Wow, does Blitz have some excitement in store.
Not since the beginning of the season have we seen so much movement in Blitz’s Power Poll.
The fact that it is coming in the middle of the season, when we usually have a good idea of what’s up in the area, is a testament to how unpredictable this season has been.
So, who is where? Let’s take a look.
1. HOMESTEAD (4-1)
WHY #1?
The Spartans are back on top following their fourth-straight victory last Friday, a 33-3 rout of Snider.
Since the Week 1 loss to Northrop, the Homestead defense has allowed 30 total points in regulation.
Meanwhile, Evan Ormsby is showing growth with each passing week, giving the Spartans a true balanced offense.
Homestead is the only team in the SAC that controls its destiny at this point. If it wins out, it captures its second-consecutive Victory Bell.
2. BISHOP DWENGER (4-1)
WHY #2?
If Brenden Lytle is able to gain an additional foot on the two-point try in the third overtime against Homestead in Week 4, the Saints are 5-0 and tops in this poll.
But hey, we only examine tangible results here. Blitz does not play the “what if” game.
The fact is, Bishop Dwenger was the better football team on both sides of the ball last Friday against Carroll. Lytle is a legit QB and that defense, particularly that front line, is stifling.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
This is easy, because Homestead beat them.
3. CARROLL (4-1)
WHY #3?
Even in a losing effort, Jeff Becker still went off by throwing close to 350 yards against Bishop Dwenger.
However, the Chargers were shut out in the first half and had trouble keeping the Saints off Becker all night.
Carroll still has a path to its first-ever SAC championship, but it needs to go to Homestead in Week 7 and win and have someone hand Bishop Dwenger a second loss.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The Chargers lost by 10 to Bishop Dwenger and have yet to play Homestead.
4. LEO (4-1)
WHY #4?
The Lions handed East Noble its first conference loss by shutout in 22 years, thoroughly handling the Knights last Friday.
The offensive front paved the way for Kaeden Miller and company to another great night on the ground, while the defense made life difficult for East Noble for four quarters.
Leo’s lone loss remains to undefeated and Class 4A No. 1 Mooresville.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Tough to compare the NE8 against the SAC with no head-to-head competition.
Also, at some point a team is going to bottle up the Lions’ running game. Do they have the capability of winning a game if they have to go to the air consistently?
5. COLUMBIA CITY (5-0)
WHY #5?
The Eagles are 5-0 for the first time since 1968, so why not some love for Columbia City here?
Some will question whether Coach Brett Fox’s team deserves to be ranked above some other squads in the NE8. The great thing is, the Eagles will have a chance to prove it on the field, with New Haven, Leo, East Noble and Norwell all left on the schedule.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
A narrow 13-12 victory last Friday over DeKalb did not really instill confidence when looking at some of the bigger challenges looming.
BUT, again, Columbia City controls its destiny in the NE8. If it continues to win, it will continue to rise.
6. EAST NOBLE (3-2)
WHY #6?
The Knights have lost two straight games for the first time in a dozen years, yet are the highest-ranked team in Blitz’s poll with multiple losses.
When those defeats come to Penn and Leo, you have to give East Noble the benefit of the doubt at this point.
But things do not get any easier with Norwell coming to Kendallville on Friday.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Some have pointed out that East Noble is at less than 100 percent with some personnel out, but you could say the same about Leo last week with D.J. Allen and Mason Sheron still sidelined.
Fact is, East Noble does not have the resume to be above anyone in the top 5 at this point.
7. NORWELL (4-1)
WHY #7?
Uh, were you paying attention last week?
The Knights put the hurt on New Haven in 43-8 rout, perhaps the most eye-opening final in the entire area in Week 5.
This team has now held four of its first five opponents to eight points or less, with Leo’s 17 points the only outlier. For reference, Norwell allowed less points to the Lions than East Noble did.
Is Norwell legit? It has proved it so far, but heads to East Noble this Friday for a big test.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Norwell jumped up seven spots from last week to this week. What else do you people want?
8. SOUTH ADAMS (5-0)
WHY #8?
Every time Blitz puts out a power poll, one or two folks always chime in about how South Adams couldn’t beat most of the teams in the SAC or NE8.
Probably, but then again, this is Blitz’s Power Poll and sometimes he grades on a curve. Do you want an all-SAC Power Poll? How boring would that be?
Point is, South Adams can beat more higher-class teams around here than you think.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Still, we have to be reasonable here. The Starfires are up one spot from Week 5. That feels right.
9. WARSAW (4-1)
WHY #9?
The Tigers plowed through a three-game stretch of Plymouth, Mishawaka and Northridge, picking up Ws in all three. While Plymouth and Mishawaka are down, it is still a darn impressive trio of victories.
Warsaw could end up being a legitimate problem in Sectional 3 for the likes of Carroll and/or Homestead.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Despite the excitement, the Tigers have still only beaten one team with a winning record. Time will tell whether this team is as advertised of the NLC is down.
10. EASTSIDE (5-0)
WHY #10?
Eastside has shut out three straight opponents. The last time the program did that? 1988.
This squad is as dangerous on offense as it is on defense, a truly balanced team that has no equal in the NECC Small School Division.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Outside of a trip to Adams Central, the schedule has not exactly been daunting. However, the impressiveness of Eastside’s victories of late cannot be ignored.
NEXT FIVE
11. CONCORDIA LUTHERAN
12. ANGOLA
13. NEW HAVEN
14. BISHOP LUERS
15. NORTH SIDE
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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