Sunday, August 21, 2005

Recruiting Rundown | by Pat

As we move into the football season we're going to try and bring some weekly features that cover a variety of topics. One of them is the recruiting rundown. Every week, we'll try and track down how the verbal commits are doing and link up any stories done about them in the local press. If we miss anything, or you happen to take in a game featuring said recruits, please feel free to shoot us an email and drop us a note in the comments field. Now then, on to the rundown. Most of the nation's high schools haven't started their seasons yet, so this week's update is rather short.

James Aldridge helped to put up a Playstation-esque 82-0 beatdown on East Chicago Central. Aldridge didn't play much as you can imagine, but still finished with 90 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns on 8 carries before he was pulled early in the 2nd quarter. And that total includes a 13 yard loss where the QB pitched the ball over Aldridge's head. Not too shabby.

Luke Schmidt's first game featured an early halftime as lightning halted the game on Friday night. At the time Schmidt was cruising with 52 yards and a touchdown on only 4 carries. They picked up where they left off on Saturday night and Schmidt finished the game with 221 yards, 3 touchdowns, and a 2pt conversion on 30 carries as he team won 29-13. I'd expect the Indiana state rushing title to be a battle between Schmidt and Aldridge this year.

Raeshon McNeil had a quiet night as the other team threw away from his side of the field during his team's 35-14 victory. McNeil missed out on getting in as a wide receiver due to cramping but did manage to finish the game with three tackles.

Upcoming Games

If there is a big game coming up for the following weekend, we'll try to list it here in case you live in the area and want to check out the game. Again, any and all feedback is appreciated.

Demetrius Jones and Morgan Park will take on Mt. Carmel in Soldier Field next Saturday, which certainly is a big stage for two high school teams. We're still undecided if we believe the rumor that Jones will be the best QB on a Chicago team to play at Soldier Field this season.

And in other Notre Dame feeder school news, Kallen Wade and the Withrow Tigers will open up their season next week on the road against former ND linebacker Bob Crable and his Moeller Crusaders.