You would think after three weeks we would have some clarity in regards to the who’s who of each area conference.
Turns out, Week 4 is when it gets real.
Bishop Dwenger v. Homestead. DeKalb v. East Noble. Two games that could really shake up Blitz’s Power Poll.
But for now, Week 3 games did see some movement.
1. HOMESTEAD (3-0)
WHY #1?
The Spartans have surrendered just 12 points in three games, the best in a trio of consecutive games since 2003. Admittedly, the competition hasn’t been the best, but Northrop, Concordia and Bishop Luers all have athletes that can make defenses pay, but Homestead has been ready for all three.
The question entering this week is, can the Spartans shut down a Bishop Dwenger squad putting up over 43 points per game?
WHY NOT HIGHER?
There is no mountain higher than Everest.
2. SNIDER (3-0)
WHY #2?
Lenny Bennett may be the most underrated running back in the area. How is that possible when playing for Snider? He gets the recognition as being a solid runner, but Blitz doesn’t think people truly understand how good of a downhill runner Bennett truly is. He went for 136 and two touchdowns on 16 touches last week against Concordia.
This team’s next big test comes in Week 5 at Homestead.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The Panthers have two dominant wins and one by a single point, although the foe in that game (Carroll) appears better than anyone Homestead or Bishop Dwenger has played up to this point.
Still, Blitz has to split hairs to separate these top three.
3. BISHOP DWENGER (3-0)
WHY #3?
Blitz may have the Saints the lowest out of any area power polls. He is just that difficult to please, it would seem.
Reality is, Dwenger has beaten three teams that are a combined 0-9. They have done so in dominating fashion, but Blitz needs to see more.
That proof may very well come at Shields Field on Friday.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Why indeed. Patience, Saints fans.
4. EAST NOBLE (3-0)
WHY #4?
It took awhile for the Knights to get going last week against Huntington North, but when they did, the Vikings could not do much. After two hard-fought victories in the first two weeks, it was only natural for East Noble to have a bit of an emotional letdown early on in Week 3.
Coach Luke Amstutz will make sure that isn’t the case this week at DeKalb in a battle of undefeated teams.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
When the SAC teams above them suffer losses, the Knights could make a serious case to move up into the top three if they keep winning.
5. CARROLL (2-1)
WHY #5?
The Chargers have a pair of 42-0 blowouts sandwiched around a one-point loss to Snider. Northrop could be a sneaky tough test this week, with Bishop Dwenger looming in Week 5.
Jeffrey Becker has over 900 total yards for Carroll. No other player on the team has more than 239 (Layton Mitchell). In fact, Becker’s rushing yards (256) would be enough to lead the category.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The Chargers remain the highest team in this power poll with a loss. Could you make a case for them to be No. 4? Absolutely. Blitz isn’t on board with that quite yet.
6. LEO (3-0)
WHY #6?
How about some love for Carson McCauley? The Leo kicker nailed a 31-yard field goal with eight minutes left in regulation to lift the Lions to a 3-2 win over Norwell in Week 3.
Norwell stacked the box in an attempt to limit Peyton Wall, who ran over teams through the first few weeks. It worked. Will other teams do the same?
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Woodlan and Angola looked better in the preseason on paper than they have on the field thus far. Norwell was hyped up for its first game on its new turf. Leo gets a dangerous New Haven team this week and East Noble next week. Blitz is eager to be impressed.
7. DEKALB (3-0)
WHY #7?
The Barons proved Blitz wrong in Week 3, fighting back from an early deficit to beat New Haven on the road.
Coach Pete Kempf’s team has truly a dual-threat offense, with a passing game that can complement a physical running attack.
DeKalb is playing arguably its biggest game this century on Friday when it hosts fellow undefeated East Noble.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The Barons have yet to beat a team with a winning record. If they knock off the Knights on Friday, they will rise in this poll.
8. SOUTH ADAMS (3-0)
WHY #8
We thought the game at Bluffton last week would bring a challenge to the Starfires, instead James Arnold set a program record for passing touchdowns in a game (five) while Aidan Wanner tied the record for receiving touchdowns in a game (three).
The fact that both of these records were achieved in the first half shows how dominant South Adams was in a 41-0 rout.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
It is tough for 1A teams to climb the rungs of this power poll. It is not out of the question, however, that South Adams find itself in the top five at some point this year according to Blitz if it continues to dominate opponents.
9. CHURUBUSCO (3-0)
WHY #9?
Jake Fulk and Gage Kelly. Oh, and an offensive line that is not getting much pub at all. Great job big boys up front.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The defense hasn’t exactly been dominant, allowing two teams to score 22 or more points. That said, we are nitpicking here for a team that has been in control into the second half in all three of its games.
10. COLUMBIA CITY (3-0)
WHY #10?
With all the hype around East Noble, Leo and DeKalb (for good reason), we seem to have completely forgotten the Eagles, who are off to their best start since 2011.
It gets real after this week against Huntington North, with arguably their five toughest games still to come. But do not overlook the Vikings.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Knock off some top NE8 foes and Coach Brett Fox’s team and his beard will find themselves marching up this poll.
NEXT FIVE
11. Adams Central
12. Northrop
13. Norwell
14. Concordia
15. West Noble
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