We have three weeks left in the regular season and things have come into focus for Blitz.
There isn’t movement in the top 10 this week apart from a spot or two here or there. Why? Because Blitz has northeast Indiana pretty well figured out in terms of rankings.
Do you agree? Let Blitz know.
1. HOMESTEAD (5-1)
WHY #1?
The Spartans are averaging over 40 points per game over the last four games, although a few of the opponents leave a lot to be desired on defense.
But make no mistake, Homestead’s offense has the capability of putting points up on pretty much anyone as the Spartans remain the only team in the SAC that controls their own destiny.
2. BISHOP DWENGER (5-1)
WHY #2?
The Saints remain a foot short of being undefeated, the distance between Brenden Lytle and the goal line while going for two in the third overtime against Homestead.
The final three weeks of the season are all games in which Bishop Dwenger will be heavily favored, and the offensive playbook continues to be opened wider and wider with different looks.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
For starters, Bishop Dwenger lost to Homestead. Secondly, while the defense has been effective, it has yet to keep a team below 12 points.
Will that be a problem the rest of the regular season? No, but it could be an issue in the 5A playoffs.
3. CARROLL (5-1)
WHY #3?
Coach Doug Dinan’s team has the best offense in the SAC, averaging over 50 points per game. While Bishop Dwenger was able to fluster Jeff Becker two weeks ago, the junior quarterback continued to make plays in that game and last Friday in a rout of South Side.
Carroll needs help to win the SAC, but it can do its part Friday against rival Homestead.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Carroll lost to Bishop Dwenger by 10 not two weeks ago. But it could make Blitz’s top 3 look different next week with a victory over Sparty.
4. LEO (5-1)
WHY #4?
While we shouldn’t read too much into the rout of winless Bellmont last week, it was encouraging to see junior quarterback Jackson Barbour slinging it around the field for TDs.
Rylan Crawford demands your respect on the outside and has emerged as one of the top receiving threats in the area.
The Lions have held four of their six opponents in single digits, with Bellmont getting some late points last week to avoid being the fifth.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Could Leo challenge the Big 3 in the SAC? Oh, Blitz wishes we could find out.
5. COLUMBIA CITY (6-0)
WHY #5?
Being 6-0 for the first time in 51 years is something to be excited about, especially in Year 1 of the new school and football facility.
Now, can Columbia City live up to its record over the next three weeks? Arguably the three toughest challenges await the Eagles with East Noble, Leo and Norwell looming.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The Eagles trail just Leo in these rankings among teams in the Northeast 8. That feels pretty fair.
Can Coach Brett Fox’s squad jump the Lions? We will see.
6. NORWELL (5-1)
WHY #6?
The Knights ended a six-game losing streak to East Noble with a road win in Kendallville last week. While the victory wasn’t necessarily a surprise, the comeback from a 17-0 deficit was impressive.
Quarterback Eli Riley may not put up the numbers that other high-profile throwers do, but he is as accurate as anyone and helms the offense like a coach on the field.
Norwell has the potential to finish 8-1 in the regular season if it continues to play the way it is right now.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Norwell has been the biggest jumper in Blitz’s poll over the last two weeks, and the Knights may not be done quite yet. But they cannot be ranked above Leo at this point, a team that shut them out.
7. SOUTH ADAMS (6-0)
WHY #7?
The Starfires passed their biggest test of the season thus far with a 20-point victory over rival Adams Central last week. The game started off shaky with the Flying Jets jumping out in front, but South Adams recovered and showed out in the win.
South Adams currently has a bye in Week 9, but that could change soon.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Ah yes, the argument that a 1A school would get worked by the top teams in this poll. Blitz isn’t saying they wouldn’t, but also likes to grade on a slight curve to give the lower classes some love.
8. EAST NOBLE (3-3)
WHY #8?
Three straight losses for the first time since 1998 has the Knights in freefall in Blitz’s poll. Injuries have held East Noble back, but you can make that case for nearly every team around, particularly with COVID and quarantine.
Things do not get any easier with Columbia City on the docket for this Friday. Can the Knights bounce back?
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The aforementioned three straight losses are a good reason why.
9. WARSAW (5-1)
WHY #9?
Could the Tigers capture a Northern Lakes Conference title? As the only undefeated league team left, it is definitely a possibility.
Blitz wants to put Warsaw higher in this poll, and probably should have already. But looming games against NorthWood and Concord will help do that.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Because Blitz likes to be naturally hard on Warsaw for some reason.
10. EASTSIDE (6-0)
WHY #10?
It is hard to continue to keep the Blazers this low in this poll, particularly when the team set two records last week with its fourth straight shutout and the most points ever scored in a game in a 69-0 rout of Prairie Heights.
An addition to the schedule this week with a road visit to Concord to replace Fremont will be a much-needed challenge for Coach Todd Mason’s squad.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Lack of quality opponents. Concord will help that cause.
THE NEXT FIVE
11. CONCORDIA LUTHERAN
12. FAIRFIELD
13. NEW HAVEN
14. SNIDER
15. ANGOLA
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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