I think the kids feel it too, and that is starting to show. I'm predicting that we are going to see this team grow and blossom into something special. So far everyone that has met him, that I know, like him. I think the City football program is in good hands. I hope to see the fans come out for the "Blue and Gray Scrimmage" which is tentatively going to be Friday, August 5th in the evening. It will also be a meet and greet like they did last year. It should be a nice evening for our football families to join together to celebrate the new season. (For those golfers out there don't forget about the golf outing on July 25th at Pott. Country Club). Hope to see everyone come to support our City Wolves and thanks to all those who have---Go Wolves !!!

Posted by: southsiderMMX Jun 29 2011, 06:45 AM

Keep us posted on the scrimmage date!

Posted by: MSFOOTBALL Jul 11 2011, 09:52 PM

[size=3]
I'm not sure who might handle this idea for our local paper but maybe the right person will read this idea. I think it would be nice to start doing a "meet the team" on the sports page. They could introduce all the coaches and the players, plus have their pictures--the community likes pictures they get their attention to read the article. They could use this to build up to the scrimmage in August. We could use some good PR. Plus they will sell more papers because their families will want to see the write ups about them with the pictures. It sounds like a win-win situation to me. GO WOLVES !!!

Posted by: southsiderMMX Jul 13 2011, 02:01 PM

RSN's Duneland preview, with Michigan City highlights here...

http://www.regionsports.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4411&Itemid=216

QUOTE
Michigan City

1st Down: It was only a short two years ago that hope and optimism reigned supreme in Michigan City when Craig Buzea was in charge and the team was on their way to their best season in years. But at the end of the season, a nasty flu virus circulated around the team – key contributors missed games at the end of the season and another first round exit marred what could have been for the Wolves. Plus, to make things worse, Buzea left for Illinois and the glimmer of hope was dimmed.

2nd Down: Following one forgettable year with Eric Schreiber as head coach of the program that saw the Wolves win their opener against Roosevelt and nothing else over the course of the season, Michigan City looks to rebound with new coach Michael Karpinski. A City native, Karpinski is looking to instill some home town pride in his team. He’s got a lot of work to do and history is not on his side. Since consolidation, the Wolves haven’t won a sectional title and have only made on title game appearance and that came in their first year – 1995.

3rd Down: Sectional realignment was not kind for the Wolves as they left the relative mediocrity of Sectional #2 for the meat-grinder that is Sectional #1. While familiarity may help Michigan City as many of the teams they could potentially see in the post-season are also conference foes, there is no doubt that the Wolves are going to need a good draw if they want to even think about advancing.

Posted by: taxthedeer Jul 16 2011, 04:16 PM

Here's the write-up the Wolves received in the 2011 Indiana Football Digest:

http://www.indianafootballdigest.com

QUOTE
Often times a young and inexperienced team has to go through some growing pains before they succed on the field. That is likely the case of the Michigan City Wolves, who were young and inexperienced in 2010 after a winning season the year before. The Wolves won their season opener against Gary Roosevelt, but failed to win another game the rest of the way, struggling to a 1-9 record. But the majority of the starters who were "thrown to the wolves" one may say, are back once again this year, and maybe they learned from their experience and will turn things around in 2011.

After one year with the Wolves, Coach Eric Schrieber departed in May to take over at Hammond. At press time, Michigan City was searching for a new leader.

Eight starters return on offense for the Wolves, including QB Joel Hirsch (6-2, 190). In the backfield, seniors Rasheem Bell and Brian Taylor should both see their share of the carries as the both saw quite a bit of action last season. Hirsch has an experienced corps of receivers to throw to this season for Michigan City as returning senior starters Jordan Callahan and Kyle Neulieb area back at the receiver positions, while Kevin Kreibaum (6-0, 210) returns at tight end for the Wolves as well. The Wolves do lack some experience along the offensive line, however, with only senior Lance Davis returning as a starter at the guard spot. But senior Eric Kintigh (5-10, 235) should be someone to fill in nicely at the other guard position, while seniors Sam Haro (6-0, 300) and Marcus Falls-Foster (6-2, 245) will be counted on to open some holes and protect Hirsch from their tackle spots for Michigan City this season.

Six starters return on defense for the Wolves including Kreighbaum at one of the defensive end positions. Alante Nichols (5-8, 230), who started at tackle as a sophomore last year, returns for his junior season, and will line up next to Kintigh on the defensive line for the Wolves. Senior Giorgio Karallas (6-2, 235) should be the leader of the Wolves' defense this season at the linebacker spot, and will have junior Zach Chappell (5-9, 160) at one of the other linebacker spots once again this season. The secondary will feature all senior starters, including Hirsch and Neulieb who return in the defensive backfield as starters from last years defense, which will need to improve after allowing just over 40 points per game a year ago.

The Wolves can be successful if the can learn from their shortcomings of last year, and set their expectations high, and believe they can achieve them. With a hardworking, close-knit senior class leading the way, it's hard to imagine Michigan City not being much, much better than 1-9 this season.

-----
No Coach at Press Time

Coaching staff
TBA

2011 Schedule

08/19 GARY ROOSEVELT
08/26 SOUTH BEND WASHINGTON
09/02 CHESTERTON
09/09 at Valparaiso
09/16 MERRILLVILLE
09/23 at Lake Central
09/30 PORTAGE
10/07 at La Porte
10/14 at Crown Point

2010 Results

Gary Roosevelt W, 49-0
At South Bend Washington L, 31-7
At Chesterton L, 55-0
Valparaiso L, 49-0
At Merrillville L, 68-14
Lake Central L, 31-0
At Portage L, 40-7
La Porte L, 28-16
Crown Point L, 52-15
SECTIONAL
Goshen L, 49-31

Impact Players

Name HT. WT. CL. POS.

Joel Hirsch 6-2 190 Sr. QB/DB
Rasheem Bell 5-7 160 Sr. RB
Anthony Catchings 5-10 175 Sr. RB
Brian Taylor 5-9 185 Sr. RB
Giorgio Karallas 6-2 225 Sr. RB/LB
Kyle Neulieb 6-0 175 Sr. WR/DB/KR
Jordan Callahan 5-8 170 Sr. WR
Kevin Kreighbaum 6-0 210 Sr. TE/DL
Josh Gondeck 6-3 220 Sr. TE/DL
Lu Wang 5-10 215 Jr. OL
Lance Davis 5-9 190 Sr. OL
Eric Kintgh 5-10 235 Sr. OL/DL
Sam Haro 6-0 300 Sr. OL
Marcus Falls-Foster 6-2 Sr. 245 OL
Alante Nichols 5-8 230 Jr. DL
Ty Martorano 6-0 165 Sr. LB
Zach Chappell 5-9 160 Jr. LB
Troy Rivera 5-7 145 Sr.
Robert Coursel 6-0 165 Sr. DB
Eric Stevenson So. P/K

Newcomers

Ryan Jones 5-10 175 So. RB/DB
Donovan Wilson 6-0 180 So. WR/DL

Key Losses
Dustin Rivich P/K

Tournament History

Sectional: None
Regional: None
Semistate: None
State: None

The IFD Family remembers Dave Parry for his professionalism & commitment to America's great game of Football.

Dave Parry officiated for the NFL 1975-1990 and was the side judge for the 1983 Super Bowl. He went on to officiate in the Big Ten for 19 years and was the first NCAA National Coordinator of Officials.

Posted by: Jesse B Jul 19 2011, 11:01 AM

It is scarey to think where Indiana Football digest gets there information from if there was no coach at the time this article was written? I know they can't get it from The News Dispatch.

Posted by: MC Born & Raised Jul 19 2011, 02:34 PM

QUOTE(Jesse B @ Jul 19 2011, 11:01 AM) *

It is scarey to think where Indiana Football digest gets there information from if there was no coach at the time this article was written? I know they can't get it from The News Dispatch.


Indiana Football Digest and the basketball version each gather info for their stories months before the season starts due to publishing deadlines. Therefore, as you can see, info is typically anything but reliable.

Posted by: taxthedeer Jul 19 2011, 07:24 PM

QUOTE

It is scarey to think where Indiana Football digest gets there information from if there was no coach at the time this article was written? I know they can't get it from The News Dispatch.


Paul Condry states in his "The Last Word" column on the last page of the book that he begins taking pictures and compiling information on teams for the following season's football digest in the middle of the football season in the North and visits central and southern Indiana schools in the springtime. So most likely the information in that article was ascertained in 2010 from Eric Schreiber while he was still the Wolves Head football coach and those players listed are what Michael Karpinski is going to inherit and are who we are going to see on the field on Friday nights this fall.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Jul 20 2011, 08:13 AM

http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/07/20/sports/doc4e2607e383879352347652.txt

QUOTE
Strong staff crucial at City

By Adam Parkhouse
Home Cookin'
Published: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 5:43 PM CDT
Surely some of you wondered aloud or muttered to yourself when you saw the N-D make a “big deal” out of Jeff Karras joining the football staff at Michigan City High School.

If it seems like a lot of hoopla over an assistant coach, I suppose I could say that’s a fair statement. But this is a big deal, to me, and a great hire for first-year coach Michael Karpinski and the Wolves.

You see, head coaches get a lot of recognition in sports. They’re the respective heads of their programs and are the ones you turn to when things go wrong and praise when things go right.

But the reality is, many head coaches are only as good as the staffs behind them. Hiring a new coach you’re proud of and surrounding him with folks who aren’t also good at what they do doesn’t make a lot of sense.

Click here to find out more!
Think of it this way: Would you buy a 60-inch flatscreen television and then not order high-definition programming from your cable/satellite provider?

Well, you might. But you wouldn’t be getting the most out of your high-dollar purchase. You want that TV to be all it can be, so you order the HD programming and get the HDMI cables so that your television-watching experiences are at the pinnacle of what they can be.

Well, Karras is part of the HD package that Karpinski and MCHS administrators are installing as part of what they hope is the start of something new and great for City football. It’s necessary, really.

Go back to the Craig Buzea years when the Wolves were constantly making great strides in the right direction. Buzea had a lot to do with that, certainly. It was his plan and his vision for the program that was ultimately executed.

But he had some damn fine executioners to help him. Head coaching experience ran rampant on Buzea’s staff and it showed. The staff that Buzea employed, with guys like Tom Cicero and Bob Mattix and Dave Egofske were wholly important to those Wolves teams.

Guys like Karras and Karpinski’s father, Bill (who has also been brought on board), will similarly be able to help Karpinski do everything he wants to do with the Wolves. Karras comes from a tremendous football background. Heck, his name is synonymous with the sport in Northwest Indiana.

I got to see firsthand what Karras was capable of last year with South Central when he led the program to its first-ever sectional championship. He’s a talented motivator who also knows the X’s and O’s.

If Karpinski succeeds, he’ll certainly own a large portion of that success. But it will also be thanks to the people behind the scenes, working tirelessly and together to execute the overall vision.

So, yeah, this was a big deal for City football. It shows the program is once again headed in the right direction and I’m betting the fruits start to show immediately this fall.

Are you ready for some football? I sure am.



Posted by: MSFOOTBALL Jul 20 2011, 09:27 PM

QUOTE(southsiderMMX @ Jul 20 2011, 09:13 AM) *

http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/07/20/sports/doc4e2607e383879352347652.txt


Yes, I completely have faith that we are in for some serious football this fall. GO WOLVES !!!

Posted by: taxthedeer Jul 26 2011, 05:53 PM

How was the golf outing and football Hall of Fame ceremony last night?

Posted by: southsiderMMX Aug 1 2011, 07:49 AM

http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/07/31/sports/doc4e361c397e10c139600310.txt

QUOTE
Where did the summer go?

By Drew White
Unwritten No More
Published: Sunday, July 31, 2011 11:51 PM CDT
I can’t help but look at the calendar and ask myself one question.

Where in the heck did summer go?

While Labor Day weekend has traditionally been the official transition from summer to fall, if you haven’t had the chance to stop and enjoy summer, you might want to take an opportunity to do so this week.

While it is too late for all of those high school athletes who all begin practice for fall sports today, with the Great Lakes Grand Prix festivities throughout this week, culminating in Sunday’s races and the final weekend of the Michigan City Golf Tournament at the Michigan City Municipal South Course this coming weekend, all there will be to look forward to after this weekend is football.

*
Of course, if you are prepared to see the pigskin in action, make sure you take some time to head out to Ames Field on Friday where head coach Michael Karpinski and his Wolves will participate in the Blue-Grey scrimmage.

You can pay a dollar to get in, or better yet, take that dollar and find a sale on canned goods that you can use to gain admission to the event. The football team will be donating those items to the Michigan City Food Pantry.

Of course, the boat race will be the place to be in Michigan City this weekend. Jason Miller and everybody else at the La Porte County Convention and Visitors Bureau has really taken the time to make the Michigan City stop of the Super Boat International schedule into a premier event for the community.

From parades, to the Taste of Michigan City, to the meet and greets, to the race itself, the Grand Prix is a great way for Michigan City to show off what Our Fair City has to offer.

While it’s easy for those of us in the community to sit on the sidelines and watch the visitors come in and enjoy the event, it’s important for us residents to get out and experience the event for ourselves. How are we supposed to be proud of our events if we don’t know what is going on?

While many people are hesitant to embrace Michigan City’s role as a travel destination, tourism is an important source of income and we need to embrace it.

For years we’ve used fishing tournaments such as Skamania Mania to entice visitors to our community, Blue Chip has sponsored professional billiards, and we host youth baseball and softball tournaments at Patriot Park. The boat race has been a great addition.

Quite frankly, we need to have even more events like them.

In order to entice more organizations into bringing their events to Michigan City, we need to collectively work together to make Michigan City all it can be. That involves getting out, showing interest, and having a little bit of civic pride.

It’s time to put on your game face, folks.

Get out and enjoy the summer before it is gone.

Contact sports writer Drew White at dwhite@thenewsdispatch.com or 874-7211, Ext. 447.

Posted by: MSFOOTBALL Aug 1 2011, 07:56 PM

QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Jul 26 2011, 06:53 PM) *

How was the golf outing and football Hall of Fame ceremony last night?


We had a nice number of golfers that came out to support our team. The ceremony and the dinner was nice as well. It turned out to be a beautiful day for golf and we hope to get even more golfers out next year. All of those who assisted with the day, donated items and gave money donations, or took the day off to play golf and support the team, I would like to say thank you. Everyone's generosity has been greatly appreciated by the coach, the parent group and the football players.

Posted by: taxthedeer Aug 2 2011, 08:23 PM

What time does the Blue-Grey inner-squad scrimmage start on Friday?

Posted by: southsiderMMX Aug 2 2011, 09:36 PM

QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Aug 2 2011, 09:23 PM) *

What time does the Blue-Grey inner-squad scrimmage start on Friday?


I talked to Coach today via email, sounds like kickoff will be 7pm, and maybe teh meet and greet at 6pm.

Posted by: MC Born & Raised Aug 3 2011, 02:52 PM

QUOTE(southsiderMMX @ Aug 2 2011, 09:36 PM) *

I talked to Coach today via email, sounds like kickoff will be 7pm, and maybe teh meet and greet at 6pm.


Yes, kickoff is 7 p.m. but the meet-and-greet will take place AFTERWARD. Admission is $1 or a canned good to be donated to the MC Food Pantry.

Posted by: taxthedeer Aug 4 2011, 06:33 AM

Nice article talking about Ryan Isaac at Purdue.

http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/football/college/purdue-university/article_7fb281e2-91d3-569d-b6d7-1737660aadb6.html

QUOTE
AL HAMNIK: Purdue cashing in on region football pipeline
Story
Discussion
By Al Hamnik Times Columnist | Posted: Tuesday, August 2, 2011 10:00 pm | No Comments Posted
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The region plays some mean high school football and while Indiana University seems to have fallen asleep at the recruiting switch, Purdue won't let go.
Coach Danny Hope loves the toughness and commitment our kids bring to his program in West Lafayette and his 2011 roster shows that.
You'll find safety Albert Evans (Portage); 6-foot-3, 320-pound defensive tackle Kawann Short (EC Central); 6-5, 270-pound defensive tackle Ryan Isaac (Michigan City); 6-8, 306-pound offensive tackle Dennis Kelly (Marian Catholic); 6-7, 324-pound guard Connor Snapp (Valparaiso); and 6-4, 305-pound defensive tackle Michael Rouse III (Homewood-Flossmoor).
Listening to Hope speak about each, you feel he'd adopt them all if needed.
"Albert's really important to us as a player on the field. He's a sure tackler. He has a lot of game experience so we expect him to execute his line assignments to a degree of excellence," Hope said.
"He's a real tough guy who can back it up. All the guys we got from the region are tough guys. They represent the region very well."
Hope called Isaac the "surprise signing" of last year's freshman class and he knew why.
"Albert and Ryan had the same high school coach -- Craig Buzea -- and he's a tough guy, too," Hope said. "His players exemplify that."
Isaac recently bench-pressed 460 pounds. For his next trick, he'll rip the New York City phone book in half and tie a crowbar in knots.
"Tough guy. Loves football. He'd cut his right arm off for his coaches or teammates," Hope said.
Short was a beast in high school, particularly under the basket when playing hoops, but always had a teddy bear image in public.
He came to Purdue looking like the Michelin Man but has since "rebuilt" his body, according to Hope.
"Kawann's very, very athletic and changes directions well," Hope said. "He's a very good pass rusher for an inside guy and has the potential to be one of the top defensive tackles in the country.
"He's a better football player going into his junior year than Mike Neal was at that stage."
Only a sophomore, Snapp remains a promising "project" while Kelly is one of the biggest offensive linemen Hope has ever been around as a coach.
"He's one of those guys you'd want to pull in a foxhole with you. If a bar room brawl broke out, you'd want a Dennis Kelly on your side," Hope said.
Buzea also coached Rouse in his first year at H-F.
"I'm a big fan of his and he knows it," Hope said of Buzea. "He was the best thing that happened to Michael, who became a lot more physical player when his intensity level almost doubled."
Hear that, IU and Notre Dame?
There's a pipeline here with Purdue fingerprints all over it.
This column solely represents the writer's opinion. Reach him at al.hamnik@nwi.com


Read more: http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/football/college/purdue-university/article_7fb281e2-91d3-569d-b6d7-1737660aadb6.html#ixzz1U3x2F9Ac

Posted by: taxthedeer Aug 4 2011, 07:50 AM

http://www.midamericabroadcasting.com/files/August_MAB_Monthly_1_.pdf

QUOTE
The revolving door of head coaches for Michigan City continues as Michael Karpinski takes a shot at turning the program around. Eric Schreiber departed for Hammond High after just one season in which his team failed to win a conference battle and knocked off only Gary Roosevelt in the season opener. Prior to that, Craig Buzea scurried to Illinois after just three years with the Wolves. Karpinski is hoping to finally bring some stability. He also brings a pair of experienced assistant coaches in his father Bill and former Andrean and South Central head coach Jeff Karras.

The Wolves have been a sub-.500 team for 13 of the last 15 seasons, with the squad going 6-4 in the only two victorious years. It seemed as if things were going in the right direction in 2009, but then Michigan City hit rock bottom again in 2010. A sudden return to the top half of the standings is unlikely, however the rebuilding could start this year with the Wolves at least making their games organized and competitive. Sectional realignment will make it even more difficult for Michigan City, as they move to Sectional 1, which includes Valparaiso, Crown Point and Merrillville.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Aug 5 2011, 02:32 PM

Don't forget, Wolves football TONIGHT up at Ames Field! It will be the Blue/Grey intersquad game, followed by a chance to come down onto the field and meet the coaches and players! Kick off is scheduled for 7pm, but expect a rolling clock and the game to move quickly at least in the second half. This is the first of five straight weeks to see City at Ames. The regular season begins in two short weeks!

Posted by: taxthedeer Aug 6 2011, 11:58 AM

I think it will be difficult to tell if the team will be any good until the play their first competitive game against South Bend Washington.

Posted by: taxthedeer Aug 10 2011, 06:11 PM

Does anybody know if the possible state takeover of Gary Roosevelt would force the cancellation on next Friday's football game?


Posted by: MSFOOTBALL Aug 12 2011, 03:46 AM

QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Aug 10 2011, 07:11 PM) *

Does anybody know if the possible state takeover of Gary Roosevelt would force the cancellation on next Friday's football game?


Hopefully we will find this out today. I heard some discussion about this possibly happening a few weeks ago but I am asking my sources today. Last year they barely had enough players to play the game out. I really feel for their students who are attempting to have a good high school experience.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Aug 12 2011, 06:40 AM

Tonight is the scrimmage with New Prairie at Ames Field!

Posted by: taxthedeer Aug 12 2011, 09:09 AM

QUOTE(southsiderMMX @ Aug 12 2011, 07:40 AM) *

Tonight is the scrimmage with New Prairie at Ames Field!
Did you get Beth Pishkur's OK to allow you to be the radio & internet play-by-play voice of the Michigan City Wolves on 1420 AM WIMS and www.wimsradio.com for the 2011-2012 season? biggrin.gif

Posted by: southsiderMMX Aug 12 2011, 09:41 AM

QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Aug 12 2011, 10:09 AM) *

Did you get Beth Pishkur's OK to allow you to be the radio & internet play-by-play voice of the Michigan City Wolves on 1420 AM WIMS and www.wimsradio.com for the 2011-2012 season? biggrin.gif


WIMS is dead to me. After they tried to essentially extort $5000 in free advertising out of the athletic department I had no interest in working with them anymore.

As I understand it, the broadcast this year will include no one actually from Michigan City, just like almost all of the rest of the station.

I hope no one else gives them any of their money or time either. That money is just going back to Illinois anyway.

Posted by: taxthedeer Aug 12 2011, 12:58 PM

QUOTE(southsiderMMX @ Aug 12 2011, 10:41 AM) *

WIMS is dead to me. After they tried to essentially extort $5000 in free advertising out of the athletic department I had no interest in working with them anymore.

As I understand it, the broadcast this year will include no one actually from Michigan City, just like almost all of the rest of the station.

I hope no one else gives them any of their money or time either. That money is just going back to Illinois anyway.

I'm not aware of any kind of extortion or where the advertising profits go or any other type of wrongdoings, at least it's nice that all the boys games are going to be covered live on the radio and online, many school don't have that luxary.

Posted by: MC Born & Raised Aug 12 2011, 02:11 PM

From what I'm told by those who would know, the Roosevelt game is in no imminent danger.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Aug 15 2011, 10:12 AM

Are you ready for some football?

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=146834095394867

Posted by: taxthedeer Aug 15 2011, 03:39 PM

Regional Radio Sports Network Kick-off show will be on 95.9 WEFM and rrsn.com from 5:30pm to 9:30pm this evening.

Posted by: taxthedeer Aug 15 2011, 03:40 PM

http://heraldargus.com/articles/2011/08/13/sports/doc4e46135654c2f381578155.txt

QUOTE
Wolves moving forward under new head coach

By Adam Parkhouse
Staff Writer
1-866-362-2167, Ext. 13869
sports@heraldargus.com
Published: Saturday, August 13, 2011 5:06 PM CDT
MICHIGAN CITY —With a first-year coach and a program coming off a rough season, the focus for Michigan City football is just improving from week to week.

Those who were in attendance at both last week’s Blue-Grey Scrimmage and Friday’s scrimmage with New Prairie would probably agree that’s the case.

“I think we got better this week,” Karpinski said. “We came here and took care of the ball better and our (No.) 1s did a great job against their (No.) 1s.”

In first-team-on-first-team action, Michigan City held a 7-5 touchdown edge, though official score wasn’t kept.

In the first set of plays (15 snaps from your own 35-yard line) Michigan City scored just once on a 14-yard touchdown run from Rashem Bell. However, that set did end with a pretty, 30-yard pass play that started with a great throw from senior quarterback Joel Hirsch.

“He threw some really good passes,” Karpinski said. “Our offensive line has gotta get better, but I thought he played fantastic.”

On New Prairie’s corresponding set, City’s defense was on lockdown mode against the Cougars’ vaunted option attack. New Prairie had three turnovers on downs and crossed midfield just once.

“They’re a good football team,” Karpinski said of the Cougars. “They’re well-coached and run that option well. It’s tough to stop.”

The next set was 10 plays from your opponent’s 10-yard line, and City did good work on the ground. Freshman Ryan Washington lined up under center during this set, but it was Karpinski’s stable of running backs that stood out.

Bell scored from 6 yards out before James Washington and Ryan Jones scored on back-to-back plays from 10 yards. Two plays later, Jones made it three touchdowns on four plays after a 16-yard score following a sack of Washington.

“There’s no question, those guys can go the distance every time they touch it,” Karpinski said of his running backs. “That makes it easier when it comes to playcalling.”

In the 10 plays, Washington — the younger brother of Rodney Washington, who was City’s QB for the last two years — was “sacked” three times and threw an incomplete pass. Technically, no QB was sacked all night as referees blew the play dead whenever the QB was in danger.

New Prairie also found the end zone frequently in their “goalline” set, scoring three times. Quarterback Cody Carlisle scored on a keeper and also threw a touchdown pass.

The final set for the first team consisted of 12 plays from the opponent’s 35-yard line, and each team found paydirt twice. For City, Scott Kaletha scored from 23 yards out and Hirsch also scored on a QB keeper on the goalline.

“Now we’ll watch film,” Karpinski said. “This will be their first opportunity to see the things we’ve been telling them, and film don’t lie.”

Overall, with next Friday’s season opener at home against Gary Roosevelt looming, Karpinski is happy with where things stand.

“No question, we’re right on schedule,” he said. “We’re nowhere near 100 percent, but we’re maybe at 70 percent of our potential and that’s a credit to these kids.

“I can’t say enough about the kids. They’ve done everything we’ve asked them to do.”

Posted by: southsiderMMX Aug 19 2011, 12:06 PM

http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/high-school/football/article_6666ccbc-23f7-5e6e-93ee-094a4e060e72.html

QUOTE
Michigan City Wolves

Inside the Wolves

Last season: 1-9

Returning starters: 11 (5 offense, 6 defense)

Returning offensive leader: Giorgio Karallas, Sr., FB. 67 rushes, 314 yards, 2 touchdowns.

Returning defensive leader: Karallas, Sr., LB. 5 tackles, 3 solos, 1 tackle for loss.

Everybody's All-American: Karallas, Sr., LB/FB. A physical specimen with smarts. "He is probably one of the hardest working guys on the team in the weight room," Karpinski said, "plus he has a 3.5 grade-point average."

He's got next: Joel Hirsch, Sr., QB. Ready to assume the role as starting quarterback. "He does have a quick release," Karpinski said. "He's more of a passer, but by no means is he a bad runner."

MARK HOFFMAN CONNECTION

While Michael Karpinski was an assistant coach at the University of Indianapolis, he visited with Mark Hoffman during a few recruiting trips to Valparaiso.

Coaches since 1977: 7 (school opened in 1995).

The Times' breakdown

Bill Karpinski, Michael's father, was the head coach at Elston in the late '60s. "A little pressure is a good thing," Michael Karpinski said. "I know what my dad has accomplished, and it will be awfully difficult to live up to it. I'm just going to do things to the best of my ability and things should work out." A key to success will be the development of quarterback Joel Hirsch. Giorgio Karallas could play a huge role on both sides of the ball for the Wolves. "We're striving to bring back Michigan City football to where it belongs," Karpinski said. "There's no lack of talent here." !~ Jim Hunsley

Read more: http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/high-school/football/article_6666ccbc-23f7-5e6e-93ee-094a4e060e72.html#ixzz1VV1WzrP3

Posted by: taxthedeer Aug 19 2011, 11:00 PM

Duneland conference raised their ticket prices to $6.00, probably be the same for boys and girls basketball this winter as well.

Football and boys and girls basketball are $6.00 this season. Next season all sports are $6.00.

Posted by: taxthedeer Aug 19 2011, 11:39 PM

http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/stats/2a8f6fb4-90a0-11e0-a2ee-001cc4c03286.html?mode=roster

QUOTE
Coach: Michael Karpinski, 0-0 at Michigan City and 7-13 overall.
No.;Name;Ht.;Wt.;Yr.;Pos.
1;Erik Stevenson;6-0165;So.;K
2;Caleb Kalvaitis;6-0;170;So.;WR/DB
3;Ryan Washington;5-11;179;Fr.;QB/DB
4;Marcus Horton;5-6;140;So.;RB
5;Joel Hirsch;6-2;185;Sr.;QB
6;Anthony Lemon;5-11;170;So.;QB/DB
7;Eric Yarbourgh;6-2;190;Sr.;WR
8;Erik Rose;6-0;185;Jr.;LB
9;Charles E. Sanders;5-8;205;Jr.;LB
10;Eric Karpinski;5-7;135;So.;QB
11;Troy Rivera;5-6;160;Sr.;DB
12;Scott Kaletha;5-11;155;So.;WR/DB
14;Michael Oberholtzer;5-10;147;So.;DB/WR
15;Marquis Martin;5-9;151;Jr.;WR/DB
16;Gordon Terry;5-10;143;So.;DB/WR
18;Trent Ormsby;6-3;205;Sr.;DL/OL
19;Charles L. Sanders;5-10;173;Sr.;DB/WR
20;Ty Martorano;6-0;175;Sr.;LB/TE
21;Marcellus Willis;5-9;150;Sr.;DB
22;Andrew Ray;6-0;185;Jr.;DB
23;Ryan Jones II;5-8;160;So.;RB/DB
24;Rashem Bell;5-7;160;Sr.;RB
25;Anthony Catchings;5-11;168;Sr.;LB/RB
26;James Washington;5-8;200;Fr.;FB/LB
28;Giorgio Karallas;6-2;225;Sr.;LB/FB
29;Austin Strelinski;5-6;140;So.;DB
30;Kevin Kreighbaum;5-11;215;Sr.;LB
32;Jordan Callahan;5-9;168;Sr.;DB/WR
33;Cameron McFarrin;5-6;145;Jr.;RB/DB;Jr.
34;Brian Taylor;5-8;180;Sr.;FB/LB
35;Jalen Lewis;5-9;176;Sr.;LB
36;Jacob Hauskins;6-0165;Jr.;DB/WR
37;David Medina;5-10;150;So.;DB/WR
38;Jonah Stromer;5-10;186;So.;DL
39;Matthew Beres;5-9;215;Jr.;K
42;Mario Ward II;5-8;200;So.;FB/LB
43;Christian Mansfield;5-11;180;Jr.;RB
44;Java Oliver;6-2;226;So.;DL/TE
45;Joe Fox;5-9;195;Jr.;LB
46;Tyrell Robinson;5-8;208;Jr.;FB/LB
47;Zak Chappell;5-9;165;Jr.;LB
48;Dallas Thacker;5-9;134;So.;WR/DB
49;Tyler Wilson;5-9;177;Jr.;DL
50;Scott Paul;6-0;181;So.;OL/DL
51;Jacob Kubath;6-0;220;So.;OL/DL
52;Chris Mallon;5-9;206;Jr.;DL
54;Kyle Heider;5-11;193;So.;LB/OL
55;Zack Baize;5-7;168;Jr.;LB
56;Cody Parker;6-2;182;Jr.;DL
57;Dylan Bogart;6-2;180;So.;OL/DL
58;Montel Edwards;5-10;215;Jr.;OL/DL
59;Kyle Bendix;5-10;205;Sr.;DL
60;Wang Lu;5-0;223;Jr.;OL/DL
61;Joshua Nowatzke;5-11;165;So.;OL/LB
62;Darian Webb;6-2;251;Sr.;DL/OL
63;Cameron Autry;6-2;235;Jr.;OL
64;Daniel Lemon;6-1;220;Jr.;DL/OL
65;Travis Foster;5-11;245;Sr.;OL
66;Xavier Stamper;6-0;266;Jr.;OL
67;Alex Jones;6-2;240;Jr.;OL
68;Alante Nichols;5-7;240;Jr.;OL/DL
69;Josh McCoy;6-2;260;So.;OL/DL
70;Justin Lewis;6-1;260;So.;OL/DL
71;X Coan;6-0;236;So.;DL/OL
72;Michael Warren;5-11;290;So.;DL
73;Paul Jackson;6-6;281;Sr.;DL
74;Eric Kintigh;5-10;230;Sr.;OL/DL
75;Chris Hartsburg;5-4;265;So.;DL/OL
76;Dustin Fanson;6-5;305;Sr.;DL/OL
77;Marcus Falls-Foster;6-3;250;Sr.;OL/DL
78;Samual Haro;5-11;295;Sr.;OL
79;Alex DeSantiago;6-0;235;So.;OL/DL
80;Donovan Wilson;6-2;185;So.;WR/DB
81;Aaron Fowler;5-7;163;Sr.;DB
82;Kyle Oberholtzer;5-10;185;Sr.;WR.DB
83;Kyle Neulieb;5-11;175;Sr.;WR/DB
85;Skyler Lewis;6-0;256;Sr.;OL/DL
87;Marqus Swartzlander;6-1;218;Sr.;TE/DE
88;Josh Gondeck;6-3;210;Sr.;TE/DE
89;Joseph Kosakowski;6-3;196;Jr.;TE/DE
91;Michael Simmons;5-10;300;Jr.;DL

Posted by: taxthedeer Aug 20 2011, 12:38 PM

http://www.alco.org/index.php/videos/159-sports?catid=63%3Astudio-production

I really enjoyed listening to Michael Gresham and Don Varda doing the call on the ALCO tele/web cast.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Aug 22 2011, 10:15 AM

http://www.nwitimes.com/conferences/duneland-conference/article_24144330-257e-551d-8a08-f93387d19498.html

QUOTE
Joel Hirsch isn't anxious to take over his new starting role at Michigan City.

"That's not the word," Hirsch said. "I'm super anxious. I've went to sleep every night (anxious) about getting the chance to be the starting quarterback."

Hirsch has played football for nine years. After playing right guard on his Pop Warner squad his initial season, he's been behind center ever since.

In high school, his spot has been behind the starter. In a few games last season, he was 7-of-27 passing for 56 yards. He also rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown.

"I don't even know what I'll be thinking about after that first snap," said Hirsch, who also split time at defensive back last season. "It's going to be an adrenaline rush."

First-year head coach Michael Karpinski has confidence in his signal caller.

"He shows great leadership skills," Karpinski said. "The other players will respond to him. There's no doubt he'll be the leader on the field."

Hirsch will also be directing a different offense this season. Last year, the team ran wishbone and triple-option set. This year, things will be spread out.

"It's more of pro-style offense with three-receiver sets," said Hirsch, who will focus on offense this year. "I didn't get a chance to throw a lot before. I'll use a three- or five-step drop. I'm more powerful. I'm using my legs, and I'm not just throwing with my arm."

Hirsch has grown up playing members of his receving corps. He began football with Troy Rivera, teamed up with Kyle Nuelieb the next year .

"(Games) should feel like pitch-and-catch in the back yard," Hirsch said. "That should help me relax and throw."

Hirsch is ready for the first game to start.

"I just try to take everything serious this season," he said. "I've always had pressure on me, and that's why I love to be in this position."

Read more: http://www.nwitimes.com/conferences/duneland-conference/article_24144330-257e-551d-8a08-f93387d19498.html#ixzz1Vm76HAYW

Posted by: southsiderMMX Aug 22 2011, 01:52 PM

http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/08/20/sports/columnists/adam_parkhouse/doc4e506fd0a9796451282201.txt

QUOTE
Time to lift some spirits

By Adam Parkhouse
Home Cookin'
Published: Saturday, August 20, 2011 9:43 PM CDT
I’m good enough, I’m smart enough, and doggone it, people like me!”

The great Al Franken famously uttered that line through his Saturday Night Live character, Stuart Smalley. Yes, the same Al Franken who’s now a U.S. Senator from Minnesota. What a world.

That line popped into my head Friday night after Michigan City’s Blue-Grey Scrimmage at Ames Field.

That’s because Michael Karpinski, the fourth City football coach I’ve covered in my time at the N-D, uttered almost verbatim the same words the previous three did early in their MC tenures.

Click here to find out more!
“When we’re high, we’re high. But when we’re low, we stay low for a period of time,” Karpinski said.

It caught my ear as soon as the first-year coach started the second part of that quote. I’d heard similar words before from Bob Holmes, Craig Buzea and Eric Schreiber.

They all talked early on about how, for whatever reason, many of the kids at Michigan City have a hard time recovering from negative plays, criticism or other transgressions that are typical in football, or even in life.

My question is, why is that? What is it about kids at Michigan City that would make four coaches completely independent of one another say almost the exact same thing as one of their first impressions of kids in their program?

Honestly, it makes me sad to think about the idea that kids in our community are so fragile emotionally where they can get and stay down so easily.

Some could be growing up in difficult situations and, without delving into any armchair psychology, that can certainly be a factor.

Also, the losing ways of the program can feed into negativity. Obviously, 2010 was a difficult season. The team went 1-9 and, after beating Gary Roosevelt in Week 1, the Wolves were never really close to another win.

I can’t imagine that’s easy to go through and that when anything happens on the practice field that reminds you of that kind of nightmare, it could be easy to shut down.

So, with that in mind, know that, as fans, you can help change this. Attend games, show the kids you care. Support them in any and every way you can.

Using the “it takes a village” mantra, we’re all kind of responsible for how the youth in our community come up. That means the future of our community is in all of our hands.

On Thursday, Aug. 11, the N-D will put print a special section dedicated to Charlie Westcott, a man who had a profound impact on the youth through his work at the Elite Youth Center.

He had an enormous impact on young people and nearly all of them grew up to have a profound impact on the community in which they live. To a man, they would all tell you they owe it to Westcott.

My point is, you can have an impact, be it small or large. We can all get involved and help steer the ship for those who need it the most.

Just once, I’d love to hear a coach talk about how his players just brim with confidence and have a generally positive outlook.

That’s the way it should be. Michigan City kids are good enough. They’re smart enough. And, doggone it, people do like them.

Contact Sports Editor Adam Parkhouse at aparkhouse@thenewsdispatch.com or 874-7211, Ext. 461.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Aug 22 2011, 01:56 PM

http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/08/20/sports/doc4e50742d9faff992441604.txt

QUOTE
No debate here: Hirsch is the man

By Adam Parkhouse
Home Cookin'
Published: Saturday, August 20, 2011 9:59 PM CDT
One intra-squad night and another scrimmage against New Prairie are in the books. So what do we know about the 2011 Michigan City Wolves football team?

As always at this point in the season, not a whole lot. Until real competition starts, it’s tough to gauge a team.

But one thing is for sure: Unlike a year ago, there is no quarterback controversy for these Wolves.

Senior Joel Hirsch is the man and the stability of knowing the job is his has to be reassuring.

*
Friday we got a brief look at the future in freshman Ryan Washington, the younger brother of Rodney Washington, who was under center for the last two years.

But last season, there was some indecision as to whether Hirsch or Rodney would be the guy. Hirsch fit the offense better at the time but Rodney probably had the edge in physical ability.

And because two-QB systems rarely work, the results were predictable.

So far, perhaps my favorite thing about the Karpinski era is that players seem to have clearly defined roles. Karpinski said against New Prairie there was hardly any two-way play in the first half of the scrimmage.

While on the official roster you might see FB/LB or OL/DL under the position column by most players, it seems guys are pretty much focusing on playing one position.

Ideally, that’s the way you’d like to have it. We’ll see how that sticks together through the season, but having players more fresh throughout the game can only be a good thing.

Back to Hirsch, I’m excited to see the kid get a full-time shot. He’s certainly earned it. He has decent size at 6-2 and 185 pounds and displayed above average arm strength on many throws Friday.

Perhaps the best thing Hirsch has going for him, though, is between the ears. He strikes me as a bright kid who thinks through the game well.

Karpinski seems to agree and told assembled media that he even let Hirsch call his own play against the Cougars.

But just from talking to Hirsch and watching him on the field, you get the feeling that he’s a good leader and that he has the respect of his teammates.

In a quarterback, that’s obviously of vital importance.

Look, I’m not trying to convince you that the Wolves are going to contend for the Duneland Conference title or are going to win state, but at this early juncture, I see some things to be happy with.

(Shameless plug: For my official prediction, check out The News-Dispatch 2011 Football Preview on Aug. 18.)

Before the first game is played, truthfully, that’s all you can ask for. It’s enough to make me excited about football again, less than a year after a season I’d just as soon like to forget.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Aug 26 2011, 09:33 PM

I know the scoreboard doesn't show it, but City played a great game against SB Washington tonight. That WR is going to be a special one.

Posted by: taxthedeer Aug 26 2011, 11:55 PM

QUOTE(southsiderMMX @ Aug 26 2011, 10:33 PM) *

I know the scoreboard doesn't show it, but City played a great game against SB Washington tonight. That WR is going to be a special one.
First, I was really sorry to learn about the passing of former Elston football coach Vic Overman.

Gehrig Dieter put on a clinic tonight, 343 yards on 11 receptions, 3 td's . Probably the best wide receiver I've seen in high school since Jeff Samardzija.

The hail mary before the half, (the play prior a Michigan City defender dropped what should have been an interception) and the go ahead broken play in the backfield touchdown on Washington's initial second half drive really was a big blow to the Wolves.

I thought sophomores Donovan Wilson and Scotty Kaletha played exceptionally well for the Wolves. In the fourth quarter Kaletha took a bone crushing hit when going for a pass up the middle but showed tremendous heart by shaking it off and was going back to the huddle before the coaches pulled him off the field.

Posted by: MC Born & Raised Aug 27 2011, 03:39 PM

QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Aug 26 2011, 11:55 PM) *

First, I was really sorry to learn about the passing of former Elston football coach Vic Overman.

Gehrig Dieter put on a clinic tonight, 343 yards on 11 receptions, 3 td's . Probably the best wide receiver I've seen in high school since Jeff Samardzija.

The hail mary before the half, (the play prior a Michigan City defender dropped what should have been an interception) and the go ahead broken play in the backfield touchdown on Washington's initial second half drive really was a big blow to the Wolves.

I thought sophomores Donovan Wilson and Scotty Kaletha played exceptionally well for the Wolves. In the fourth quarter Kaletha took a bone crushing hit when going for a pass up the middle but showed tremendous heart by shaking it off and was going back to the huddle before the coaches pulled him off the field.


Yeah, Karpinski actually said Kaletha coming off had nothing to do with the hit, either. It was just a different package Kaletha isn't a part of. Tough kid.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Aug 28 2011, 09:22 AM

Merrillville and Valpo are 0-2 to start the season. I know they have played some big time teams, but they have also gotten their tails kicked in those games. Could the tides of the DAC be changing?

Posted by: taxthedeer Aug 29 2011, 12:19 AM

QUOTE(southsiderMMX @ Aug 28 2011, 10:22 AM) *

Merrillville and Valpo are 0-2 to start the season. I know they have played some big time teams, but they have also gotten their tails kicked in those games. Could the tides of the DAC be changing?
Yes they are, this season is going to be a total bust as far as the Duneland conference is concerned, other than Laporte narrowly escaping South Bend Clay 35-28 the Duneland conference lost to everyone of it's out of area non-conference opponents.


.

Posted by: taxthedeer Aug 29 2011, 09:38 AM

I was studying the roster, They have a kid listed by the name of X Coan #71 DL/OL 5'11 236LB sophomore. I would like to know the story of why his parents named him X?

Posted by: southsiderMMX Aug 29 2011, 11:59 AM

QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Aug 27 2011, 12:55 AM) *

First, I was really sorry to learn about the passing of former Elston football coach Vic Overman.

Gehrig Dieter put on a clinic tonight, 343 yards on 11 receptions, 3 td's . Probably the best wide receiver I've seen in high school since Jeff Samardzija.

The hail mary before the half, (the play prior a Michigan City defender dropped what should have been an interception) and the go ahead broken play in the backfield touchdown on Washington's initial second half drive really was a big blow to the Wolves.

I thought sophomores Donovan Wilson and Scotty Kaletha played exceptionally well for the Wolves. In the fourth quarter Kaletha took a bone crushing hit when going for a pass up the middle but showed tremendous heart by shaking it off and was going back to the huddle before the coaches pulled him off the field.


The crazy thing is that I think the best sophomore on the team is Java Oliver. Too bad he is going to be missing the next game, because has been a force in the first two weeks.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Aug 29 2011, 12:55 PM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/08/28/sports/doc4e5a6c9c7a37a348987371.txt

QUOTE
Tough loss, but did you see that kid?

By Adam Parkhouse
Home Cookin'
Published: Sunday, August 28, 2011 11:31 AM CDT
I have a deep appreciation for greatness and watching athletes and teams accomplish great things.

I appreciate the hard work that goes into such feats and the raw, natural ability that gets honed into a finely-tuned athletic machine that wows us as sports fans.

With that in mind, I have a confession: I’m equal parts disappointed and elated about Michigan City football’s loss Friday to South Bend Washington.

I’m disappointed because the Wolves lost a game that, with 8.2 seconds to play in the second quarter, they had a terrific opportunity to win, which was not my expectation heading into the game.

Click here to find out more!
But I’m also elated that I got a chance to witness greatness Friday night. Washington receiver Gehrig Dieter, named for the Yankee Clipper himself, is great. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen anyone play that position better than he played it Friday, and it wasn’t even his best performance in a two-game season.

In Week 1 against Bloomington North, Dieter caught eight passes for 373 yards and five touchdowns. He followed that up against Michigan City with 11 receptions for a paltry 346 yards and three touchdowns. Off night.

I mean, come on, Gehrig. Only 31.5 yards per catch? Child’s play.

Mostly, I think there’s a good chance we might some day watch this kid play on Sundays. Obviously, a lot has to happen before he gets to that point, but the 6-3, 210-pounder has just about everything you’d want in a receiver.

He’s big, strong, fast and has terrific hands. And for anyone else in attendance Friday, you can also say five years or more from now when lounging on the couch on a Sunday afternoon, “Hey, I remember that kid!”

Please, please don’t get me wrong, City fans. My stomach churned as yours did when Washington erased City’s lead and pulled away in the second half. I’m far from happy the Wolves lost.

But you know what? Sometimes you just tip your cap to the guy or team on the other side and move on to the next game.

After all, what I wanted to see from this game I saw in the first half. I wanted the Wolves to compete, to show the fire that seemed so lacking in 2010.

They delivered on that. With 8.2 seconds left in the first half, City held an eight-point lead. But, a long touchdown pass to maybe the best offensive player in the state started a downward slide coach Michael Karpinski’s crew couldn’t recover from.

Make no mistake though, Friday was a step forward for the Wolves. They played hard and they mostly played well. They’ll continue to improve and continue to compete, and that’s all anyone can ask.

On this night, they ran into a buzzsaw named Dieter. Many others will fall victim this season.

Contact Sports Editor Adam Parkhouse at aparkhouse@thenewsdispatch.com or 874-7211, Ext. 461.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Aug 29 2011, 12:56 PM

http://heraldargus.com/articles/2011/08/27/sports/doc4e596722103f8133559223.txt

QUOTE
Washington receiver goes off again in win over City

By Adam Parkhouse
Staff Writer
1-866-362-2167, Ext. 13869
sports@heraldargus.com
Published: Saturday, August 27, 2011 5:06 PM CDT
MICHIGAN CITY — For video game enthusiasts, Madden NFL 12 doesn’t come out until next week.

Fans of the legendary football franchise got a good sneak preview Friday at Ames Field, though.

South Bend Washington receiver Gehrig Dieter put up numbers that would make gamers drool just one week after setting a state record for receiving yards. He didn’t reset the record, but didn’t miss by much, catching 11 balls for 346 yards and three touchdowns and nearly single-handedly led a comeback charge against Michigan City in a 40-21 loss for the Wolves.

Dieter accounted for all but 153 of Washington’s 499 yards of total offense. Notre Dame recruit David Perkins took care of most of the rest, picking up 126 yards on 15 carries and two more touchdowns, including another video game-like play in which Perkins broke several City tackles on his way to a 38-yard touchdown.

Click here to find out more!
All this, though, after City looked to be in control of the game nearing halftime. Despite Dieter’s efforts, City led 21-13 with 8.2 seconds left before halftime.

To get to that point, the Wolves were both opportunistic and good on both sides of the ball.

On the second play of the game, Dieter hauled in a 50-yard touchdown pass from Daigien Morgan, but City answered later in the first quarter when Marcellus Willis recovered a Washington fumble in the end zone for a touchdown.

The Panthers returned the favor a few minutes later when Perkins coughed it up at the goalline and Jeremiah Johnson recovered just inches before it rolled through the back of the end zone for a touchback. Instead, it was a touchdown and the Panthers led 13-7 heading into the second quarter.

City quarterback Joel Hirsch led a long, time-consuming drive following Johnson’s score, finally hooking up with Eric Yarbrough with 5:45 to play for a 15-yard touchdown.

On Washington’s first play of the next series, Morgan was intercepted by Giorgio Karallas. Several plays later, Hirsch found paydirt from 2 yards out to give the Wolves a 21-13 lead with just 40 seconds to play.

After a few plays — and a dropped City interception — Washington didn’t appear close to scoring. But, with 8.2 seconds left, Morgan found Dieter streaking up the right sideline in single coverage, and the 6-2, 210-pounder did the rest, taking the ball 71 yards to the house, making for a 21-19 halftime score.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Aug 30 2011, 01:26 PM

http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/08/30/sports/columnists/doc4e5cf5e6d0492306419074.txt

QUOTE
Does Karpinski hold the key?

By Drew White
Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday, August 30, 2011 9:39 AM CDT
The scores just kind of stick out like a sore thumb.

Warren Central 64, Merrillville 13.

Carmel 49, Valparaiso 0.

In the past two weeks, the two schools that represent the last two Duneland Conference championships – Merrillville in 2009 and Valpo in 2010 – have challenged two of the best schools that Central Indiana has to offer and both DAC schools have been, to put it lightly, thoroughly decimated.

*
Warren Central and Carmel obviously know how to play football well. Warren Central has won the IHSAA Class 5A state title five times in the past decade and Carmel has reached the Class 5A title game four times in the past ten years, winning in 2007.

Seeing scores of 63-13 and 49-0, with the top two teams in the DAC representing the 13 and the goose egg, the casual football fan would ask – What is it that makes Warren Central and Carmel that much better than the Pirates and the Vikings?

Perhaps Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly is putting something in the water down there that makes football players bigger, faster, and stronger than the players in The Region?

Honestly, I don’t have an answer, but I’m kind of hoping that someone in Michigan City might ultimately hold the solution to the puzzle.

When Michael Karpinski was named head coach of the Wolves over the summer, the Michigan City football skeptics were quick to jump to conclusions regarding the new leader of the pack.

Doing the preliminary research on Karpinski, we learned about his connection to the Michigan City community – he is the son of former Elston High School head coach and original Rogers High School football head coach Bill Karpinski.

His most recent position, as head coach of the Franklin Central football team, was preceded by time as an assistant coach at the University of Indianapolis.

Michael Karpinski had been RIFed (teacher-speak for laid off) and he was initially told that his time as the gridiron leader at Franklin Central was over. Ultimately, it turns out he had an opportunity to return as head coach of the Flashes, but he has made it known that he chose Michigan City over Franklin Central.

One of my initial thoughts had to do with why Karpinski, who was already firmly entrenched by more than a decade of living in Indiana’s state capital, would choose to take over a City program located in the northwest part of the state.

I looked at his record in two years at Franklin Central and was under whelmed by his 7-13 mark.

But the more I thought about it, the more I told myself that the Wolves had gotten the right guy.

Why?

If you are looking to improve a program, wouldn’t you like to have a guy with head coaching experience in the area of the state that has clearly established dominance?

While some will ask Karpinski why he came north, I think we as Wolves fans would be remiss if we didn’t count our blessings that he was willing to come to Michigan City, a community he called home at an age too young to remember much about it besides a hill and railroad tracks located close to the former Karpinski homestead.

When you look at how teams from the Duneland have performed in recent years when pitted against schools from the Indianapolis area, I think it is safe to argue that 7-13 in Central Indiana might just equate to 11-9 or 12-8 in the DAC.

Look back just two years and you’ll find that Karpinski’s inaugural season included a sectional nailbiter in which his Flashes lost by only one point to the eventual state champion – Warren Central.

Whether Karpinski had superior athletes at Franklin Central to those he now coaches, only he could tell you. From what he has told me, he likes the hand he’s been dealt with the Wolves.

To leave the Indianapolis area and a head coaching position in the land of Class 5A state champions, there has to be something more to it. Karpinski wants to be in Michigan City.

While the Wolves still need to figure out a way of contending in the DAC, I don’t think it hurts to have someone experienced in battling the Warren Centrals of the state.

Maybe Karpinski can show Michigan City and the rest of the Duneland Conference what needs to be done to win state titles.



Contact sports writer Drew White at dwhite@thenewsdispatch.com or 874-7211, Ext. 447.

Posted by: taxthedeer Sep 1 2011, 01:22 PM

I was driving along Franklin St. earlier this morning and Michigan City Signs were erecting the football player image banners on the utility poles, they look really nice.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 2 2011, 08:51 AM

http://www.chestertontribune.com/Sports/chs_football_opens_dac_play_frid.htm

QUOTE
By TR HARLAN

It might be wishful thinking to make the leap that again.

The Chesterton football team did a complete 180 last Friday night in a dominating 28-0 victory over Munster. The Trojans allowed just 72 yards of total offense, one week after giving up more than 500 yards in a 30-28 loss at South Bend St. Joe.

Coach John Snyder’s team will look to make the same showing as they open Duneland Athletic Conference play on Friday night at Michigan City. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

The Trojans dominant defense returned to form with the reinsertion of Julian Raudry and Dana Konchar at linebacker against the Mustangs.

“Defensively we obviously had a big change,” Snyder said. “It’s hard to believe that two guys can make that big a difference. But, it was almost like having six or seven new guys because people got to move back to their normal positions.

“If we can keep playing like we did on defense, we’ve got a chance to be pretty decent.”

No one was more surprised to see the defense turn around so quickly, though surprised may be the wrong word, than Snyder.

“I really didn’t see that coming because it’s hard to gauge during the week at practice,” Snyder said. “You never know if you’re playing that well or if your offense isn’t playing well or how that all works.”

On offense, the Trojans were able to throw the football in the first half and open some holes for the running game after halftime.

“Munster was a little better on the edge than I thought they’d be and they played a little different than we thought they would,” Snyder said. “We made some bad reads early and that got us out of sync. If you’re going to stop the run, you have to give up something in the passing game. The ability to hit some of those was huge for us.

“We did a better job of moving (quarterback) Chris (Katsafaros) around and not keeping him in a straight dropback in the pocket. Moving him around played to his strength.”

Chesterton also took advantage of its special teams much better in week two.

“We played much better in special teams with the big punt return to start the scoring and all the field positions we were able to get,” Snyder said. “Kyle kicking the ball into the end zone consistently is honestly what I expect him to do. Give a team 80 yards to score and more time’s than not you think you’ll get stops.

“We are 0-for-3 on field goals and Kyle’s good enough to hit the ones we’re attempting. We’ve had one blocked, one come up short and one pulled. It’s time to start getting those points on the board.”

Michigan City’s revolving door at head coach continues this season and that proves to be a problem for Snyder and the Trojans.

“Michigan City has kind of been a new team each year,” Snyder said. “They do return several starters on both sides of the ball. They are big and physical and very athletic. That concerns me.”

Offensively, the Wolves will test the young Chesterton secondary and try to run the ball up the middle.

“Offensively, they aren’t doing a lot of things,” Snyder said. “They are just doing what they think they can right now. They have two running backs that run extremely hard and I’m worried about the way they throw the ball. They are a trap, inside running type of team.

“The quarterback has a quick release and they’ve had some success throwing the ball. Them throwing the ball concerns me the most.”

Defensively, the Wolves will present a front seven and defensive philosophy the Trojans haven’t seen through the first two weeks of the season.

“Defensively, they do some things differently than we’ve seen the last couple of weeks,” Snyder said. “We’re going to have to do some things differently on offense. We’ll run some things that they haven’t seen on film because of the way they line up.

“We just have to be physical up front. If we can get into their linebackers, we’ve got a chance to be pretty successful.”

 



Posted 9/1/2011

Posted by: taxthedeer Sep 2 2011, 11:50 PM

http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/high-school/football/article_237d0777-1512-514d-806c-0c8b7c059309.html

QUOTE
Chesterton riddles Michigan City with big plays

By Jim Peters jim.peters@nwi.com, (219) 548-4363 | Posted: Friday, September 2, 2011 10:30 pm

MICHIGAN CITY | You'd think the memo would've gotten around.
Don't punt the ball to Joe Troop.
The electric Chesterton return man struck again late in the first half Friday at Ames Field, maneuvering and sprinting 67 yards on a Daniel Lemon boot.
"I don't know what it is. I just see the blocks, I see the white jersey, and I just follow them, find the hole and take off," Troop said. "Teams are going to have to decide if they're going to punt it long or keep it short and give us better field position."
Troop's highlight tape play was one of a bundle of big gainers by the Times No. 5 Trojans, who riddled Michigan City from long distance all night in a 48-14 Duneland Athletic Conference blowout.
"I'm happy the way we're progressing," Chesterton coach John Snyder said. "The opening drive, we executed really well. They wanted to take some things away and we're experienced enough to see that and take advantage of it. It's looking good now. We'll see down the road."
Quarterback Chris Katsafaros, wingback Adam Lara and fullback Zach Jenks all got into the act for Chesterton (2-1, 1-0) as City gamed to contain Troop.
"Every time I lined up, they were yelling, '47's right here,'" Troop said. "If I've got nine guys flying to me, that's going to leave wide-open space for the other guys. I've got no problem with that. Whatever it takes to win."
Katsafaros scampered for 89 yards and two scores, including a 41-yard keeper in the first minute of the second half that put the Trojans up 35-0. He also threw for 118 yards on just five completions with Troop (3 catches, 66 yards) and Lara (2 catches, 52 yards) doing all the damage. Lara raced 22 yards for a TD and Jenks rumbled to the house three times on just four totes, taking it in from 5, 18 and 39 yards.
"Huge," Snyder said of the receptions. "Joe's catch was unbelievable. He understands the concept of what we're trying to do. If they're going to commit two guys to him, that's one less guy they have to stop Chris, Zac and Adam."
Chesterton rushed for 322 yards and extended its string of scoreless quarters to six before the Wolves got on the board late in the third.
"The defense came out again," Snyder said. "They did a really good job. But things are going to get tougher and tougher as we go along."




Posted by: taxthedeer Sep 2 2011, 11:58 PM

http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/7431944-556/chesterton-racks-up-yardage-in-win-over-michigan-city.html

QUOTE
Chesterton racks up yardage in win over Michigan City
By Tom Wyatt Post-Tribune correspondent September 2, 2011 11:54PM
Reprints
Share

Updated: September 2, 2011 11:54PM

MICHIGAN CITY — Joe Troop was just as surprised as everybody else when the punt landed in his hands late in the second quarter on Friday.

The Chesterton junior already has a reputation for being a dangerous punt returner. And Michigan City had made every effort to kick away from Troop on its first four punts. But not this time, and the Wolves paid.

Troop took the punt return 67 yards for a score after darting to his left, getting a huge block that sprung him, and then cutting back across the field and sprinting to the end zone with 1:04 left in the second quarter. It sucked the life out of Michigan City and gave Chesterton a 28-point halftime cushion that turned into a 48-14 Trojans victory in a Duneland Conference opener.

“We say that the offense can do what they do, and the defense can do what they do,” said Troop who returned a punt 43 yards for a TD last week against Munster. “But special teams have to step up.”

Chesterton (2-1) was equally as impressive on offense and defense, compiling 435 yards of offense, including 316 on the ground. Troop set the tone early at wingback, and when the Wolves (1-2) started keying on him, QB Chris Katsafaros and wingback Adam Lara picked up the slack.

Meanwhile, Chesterton fullback Zach Jenks made the most of his carries. He touched the ball four times and scored three times on runs of 18, 5 and 38 yards. Katsafaros led the way with 100 yards on the ground, and 65 came on the first two plays of the third quarter when he scored on a 41-yard TD sprint. Lara added a 22-yard touchdown run.

“We know how the DAC is,” Trojans coach John Snyder said. “Things get tougher and tougher from here on out. You have to be able to play tough on tough.”

Defensively, Chesterton was impressive for the second straight week. Michigan City didn’t get on the board until late in the third quarter when quarterback Joel Hirsch found Josh Gondeck in the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown pass.

The Wolves added a fourth-quarter score when Hirsch sneaked in from a yard out.

“We took a couple steps back this week,” Michigan City coach Michael Karpinski said. “We didn’t execute anything, really. Chesterton didn’t do anything we didn’t see on film. It just came down to execution.”

Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 7 2011, 09:00 AM

http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/7506884-452/hutton-sb-washington-coach-should-have-passed-on-national-receiving-record.html

QUOTE
Hutton: SB Washington coach should have passed on national receiving record

By Mike Hutton 648-3139 or mhutton@post-trib.com September 6, 2011 11:30PM

What kind of coach asks the opposing coach if it’s OK to break a national record in the middle of a game?

And just how is the other coach supposed to respond to such a ludicrous inquiry? “Great. Go for it. Humiliate us some more. We actually enjoy the pain and embarrassment you are inflicting on us and we’re looking forward to the press release the IHSAA will send out on Saturday trumpeting Gehrig Dieter’s accomplishment. We’d love for Dieter to get it against us. Why not us?”

Indiana is now one-up on Arkansas in the arms race for most pass reception yardage in a game. J.D. Felice of Rose Bud, Ark., held it before with 421 yards in one game. Should we all be proud Hoosiers or embarrassed for the insensitivity South Bend Washington showed?

Washington coach Antwon Jones, a 1998 Notre Dame graduate, deserves all the derision and scorn that should be piled on him for letting Dieter catch a 39-yard pass on the final play of the game to set the record in a 63-10 victory over Elkhart Central on Friday, giving him 437 yards, the new national record.

That is just so fundamentally wrong and selfish that it’s hard to know where to begin.

But I’ll start here.

Lou Holtz, who recruited Jones, is still covering his eyes at the thought of this absolutely insane scenario. He would’ve never approved.

Jones went for the record, according to the South Bend Tribune, at the behest of Dieter who knew at halftime it was within reach.

He begged the coach for a chance to keep piling up the yards because he was aware of his place in history.

“When somebody has a chance to get a national record, I bet any team in the nation is gonna go for it, not just us,” Dieter told the South Bend Tribune. “We were going to go for it in the first game but I only played three quarters.”

Thankfully, the majority of the coaches in the state don’t hold the view that records are more important than the team or the potential for needless injury. They get it. They understand sportsmanship and how you play the game is important for teenagers. That this doesn’t reflect well on the school, the coach or Dieter.

Jones instinctively knew he was wading into neverland when he brought up the subject with Elkhart Central coach Levon Johnson during the game.

Jones told the South Bend Tribune he received Johnson’s “blessing.” Johnson disputes that version, saying he warned him there would be an issue with sportsmanship if he went for it.

He was right.

The worst part about the move is that by enabling Dieter’s request to go for it, Jones has tainted him with the “S” (S-E-L-F-I-S-H) word when it could’ve been a teaching moment for him that went something like this when Dieter asked about it: “We love you Gehrig. We need you Gehrig. You’re a great player, but I don’t want to risk injury and this is a team game. It’s not about setting records. It’s time to rest.”

Michigan City coach Mike Karpinski knows a little bit about how Elkhart Central feels.

The Wolves were torched by Washington 40-21 in the second game of the season and Dieter piled up 346 yards in receptions. He has a huge amount of respect for Dieter’s game.

He’s not into record-for-the-sake-of-the-record thing.

Karpinski couldn’t bring himself to do what Jones did. In a different smaller way, he had a chance when the Wolves were playing Roosevelt — a game they won 46-0.

Late in the second half, Eric Yarbrough Jr., a wide receiver for the Wolves, whose father happens to be the Roosevelt football coach, pleaded with Karpinski to put him back in the game and throw one deep his way because he had dropped an easy touchdown pass in the first half.

Karpinski made him stay on the sidelines.

“What kind of a message would I be sending if I did that?” he said. “Personally, if I’m winning that big, he’s (Dieter) not playing. That’s just me and you know, he’s fantastic. He’s the real deal.”

And he has the real record, though for those people that chronicle history and know the real deal, it’ll be a record to hold your nose at.

Passing on every play when your team is ahead by double digits. Using your first stringers with a 46-point lead. Sacrificing shared responsibility for individual accolades. Refusing empathy for your overmatched opponent.

That’s a sad story and a sad lesson to pass onto high school football players. It’s not the way the game should be played.

Posted by: MSFOOTBALL Sep 8 2011, 09:22 PM

QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Sep 3 2011, 12:58 AM) *

http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/7431944-556/chesterton-racks-up-yardage-in-win-over-michigan-city.html


I know the JV and Freshman don't mean much but the Michigan City JV are 3-0 and Freshmen beat Chesterton tonight. The JV game at Chesterton last Saturday was very exciting--HOT one too. I have heard some wins are happening at the Middle school level as well. I wish the Varsity could get things to come together for them soon. To beat Valpo at home would be a grand victory. GO WOLVES !!!

Posted by: Fancy Nancy Sep 9 2011, 01:07 PM

biggrin.gif

QUOTE(MSFOOTBALL @ Sep 8 2011, 10:22 PM) *

I know the JV and Freshman don't mean much but the Michigan City JV are 3-0 and Freshmen beat Chesterton tonight. The JV game at Chesterton last Saturday was very exciting--HOT one too. I have heard some wins are happening at the Middle school level as well. I wish the Varsity could get things to come together for them soon. To beat Valpo at home would be a grand victory. GO WOLVES !!!



I think it is awesome that the JV is 3-0 and the Freshman beat Chesterton last Night! Way to go boys! They are the future of Michigan City Football, stay positive Varsity and be coachable and fabulous things will come your way! biggrin.gif Go M.C. and JV stay focus!

Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 9 2011, 01:12 PM

QUOTE(MSFOOTBALL @ Sep 8 2011, 10:22 PM) *

I know the JV and Freshman don't mean much but the Michigan City JV are 3-0 and Freshmen beat Chesterton tonight. The JV game at Chesterton last Saturday was very exciting--HOT one too. I have heard some wins are happening at the Middle school level as well. I wish the Varsity could get things to come together for them soon. To beat Valpo at home would be a grand victory. GO WOLVES !!!


It means a lot. It means depth, experience, confidence, and a pipeline for the varsity. It might not be this year, but good things are happening in our football program. It isn't an overnight project to turnaround what happened last year.

Posted by: taxthedeer Sep 9 2011, 01:27 PM

QUOTE(MSFOOTBALL @ Sep 8 2011, 10:22 PM) *

I know the JV and Freshman don't mean much but the Michigan City JV are 3-0 and Freshmen beat Chesterton tonight. The JV game at Chesterton last Saturday was very exciting--HOT one too. I have heard some wins are happening at the Middle school level as well. I wish the Varsity could get things to come together for them soon. To beat Valpo at home would be a grand victory. GO WOLVES !!!
Nice to hear the underclassmen are doing well.

Valpo has got to be the wost place for the team to take a loss, take it from me, I've had to witness that gut wrenching heartbreak just way too many times throughout my lifetime. The most painful part is after the team heads off the field and walks together through the stadium gate and into the parking lot and their cleats make this sound on the asphalt, it's like the team is a heard of cattle being lead to slaughter, it goes:

CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK....

Then after taking the march of death the team hops aboard that yellow submarine and has to take another long sad bus ride all the way back home to Michigan City.

Thank goodness that unless the Wolves draw Valpo again in the sectional this will be the last time Michigan City will have to face Mark Hoffman as the Vikings head football coach because that's exactly what type of anguish that man will put you through.

This has been another motivational and inspirational pep talk from taxthedeer.




Posted by: indianamaniac Sep 9 2011, 02:26 PM

QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Sep 9 2011, 02:27 PM) *

This has been another motivational and inspirational pep talk from taxthedeer.


huh.gif

Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 9 2011, 02:39 PM

QUOTE(indianamaniac @ Sep 9 2011, 03:26 PM) *

huh.gif


I'm pretty sure that was thick sarcasm.

Posted by: indianamaniac Sep 9 2011, 03:01 PM

QUOTE(southsiderMMX @ Sep 9 2011, 03:39 PM) *

I'm pretty sure that was thick sarcasm.


I assumed that, but what was the diatribe leading up to it?

Posted by: taxthedeer Sep 9 2011, 03:52 PM

QUOTE(indianamaniac @ Sep 9 2011, 04:01 PM) *

I assumed that, but what was the diatribe leading up to it?
I'm just merely sharing my life experiences in order to help our young people cope with an improbable defeat. My advice to coach Karpinski, since he seems unfamiliar with life in the Duneland conference, would be for him to instruct the team to remove their cleats before stepping out into the parking lot after it's all over.

Posted by: Fancy Nancy Sep 9 2011, 04:10 PM

QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Sep 9 2011, 02:27 PM) *

Nice to hear the underclassmen are doing well.

Valpo has got to be the wost place for the team to take a loss, take it from me, I've had to witness that gut wrenching heartbreak just way too many times throughout my lifetime. The most painful part is after the team heads off the field and walks together through the stadium gate and into the parking lot and their cleats make this sound on the asphalt, it's like the team is a heard of cattle being lead to slaughter, it goes:

CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK,
CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK, CLICKITY CLACK....

Then after taking the march of death the team hops aboard that yellow submarine and has to take another long sad bus ride all the way back home to Michigan City.

Thank goodness that unless the Wolves draw Valpo again in the sectional this will be the last time Michigan City will have to face Mark Hoffman as the Vikings head football coach because that's exactly what type of anguish that man will put you through.

This has been another motivational and inspirational pep talk from taxthedeer.


Posted by: Fancy Nancy Sep 9 2011, 04:12 PM

WOW!

Posted by: indianamaniac Sep 9 2011, 04:49 PM

QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Sep 9 2011, 04:52 PM) *

I'm just merely sharing my life experiences in order to help our young people cope with an improbable defeat. My advice to coach Karpinski, since he seems unfamiliar with life in the Duneland conference, would be for him to instruct the team to remove their cleats before stepping out into the parking lot after it's all over.


"in order to help our young people cope with an improbable defeat."

eh?

C'mon man!

In regards to sharing your life experiences in order to help our young people, please stop. There are times when silence is the best form of support...

May the Wolves win this evening, just as they did during their most recent trip to Valparaiso High School... Yes, victory isn't likely, but don't bestow defeat upon the kids before opening kickoff...

Posted by: taxthedeer Sep 9 2011, 09:28 PM

QUOTE(indianamaniac @ Sep 9 2011, 05:49 PM) *

"in order to help our young people cope with an improbable defeat."

eh?

C'mon man!

In regards to sharing your life experiences in order to help our young people, please stop. There are times when silence is the best form of support...

May the Wolves win this evening, just as they did during their most recent trip to Valparaiso High School... Yes, victory isn't likely, but don't bestow defeat upon the kids before opening kickoff...
I'm sorry you don't appreciate my insight and perspective.

For what it's worth, It should be a great homecoming game with Merrillville next week.

Posted by: MSFOOTBALL Sep 9 2011, 11:12 PM

QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Sep 9 2011, 10:28 PM) *

I'm sorry you don't appreciate my insight and perspective.

For what it's worth, It should be a great homecoming game with Merrillville bext week.


Don't feel bad, I too had my doubts, I know how difficult it is to beat them at home. It is rediculous how they are made to walk all that distance to the school before, during, and after the game. The last three minutes of the second quarter were amazing. Wish we could have got that fire going in the first quarter. I'm not sure what happened but they looked like a whole different team out there. Then the rain came down in buckets--or worse. We hung tough and they only scored one more time on us for the rest of the game. The Wolves just couldn't make the connection on the pass. My personal observation has been that everyone else in the DAC has been quicker off the line. When the runners are wide open there isn't anyone who can catch them but it's that half a second at the line that is making all the difference in the world. Interested in seeing the outcome of tomorrows JV game at home. GO WOLVES !!!

Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 10 2011, 09:18 AM

You hate a lose a game like this, but the team is making progress. Staying in a game that was a blowout early, and making a real effort to win it late is a step forward. This team outside of the Washington game hasn't had a good first half. They will have to learn to step that intensity up out of the gate.

This week is homecoming, spread the word!

Posted by: MSFOOTBALL Sep 10 2011, 12:09 PM


Well the JV football team had another exciting win today. They beat Valpo 22-21 with a last "second" field goal--literally!!! WOW it was a nail biter. They are now 4-0. Great job guys !!! GO WOLVES !!!

Posted by: taxthedeer Sep 10 2011, 12:13 PM

http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/high-school/football/article_4b854f84-b0db-5ba7-a96a-094710b82a95.html

QUOTE
Injury-depleted Vikings hold off Wolves on first night with new Jumbotron

By Paul Jankowski Times Correspondent | Posted: Friday, September 9, 2011 10:30 pm | 1 Comment

Valpo QB Paul Andrie threw for 251 yards and two TDs

VALPARAISO | Valparaiso's early first-half performance against Michigan City was so good Friday night, Viking fans didn't mind watching twice.
They got that chance on the new Jumbotron scoreboard, which has replay capability on the large video screen.
The Times No. 7 Vikings debuted the board with a 38-21 Duneland Athletic Conference victory.
The win came at a cost for the Vikings (2-2, 2-0 DAC). Senior running back Bryon Duncan injured his right leg on his third carry of the game. He remained on the sidelines for the rest of the first quarter, but was taken away and coach Mark Hoffman did not know the severity of the injury.
Offensive lineman Paul Runyan also was injured early on, as was linebacker Jake Grossnickle.
"Struggle? I'd say it was," Hoffman said. "When you lose three of your good players in the first quarter, I'd say it was."
Valpo was already playing without junior running back Andrew Kittridge, who injured his ribs last week against LaPorte.
That opened the door for Stephen Simms to shine.
The speedy junior carried 26 times for 193 yards with two touchdowns.
Senior quarterback Paul Andrie had one of the best games of his career, completing 16 of 19 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns. He threw a 12-yard TD pass to Markee Allen, and later a 10-yard TD to Marcus Allen.
Senior Ryan Nix made six catches for 136 yards including a gain of 62 yards early in the second half.
"Simms played really well, and our quarterbak and receivers played really well," Hoffman said.
Michigan City (1-3, 0-2) put a scare into the Vikes with a 21-point second quarter.
Rashem Bell scored on a 73-yard run on a fake punt. The Wolves then put together their only offensive scoring drive, culminating in a 24-yard TD pass from Joel Hirsch to Donovan Wilson.
On the next kickoff, Simms fumbled and it was picked up by City's Anthony Catchings and returned 38 yards for a touchdown.
But during a downpour through much of the second half, Valpo's defense dominated.
"We let them back in the ballgame, but offensively we did about all we needed to do and didn't make too many mistakes," Hoffman said.

Game Stats

MC VA
Score 21 38
1st Downs 12 18
Passing 1st downs 2 11
Rushing 1st downs 8 7
1st downs from Penalties 2 0
3rd down efficiency (Made/Att)
4th down efficiency (Made/Att)
Total Plays 54 50
Total Yards 205 466
Passing Yards 86 251
Passing efficiency (Comp/Att) 6/19 15/19
Rushing Yards 119 215
Rushing Attempts 35 31
Red Zone efficiency (Made/Att)
Penalties (Made/Yards) 2/25 4/45
Turnovers 0 2
# of Fumbles 3 1
Fumbles lost 0 1
Interceptions thrown 0 1
Defensive / Special Teams TDs 2 0
Time of possession
No. 7 Valparaiso 38, Michigan City 21




Posted by: taxthedeer Sep 10 2011, 12:19 PM

http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/7567376-556/simms-steps-into-spotlight-for-valparaiso.html

QUOTE
Simms steps into spotlight for Valparaiso
By Tom Wyatt Post-Tribune correspondent September 10, 2011 12:08AM

Updated: September 10, 2011 2:03AM

VALPARAISO — Stephen Simms was not supposed to be the premier running back this season. But on Friday night, Valparaiso had no choice but to put the junior in that role.

With junior running back Andrew Kittridge already out with an injury coming into the game, senior Bryon Duncan, the Vikings’ leading rusher, went down on the sixth play from scrimmage and had to be helped off the field. He was taken away with an undisclosed injury to his right leg.

That left Simms — all 5 feet, 6 inches and 145 pounds of him.

And he was clutch.

Simms carried 27 times for 193 yards and two touchdowns to help lead Valparaiso to a 38-21 Duneland Conference victory over Michigan City, on a night when the Vikings unveiled their new video scoreboard.

“Really, I was a little scared,” Simms said. “But the coaches pumped me up and my teammates pumped me up. I just did the best I could do.”

Simms’ 10-yard dash into the end zone with 7:27 to play in the second quarter gave the Vikings (2-2, 2-0 DAC) a 28-0 lead. It seemed the rout was on, because at that point, Valparaiso was running its offense nearly as efficiently as possible.

Quarterback Paul Andrie, who finished the night with 243 yards passing, completed his first 11 passes, and the Vikings had positive yardage on their first 30 plays. They were cruising.

“Offensively, we did about all we could,” Valparaiso coach Mark Hoffman said.

But then the Wolves woke up. Rashem Bell took the direct snap on a fake punt and sprinted 73 yards for a touchdown to pull Michigan City to within 28-7. After a Valparaiso field goal, the Wolves (1-3, 0-2 DAC) went 88 yards on seven plays, with Joel Hirsch hitting Donovan Wilson for a 24-yard touchdown with 1:22 left in the first half.

That made it 31-14, but then Michigan City’s Anthony Catchings recovered a Simms fumble on the ensuing kickoff and returned it 38 yards for a score. All of a sudden it was 31-21 with 1:07 left in the second quarter.

“We gave up two easy scores and let them back in the ballgame,” Hoffman said.

Michigan City, however, managed just 48 yards of offense in the second half, and the Vikings added an Andrie 1-yard sneak late in the third quarter to stave off any possible Wolves rally.

In addition to Duncan, Valparaiso lost offensive lineman Paul Runyan to injury and linebacker Jake Grossnickle.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 12 2011, 08:13 AM

http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/09/10/sports/doc4e6bd816284d1858429202.txt

QUOTE
FURIOUS RALLY FALLS SHORT

City scores 21 points in five-minute stretch, but can’t get over the hump
By Adam Parkhouse
Staff Writer
Published: Saturday, September 10, 2011 4:42 PM CDT
VALPARAISO, Ind. — With less than six minutes left in the second quarter, things couldn’t be going any worse for Michigan City’s football team.

Less than five minutes later, things couldn’t be going much better.

After a wild flourish in the second quarter, City gave Valparaiso a battle in a game that looked like a certain rout, but the Vikings hung on for a 38-21 win over the Wolves.

“It’s a confidence thing,” City coach Michael Karpinski said. “We’ve gotta find a way to come out and play hard in the first quarter.”

Click here to find out more!
The first quarter-and-a-half was a nightmare for the Wolves (1-3, 0-2 Duneland) as the Vikings (2-2, 2-0 DAC) did whatever they wanted offensively. After one quarter, Valpo had 168 yards from scrimmage and City had just 12 as the Vikings led 14-0.

In the second quarter, the Vikings tacked on two more touchdowns, quarterback Paul Andrie’s second touchdown pass of the game and backup running back Stephen Simms’ second touchdown run. It was 28-0 and the rout was on.

Less than two minutes after Valpo’s fourth touchdown, City lined up to punt from its own 27-yard line on fourth-and-3. But the Wolves ran a fake, with punter Dan Lemon selling it beautifully by acting as though the snap went over his head. As the Valpo players reacted to Lemon, Rashem Bell streaked downfield for a 73-yard touchdown, making it 28-7.

“We knew we had to do something with the fake punt,” Karpinski said, adding that he hoped that play would light a spark in his team. It did just that.

The Wolves’ offense got the ball back after a Valpo field goal and senior quarterback Joel Hirsch marched the team straight downfield after nearly a full half of struggling to move the ball. That drive was capped off when Hirsch found sophomore receiver Donovan Wilson for a 24-yard touchdown strike to make it 31-14.

On the ensuing kickoff, City’s Giorgio Karallas and James Washington converged on Simms during the return, causing him to fumble. Anthony Catchings picked the ball up at the 38-yard line and rumbled to the house. Suddenly, the score was 31-21.

The Wolves weren’t done yet. On the last play of the half, Andrie threw a lame duck up in the middle of the field and City’s Anthony Lemon stepped in front of it. Lemon weaved his way through traffic and appeared to be on his way to a touchdown but he was finally tackled 14 yards shy of the end zone.

During the half, rain came and stayed through most of the second half, making offense difficult.

The only score of the second half came in the final minute of the third quarter on Andrie’s sneak from 1-yard line.

The Wolves largely struggled to move the ball the rest of the way and took the 17-point defeat.

In the loss, Karpinski did continue to be impressed with the play of Karallas, who has developed into a legitimate force on defense.

“He is really becoming the heart and sould of our defense,” Karpinski said. “He’s putting himself in the right spots.”

With next week’s homecoming game with Merrillville marking the halfway point of the season, where do the Wolves stand?

“I’ll tell you next week,” Karpinski said, smiling. “I hate to keep saying it, but we have to play four quarters. We just don’t and I’m not sure what it is.”



Contact Sports Editor Adam Parkhouse at aparkhouse@thenewsdispatch.com or 874-7211, Ext. 461.

VALPARAISO 38, MICHIGAN CITY 21

Michigan City 0 21 0 0 — 21

Valparaiso 14 17 7 0 — 38

First Quarter

V — Simms 3 run (Nix kick), 9:25

V — MarcAllen 12 pass from Andrie (Nix kick), 4:30

Second Quarter

V — MarcAllen 10 pass from Andrie (Nix kick), 11:54

V — Simms 10 run (Nix kick), 7:27

MC — Bell 73 run (Stevenson kick), 5:25

V — Nix 26 field goal, 2:34

MC — Wilson 24 pass from Hirsch (Stevenson kick), 1:22

MC — Catchings 38 fumble return (Stevenson kick), 1:07

Third Quarter

V — Andrie 1 run (Nix kick), :35.4

MC V

First Downs 10 19

Total Yards 218 465

Rushes-Yards 33-132 32-212

Passing Yards 86 253

Comp-Att-Int 6-19-0 16-20-1

Fumbles-Lost 3-0 0-0

Punts-Ave 7-39.0 1-35

Penalties-Yards 1-10 4-45

RUSHING — Michigan City (Bell 13-107, Hirsch 9-10, Karallas 2-8, Taylor 5-7, Washington 1-6, Kaletha 1-2, Martin 2-(minus 8)). Valparaiso (Simms 27-190, Andrie 2-14, Duncan 3-8).

PASSING — Michigan City (Hirsch 6-19-86). Valparaiso (Andrie 16-20-253).

RECEIVING — Michigan City (Wilson 3-58, Kaletha 1-17, Gondeck 1-9, Yarbrough 1-2). Valparaiso (Nix 6-136, MarcAllen 4-73, Simms 3-23, MarkAllen 1-12, Brown 2-9).

Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 12 2011, 08:36 AM

Don't forget, this week is homecoming week!

Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 12 2011, 10:02 AM

Also a new facebook fan page for Wolves football. Join. Invite your friends.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fans-of-Michigan-City-Wolves-football/229044970478139

Posted by: Fancy Nancy Sep 13 2011, 03:42 PM

Just wanted to say what an exciting game it was on Saturday, when the JV won against Valpo 22 to 21! 4 seconds left on the clock and Mr. Stevenson kicks a field goal to secure a Wolves win. They are 4 and 0, they kept on fighting til the end, way to go boys. The varsity did good to at half time we were only down by 10, considering it was 21 to 0 at one point. Keep on fighting boysand we will get there. Just a reminder it is homecoming this friday the 16th, come out and have some chili and pizza and support the wolves and the parent group! Go M.C.!

Posted by: taxthedeer Sep 14 2011, 01:01 PM

I did a look back on John Harrell's site of the all-time series between the Pirates and the Wolves and came up with these fun facts.

Merrillville has a lopsided 16-2 (.889) record and have been victorious in their last 12 match-ups. That losing streak extends under five different head at Michigan City.

The Pirates have outscored the Wolves a grotesque 599-159 all-time with four shutouts, Michigan City's worst of the brutal beat downs at the hands of Merrillville came with last season's 68-14 massacre @ Demaree Stadium. That followed a crushing 25-13 homecoming defeat in witnessed by just about entire community in 2009.

City's 2-16 (.111) overall is 1-8 at home and 1-8 on the road against Merrillville.

City's only two victories came in the consolidation year of 1995 19-13 @ Ames Field when Merrillville finished 5-5 and edged the Bucs 14-12 in 2000 @ Demaree Stadium when Merrillville finished 4-7.

These two teams played each other twice in the 2005 "Ryan Fics" year with City falling both times on the road 42-7 in the regular season and 49-7 in the sectional semi-final, The homestanding Merrillville Pirates ended up losing in the semi-state 17-7 to Hamilton Southeastern that season.

This season seems to be one of those uncharacteristically "down" years for the Pirates in which City might be able to pull out a low scoring affair.

Posted by: MC Born & Raised Sep 14 2011, 04:17 PM

QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Sep 14 2011, 01:01 PM) *

I did a look back on John Harrell's site of the all-time series between the Pirates and the Wolves, Merrillville has a lopsided 15-2 (.882) record and have been victorious in their last 11 match-ups under four different head coaches at Michigan City.

The Pirates have outscored the Wolves a grotesque 563-159 all-time with the worst Michigan City beat down at the hands of Merrillville coming with last season's 68-14 massacre @ Demaree Stadium.

City's (.118) overall is 1-7 at home and 1-8 on the road against Merrillville.

City's only two victories came in the consolidation year of 1995 19-13 @ Ames Field when Merrillville finished 5-5 and edged the Bucs 14-12 in 2000 @ Demaree Stadium when Merrillville finished 4-7.

These two teams played each other twice in the 2005 "Ryan Fics" year with City falling both times on the road 42-7 in the regular season and 49-7 in the sectional semi-final, Merrillville ended up losing in the semi-state 17-7 to Hamilton Southeastern that season.

This season seems to be one of those uncharacteristically "down" years for the Pirates in which City might be able to pull out a low scoring affair.


I agree with that last part. When I saw the Warren Central-Merrillville score, I didn't think much of it. WC is about the baddest team in all the land, after all. But the Pirates haven't played well since, either. I'm very interested to see this game Friday. Could be interesting.

Posted by: MSFOOTBALL Sep 15 2011, 11:12 AM

QUOTE(MC Born & Raised @ Sep 14 2011, 05:17 PM) *

I agree with that last part. When I saw the Warren Central-Merrillville score, I didn't think much of it. WC is about the baddest team in all the land, after all. But the Pirates haven't played well since, either. I'm very interested to see this game Friday. Could be interesting.


Even though the outcomes of the games have not been in the Wolves favor--they have been competetive and interesting games. Last year the Freshmen beat Merrillville at home in a big upset. I am hoping that this will be the year and for homecoming it would be even more special. I know we will have another exciting game this Saturday on the road with the JV Team. They are wanting to stay undefeated and from here on out will be the true test. It would be nice to see a repeat of last year. I think Lake Central will be the most difficult team we will play this season. So on this last note for the day---GO WOLVES !!! Pull your heads up and remember there are 4 quarters---play every minute like it is the last and you are on that 1 yard line-4th down, this one will win the game !! Don't give up !!

Posted by: MSFOOTBALL Sep 15 2011, 11:14 AM

QUOTE(MSFOOTBALL @ Sep 15 2011, 12:12 PM) *

Even though the outcomes of the games have not been in the Wolves favor--they have been competetive and interesting games. Last year the Freshmen beat Merrillville at home in a big upset. I am hoping that this will be the year and for homecoming it would be even more special. I know we will have another exciting game this Saturday on the road with the JV Team. They are wanting to stay undefeated and from here on out will be the true test. It would be nice to see a repeat of last year. I think Lake Central will be the most difficult team we will play this season. So on this last note for the day---GO WOLVES !!! Pull your heads up and remember there are 4 quarters---play every minute like it is the last and you are on that 1 yard line-4th down, this one will win the game !! Don't give up !!


Actually what I meant was they beat them in Merrillville on their home field--Merrillville was at home--difficult to beat them on their home turf.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 15 2011, 12:04 PM

QUOTE(MSFOOTBALL @ Sep 15 2011, 12:12 PM) *

Even though the outcomes of the games have not been in the Wolves favor--they have been competetive and interesting games. Last year the Freshmen beat Merrillville at home in a big upset. I am hoping that this will be the year and for homecoming it would be even more special. I know we will have another exciting game this Saturday on the road with the JV Team. They are wanting to stay undefeated and from here on out will be the true test. It would be nice to see a repeat of last year. I think Lake Central will be the most difficult team we will play this season. So on this last note for the day---GO WOLVES !!! Pull your heads up and remember there are 4 quarters---play every minute like it is the last and you are on that 1 yard line-4th down, this one will win the game !! Don't give up !!


Couldn't agree more. This team is fighting and clawing. It is also starting to clean up some of the silly mistakes they were making last year. Things like being out of position and running bad routes.

Their biggest problem this year has been tackling. I can't tell you how many times they have been in the right spot, and didn't finish the play.

Posted by: Jesse B Sep 15 2011, 01:16 PM

QUOTE(southsiderMMX @ Sep 15 2011, 01:04 PM) *

Couldn't agree more. This team is fighting and clawing. It is also starting to clean up some of the silly mistakes they were making last year. Things like being out of position and running bad routes.

Their biggest problem this year has been tackling. I can't tell you how many times they have been in the right spot, and didn't finish the play.

Let me further that by saying tackling has been suspect but you have to be able to put consistent drives together which hasn't happened either. One feeds the other you can't move the ball the defense comes on the field, you can't stop the other team it puts more pressure on your offense to score. Vicious cycle.

Posted by: taxthedeer Sep 17 2011, 12:29 PM

It was nice to see the home stands at near capacity during the first half last night. When I arrived at the anthem the ticket line going into the home side stretched along the stadium nearly to Pythenia Park. I then walked around to the Northwest gate and sat with the Merrillville crowd. By the time second half started it was hard for me to determine if the home stands were half full or half empty, by beginning of the 4th quarter the Michigan City faithful decided to play one of my favorite games "beat the traffic".

Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 19 2011, 08:04 AM

Apparently neither "local" radio station carried the Wolves homecoming game live on the radio. Great to see that Chesterton and Valpo matter more than the team actually in Michigan City.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 19 2011, 11:54 AM

http://heraldargus.com/articles/2011/09/17/sports/doc4e7428aed3fae054191151.txt

QUOTE
Pirates topple Wolves

Michigan City’s Rashem Bell turns the corner against Merrillville’s defense during Friday’s game at Ames Field. Photo by Scott Allen

By Adam Parkhouse
Staff Writer
1-866-362-2167, Ext. 13869
sports@heraldargus.com
Published: Saturday, September 17, 2011 5:06 PM CDT
MICHIGAN CITY — After a blowout loss, Michigan City football coach Michael Karpinski wasn’t too worried about the defense.

“Funny as it sounds to say, the defense didn’t play that bad,” Karpinski said after City finished on the wrong end of a 38-0 score against Merrillville on Friday during Homecoming Night at Ames Field.

City’s defense was forced to work with a short field for much of the night, leading to easy Merrillville scores. But it was the offensive performance that left Karpinski scratching his head.

“We just couldn’t get any spark offensively,” he said. “We had some plays, we just missed.”

*
Michigan City dropped to 1-4 overall and 0-3 in the Duneland Conference, marking the 11th time in 17 seasons since the consolidation the Wolves have opened DAC play with a three-game losing streak.

Much like last week’s at Valparaiso, Merrillville opened up a big lead early as City’s defense struggled to get off the field in key situations.

With 7:52 to play, Merrillville’s Darryl Peppers found the end zone from 8 yards out on a fourth-and-1 play.

Just more than three minutes later, facing a third-and-11 from its own 49-yard-line, Merrillville scored again, this time when Jake Raspopovich hooked up with Aaron Dye for a 51-yard touchdown reception. Just like that, it was 14-0 Pirates.

At that point in the game, City had only seven total yards and was yet to achieve a first down.

On the next drive, though, the Wolves went on the move. Joel Hirsch found Scott Kaletha for a 37-yard gain. After a 15-yard personal foul against Merrillville and a pass interference in the end zone against the Pirates, the Wolves were in business.

However, Rashem Bell lost a fumble and Merrillville recovered at the 7-yard line, thwarting City’s best scoring chance of the game.

The Pirates went on to score twice more before halftime, getting a 21-yard field goal from Matt Warren and a 1-yard touchdown run from Raspopovich just before the half to make it 31-0 heading into the third quarter.

In the second half, City’s defense bucked up and allowed just one score the rest of the way, a 1-yard run from Ryan Neal midway through the fourth. But the Wolves’ offense remained stagnant and its senior signal-caller, Hirsch, suffered through his first truly rough game of the season.

“It was not Joel’s best game by any stretch,” Karpinski said. “But that’s gonna happen if you play enough games.”

City struggled up front as the running game sputtered.

“We made some changes in the offensive line and that made a little difference,” Karpinski said. “For whatever reason, we could not get it rolling.”

One big bright spot for City was the continued strong play of senior linebacker Giorgio Karallas, who flew all over the field making plays for the Wolves’ defense.

“He is playing better than anybody in the conference right now,” Karpinski said. “He’s been lights out.”

Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 19 2011, 12:31 PM

My letter!

http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/09/18/news/opinion/anvil_chorus/doc4e718fbbab9a6225688405.txt

QUOTE
Time to get together and support Wolves

Published: Thursday, September 15, 2011 5:08 PM CDT
I read today (Sept. 13, 2011) that it was the 40th anniversary of the first day of school at then Rogers High School. Fastforward to the modern age and it is Homecoming Week for the Michigan City Wolves. While many things have changed, many have stayed the same.

The names on the schools are different today, but it is still our community’s kids who are attending them. Many bitter feelings still exist in city over the transition from Elston and Rogers to Michigan City High School, and some of them are understandable.

But here is what I don’t understand, and that is the continued boycott of the Wolves by those upset over the consolidation process. Many people feel that their own history was violated. Having Red Devil blood in my veins I can understand those feelings.

But the reality is that basically no one who oversaw the process of consolidation is still around. The principals and administrators are all gone. The school board of 1995 is gone sans one member who recently returned to the MCAS board (Jeff Jones).

*
In other words, the people who are the targets of this unofficial boycott are long gone! Today the only people who are hurt by the people staying away from the games are the kids in our community who are attending our schools today, who see half empty stadiums instead of the powerful embrace of their community that we see in our neighboring towns, and in our own past. Put in real terms, Michigan City’s senior quarterback would have been exactly 1 year old when consolidation took place. Why continue to punish him and his teammates?

At the end of the day, this boycott has done more harm than good. The kids of this generation have mostly heard the merits of the old days instead of how great their own accomplishments are. It leads to the idea that Michigan City doesn’t deserve or expect to have top notch programs in its schools. We have become our own worst enemies as a community by constantly talking bad about it. Remember the old saying, “No one else can love you until you love yourself?” How true it is. Much of the bad perception of Michigan City is due to own non-embrace of what makes this town great. So I stand before you today as living proof. You can have Red Devil (or Raiders) spirit in your heart, while still embracing the Wolves of today. There is plenty of room for both. And the biggest winners would be our own kids. Come on out to Ames Field this Friday night and restore the roar for Homecoming and beyond. Show the kids of Michigan City how much you are behind them.

Michael J. Gresham

Michigan City, IN

Posted by: taxthedeer Sep 22 2011, 02:55 PM

Michigan City travels to play Lake Central on Friday night. City will have played against both of this season's national record breakers.

http://www.ihsaa.org/dnn/Media/MediaReleases/201112/IHSAANewsRelease92211/tabid/1075/Default.aspx

QUOTE
IHSAA News Release
September 22, 2011

LAKE CENTRAL FOOTBALL PLAYER TIES NATIONAL RECORD
For the second time this month, an Indiana high school football player has put himself in the national record book.

Senior linebacker Tyler Szczecina of Lake Central High School has returned four interceptions for touchdowns in the last three games to tie the national record for most in a season.

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Football Record Book, Szczecina shares the 11-on-11 mark with Mike Galliger of West Central (SD) in 2007 and Jacob Edelman of Standwood North Cedar (Iowa) in 2009 (confirmed by NFHS, but not yet listed).

Szczecina returned two interceptions – one for 47 yards, the other for 25 yards – against Portage on Sept. 2, another for 25 yards against Crown Point on Sept. 9 and his fourth, an 18-yard return, at LaPorte on Sept. 16. He also leads the Class 5A, No. 8 Indians (5-0) with 53 tackles including eight for loss. Lake Central hosts Michigan City on Friday.

The record may be referenced on page 100 of the NFHS Record Book here.

On Sept. 2, South Bend Washington senior wide receiver Gehrig Dieter hauled in a national record 437 yards (12 receptions, 3 TD) in the Panthers’ victory over Elkhart Central. Dieter's total surpassed the 421 yards amassed by J.D. Felice of Rose Bud (AR), in 2008.

Posted by: Fancy Nancy Sep 25 2011, 04:30 PM

smile.gif I agree!

QUOTE(southsiderMMX @ Sep 19 2011, 01:31 PM) *

My letter!

http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/09/18/news/opinion/anvil_chorus/doc4e718fbbab9a6225688405.txt


Posted by: taxthedeer Sep 26 2011, 08:00 AM

I've paid another visit to John Harrell's website and compiled some more fun facts regarding the all-time series previewing this Friday's DAC tilt between my Alma matter the Portage Indians and my adoptive hometown the Michigan City Wolves:

Portage leads the series with a dominating 15-1 (.937) record and have outscored the Wolves 518-154, that 518 point total is just about the combined age of our esteemed 7 member Michigan City Area School Board of Trustees.

Michigan City 1-15 (.063) is on a 5 game losing streak to Portage which ironically goes back to the tenures of three different head coaches at Michigan City and three different head coaches at Portage.

City's sole victory came in 2005 with a 23-14 triumph over the Tribe in the 2005 campaign, one of the worst seasons in the 61 year history of Portage football in which the Indians finished with only a 2-8 season record.

City is 1-7 at Ames Field and 0-8 at The Warpath against Portage.

These two programs have never yet faced each other in the sectionals

Michigan City enters their senior night at Ames Field on an 11 game Duneland Conference losing streak in which they've been outscored by their opponents a whopping 482-103.

2011 Common opponents:

Portage (2-1):

VS. Chesterton 21-17-W
@ Merrillville 17-16-W
@ Lake Central 7-62 thumping

Michigan City (0-3):

VS. Chesterton 14-48-L
VS. Merrillville 0-38 L
@ Lake Central 9-35 L

Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 26 2011, 11:49 AM

http://heraldargus.com/articles/2011/09/24/sports/doc4e7d78347f15a488682893.txt

QUOTE
Wolves fall on road

Michigan City’s Marcellus Willis breaks up a pass attempt on Friday night at Lake Central High School. Photo by Scott Allen
By Adam Parkhouse
Staff Writer
1-866-362-2167, Ext. 13869
sports@heraldargus.com
Published: Saturday, September 24, 2011 5:06 PM CDT
ST. JOHN, Ind. — It used to be that even a struggling Michigan City team could count on Lake Central for a winnable game.

But these aren’t your older brother’s Lake Central Indians. Under second-year coach Brett St. Germain, the Class 4A No. 7 Indians are undergoing their best season in recent memory and moved to 6-0 (4-0 Duneland) with a 35-9 win over the Wolves on Friday.

“You can see why they’re undefeated,” City coach Michael Karpsinski said after watching his offense struggle mightily.

City did have one late drive for a touchdown which padded its yardage total, but Lake Central’s stout defense dominated the game. The Wolves had just 34 rushing yards on 24 attempts and Joel Hirsch threw his first two interceptions of the season as the offense scuffled.

*
“We’ve gotta do more things offensively and we’re gonna make some changes,” Karpinski said, not wishing to reveal what those changes might be. “We’ve gotta make something happen on offense.”

Lake Central took the opening kickoff and marched straight downfield, converting a handful of third downs and even a fourth down before Drew Hollingsworth reached the end zone from 2 yards out, making it 7-0.

From there, City’s defense held pretty strong. The Wolves forced turnovers on downs late in the first quarter and early in the second, but weren’t moving the ball in between.

With 9:05 to play in the second quarter, Giorgio Karallas broke free for a 15-yard run. Up until that point, City had ran just eight offensive plays for a net gain of zero. Unfortunately, the net remained the same after the run as City committed a personal foul after the play to move the ball back 15 yards, though the first down stood.

Still, with 2:44 left in the half, the score was still 7-0. But Lake Central’s Dylan Morang broke free for a 40-yard punt return to the City 30-yard line, and another City personal foul moved the ball up to the 15. That led to quarterback David Yancey’s 4-yard touchdown run to make it 14-0 at halftime on Homecoming Night.

The Wolves took the opening kick of the second half and put something together offensively for the first time. Scotty Kaletha had a 20-yard catch and run to the 50, but fumbled the ball. Luckily for City, offensive lineman Dan Lemon was there, scooping the ball and picking up another 17 yards on the play. The drive eventually fizzled out in the red zone, and City settled for Erik Stevenson’s 33-yard field goal to make it 14-3.

“In the fourth quarter it’s 14-3 and we’ve got a chance,” Karpinski said.

However, City’s first score wasn’t enough to sway momentum completely, Lake Central wasted no time on its next possession, getting big chunks of yardage concluding in Yancey’s 34-yard touchdown run. Yancey finished with a game-high 155 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns.

“After they scored we needed to come back and answer and we just didn’t,” Karpinski said.

Drew Hollingsworth’s 10-yard touchdown in the fourth all but sealed the Indians’ victory. City did put together a nice scoring drive later with Hirsch and sophomore Donovan Wilson hooking up three times on the drive for 51 yards, the third catch being a 15-yard touchdown reception.

Posted by: taxthedeer Sep 26 2011, 09:24 PM

QUOTE
The Wolves had just 34 rushing yards on 24 attempts and Joel Hirsch threw his first two interceptions of the season as the offense scuffled.
MCB&R, Were you watching the same Homecoming game against Merrillville that I did? Joel Hirsch threw two second quarter interceptions in the Merrillville game. Hisrch was 3 for 8 for 37 yards with 2 interceptions against Merrillville, all those passing yards came on a 38 yard 1st quarter reception to Scotty Kaletha.

That make 4 int's for Hirsch.

Coach Bill Karpinski's offense is just sputtering for yardage.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 3 2011, 08:24 AM

City's defense was just incredible Friday night. It was too bad they couldn't pull it out on Senior Night.

http://heraldargus.com/articles/2011/10/01/sports/doc4e86ace29a871114350978.txt

QUOTE
Wolves’ defense great, not enough

Michigan City defenders Marcellus Willis (diving), Java Oliver (44) and Giorgio Karallas (28) converge on Portage’s Rashaan Coleman during Friday’s game at Ames Field. Photo by Robb Quinn
By Adam Parkhouse
Staff Writer
1-866-362-2167, Ext. 13869
sports@heraldargus.com
Published: Saturday, October 1, 2011 5:06 PM CDT
MICHIGAN CITY — Michael Karpinski was faced with a decision early in the fourth quarter.

With his team leading by one point, the Michigan City football coach had to determine whether a run or pass was best on third-and-13.

The Wolves opted for a pass, and the result changed the course of the game. Portage’s Jordan Nieto stripped City quarterback Joel Hirsch of the ball and returned the ball to City’s 3-yard-line. Seconds later, Portage scored what turned out to be the game-winning touchdowns as City dropped a heartbreaker, 12-7, on Senior Night at Ames Field.

“That’s where I’ll second-guess myself a bit,” Karpinski said. “Maybe we should have ran the football, but I didn’t expect our QB to get stripped and for them to return it 40 yards.”

City’s defense was stellar Friday, limiting Portage to 59 yards of total offense.

Unfortunately for the Wolves, the Indians’ two scoring drives were just 7 and 3 yards, respectively.

In the first quarter, City was forced to punt from its own 5-yard line. Dan Lemon’s kick went just to the 30, and Rashaan Coleman returned it 23 yards to the 7.

The Wolves drove the Indians back 7 yards on the next two plays, but Coleman finally hooked up with Cody Maldanado for a 14-yard touchdown strike and the Indians led 6-0 after City blocked the extra point.

Afterward, City’s defense continued to stand tall. Marcellus Willis came up with an interception with 10:10 to play in the first half and, finally, with 4:43 to go, City got a break.

The Indians were forced to punt, but a bad snap sent punter T.J. Skelton chasing the ball 33 yards in the wrong direction, where he was tackled. City took over at the Portage 18.

A few plays later, Rashem Bell found the end zone on an option play from 7 yards out. Erik Stevenson’s extra point made it 7-6 City.

That score held until the fourth quarter.

City’s offensive struggles set the table for Nieto’s fumble and return at the 8:44 mark of the fourth. On the next play, Coleman scored from 3 yards out and the Indians led 12-7 after City stuffed the two-point try.

In fact, City’s stagnant running game got quite a lift from Catchings and Jalen Lewis, who combined to gain 96 yards on 18 carries.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 3 2011, 08:51 AM

The sectional draw is this Sunday at 6pm our time.

http://www.ihsaa.org/dnn/Sports/Boys/Football/201112/StateTournament/tabid/1056/Default.aspx

Posted by: Jesse B Oct 3 2011, 09:28 AM

QUOTE(southsiderMMX @ Oct 3 2011, 09:24 AM) *

City's defense was just incredible Friday night. It was too bad they couldn't pull it out on Senior Night.

http://heraldargus.com/articles/2011/10/01/sports/doc4e86ace29a871114350978.txt


If the O-Line improved this week(???) and the defense was stellar what seems to be the issue. The skill players aren't up to speed? Conservative play calling? I mean Crown Point and Lake Central both spanked Portage and it isn't like the Indians have been posting shut outs! Why does it take 7 games to find a senior running back who runs hard when he runs straight ahead?

You can say what you want about the lines and that may or may not be true but go back in history and the only time MC posted winning records they were led by backs who could run with the football not just backs who posted good track times. Adam Harmon, Ryan Fics, Javan Lee and Jackson/Spicer all could carry the ball. You currently have guys on the roster who can't push a pile to save their life. It wasn't the QB(Rodney Washington) as he couldn't win the sectional games his junior/senior year when the opportunity presented itself. It wasn't the line as they had Pryblla and Issac???

Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 3 2011, 09:50 AM

The QB had no time again this week. The offensive line wasn't that great. The blitzed City pretty much every down for a significant portion of the game, and they had trouble picking it up.

They had game planned to throw the ball a lot more, and even came out in the shotgun to start the game, complete with three wide outs, but the weather just killed that idea.

I'm not sure what is up with Bell, but he was great as a back up to Harmon a couple of years ago. I really thought he would step in and be a solid runner. It didn't happen this year for him. Catchings and Lewis both were solid in the second half, and talking to Coach, it sounds like the change has been made.

Posted by: backwoods Oct 3 2011, 12:12 PM

QUOTE(Jesse B @ Oct 3 2011, 10:28 AM) *

If the O-Line improved this week(???) and the defense was stellar what seems to be the issue. The skill players aren't up to speed? Conservative play calling? I mean Crown Point and Lake Central both spanked Portage and it isn't like the Indians have been posting shut outs! Why does it take 7 games to find a senior running back who runs hard when he runs straight ahead?

You can say what you want about the lines and that may or may not be true but go back in history and the only time MC posted winning records they were led by backs who could run with the football not just backs who posted good track times. Adam Harmon, Ryan Fics, Javan Lee and Jackson/Spicer all could carry the ball. You currently have guys on the roster who can't push a pile to save their life. It wasn't the QB(Rodney Washington) as he couldn't win the sectional games his junior/senior year when the opportunity presented itself. It wasn't the line as they had Pryblla and Issac???


In Ryan Fics class, City had one heck of an offensive line. Three or four kids went to college in that group. So Yes Ficks was a great runner, but he also had great holes. You also bring up Pryblla and Issac. Prybilla only played a couple of games because of an illness that he had that year. But, City still had a great O Line with Issac, Hirsch, and Clausan. These teams that you mentioned all had great backs running the ball, but they also had above average blockers in front of them that had the been in a blocking system for more than just one year. Yes this does make a difference since your blocking schemes change from team to team because of how their defense is set up. The more comfortable and on the same page you are the more sucsessfu you are going to be. Summer is spent learning what the plays are and getting them down. week to week is what is a team going to try and counter what you do and how do you counter what they want to do.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 3 2011, 12:15 PM

And I will say this again, third system in three years is going to create some problems for these kids.

Posted by: taxthedeer Oct 3 2011, 07:02 PM

QUOTE(southsiderMMX @ Oct 3 2011, 01:15 PM) *

And I will say this again, third system in three years is going to create some problems for these kids.

I really got tons of respect for our three year senior varsity members and their families, kid like Joel Hirsch, Rasheem Bell and Giorgio Karallas who have stuck with this program throughout their high school years and had to endure playing through their high school under three different head coaches staffs and three different systems.

Posted by: MC Born & Raised Oct 4 2011, 12:55 AM

I should point out that I only said the offensive line was better, and it was. That's not to say it was good, but I did see better protection than I'd seen against Lake Central. For instance, I can think of a play where they picked up a safety blitz. I don't think I've seen that all season. Like I said, there's still a ton of room for improvement, but there was some improvement.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 4 2011, 08:56 AM

http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/10/03/sports/doc4e8a237da9785497979657.txt

QUOTE
Sorting out a heartbreaker

By Adam Parkhouse
Home Cookin'
Published: Monday, October 3, 2011 4:13 PM CDT
For some reason, it just wasn’t good enough.

Michigan City’s offensive line did a much better job protecting the quarterback Friday against Portage. It was far from perfect, but a leaps-and-bounds improvement from a week earlier.

The defense was amazing. Specatacular, even. If not for a special teams mistake and an offensive turnover, City’s defense very easily could have pitched a shutout against a team that previously beat Duneland Conference powers Merrillville and Chesterton.

But it wasn’t enough. Somehow, some way, the Indians escaped Ames Field with a 12-7 victory despite producing just 59 yards of total offense.

*
The tide of the game turned on one play, a third-and-13 call early in the fourth quarter. City coach Michael Karpinski called a pass play, which I agreed with. In fact, before the play, I turned to a reporter and said, “If they run the ball here, I’m gonna lose my mind.”

There had been one or two other conservative play calls in similar situations earlier in the game, and this time I just wanted to see the Wolves go for it and be aggressive.

Well, they did, and it went horribly wrong. Coverage downfield was good and protection eventually broke down. When it did, City QB Joel Hirsch went backward, was wrapped up and eventually stripped of the ball. The fumble return went all the way to City’s 3-yard line and Portage scored the game-winner on the next play.

It was a devastating turn of events and you could just feel that the game had slipped away in that moment.

City did have a few more chances with the ball, but couldn’t come up with a scoring drive. It would have been a huge win in a season filled with blowout losses, but instead the Wolves DAC losing streak reached 12 games.

In the loss, though, two things were apparent. First, and in case this hasn’t been made perfectly clear, City linebacker Giorgio Karallas is a bad, bad man.

Even on struggling teams, City has managed to have some good players at linebacker over the years. Durrell and Lemon Kelley come to mind as two of the better ones. Javan Lee is another.

That said, Karallas takes a back seat to no one. The kid is in on every single play. He’s always around the ball and when he gets his arms on a ball carrier, the kid’s going down. It’s that simple. In a disappointing season, Karallas has been a true bright spot.

Secondly, Friday’s result shows me definitively that the team has bought into Karpinski and his staff. The Wolves have gradually started playing a better brand of football over the last few weeks, and that’s a direct reflection of a coach’s philosophy taking root.

Look, I’m not here to tell you that the Wolves are a contender to win the sectional. I won’t even tell you they’re gonna win another game.

At this point, that stuff is secondary. This year is, hopefully, about starting something bigger. It’s about rallying behind a coach and a program and getting in on the ground floor of something you think has a chance to be something greater.

So, yeah, the Wolves lost again Friday night. Whether or not they deserved better is immaterial.

You just need to see that arrow continue pointing up.

As long as it is, City football is headed in the right direction.





Last week I went 8-8 against the number, bringing my season record to 24-24. That’s about as middle-of-the-road as it gets. Here are my Week 4 picks (spreads courtesy of ESPN.com’s Pigskin Pick’em contest):

Bills -3.5, Bears -6.5, Titans +1.5, Cowboys -3.5, Vikings -1.5, Redskins +0.5, Saints -7.5, Eagles -6.5, Steelers +3.5, Falcons -4.5, Giants -1.5, Packers -13.5, Patriots -4.5, Dolphins +8.5, Ravens -3.5, Colts +9.5.

Posted by: Jesse B Oct 4 2011, 01:33 PM

QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Oct 3 2011, 08:02 PM) *

I really got tons of respect for our three year senior varsity members and their families, kid like Joel Hirsch, Rasheem Bell and Giorgio Karallas who have stuck with this program throughout their high school years and had to endure playing through their high school under three different head coaches staffs and three different systems.


Personally I have a lot of respect for any kid who puts in the time and effort to be a part of an extra curricular athletic team. It takes a lot of work, time etc. Whether the kids are playing on a winning team or not they are "winners" in my book. It doesn't matter to me if they played for one coach or three it still takes a lot of dedication.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 5 2011, 02:31 PM

QUOTE(Jesse B @ Oct 4 2011, 02:33 PM) *

Personally I have a lot of respect for any kid who puts in the time and effort to be a part of an extra curricular athletic team. It takes a lot of work, time etc. Whether the kids are playing on a winning team or not they are "winners" in my book. It doesn't matter to me if they played for one coach or three it still takes a lot of dedication.


No doubt about that, but I do agree it takes a little extra to go through what these kids have seen. Heck if any of them play in college (which a few will for sure) they will be learning system #4 in 4 years.

Posted by: Jesse B Oct 7 2011, 09:54 AM

QUOTE(southsiderMMX @ Oct 5 2011, 03:31 PM) *

cool.gif--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jesse B @ Oct 4 2011, 02:33 PM) *</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
Personally I have a lot of respect for any kid who puts in the time and effort to be a part of an extra curricular athletic team. It takes a lot of work, time etc. Whether the kids are playing on a winning team or not they are "winners" in my book. It doesn't matter to me if they played for one coach or three it still takes a lot of dedication.
No doubt about that, but I do agree it takes a little extra to go through what these kids have seen. Heck if any of them play in college (which a few will for sure) they will be learning system #4 in 4 years.


I agree that all the different systems make it a little more difficult to overcome but not an obstacle that can't be overcome!!! You need to go no further than our Pop Warner program that runs their own plays instead of what the High School runs and see why you could have a problem or in this case why these kids should be used to using a different system on a regular basis. My understanding is the kids in places like Valpo & Hobart would run the same plays or at a minimum have a lot of the same terminology from Pop Warner thru the Junior High school to High School. That can only help.

I have to say this too. . .blocking and tackling shouldn't change much from system to system. Neither should running hard through a hole or using two hands(without pink gloves) to catch a football.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 7 2011, 10:24 AM

QUOTE(Jesse B @ Oct 7 2011, 10:54 AM) *

I agree that all the different systems make it a little more difficult to overcome but not an obstacle that can't be overcome!!! You need to go no further than our Pop Warner program that runs their own plays instead of what the High School runs and see why you could have a problem or in this case why these kids should be used to using a different system on a regular basis. My understanding is the kids in places like Valpo & Hobart would run the same plays or at a minimum have a lot of the same terminology from Pop Warner thru the Junior High school to High School. That can only help.

I have to say this too. . .blocking and tackling shouldn't change much from system to system. Neither should running hard through a hole or using two hands(without pink gloves) to catch a football.


I really hope this gap changes. If we really want to build a true feeder system, we need to make sure the programs complement each other. Hopefully Coach Karp and the people who are doing great things with the Pop Warner program are sitting down and working together to make the systems flow into each other.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 10 2011, 08:37 AM

Chesterton has had some big injury problems with their QB having a broken bone in his leg, and some key injuries on defense. It is an interesting draw for City.

http://posttrib.suntimes.com/sports/8125173-556/sectional-first-round-sees-two-intriguing-matchups.html

QUOTE
The IHSAA didn’t bother saving the best for last.

Arguably the two most intriguing postseason football matchups in the region will take place in the first round of sectional play. The blind draw was revealed on Sunday night.

Merrillville just handed Lake Central its first loss of the season on Friday night, and the two teams will meet again at the Pirates’ Demaree Stadium on Oct. 21.

Meanwhile, in Class 2A, the region’s last two unbeatens — Andrean and Wheeler — will square off at 5959 Broadway that same night.

Elsewhere in 5A, Chesterton visits Michigan City for the right to play the winner of the LC-Merrillville rematch. On the top half of the bracket, Portage visits Valparaiso, and Crown Point travels to Munster. In Sectional 2, LaPorte visits Goshen in a sectional that features heavily favored Penn.

But not all the best matchups will be given away early. In Class 4A, Griffith and Morton are on opposite ends of the bracket.

Last season was the first time since 2003 that Griffith and Morton didn’t play in the sectional, with the Panthers eliminating the Governors five straight years until 2009, when Morton returned the favor. This year, Morton opens at West Side, then would have to beat either East Chicago or Highland. Griffith hosts Clark, and with a win would face either Roosevelt or Hammond.

Lowell, for the first time since 2007, won’t have to travel to the Eastern time zone for its Sectional 10 opener. But that doesn’t mean the Red Devils got an easy draw — they host Mishawaka, which won a sectional in Class 5A last year. Also in Sectional 10, Hobart heads to South Bend Clay, and Kankakee Valley visits national record-setting receiver Gehrig Dieter’s South Bend Washington team.

All four of the region’s Class 3A teams will be underdogs in their openers, with Lew Wallace hosting South Bend St. Joseph’s, Knox hosting Culver Academies, Gavit traveling to John Glenn, and Calumet hosting Mishawaka Marian.

In 2A, besides Wheeler-Andrean, Rensselaer visits Bowman, Boone Grove travels to North Newton, and Lake Station hosts longtime rival River Forest.

In Class 1A, all three region teams will be facing out-of-towners, as South Central hosts Winamac, Bishop Noll hosts South Newton and Whiting travels about an hour and 45 minutes to West Central.

Elsewhere in 1A, in another monster Week 10 clash, No. 1 Lafayette Central Catholic will visit No. 2 Pioneer in the opener in Sectional 34, the grouping that faces the Sectional 33 winner in the regional.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 11 2011, 08:12 AM

http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/10/10/sports/doc4e934de3962b4424211350.txt

QUOTE
Still struggling

Wolves have strong start, but Slicers use miscues to their advantage
By Adam Parkhouse
Staff Writer
Published: Monday, October 10, 2011 3:04 PM CDT
LA PORTE — Friday’s intra-county rivalry game started out great for Michigan City against La Porte.

The Wolves got a defensive stop and marched right down the field for a touchdown to give them an early lead.

It was all downhill from there. For the second straight week, an inopportune turnover and special teams mistakes proved costly for City, which dropped a 28-14 decision at Kiwanis Field.

“Take your hats off to (the Slicers),” City coach Michael Karpinski said. “They came out and were very, very aggressive.”

*
City’s first touchdown was set up by Marcellus Willis’ 37-yard punt return, giving the Wolves good field position at their own 48. A fourth-and-1 conversion from Joel Hirsch to Scott Kaletha for 20 yards also helped as Hirsch eventually found Donovan Wilson on a fade route in the end zone, giving the Wolves a 7-0 lead.

From that point on, it seemed City couldn’t get out of its own way. With 10:18 to play in the first half, La Porte’s Bronson Severs had a 39-yard punt return to City’s 36, leading to a David Eldridge 4-yard touchdown run at the 5:26 mark.

Later in the quarter, Jared Ross had a 35-yard punt return to put the Slicers in business at City’s 21.

Just more than a minute later, Taylor James scored from a yard out, giving the Slicers a 14-7 lead at halftime.

Midway through the third, it appeared City might get something coming.

On third-and-24, Hirsch hooked up with Eric Yarbrough for a gain of 29, but the play stalled out at the 2:36 mark when City failed to convert a fourth-and-2 on a toss play to Anthony Catchings, resulting in a 5-yard loss.

On the next play, La Porte’s James O’Neal sprinted 53 yards around the edge for a crushing touchdown, giving the Slicers a two-score lead at 21-7.

City caught a break on its next drive when forced to punt.

A personal foul on La Porte gave City a second chance, but the drive results in Hirsch’s only interception of the night. Steve Bowser came up with the pick for the Slicers at the La Porte 23.

The Slicers than went into clock-killing mode. James converted a fourth-and-2 with 5:56 to play, leading to a missed 22-yard field goal, leaving the door open ever-so-slightly.

Freshman Ryan Washington came in for City — just to get him some experience, according to Karpinski — and paid dividends. Washington found Yarbrough up the right sideline for a 69-yard touchdown, the extra point cutting the lead to 21-14 with 54.9 seconds left.

However, La Porte recovered the onside kick. City had two timeouts left and could conceivably have gotten the ball back, but Andrew Schuelke’s 49-yard touchdown run took care of that notion, providing for the final margin.

The win on Homecoming was La Porte coach Bob Schellinger’s 100th as the Slicers’ top dog.

“This isn’t about me,” a humble Schellinger said. “Tonight is about Homecoming at La Porte High School. Tonight’s about our kids playing a Homecoming game, and it’s about winning a Homecoming game. It’s about the kids, it’s about our players, it’s not about me.”

City lost its seventh consecutive game in 2011 and 13th straight Duneland Conference game overall.

“(The Slicers) had a little bounce in their step and wanted to win,” Karpinski said.

“But it’s a rivalry game and we should have that same bounce in our step.”

Posted by: MSFOOTBALL Oct 12 2011, 06:06 AM

QUOTE(southsiderMMX @ Oct 11 2011, 09:12 AM) *

http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/10/10/sports/doc4e934de3962b4424211350.txt


Last Saturday the JV team won again. They beat Laporte in another exciting game. It is amazing how every Saturday we have a different line up left over from Friday night but still manage to keep winning. They are now 6-2. The JV have a lot to be proud of because it isn't easy playing JV--which it is probably the same situation for every team across the state--they have a base of players with the rest being changed up weekly depending on who is played on Friday night. The Wolves have a chance at sectionals just like everyone else--GOOD LUCK--GO WOLVES !!!

Posted by: Fancy Nancy Oct 12 2011, 07:33 AM

QUOTE(MSFOOTBALL @ Oct 12 2011, 07:06 AM) *

Last Saturday the JV team won again. They beat Laporte in another exciting game. It is amazing how every Saturday we have a different line up left over from Friday night but still manage to keep winning. They are now 6-2. The JV have a lot to be proud of because it isn't easy playing JV--which it is probably the same situation for every team across the state--they have a base of players with the rest being changed up weekly depending on who is played on Friday night. The Wolves have a chance at sectionals just like everyone else--GOOD LUCK--GO WOLVES !!!

smile.gif I agree, on any day a team is beatable! Stay focus, have a positive attitude, and play like a team! Go Wolves!

Posted by: taxthedeer Oct 15 2011, 05:17 AM

Check out these outstanding photos from the Michigan City @ Crown Point game:

http://strempkagallery.com/galleries/michigan-city-vs-crown-point---101411

Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 18 2011, 01:25 PM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/10/17/sports/doc4e9c7ae389d04266445228.txt

QUOTE
Wanna feel good about the upcoming sectional, Michigan City football fans?

Think it’s hopeless? The 1-8 Wolves have no chance?

What if I told you City could easily have entered the postseason on a three-game winning streak?

“What’s Parkhouse smoking?”

*
Listen, I know it sounds crazy, but it’s not an exaggeration. Or at least as big an exaggeration as you might think.

City lost its last three games of the season to Portage, La Porte and Crown Point. In those games, the Wolves scored just 28 points, or a little less than 10 per game, while allowing opponents to score 64, or a bit more than 20 per game.

OK, stay with me now. In each of those games, the Indians, Slicers and Bulldogs were the beneficiary of great field position on at least five drives that resulted in touchdowns. That’s 35 out of 64 points.

Now, you can’t take those points away of course. But the remedy for City is simple: The Wolves have to move the ball more consistently. Look, I’m not even saying it’s imperative they score more, but what you just simply can’t get away with is giving the other team prime field position as frequently as City does.

Eventually, you’re gonna get hurt, and that’s what’s happened in the last three weeks.

I thought the first series against Crown Point on Friday typified what I’m talking about almost too perfectly. On the first play from scrimmage, a clever play design saw backup quarterback Ryan Washington lined up in the back of the “I” formation. Joel Hirsch pitched him the ball and my eyes immediately went downfield. I knew what they wanted to do. “Brilliant,” I thought.

And streaking downfield, there he was. Donovan Wilson, all by his lonesome. Washington’s pass was just a few inches or so too long (photographer Scott Allen got a terrific picture of this for our lead photo in Saturday’s paper) and a big play was missed.

City picked up a few first downs, but thwarted any forward momentum when its punt was blocked and the Bulldogs took over in City territory. As has been the case in recent weeks, the Wolves’ opponent capitalized and took the lead.

It’s a familiar refrain. Against Portage, both of the Indians’ scores came in similar fashion, on short fields for their offense. La Porte was also the beneficiary of City’s generosity.

But I have an answer for this. Well, I think I do.

We have to face facts when it comes to the sectional opponent. Chesterton is pretty good up front and City is having a hard time running the ball. I suspect the Wolves aren’t going to able to pick up big chunks on the ground in this game.

However, I do believe there are yards to be had in the passing game, but it’s a specific type of passing that I think Hirsch excels at. On the Wolves’ lone scoring drive, Hirsch hit some quick hitters and screens that moved the Wolves well downfield. I think those types of passes that feature short, quick routes by City receivers, are the key to the Wolves success.

That type of offense is also great for ball control, which will also be important against the Trojans, who will also look to rely on ball control. Beat them at their own game, I say.

It’s a monumental task that lies ahead and the Trojans will be hungry, presumably with quarterback Chris Katsafaros back under center after returning in the second half Friday against Merrillville from a leg injury.

But if City’s able to keep field position in its favor and capitalize on its big plays, well, things could get interesting at Ames.

If not, a 12th one-and-done in the sectional in 17 seasons seems likely.

Posted by: taxthedeer Oct 18 2011, 04:35 PM

If USC will be staying in town Friday night perhaps coach Karpinski should entice the Trojan offensive linemen to come and suit up for the Wolves, nobody will be able to tell. That should get us some yards.

Posted by: Jesse B Oct 20 2011, 08:20 AM

QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Oct 18 2011, 05:35 PM) *

If USC will be staying in town Friday night perhaps coach Karpinski should entice the Trojan offensive linemen to come and suit up for the Wolves, nobody will be able to tell. That should get us some yards.

Better yet maybe Coach Karp can entice some of the older/lighter 100lb lineman from Pop Warner to step in and push around the Golden Trojans!! That system has seemed to work well. . .not!! biggrin.gif

Posted by: taxthedeer Oct 21 2011, 06:09 AM

QUOTE(Jesse B @ Oct 20 2011, 09:20 AM) *

Better yet maybe Coach Karp can entice some of the older/lighter 100lb lineman from Pop Warner to step in and push around the Golden Trojans!! That system has seemed to work well. . .not!! biggrin.gif

There have to be no enticing involved with those kids. If they would let little guys play they would go out there in a heartbeat. I could just see them marching out of the inflatable Wolves head tunnel single file, silent, helmets on, hands clasped behind their back, shoulders erect, heads held high in their normal proud, orderly and disciplined manner and in the end the will go marching off Ames Field the same way in victory.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 21 2011, 09:42 AM

http://www.chestertontribune.com/Sports/chs_football_opens_sectional_pla.htm

QUOTE
By TR HARLAN

Put the past behind you.

That’s the goal of Chesterton head football coach John Snyder and the Trojans as they open Sectional play at Michigan City on Friday night.

“Probably more than any other year, I’m excited about the separation between the regular season and the post-season,” Snyder said. “We’ve struggled the last several weeks because of illness, injuries and just playing a tough schedule. Now it’s all behind us.

“It’s a three-game Tournament for a Sectional Championship.”

Hopefully, the Trojans will look a lot more like the team that beat Michigan City in week three than they did the last three weeks.

“We’re probably as healthy as we’ve been in quite a while other than some illness that’s going around,” Snyder said. “We’ve got some players back and able to play. We’re only missing one or two guys that were key starters, but that’s better than seven or eight.”

The most notable returnee is junior quarterback Chris Katsafaros who returned last week in the second half against Merrillville and led two touchdown drives.

“Having Chris (Katsafaros) back brings some excitement and play-making ability to the offense,” Snyder said. “We need to get off to a good start offensively. We’ve got to get some chances to score and change the field. We need to get some confidence and prove to ourselves that we’re going to have some success on offense.”

The Wolves defense has kept them in games the last several weeks because they play hard for four quarters, according to Snyder.

“The most impressive thing I’ve seen about Michigan City since week three when we played them is that they haven’t quit at any point in any game this year,” Snyder said. “Normally when you aren’t winning games, teams shut down a little bit and I haven’t seen that in any of their kids. That really worries me because I could see our guys getting a lead early and starting to overlook them.

“If we do that, we can make their year and justify everything they’ve done this season if they beat us.”

The Michigan City offense has been getting better throughout the year as well and their athleticism and physicality could cause the Trojans some problems.

“Michigan City has been playing some really good, physical football,” Snyder said. “That really worries me. Offensively, they’ve tried to spread the field more lately. City’s got some kids who can catch the ball deep in traffic and them coming back and using their short passing game.

“They started the game last week against Crown Point with three straight passes.”

That may bode well for the Trojans as they have strengthened the secondary heading into this week.

“Having Chris back allows Cole to rep more at cornerback on defense for us,” Snyder said. “AJ (Snyder) is back. Kyle (Schmidt) played well for us last week. Adam Lara gives us some real quickness back there too. We’ve got good depth right now in the secondary.

“I feel really good about that aspect actually.”

Chesterton has struggled against the run of late, but Snyder understands the problem. It’s just not his to fix.

“The mistakes we’re making on defense are fundamental read your keys mistakes,” Snyder said. “They aren’t physical mistakes or we’re not getting physically beat up. We just aren’t going to the right spots because they’re guessing.

“If we continue to guess, we’ll struggle all night again.”



Posted 10/20/2011

Posted by: Fancy Nancy Oct 21 2011, 03:03 PM

wink.gif Say what may, on any given night any team can win! I personally don't think 100lb lineman will hold the Trojans. I also can see them walking thru the wolf head with helmets on and hands behind their backs but better start them thru an hour before the game so they can start on time. Since some of them missed the Michigan City Football players come out of the locker room on Pop Warner night cuz they walked in a disciplined order. smile.gif ! Football Players should hyped up coming out to play, you see this in the NFL how the player get in the groove of things!

QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Oct 21 2011, 07:09 AM) *

cool.gif--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jesse B @ Oct 20 2011, 09:20 AM) *</div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->
Better yet maybe Coach Karp can entice some of the older/lighter 100lb lineman from Pop Warner to step in and push around the Golden Trojans!! That system has seemed to work well. . .not!! biggrin.gif

There have to be no enticing involved with those kids. If they would let little guys play they would go out there in a heartbeat. I could just see them marching out of the inflatable Wolves head tunnel single file, silent, helmets on, hands clasped behind their back, shoulders erect, heads held high in their normal proud, orderly and disciplined manner and in the end the will go marching off Ames Field the same way in victory.

Posted by: Fancy Nancy Oct 21 2011, 03:10 PM

laugh.gif

QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Oct 18 2011, 05:35 PM) *

If USC will be staying in town Friday night perhaps coach Karpinski should entice the Trojan offensive linemen to come and suit up for the Wolves, nobody will be able to tell. That should get us some yards.


Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 24 2011, 08:21 AM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/10/24/sports/doc4ea3a5931670f102237630.txt

QUOTE
Early surge decides it

Trojans’ big first quarter holds up as Wolves eliminated in sectional’s first round
By Adam Parkhouse
Staff Writer
Published: Sunday, October 23, 2011 1:03 AM CDT
MICHIGAN CITY — As Michigan City’s play has improved gradually throughout coach Michael Karpinski’s first season, one constant has remained: Early mistakes dig the Wolves big holes.

Sadly for Karpinski and the Wolves, the season ended in the same manner.

Two big special teams plays early for Chesterton set up short fields and the scores resulting from the short fields those two plays provided would turn out to be enough for the Trojans in a 28-7 win at Ames Field. With the win, Chesterton moves on to host Merrillville in next week’s sectional semifinal.

“The kids fought back well as they always do,” Karpinski said. “I just wish we’d quit digging that hole to begin with.”

*
Chesterton’s Joe Troop took the opening kickoff to City’s 44-yard line, and a few plays later Zac Jenks was punching the ball into the end zone for a 7-0 Trojans lead.

After City’s initial drive stalled, Troop returned a punt 32 yards to the City 33. The Wolves were also assessed a personal foul on the play, setting up camp for the Trojans at the 18. A little more than two minutes later, Chris Katsafaros found paydirt from 5 yards out. With 6:35 to play in the first quarter, it was already 14-0.

“We hadn’t started very fast in our last few games,” Chesterton coach John Snyder said. “But we got off to a nice start and Chris did a nice job.”

Katsafaros had a good game running Snyder’s option offense, carrying 13 times for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Katsafaros missed two full games and then returned after halftime in the season finale a week ago.

With the junior signal-caller sparking the offense, the Trojans (5-5) appeared to be on their way to an easy, blowout win. Katsafaros’ 63-yard touchdown run at the 2:00 mark seemed to fuel that presumption.

That score made it 21-0, but over the game’s final 38 minutes, the Wolves were right there every step of the way with the Trojans.

With 3:38 to play in the first half, the Wolves had some special teams magic of their own when Kyle Neulieb returned a punt 61 yards to the Trojans’ 18-yard line. Just more than a minute later, City senior quarterback Joel Hirsch ran into the end zone from 15 yards out to make it 21-7.

However, things could have been worse at that point for Chesterton. Earlier in the quarter, City put together an impressive drive, totaling five first downs before Hirsch was picked off in the end zone by A.J. Snyder. As it stood, City had to settle for a 21-7 deficit at halftime.

City got the ball to start the third quarter and didn’t do much with it. Chesterton, however, went on a long drive, chewing up a lot of clock and denting the scoreboard in the process. Jenks scored from a yard out with 2:32 to play in the third, doing major damage to City’s hopes of a comeback.

The Wolves mounted a late drive in the fourth, but Hirsch was intercepted in the end zone for a second time, this one credited to Chesterton’s Kyle Schmidt.

Though his team will play on, Snyder left Ames Field impressed with the team whose season ended.

“I’ve coached against City quite a few times now,” Snyder said. “In rough years a lot of times you’d see the kids quit and there was no quit in them at all. They should be proud of that.”

Indeed, Karpinski seemed proud of that. After the postgame huddle broke, Karpinski took time to console his seniors before taking a moment alone to collect himself.

“We could stand here for an hour and talk about those seniors,” he said. “It’s been a pleasure. Obviously you wanna win a few more games, but it’s been a pleasure coaching these young men. They made my transition so much easier.”



Contact Sports Editor Adam Parkhouse at aparkhouse@thenewsdispatch.com or 874-7211, Ext. 461.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 24 2011, 08:37 AM

I was with you Parky until the Go Trojans part. smile.gif

http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/10/23/sports/doc4ea3a695cd75c923114497.txt

QUOTE
Snyder the epitome of class

By Adam Parkhouse
Home Cookin'
Published: Sunday, October 23, 2011 1:03 AM CDT
Earlier this season, while lamenting another loss, Michigan City football coach Michael Karpinski told me he was a bit tired of being told constantly how his team is improving.

Don’t get me wrong, he certainly appreciated the sentiment coming from coaches, referees and fans. But Karpinski would have liked to see more wins to serve as a better barometer of progress.

I think I’d grow a bit wary of hearing things like “keep your head up, coach” or “you guys sure have improved” after losing by a handful of touchdowns. At least for me, my competitive nature would make it difficult to feel too good about that.

What happened at Ames Field on Friday following City’s season-ending loss to Chesterton was a bit different, though.

*
As the media assembled to first interview the winning coach, one reporter asked, “Where’s Snyder?”

I glanced around and didn’t see him. Before long, we saw Chesterton coach John Snyder making his way across the field, moving away from the City huddle. Later, we found out why.

Snyder asked Karpinski if it was OK to address the City players. Karpinski allowed it.

What Snyder did next was above and beyond the call of sportsmanship. He told the City players, many of them crushed after having played their final game, that they should be proud. He said some City teams he’d coached against in the past would have quit after going down 21-0 in the game’s first 10 minutes following such a rough regular season. Instead, the Wolves battled back and played the Trojans to a 7-7 draw over the final 38 minutes.

Snyder told them they should be proud.

Most coaches have a mutual respect for one another, and hearing one skipper say nice things about the other team is hardly unusual. But addressing the other team’s huddle? I don’t know that I’ve ever heard of that.

It was a genuinely heartwarming thing to do for Snyder, who chose not to just give Karpinski a “things are looking better, coach” in passing as he went on about his business.

John Snyder is 100 percent class and one of area sports’ true good guys. You can’t help but like him and now, if only based on this single act, City fans may as well root for him and the Trojans, too.

Believe me when I say this, there are enough people that I’d be perfectly fine rooting against. I’ve always enjoyed covering Snyder’s teams, and I’ve now developed a new level of respect.

To go out of your way to uplift a kid who is down is exactly what it’s all about. Snyder gets that.

Surely City fans can join me in saying, “Go Trojans” as Chesterton hosts Merrillville in a sectional semifinal game next week.

Good guys can win, too.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 24 2011, 12:55 PM

http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/10/24/sports/columnists/doc4ea58e701d674783211764.txt

QUOTE
Where were you Michigan City?

This picture was taken midway through the first quarter of Michigan City's sectional opener against Chesterton on Friday night at Ames Field. Photo by Drew White
By Drew White
Unwritten No More
Published: Monday, October 24, 2011 11:13 AM CDT
Hey Michigan City, did you hear there was a football game at Ames Field last Friday night?

From the look of the home grandstand during the first quarter of the Wolves’ sectional opener against Chesterton, it seems that many of you didn’t.

Uh, Drew? Do you know how cold it was Friday night? I’m not going to sit out there freezing.

The game time temperature was about 44 degrees. It’s called a coat. Perhaps you have one.

*
But what about the wind? It always comes off the lake and makes it feel colder than it is. What were they thinking when they built the grandstand facing north?

There was no wind Friday night. The only flags flying were the yellow ones being thrown by the officials.

Well, I went to games during the regular season, but my fall sports pass isn’t good for tournament games. Why should I have to pay?

If you have Bears season tickets and they make the playoffs, do you think you’re going to get complimentary seats for the postseason?

No. You’re not.

I graduated from Elston. I’m a Red Devil, not a Wolf. My high school ceases to exist.

Do you realize that a majority of the kids attending Michigan City High School weren’t even born during the existence of Elston and Rogers? Those that were around were so young that they likely would’ve started crying at the sight of the Red Devil logo.

It’s been 16 years. Give it up.

Why would I go to a high school football game, anyway? I don’t have any kids on the team.


I can’t help but notice you’re wearing a Notre Dame sweatshirt.

Yeah.

Have you ever been to an Irish football game?

Yeah.

Did you have a son playing for the Irish?

No.


Did you, your parents, or any of your kids ever attend the University of Notre Dame?

No.


So what were you saying about not wanting to go to a Wolves game because you don’t have a son playing?

It’s not the same. College football is much more exciting than high school football.

Do you know where college football players come from? They came from high school football.

But City doesn’t win. They won one game all season. If they would win, maybe people would want to go to their games.

The Cubs don’t win. Over three million people went to see them this year.

That’s because you can drink beer at a Cubs game.

So the only reason people go to Cubs games is for the $8 cups of beer?

No, they go to see professional baseball. They go to see players like Albert Pujols, Nelson Cruz, Justin Verlander, and Roy Halladay.

Do you know where Pujols, Cruz, Verlander, and Halladay played before they were professionals? High school.

High school sports are not the same as professional sports.

You’re right. I don’t see high school football and basketball players being locked out because of labor disagreements.

Oh well, it’s too late. High school football season in Michigan City is over. Why are you chastising people over something that can’t be changed?

I’m taking the citizens of Our Fair City to task because the attendance at Friday’s game was horrible. There is no other adjective I can use to explain the amount of seats that were left unoccupied at Ames Field.

The City football team – comprised of players that have dedicated countless hours apiece representing our community on the gridiron – put forth an effort that this city should be proud of. Falling behind by three touchdowns early, they could’ve looked at the stands and wished they weren’t there either.

Instead, they played Chesterton even for the final three quarters.

It’s unfortunate that those who didn’t attend the game weren’t able to see it, because they probably could’ve learned something from it.

Instead, the community demonstrated an apathy that is indicative of every other problem we face today.

It might be too late for us to fill Ames Field for the Wolves’ biggest game of the year, but it’s not too late to learn a lesson from Friday night.

Michigan City High School needs your support.

Need proof?

Take a look at the picture.

Posted by: taxthedeer Oct 24 2011, 09:50 PM

My favorite excuse is "I can't go out and smoke."

Posted by: MSFOOTBALL Oct 30 2011, 12:00 PM

QUOTE(taxthedeer @ Oct 24 2011, 10:50 PM) *

My favorite excuse is "I can't go out and smoke."


It was sad to see the stands empty. However during the season the band is able to perform and you do get a few more people there for that reason. The extra cost is a big factor--even though it is only $6.00. If the parents are unemployed they can't afford to bring a family of 3, 4, or 5 to a game. If the parents are working they probably still can't afford it or have to work that night. Many parents miss their own son's game because they are working. Over the last several years I have seen an increase in student support. It was cold and lets face it--a die hard fan is the only one going to sit through the game. I am not sure what is worse--the fan that doesn't show up at all or the one that leaves in the third quarter when the team is getting beat. The JV team on Saturday mornings would only have about 20-25 people in attendance on a good day. The season passes are good for all fall events. Just like the winter ones will be good for all winter events. They are a big savings and if the parents planned ahead maybe we could sell more of them. The student passes are good throughout the year--which I just found out this year. It takes time to build a following unfortunately a student only has 4 years of this window. When the city had two basketball players that shared the title of "Mr. Basketball" they were known throughout the country. It took until their Junior year for the hype to start and people to start following. Good PR goes a long way then when the city sees the results they believe the hype--they are now followers. Conditioning for football is a year around job and these players do put in a lot of time. Ready for football season to start---GO WOLVES!!!

Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 31 2011, 11:36 AM

Michgan City Pop Warner Football State Championship Schedule:

Saturday, November 5, 2011
@ Ames Field

Jr. Pee Wees:

Michigan City VS. Southlake (Lowell) @9AM

Pee Wees:

Michigan City VS. Southlake (Lowell) @ 11:00AM

Jr. Midgets

Michigan City VS. Tritown @ 1PM

Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 31 2011, 11:45 AM

QUOTE(southsiderMMX @ Oct 24 2011, 01:55 PM) *

http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/10/24/sports/columnists/doc4ea58e701d674783211764.txt


Follow up by White...

http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/10/31/sports/doc4eaead8eb07b3510385997.txt

QUOTE
Proof of a problem

By Drew White
Unwritten No More
Published: Monday, October 31, 2011 9:23 AM CDT
I stood in line at a local establishment last week and a picture on the wall grabbed my attention.

The photo was an aerial shot of Ames Field with the stands packed. The picture was undated, but I’m guessing it is a pretty safe bet that it was taken during the Michigan City-Merrillville game in 2009 when the attendance was said to exceed 8,000 people.

Seeing the photo seemed an appropriate pick-me-up after last week’s column in which I wrote on the disappointing crowd for the Wolves’ opening round sectional game the Friday before.

Most of the feedback I received was positive. Many thanked me for saying something that was long overdue and others shared their disappointment in the crowd.

*
A few people, however, went on the defensive.

Some told me that the outcome of the game has nothing to do with the attendance while others shared their reasons for not being in the stands.

The responses I got that still have me scratching my head are a few people who have accused me of misrepresenting the attendance, saying that the photo I had taken with my cell phone camera was not an accurate representation of the actual crowd.

Despite the caption of the photo indicating that the photo had been taken midway through the first quarter, some questioned when I took the picture.

The photo I chose was indeed the barest of the crowd shots I took, but I also have photos from the opposite end of the grandstand as well as the midfield portion - both of which show plenty of room for seating.

I agree that there are times when pictures don’t tell the entire story. For evidence, look no further than my beloved alma mater of Indiana University.

Getting people to attend Hoosier football games has traditionally been a challenge. The first couple of years I was in Bloomington, every student living within the campus’s residence halls received free tickets to every home football game.

Even then, every fan had plenty of leg room.

So how is it that there are several photos used for promotional purposes that shows a standing-room-only crowd all clad in red?

No, it’s not Photoshop. It’s called the Ohio State Buckeyes.

You see, at a football-crazy school such as Ohio State, where getting tickets to the Horseshoe sometimes requires the luck of an actual horseshoe, a four-hour drive to Bloomington is about as close to a home game as many Buckeye faithful ever get.

It’s no coincidence that the last six Ohio State appearances in Bloomington have represented Indiana’s highest attendance of the season. The Buckeyes’ most recent appearance in 2009 had an attendance of 51,500 - more than any of the last nine Old Oaken Bucket games between Indiana and Purdue played at Memorial Stadium.

I suppose one could argue that Indiana’s taking advantage of the realization that scarlet and crimson are quite indistinguishable from a few thousand feet is a tad misrepresenting.

Then again, it’s not a fake photo and it conveys the message the marketing department wants to convey - that Memorial Stadium does get filled. On occasion.

Taking a picture of the Ames Field stands midway through the first quarter of a sectional game, is about as representative of the crowd as you’re going to get.

It accounts for those who might be a few minutes late arriving to their seats and it is early enough that those who tend to leave early are still present.

I’m still trying to figure out what I would have to gain by misrepresenting the crowd at Ames Field that night, as some thought I did. I can assure those who thought I had any motive other than illustrating just how bad the problem is, that just isn’t the case.

In order to solve a problem, you have to identify it.

If the pictures from that night don’t serve as proof of a problem, I’m not sure what does.

Contact sports writer Drew White at dwhite@thenewsdispatch.com or 874-7211, Ext. 447.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 31 2011, 11:53 AM

The terminology of "keep them here" is interesting. I can't tell if the implication is that they are being driven off or not.

http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/10/31/news/opinion/anvil_chorus/doc4eac60ea9114b503267200.txt

QUOTE
Coaching changes detrimental to MCAS football

Published: Saturday, October 29, 2011 5:07 PM CDT
What’s really wrong with Michigan City football?

Every weekend we are bombarded with theories as to what is wrong with Michigan City football. One week it is socio-economic factors, then it’s an every four-year curse, then it’s the offense. Then it’s the defense, then it’s a failure to make big plays, then it’s a failure to control the game during the first quarter, then it’s big kids not being able to play Pop Warner, etc. These are all fine theories, but have little merit. Anyone who is even remotely interested in MC football can easily come to one glaring truism. Seniors who played on the football team this year have played under four different coaching regimes. Not just a new head coach but an entirely different coaching staff.

This assumes that they played on the freshman squad during their freshman year. How could anyone possibly expect results different than what we received when each of the last four years saw totally different coaching strategies?

Could you imagine the state of our country if we elected a new President, House and Senate every year?

*
Michigan City has all the right tools in place for a successful program. They have a beautiful field to play on with all the bells and whistles. They also have the sharpest-looking uniforms in the DAC. They have an extremely strong and active parent support organization and they have some of the most dedicated and hard-working players. So what is wrong?

It has got to be the coaching. The players this year were doomed the minute they were confronted with a new staff of coaches. However, they did not give up. These boys tried their hardest, did their best, and played some very exciting football. Not one single player ever started a game thinking, let’s go out and lose tonight.

It should be no surprise that the Chesterton coach asked to speak to the MC players, their determination showed! To all the Wolves players, I say, “thank you.” You provided some very exciting and enthusiastic football. To the parent organization, I say, “thank you.” Your support for the players both financially and emotionally was second to none.

To the coaching staff, I say, the jury is still out, only time will tell.

And finally, to the school administration, quit letting our boys down. Find a coaching staff that works and then keep them here. Give MC football a chance.

Jeff Fanson

Michigan City, IN

Posted by: taxthedeer Nov 10 2011, 01:01 AM

Michigan City's Giorgio Karallas, Trent Ormsby and Kevin Kreighbaum have been named to the all-DAC football team.

Chesterton: Joe Troop, Chris Katsafaros, Ryley Harlow
Valparaiso: Jake Grossnickle, Andrew Kittridge, Andrew Schooler, Paul Andrie
Portage: Kenyotta Rollins, RaShaan Coleman, Zac Vardamen, Jordan Nieto
Merrillville: Kourtney Berry, Paul Carey, Darryl Peppers, Jake Raspopovich, Aaron Dye, Kevin Wilkerson, Brandon Spencer
Crown Point: Stephen Hutchison, Logan McRae, Cameron Tanner, Bill Van Cleef
Michigan City: Giorgio Karallas, Trent Ormsby, Kevin Kreighbaum
Lake Central: Ryan Gindle, Marco Radjenovic, Dylan Morang, David Yancey, Tyler Szczecina, Ike Spearman, Gelen Robinson
LaPorte: David Eldridge, Austin Epple, Taylor James

Offensive Co-MVP: Jake Raspopovich, Merrillville; David Yancey, Lake Central
Defensive MVP: Jake Grossnickle, Valparaiso
All DAC Kicker: Kyle Schmidt, Chesterton
All DAC Punter: Ryan Nix, Valparaiso


Posted by: southsiderMMX Nov 10 2011, 08:36 AM

Karrallas was the MVP of that team, and he should be a 1st team DAC linebacker.

Posted by: southsiderMMX Nov 18 2011, 09:12 AM

http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/11/18/news/opinion/anvil_chorus/doc4ec4995326585815083739.txt

QUOTE
Football team parents thank community

Published: Thursday, November 17, 2011 5:08 PM CST
The parents of the Michigan City High School Wolves football team thank the following 2011 game and meal sponsors: Dolson Insurance Agency, Root Funeral Home, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance-Terri Nichols & Matt Shula, MC Pop Warner, IBEW Local #531, VANAIR, Members Advantage Credit Union, Harbour Trust & Investment Management Co., MTI Service Center Inc., Buffalo Wild Wings, Mayor Charles Oberlie, Sheriff Mike Mollenhauer, Sophia’s House of Pancakes, Albano’s, Dairy Queen, Cadence Environmental Energy, Red Lobster, Rodini’s, Memo’s House of Pancakes, Walmart, Martorano’s Roofing, Gene’s Sewer & Septic Service and Dr. Raheem-Raheem Medical Clinic.

We also want to thank the following for donating items for our Silent Auction at our annual banquet: Anytime Fitness, Avon-Shelly Herbert, Awesome Carwash, Beauty Control-Kim Schmidt, Ben’s Pretzels, MCHS Athletic Booster Club, Captain Ed’s Candy Island, Carson’s, City Lanes, Coolspring Carwash, Culver’s, DeVries Firestone, Dairy Queen, Erickson’s Jewelers, Fast Eddy’s, Hacienda, Hair Werks, Harbour Superstore, Harbour Collision Center, Hirsch Ford, Jimmy John’s, Kabelin Ace Hardware, Lindo’s Restaurant, Mary Kay-Julie Wocjik, Michigan City Chrysler Dodge & Jeep, MC Sports, Michigan City Beauty College, Northwest Racket Club (NAC), Pampered Chef-Kathy Workman, Red Lobster, Roma Pizza, Temple Total Fitness-Ron Gaston, Walgreens, Walmart, Bosak Honda, Schoop’s, Reader’s World, Miller Pizza By the Beach, KIA, Sahara Mediterranean Cuisine, Holly’s Restaurant and Cind Barker.

Our deepest appreciation goes to these sponsors for their generosity and support throughout this 2011 football season.

Kelly Neulieb

*
The MCHS Football Parents Group

Michigan City, IN


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