Everything a Brickie Football family needs
Schedule and logistics, player safety, what it costs and commits, and how playing time and coach communication work — in one place. Bookmark it. Nothing here is saved or sent; it all stays on your screen.
August 24–30 · Game Week 2 — all three squads play Portage
Practices are on the Brickyard field unless otherwise noted.
- Mon 8/24 — 🏫 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (school day 7:45 AM–2:36 PM) · V/JV: team meetings + walk-thru 3:30–5:45 PM · Freshman practice 3:15–5:30 PM. Cleats, full water bottle, and all issued equipment — pack for school AND practice.
- Tue 8/25 — Practice: Varsity/JV 3:15–5:35 PM · Freshman 3:15–5:30 PM.
- Wed 8/26 — Practice: Varsity/JV 3:15–5:35 PM · FRESHMAN shortened, 3:15–4:45 PM.
- Thu 8/27 — Practice: Varsity/JV shortened, 3:15–4:45 PM · 🍴 V/JV team dinner 5:30 PM · 🏈 FRESHMAN at Portage, 6:00 PM. No freshman practice — it’s their game night, on the road at Portage HS.
- Fri 8/28 — Freshman practice 3:15–4:30 PM · 🏈 VARSITY vs Portage, 7:00 PM at Brickyard Stadium — Pop Warner Night. Our first home Friday of the season. See the Game Day tab for what to bring and where to park.
- Sat 8/29 — 🏈 JV at Portage, 10:00 AM. Away — Portage HS, 6450 US-6, Portage, IN.
- Sun 8/30 — OFF. Rest, eat well, get the laundry done.
Tickets are digital — buy ahead at hobartbrickies.com/Tickets so you're not stuck in line at the gate. Portage sells its own admission for Thursday and Saturday.
Reminder: no physical on file, no practice — the IHSAA form must be turned in to the athletic office in person (not uploaded to FinalForms).
Coming up: Freshman vs Munster (home) Thu 9/3 · Varsity at Munster Fri 9/4 · JV vs Munster (home) Sat 9/5 · Sophomore parents host the 9/3 team dinner.
Sync the schedule to your calendar
Subscribe once and every game (V · JV · F) shows up automatically — Apple Calendar, Outlook, or Google.
Google Calendar: Settings → Add calendar → From URL → paste https://eric.gorooski.com/parent-hub/brickie-schedule.ics
Who we are
Our shared responsibility is to uphold the Brickie Standard — an elite experience for every student-athlete, continuing the Legacy as the premier football institution in Indiana.
- Brotherhood — unity & camaraderie
- Respect — for each other and the game
- Initiative — be proactive
- Commitment — dedication & perseverance
- Keenness — eager to learn & play
- Integrity — honesty & consistency
- Excellence — the standard of Coach Don Howell
Team
Team communication
Schedule
Tap + Cal on any game to add it to your calendar. Sectional and beyond are the IHSAA tournament (Sectional 17) — opponents and sites are set closer to the date.
What to bring
- Arrive early — check the schedule for report/kickoff times
- Check the weather and dress appropriately (layers, rain gear); stadium seat/blanket
- Admission is digital through Eventlink — buy on your phone. Concessions take cash or digital payment.
- Cleats + turf shoes, socks, athletic clothes for the weather
- Full water bottle (hydrate the day before, too)
- All issued equipment on contact days; mouthguard
- Physical on file by August 3, 2026
Locations & contacts
Practice schedule (in-season)
Pre-practice 3:15 PM CST · practice starts 3:30 PM CST. At Brickyard Stadium and/or the Back 40 practice fields, unless adjusted.
- Mon, Tue, Wed: 3:15 PM – 5:30 PM CST
- Thu: 3:15 PM – 4:45 PM CST · Team dinner 5:15 PM CST
- Weekends off — unless you play JV on Saturday
- Mon & Tue: 3:15 PM – 5:30 PM CST
- Wed: 3:15 PM – 4:45 PM CST
- Fri: 3:15 PM – 4:45 PM CST — unless called up to dress
- Weekends off — unless called up to dress
Concussions, heat & fueling
Plain-language guidance for Indiana high school football. This is education, not medical advice — when in doubt, contact your team's athletic trainer or doctor. In an emergency, call 911.
Concussion — signs to watch for
Reported by the athlete OR seen by you. Symptoms can show up hours later, so keep watching that night.
- Headache, pressure in the head, "don't feel right"
- Dizziness, balance problems, nausea/vomiting
- Confusion, fogginess, can't recall the play/score
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Slurred speech, slow to answer, personality/mood change
- Drowsiness, trouble sleeping, or sleeping more than usual
Indiana return-to-play law
Indiana Code 20-34-7. Your school follows this — here's what it means for your kid.
- Immediate removal. Any player suspected of a concussion is pulled from play/practice at that moment.
- Two things required to return: (1) written clearance from an Indiana MD or DO trained in concussion management, and (2) at least 24 hours since being removed.
- Then a step-wise return — not straight back to full contact. If symptoms come back at any step, they stop and drop back a step.
- Light aerobic activity (walk/stationary bike) — no resistance
- Sport-specific exercise (running, no head impact)
- Non-contact drills + progressive resistance training
- Full-contact practice (after medical clearance)
- Return to game play
Each step is a minimum of ~24 hours and the athlete must stay symptom-free to advance.
Heat & hydration
- Hydrate the day before and throughout the day — don't wait until practice
- Schools track heat (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) and adjust or move practice; water is available at all times
- Early preseason days ease in — the first practices are no-contact, helmets only for drills, to acclimatize to the heat
- Send a full water bottle; light-colored, breathable clothing on hot days
Heat illness — act fast
Cramping, heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, headache = cool down, hydrate, rest, tell a coach/trainer.
Based on Indiana Code 20-34-7 and IHSAA/NFHS heat-acclimatization guidance (2026). Confirm your school's exact protocol with the athletic trainer. More: ihsaa.org → Health & Well-Being.
Fuel the work
Good fueling means better performance, faster recovery, and fewer cramps and injuries. General guidance for a growing athlete — not medical or dietitian advice.
Hydration
- Hydrate the day before — don't start practice already behind
- Drink water through the day; bring a full bottle to every practice
- For long, hot sessions, add an electrolyte/sports drink
- Pale-yellow urine = well hydrated; dark = drink more
- Cramps, dizziness, or headache → tell a coach/trainer and cool down
Game & practice day
- Bigger balanced meal 3–4 hrs out (carbs + protein), lighter snack ~1 hr before
- Pre-practice snack before the 3:15 start — fruit, granola bar, PB crackers
- Refuel within ~30–60 min: protein + carbs (chocolate milk, sandwich, fruit)
- Thursday team dinner helps — come hungry and hydrated
Everyday plate
- Lean protein at every meal (eggs, chicken, beef, fish, dairy, beans)
- Quality carbs for energy (rice, pasta, potatoes, oats, fruit)
- Fruits & veggies for recovery; healthy fats (nuts, avocado, olive oil)
- Eat enough — teen athletes need a lot of fuel to grow and perform
Growing into your position
- Adding good size (linemen): more quality calories + protein paired with the weight room — not junk
- Staying lean & fast (skill): balanced meals, don't skip — you still need fuel to move
- Avoid crash diets and extreme cuts; fuel for health and performance, and ask a doctor before big changes
Easy snacks: granola/protein bars, PB or cheese crackers, trail mix, fruit, yogurt, chocolate milk, water & sports drinks.
How reps are earned — and how to talk about it
The hardest part of being a sports parent. Here's how playing time actually gets decided, how to support your kid, and the right way to reach a coach.
How playing time is earned
- Practice + film — what a player shows every day, not just Friday
- Position need & scheme fit — depth and role at that spot
- Assignment mastery — knowing the job so the coach can trust them
- Attitude, effort, coachability — culture matters and coaches watch it
- Availability — attendance, health, grades, eligibility
Coaches decide reps to give the team its best chance to win and to develop players. It's rarely about one game or one play.
Talking to your own kid
- Ask "did you have fun?" and "what did you learn?" before stats
- Encourage them to talk to the coach themselves — it builds ownership
- Focus on effort, attitude, and improvement — things they control
- Reliving the game critically on the car ride home
- Comparing your kid to teammates
- Coaching from the stands or second-guessing calls in front of them
Reaching the coach the right way
- Your child's development and how they can improve
- Their role and what they'd need to do to earn more
- Safety, health, academics, and scheduling conflicts
- Concerns about their treatment or wellbeing
- Other kids' playing time or ability
- Play-calling and game strategy
- Demands for a position or reps
Should I reach out? — build the message
Pick your topic and get guidance plus a respectful message you can copy. Nothing is sent.
The Brickie way for football parents
Straight from Coach Schreiber. Questions or concerns about your student-athlete? Contact the head coach at the Brickyard or the high school campus.
- Be positive with your student-athlete. Let them know you're proud they're part of a team — don't put them down.
- Encourage him to work hard and do his best. Don't make excuses if he isn't playing — there's usually a reason, and he should discuss it with his coach.
- Be loyal to the program and coaches. If parents put down the coach, how can we expect our student-athlete to play for him? Teach your child to be a DOER, not a complainer.
- Insist your student-athlete follows TEAM RULES — on every team. The rules bring out maximum physical and mental performance.
- Insist on good GRADES. Monitor homework; get a tutor if needed (tutors are available in all subjects).
- Be positive toward ALL other players. Every player has a vital role, and all roles contribute to the team's success.
- Insist your student-athlete keeps his self-control. Self-respect begins with self-control.
- Don't compare him to past athletes or teammates. Let him be himself and develop his God-given talents; don't pressure him about scholarships — those come from unselfish, team-first play.
- Have him see his position coach first if there's a problem. Almost every concern gets handled at that step.
- Above all — ENJOY your student-athlete's involvement on the team. Time flies; make the most of each game.
Get cleared to play
Knock these out before the season. A player can't practice without a current physical and completed FinalForms. Dates can change — confirm with the athletic office.
Do these first
- Complete FinalForms — where parents sign forms, medical info, and waivers online
- Sports physical turned in to the athletic office in person — by Aug 3, 2026
- Pay the athletic fee — online through Eventlink
Seniors — don't miss
- Senior Night form (Hanover Central game, Oct 2)
- Senior banner order (Classic Photo downtown banner)
Watch ParentSquare and the parent Facebook group for exact senior deadlines.
Links
Deadlines are set by Hobart Athletics and may change. Confirm at (219) 942-8521 or with Coach Schreiber.
Your first-Friday game plan
New to Friday nights at the Brickyard? Here's how to get in, where to go, and how to follow along when you can't make the trip.
Tickets & entry
- Admission is digital — buy on your phone through Eventlink before you get to the gate
- Home games are at Brickyard Stadium, Hobart, IN
- Concessions take cash or digital payment
- Arrive early for theme nights and Senior Night — see below
Theme nights (home)
- Aug 28 vs Portage — Pop Warner Night
- Sep 11 vs Kankakee Valley — Hobart Athletics Hall of Fame Night
- Sep 18 vs Andrean — Homecoming
- Oct 2 vs Hanover Central — Senior Night
Watch ParentSquare / the parent Facebook group for student-section dress themes (whiteout, etc.).
Weather
- Check the forecast and dress appropriately — Friday nights get cold late season
- Games can pause for lightning; stay for restarts unless told otherwise
Can't make it? Watch & listen
- Live video: Heartland Sports Network & IHSAA Champions Network
- Radio: Regional Radio Sports Network (RRSN)
- HHS Radio & TV on YouTube
- Follow @brickiesfb (Instagram & X) for updates
Get involved — it takes a program
The Brickie Football Boosters keep the program running. Every hour and item helps, and it's the best way to be part of your kid's season.
Ways to help
- Thursday team dinners — sign up to provide/serve a pre-game meal (dinners at 5:15 PM CST after Thursday practice)
- Snack & hydration drive — non-perishable snacks and drinks for pre-practice fuel and post-workout recovery
- Sell programs & raffle tickets — help at the gate/stands on home-game nights at the Brickyard
- Chain crew & game-day help — hands on Friday nights
- Donate — cash gifts to the booster fund (mark "team snacks" or "general")
How to plug in
- Watch ParentSquare for sign-up sheets
- Join the Hobart Brickie Football Parents Facebook group
- Contact the booster club president directly
574-532-8709
Snacks/items we can always use: granola & protein bars, crackers, trail mix, fruit snacks, bottled water, sports drinks, electrolyte packets.
Quick answers
The things Brickie families ask most. Tap a question to expand.
What time should we arrive for games?
Check the Season Hub for kickoff times (Varsity 7:00, JV 10:00 AM Sat, Freshman 6:00 PM Thu — all CST). Report times for players come through ParentSquare. Arrive early for theme nights and Senior Night.
How do I buy tickets?
Home-game admission is digital through Eventlink — buy on your phone before the gate. See the Game Day tab for the link. Concessions take cash or digital payment.
What happens in bad weather or lightning?
Games and practices can pause for lightning and resume after it clears — stay unless you're told otherwise. Check the forecast and dress for it. Weather/lightning alert link is on the Game Day tab.
Where do the teams practice?
At Brickyard Stadium and/or the Back 40 practice fields on campus. In-season practice runs 3:15–5:30 PM CST most days — full breakdown on the Season Hub.
When is the physical due?
On file by August 3, 2026 — no physical, no practice. The completed physical must be turned in to the athletic office in person — it can't be uploaded to FinalForms.
My player got a hard hit — what now?
When in doubt, sit them out. See the Player Safety tab for concussion signs, the Indiana return-to-play rule, and 911 red flags. Team trainer: Mark Leto.
How and when should I talk to the coach?
Use the 24-hour rule and let your player start the conversation about their own role. The Playing Time & Comms tab has guidance and a message builder. Coach Schreiber: eschreiberclass@hobart.k12.in.us.
How can I volunteer or help?
Team dinners, snack drive, programs/raffle sales, chain crew, and donations — all on the Booster tab. Contact Dave Kostbade (574-532-8709).
Where can I watch away games?
Heartland Sports Network, IHSAA Champions Network, RRSN radio, and HHS Radio & TV on YouTube — links on the Game Day tab. Follow @brickiesfb for updates.
Is my kid on track to play in college?
Check the Recruiting tab — it links to our Recruiting HQ tool with eligibility, school fit, a D1 size/speed profile check, camps, and coach-email help.
Thinking about college football?
If you've got a junior or senior with college hopes, we built a full recruiting toolkit. Start there — and keep it in perspective.
Open Recruiting HQ
A free tool for Brickie families to navigate recruiting the right way:
- Eligibility path (NCAA / NAIA) and academic fit
- Search 650+ college programs by level, conference, and state
- A tailored coach-introduction email
- Indiana NIL / PBA rules (what's allowed for HS athletes)
- Camp finder with real regional one-day camps
- A D1 (FBS/FCS) size & speed profile check — an honest reality gauge
Most college players aren't FBS — FCS, D2, D3, and NAIA are real opportunities. Film and grades matter most, and players develop late.
Know your athlete's role
Position-specific guides so you know what's expected, what to watch on film, the gear that matters, and the recruiting picture. Tap your athlete's spot.
Running Back / F Parents
What we expect
Ball security first — one fumble can cost a game, so we coach 5-points-of-pressure daily. Know your blocks and your pass protection; backs who can't protect the QB don't play. Conditioning and toughness are non-negotiable.
Film & development
Watch pad level, pressing the hole then cutting, and finishing runs. Track missed assignments in protection more than yards.
Equipment that matters here
Well-fitted skill pads, a quality girdle with hip/tail/thigh pads, and cleats with good traction. Backs take a beating — recovery (sleep, hydration) matters.
Recruiting angle
Backs must show burst (40, short-shuttle) and receiving ability. Film of blocking + pass-catching separates college backs.
Quarterback Parents
What we expect
Command the huddle, know the whole offense, protect the ball, and lead by standard. The QB is an extension of the staff — preparation and attitude set the tone.
Film & development
Watch footwork, eyes/progressions, and decision-making — not just completions. Did he take what the defense gave?
Equipment that matters here
Properly fitted helmet (vision + comfort), a good glove for weather, and cleats for the surface. Arm care and sleep are part of the job.
Recruiting angle
Grades, leadership, and clean film of reads/decisions matter as much as arm talent. Camps and combines put a QB on the map.
Offensive Line Parents
What we expect
Toughness, technique, and togetherness. Five as one. Know your assignment cold, finish every block, and never quit on a rep. Weight-room commitment is the difference-maker.
Film & development
Watch first step, hand placement, and pad level — the score doesn't show a lineman's win. Combos and climbing to the second level.
Equipment that matters here
Correct helmet fit (they take constant contact), quality shoulder pads sized to their frame, and knee/ankle support as needed. Recovery and fueling to hold weight.
Recruiting angle
College lines want size, movement (shuttle), and a nasty finish on film. Grades + camps + honest measurables.
Defensive Back Parents
What we expect
Communication, leverage, and tackling in space. A DB who won't tackle can't play. Know the coverage and your help; eyes discipline beats athleticism.
Film & development
Watch feet in the backpedal, hips flipping, and eyes — did he read his key or guess? Tackling angles.
Equipment that matters here
Skill pads (light, mobile), a good mouthguard, and cleats that let them plant and drive. Ball skills come from reps.
Recruiting angle
DBs need speed (40, shuttle) and ball production on film — PBUs and INTs. Grades and camps open doors.
Freshman Parents
What we expect
Learn the standard, master fundamentals, and build habits — reps and development over stats. Show up, work, and be coachable. This year is about foundation.
Film & development
Watch effort and technique, not the scoreboard. Are they learning their assignment and playing hard?
Equipment that matters here
Get a proper fit now — helmet, pads, mouthguard, cleats (see the Equipment Guide). Don't hand down ill-fitting gear.
Recruiting angle
It's early — focus on grades, growth, and loving the game. Recruiting is a junior/senior conversation.
Gear & fit basics
Especially for freshman families. Photos coming — for now, the fit checkpoints. When in doubt, ask the equipment manager or your athletic trainer.
Helmet
Snug, not tight. Should sit one-to-two finger-widths above the eyebrows, not move when you twist it, and the chin strap centered and even. No pressure points or gaps. Reconditioned/certified only — recheck fit as they grow.
Shoulder pads
Cover the shoulder tips and collarbone; the epaulets end at the edge of the shoulder, not the arm. Should allow full arm range. Too big = exposed; too small = restricted.
Mouthguard
Required and must be attached to the facemask (IHSAA). Boil-and-bite fitted to their teeth; replace when chewed through. A good one also helps reduce concussion forces.
Cleats
Football cleats (molded is fine for HS), sized true with room for socks. Match the surface — turf vs grass. Good traction prevents non-contact injuries.
Girdle & pads
A compression girdle that holds hip, tailbone, and thigh pads in place. Pads should sit centered — thigh pads over the quad, not sliding. Backs/linemen especially.
Practice gear
Cleats, girdle + pads, helmet, shoulder pads, water jug, and weather layers. Label everything. A second set of socks/undershirt is smart in heat.
Recovery tools
The best recovery is free: sleep (8-10 hrs), water + electrolytes, and food. Foam roller and a stretch routine help. See Health & Safety for fuel/hydration.
Documents & checklists
Everything in one place — handbooks, guides, and print-ready checklists.
Document library
- Parent Handbook — coach to upload
- Booster Handbook — coach to upload
- Fuel Your Athlete — nutrition guide — see Health & Safety tab
- Summer workout packet — see the Strength & Speed tool
- Mental performance (Getting to Neutral) — see Mind Reps
Send the handbooks and I'll add downloadable copies here.
Game-Day Checklist (parent)
- Confirm kickoff time & location (Season Hub) — leave early for parking
- Digital tickets loaded (Eventlink) + cash for concessions
- Weather check — layers, poncho, sunscreen; stadium seat/cushion
- Athlete fed 2-3 hrs before + water bottle packed
- Full gear bag: helmet, shoulder pads, girdle+pads, cleats, mouthguard, jersey
- Team spirit gear / theme-night colors
- Post-game plan: pickup spot & time; recovery meal + hydration
Away-Game Travel Checklist
- Address + map to the away stadium (Season Hub) & departure time
- If riding the team bus — arrival time, what to bring, return ETA
- Visitor tickets / admission (cash may be needed at away sites)
- Gas, snacks, water for the drive; phone charger
- Weather for the away city; extra layers
- Athlete's full gear + a packed meal/snacks
- Contact info for a coach/team parent in case of delays
