AIDAN WANNER, SOUTH ADAMS (vs. Woodlan)
With South Adams on the cusp of another perfect regular season ( a Week 9 opening hasn’t been filled yet), Wanner (pictured) became the program’s all-time leading scorer last week as just a junior.
Wanner, as most should know, can change the game in every facet. Against a down Woodlan team, look for Wanner to get his fair share of looks again this week. Whether it is receiving, passing, kicking or on defense, there is no way for the Warriors to avoid the impact of Wanner. If nothing else, tune in to watch how Wanner flies around the field.
Yet, what continues to be interesting about Wanner this season is him finding his voice more and more as a leader.
SAYWER YODER, CENTRAL NOBLE (vs. Eastside)
With the chance to claim the NECC Small Division, Central Noble knows it has its work cut out for it against Eastside. That said, taking the last-second trip to Logansport last Friday provided the Cougars with a challenge similar to Eastside. What kind of improvements that Central Noble made out of that game may be showcased through their quarterback.
Yoder was set to be one of our players to watch last Friday against Churubusco before the cancellation. Yoder has thrown the ball well at times, but his strength is keeping the defense guessing with his athletic frame. He doesn’t run a lot from the quarterback spot but when he does, he can be dangerous with long strides through the defense; he has the team’s longest rush of the season at 82 yards.
Yoder is also a power punter, averaging over 34 yards per punt.
JAMES RUSHER, CONCORDIA LUTHERAN (at Carroll)
This is a hard-hitting player from the linebacker position who is going to be an impact player in the SAC for years to come. With an offense as high-powered and diverse as Carroll, this will be a big baptism by fire for the sophomore.
Rusher is the third-leading Cadet tackler with 42 and the top defensive underclassman for a program lauded for its defensive presence (don’t forget the Cadets held Homestead to seven points).
Rusher brings intensity, moves well for his size and has five takeaways this year (three interceptions, two fumble recoveries).
CURTIS MARTIN, DEKALB (vs. Bellmont)
As the Barons and Bellmont battle for win No. 1 this season, the continued progression of Martin as a key running back has kept DeKalb moving with some positive momentum after losing three weeks of their season due to Covid.
Martin stepped up from Day 1 in earning his spot as a leader and his on-field work has made that decision even clearer.
Both of these teams have struggled through a rough 2020 that hindered some progress, but Martin has looked good in the process. A big game for him tonight could get DeKalb in the win column.
KAINE MOORE, BLUFFTON (vs. Prairie Heights)
Moore has been a scrappy anchor for the Bluffton defense for some time now and his work is important as the Tigers have kind of unofficially established themselves as the No. 2 team in the ACAC.
Moore is second on the team with 47 tackles and a team co-high 2.5 blocks. His ability to read the run game has been critical in stopping several teams to this point and we know that Prairie Heights will be looking to mix things up with Zach Wiseman on the ground and Luke Severe’s passing game; so Moore’s importance shouldn’t be in question.
Moore is able to bring a lot of that to the table in the way of momentum and although the late Thursday opponent change makes a big difference, the quality of momentum Bluffton can get from Moore has not altered.
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