Sure, everyone knows about South Adams and just how good it is this season, but apart from the Starfires, most in the mainstream have ignored the ACAC.
That’s nothing new of course, but Blitz felt like he would shine the light on some guys who haven’t gotten the pub they deserve, whether because their teams are struggling or they are overshadowed by others on the squad.
RYLEE HUFTEL, JUNIOR, JAY COUNTY
The junior has been one of the few bright spots for a team that is 0-7. The two-way player has been particularly exceptional on defense over the last two weeks, compiling 13 tackles and 4 TFL against Woodlan and South Adams.
Huftel sees some action offensively and has rushed for 136 yards and a score this year, but he also serves as the primary kickoff return man for the Patriots, where he averages over 16 yards per return.
JAYLEN HOLLINESS-BELL, SENIOR, HERITAGE
It was an 80-yard run by Holliness-Bell against Norwell in Week 2 that helped provide the lone touchdown for the Patriots in a 49-7 loss. For the year, the senior is the team’s second-leading rusher with 153 yards and three scores.
Holliness-Bell also shined in the 35-6 victory over Tri-County in Week 6 as he notched an interception, one of his two on the year. The senior is also a threat in the return game as he averages 18 yards per kickoff return.
JOSEPH COLLIER, JUNIOR, ADAMS CENTRAL
Collier has been starting at defensive end since he was a freshman, and in partnering with senior Ben Voirol may very well be the best two book ends in the ACAC.
There may be no better player than Collier in terms of setting the edge and not allowing ballcarriers to get to the outside. He can also attack the backfield and has proven too quick for most defensive linemen.
JED PERRY, SENIOR, SOUTHERN WELLS
The Raiders have just a single victory this season, but Perry has been a force all year as a running quarterback.
While the passing stats aren’t exceptional, he has been able to help Southern Wells move the ball with his legs. He has eclipsed the 100-yard mark on the ground four times, including a 115-yard effort two weeks ago against Bluffton and 123 yards last week against Adams Central.
For the year, Perry has rushed for 648 yards and three TDs.
JADEN KELLER, SENIOR, WOODLAN
One of the top defensive linemen in the area overall, Keller has been a nemesis to opposing offensive fronts for years and is putting a cap on a solid prep career as a senior.
Keller has 37 tackles, 10 TFL and five sacks through seven weeks, His ability to clog up the line has allowed others to roam free from their linebacker spots for the Warriors.
Keller cannot be discounted up front on offense as well.
KAIN THORNTON, SENIOR, BLUFFTON
The leading receiver for the Tigers is Thornton, who has being a menace out of the slot to the tune of 39 receptions for 666 yards and six touchdowns.
Thornton has helped take some of the offensive pressure off of Cody Middlestedt at running back and has become a favorite target of quarterback Hayden Nern as Bluffton enters Week 8 with a 6-1 record.
Thornton is also active on defense with 25 tackles and 6 TFL.
NIC STUBER, SENIOR, SOUTH ADAMS
All this talk about the ultra-talented junior and sophomore classes for South Adams leads to the fact that we overlook some seniors making an impact.
Stuber (main image) is one of those. He leads the team in rushing with 418 yards and six touchdowns. But he may be a bigger problem defensively from his defensive end spot. Through seven games he has 30 tackles, 11 TFL and 2.5 sacks while also causing a pair of fumbles and blocking a kick.
These opinions represent those of Blitz and Outside the Huddle. No opinions expressed on Outside the Huddle represent those of any of our advertisers. Follow Blitz on Twitter at Blitz_OTH
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