Blitz’s Week 3 Power Poll

With multiple games in the books, Blitz now feels some confidence in placing teams accurately in his power poll.

While the top did not change, there are plenty of non-SAC teams to consider when looking at where to slot in some of the best teams in the area.

How did Week 2 change up Blitz’s Power Poll?

1. HOMESTEAD (2-0)

WHY #1?

The Spartans have yet to play a team expected to contend for the SAC championship, but they have handled business against Northrop and Concordia the first two weeks.

Luke Goode has thrown seven touchdowns without a pick, while Braeden Hardwick is averaging almost 8 yards per carry on the ground. Sam Scavo (pictured) has hauled in a dozen receptions through two games.

The defense has also been up to the task. Homestead has kept an opponent under seven points in back-to-back games in league play for the first time since 2017.

WHY NOT HIGHER?

Nowhere to go but down when you are No. 1.

2. SNIDER (2-0)

WHY #2?

There was some tense moments last Friday against Carroll, but the Panthers escaped with a one-point victory.

Keep an eye on Chance Collier, the running back who rushed for over 100 yards in last Friday’s win. Just another weapon in the Snider arsenal.

Panthers have Concordia and South Side the next two weeks.

WHY NOT HIGHER?

Snider could very well be the best team in the area. Big surprise, right? It will have a chance to prove it with a Week 5 date at Homestead.

3. BISHOP DWENGER (2-0)

WHY #3?

The excitement of the first varsity football game on the campus of Bishop Dwenger last week gave way to a slow start for the Saints against North Side. Dwenger rebounded to roll, 36-0.

The duo of Hayden Ellinger and Devon Tippmann have combined for 32 tackles and nine TFL over the first two weeks.

WHY NOT HIGHER?

Similar to Snider, the Saints could be the top team in the area at this point. But Coach Jason Garrett’s team has yet to be challenged quite yet. We will learn more in the coming weeks about Dwenger.

4. EAST NOBLE (2-0)

WHY #4?

Bailey Parker has amassed nearly 700 yards of total offense in two weeks against some pretty solid competition. What is he going to do against some of the lesser teams on the schedule?

WHY NOT HIGHER?

With DeKalb and Leo coming up over the next three weeks, East Noble has the opportunity to jump some of its friends in the SAC in this poll with some dominant performances.

5. CARROLL (1-1)

WHY #5?

The first team with a loss on the poll this week, but it is tough to say that the Chargers don’t deserve it.

Carroll took Snider to the brink at Spuller Stadium last Friday, and without a blocked PAT late we may be talking about the Chargers knocking off the Panthers in back-to-back seasons.

At North Side and home against Northrop are up next for Carroll.

WHY NOT HIGHER?

A loss is a loss, and Blitz feels this is as high as he can put Carroll at this point even with that impressive performance last Friday.

6. LEO (2-0)

WHY #6?

Peyton Wall has torched a pair of pretty solid teams in Woodlan and Angola the first two weeks of the season.

Many of us are already looking ahead to the Week 5 showdown against East Noble, but the Lions will face an improved Norwell team this Friday as the Knights unveil their new turf field.

WHY NOT HIGHER?

The resume is not as impressive as fellow NE8 power East Noble, but routs of Woodlan and Angola are not to be ignored.

Stay tuned to Week 4.

7. DEKALB (2-0)

WHY #7?

The Barons followed up Week 1’s emotional victory over Angola with a defeat of Garrett in one of the more underappreciated rivalries in northeast Indiana.

Corey Price has been the ultimate team player for the Barons. Evan Eshbach’s transfer in has cut significantly into the snaps that Price sees at QB. But when running the read option package, Price shines, as he did with a touchdown last Friday.

WHY NOT HIGHER?

We are finding out that Angola has taken a step back this season, and beating Garrett is a good win but not entirely eye opening.

With New Haven, East Noble and Columbia City each of the next three weeks, Blitz can be swayed to move DeKalb higher.

8. SOUTH ADAMS (2-0)

WHY #8?

The Starfires cruised to their second-consecutive blowout victory last Friday, dropping 56 on Bellmont.

The best thing about the start of the season for South Adams is not only keeping kids healthy (Nic Stuber), but also gaining reinforcements back from injury (James Arnold).

Sneaky good matchup this Friday when the Starfires travel to Bluffton.

WHY NOT HIGHER?

Tough to put a 1A team any higher in this poll, but with more blowout victories Blitz may have to consider it.

9. CHURUBUSCO (2-0)

WHY #9?

The competition hasn’t been the greatest, but Jake Fulk has already rushed for 569 yards and four touchdowns this season. That’s ridiculous.

PREDICTION: If Fulk continues at his current pace, Churubusco goes undefeated in the regular season.

WHY NOT HIGHER?

The next two weeks will be a good indication of how good Churubusco is, with a trip to Garrett followed up by a home matchup with Eastside.

10. COLUMBIA CITY (2-0)

WHY #10?

Greg Bolt has opened the season by throwing for 465 yards and seven touchdowns with just two INTs. Not too bad for a sophomore.

If this kid was in the SAC, he would be getting talked about as much as Jeffrey Becker of Carroll. Seriously, Bolt is the real deal.

WHY NOT HIGHER?

The strength of schedule early on is a question. The second half of the season is loaded with huge games for the Eagles. You can only play the games on your schedule, right? Wise words, but we will temper the enthusiasm for CC for a little while longer.

NEXT FIVE

11. Adams Central

12. Bishop Luers

13. Concordia

14. Norwell

15. Angola