August 22: Avon at Plainfield

I chose this game obviously to get a peek at Jordan Grimes, but also there were a few other players I was curious to see. Plus, I figured the game would be competitive between 2 big-time rivals. (Why would I want to watch Warren Central run rough-shot over Perry Meridian?)

So, I plucked down my four bucks...yes, four bucks and settled in on the visitor’s side. (Avon) You know, a Colts ticket is $60. Am I getting 17 times the entertainment value?

The score was pretty close, but Avon pretty much had the game under control. Interestingly, the Plainfield QB was Gaston Groninger (6-2, 177 lbs., Sr.) His name should sound familiar. His brother, Gavin, played basketball for Michigan last year.

Avon Orioles 07 – 09 – 06 – 00 = 22
Plainfield Quakers 03 – 00 – 08 – 00 = 11

Jordan “Tank” Grimes, OL/DL (6-3, 295 lbs., Sr.) Plainfield H.S. - Jordan lined up at guard on offense, DT and DE on defense. I would say he’s closer to 6-3 than the 6-4 that the Plainfield program listed, but I didn’t have a tape measure. #67 was a very solid looking kid. With him at guard, and Zach Jones OL/DL (6-5, 295 lbs., Jr.) at tackle, you can imagine maybe where the Quakers were wanting to run. On defense, he had at least 2 sacks (that I saw) and recovered a fumble. He moves very, very well. A lot of high school kids that big are pretty slow and not very nimble. What also impressed me was his stamina. This was the first game of the year and Jordan probably was on the field over 80% of the time. That’s tough for a biggin. Man, will he look great in Gold and Black or what!?! Will be a great guard in college. I would say Jones is worth keeping an eye on for next year.

Tyler Haston, QB (6-3, 192 lbs., Soph) Avon H.S. – I wanted to check this kid out. He started as a freshman, which is impressive….especially when you consider that Avon is a very solid program. Last year, he completed over 60% of his passes. Well, after watching the game I know why. Tyler is a very “heady” player, has good size, appears to be a decent runner and is ok in the pocket. His line was 10-12-0 for 217 and 2 TDs. Pretty good on paper. He finds the open receiver, but I’d say the jury is still out on his arm. He threw “floaters” and touch lob-like passes. It looked like a “push-pass” most times. Arm strength is a question mark only because he didn’t show any. (to be fair, he didn’t have to show it either) He also played some safety on defense.

Lynn Panko, LB/FB (6-2, 220 lbs., Jr.) Avon H.S. – Impressive size. The kid really looks mature for a junior. You can tell he has spent a lot of time in the weight room. As a FB, he’s a straight ahead power runner. As a MLB, he clogged the middle pretty well and showed quickness. How does he compare to Jon Goldsberry when Jon was in high school? He doesn’t. Jon was a superb offensive threat. Still, I think Lynn is worth watching. I’d like to know his 40 time…that really makes or breaks a kid like this when it comes to scholarships. Keep a big EYE on this kid as well.

Other notes: Warren Central pasted Perry 49-0. RB Mark Bonds ran for 158 yards on 6 carries. He scored 4 TDs! I want to know what happened on those other 2 rushes. Slacker! It seems that the general consensus is that he needs to get his grades in order before schollies will come. If he gets his grades in order, schollies will fall from the sky like a hail storm. QB Desmond Tardy (Mr. Purdue verbal) ran for 66 yards on 4 carries scoring 2 TDs. When your team rushes for 340 yards, you don’t have to pass a great deal. He was 2-5-0 for 23 yards. I plan on catching the Warren at Ben Davis game in 2 weeks. I better buy my ticket now!

Warren Central now travels to Cincinnati this Friday to battle Elder. Will "John in Cincy" be there? I'm putting my money on WC....

Big shocker of the weekend: Ft. Wayne Elmhurst ends its state record losing streak at 64 by beating, (get this), by beating Class 4A #1 Ft. Wayne Dwenger 27-23. Are you kidding me? Good going guys! The streak goes back to 1996.