Through the first third of the regular season, we have had some surprises, as well as a clear separation in some leagues between the contenders and the mere participants.
Let’s see what kind of movement Blitz has in his trusty power poll for Week 4.
1. BISHOP LUERS (3-0)
WHY #1?
What, a pair of victories over Class 6A opponents isn’t good enough for you?
Coach Kyle Lindsay’s team owns the greatest set of skill position players in the area, and is complemented by a pretty underrated corps of linemen and linebackers.
The Knights must continue to stay (relatively) healthy as more challenges are forthcoming in the league.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Impossible.
2. HOMESTEAD (2-1)
WHY #2?
The Spartans lose yet move up one spot in Blitz’s Power Poll? How could that be?
Consider that Homestead came within 14 seconds of beating the No. 1 team, and showed enough to Blitz on both sides of the ball that he feels comfortable keeping it ahead of Bishop Dwenger, for now.
Coach Chad Zolman’s team hasn’t lost back-to-back games since 2018 heading into Friday’s game at Shields Field.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Other than the fact that Homestead just lost to Bishop Luers?
3. BISHOP DWENGER (3-0)
WHY #3?
Another 3-0 start makes it six straight seasons that the Saints have begun the year with three dubs. A physical running attack and a disciplined defense is once again putting fear into opponents.
The next few weeks are pivotal with games against Homestead and Carroll on tap. Both are big challenges that will test both sides of the football.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The collective record of the three teams that Bishop Dwenger has beaten is 1-8. As has been customary with the SAC not changing up the schedule, Bishop Dwenger enters Week 4 once again with plenty of questions about just how good it really is.
4. EAST NOBLE (2-0)
WHY #4?
The 113 points scored in their first two games are the most to begin the season in Knights’ football history. The running game is averaging close to 11 yards per carry, while defensively the emergence of lineman Bryce Charles has been entertaining to watch.
The big challenge awaits in Week 5 at home against Leo, but for now East Noble is looking the part of an NE8 favorite.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Two games is not really a big sample size, especially considering the competition – a down Plymouth team and a Huntington North squad still trying to find its way.
5. LEO (3-0)
WHY #5?
Another week, another impressive rout by the Leo Lions. In Week 3 it was Norwell, which had the look of a team that may be able to challenge the elite of the NE8. Instead, the Lions demolished Norwell’s defense, carving it up like it has all three of its foes thus far.
Which unit is stronger – the offense or the defense? Time will tell, as soon as Week 5 in Kendallville.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Should Leo be above East Noble at this point? That is the ongoing debate between the two fanbases. Patience, as we will see who is better at this point in the season in just over a week’s time.
6. CARROLL (2-1)
WHY #6?
Are we undervaluing the Chargers at this point? After all, their lone loss is in Week 1 to Bishop Luers, who remains No. 1 in this prolific poll.
The destruction of a talented North Side team last week opened Blitz’s eyes to two things – the potential of Carroll and perhaps the mighty struggles right now for North Side.
Jeff Becker is still Jeff Becker and remains the best dual-threat QB in the area. Don’t come at this bear.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Right now, Blitz feels comfortable with this ranking, but it could very well change in the weeks ahead, either up or down.
7. SNIDER (2-1)
WHY #7?
Apart from a one-point loss to Carroll, Snider has been very impressive this year. Tyrese Brown is on pace to rush for 2,000 yards and the defense looked much better on the road at Concordia Lutheran in Week 3.
Now without an opponent in Week 4 (for now), does Snider look to travel for a game? Welcome an unfamiliar opponent? Or does it use this as a bye week to mend up and prep for Homestead next Friday?
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Well, the Panthers need to stay behind Carroll so…what do you want from me?
8. WARSAW (2-1)
WHY #8?
A big one on tap as Warsaw travels to undefeated Mishawaka this Friday in a key NLC showdown. Once again, it is the run game that has led the way for Coach Bart Curtis’ team.
Can this Warsaw team challenge some of Fort Wayne’s 6A teams? Too early to say.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Lack of area foes until the postseason makes things difficult.
9. EASTSIDE (3-0)
WHY #9?
With 861 total yards through three weeks, Laban Davis is on pace to have a truly incredible statistical season. That’s good news for a team that has aspirations of challenging Bishop Luers in sectional play.
A road trip to Churubusco this week could be sneaky tough after the Eagles beat up on Garrett in Week 3. That said, Eastside has no equal, or anyone close, on its remaining regular-season schedule.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The strength of schedule makes it difficult to rank Eastside over the teams above them. Only one 4A or above team is on the schedule – Angola in Week 9.
10. ADAMS CENTRAL (2-1)
WHY #10?
How do you bounce back from a loss? By going on the road and pummeling a top 5 1A foe in Parke Heritage.
The Flying Jets, in Blitz’s mind, have established themselves as the premier team in Class 1A in the northern half of the state. This ranking is well earned, and may only go up from here.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
A 1A team above the likes of some other one-loss teams in the area? Get right out of town!
NEXT FIVE
11. Norwell
12. South Adams
13. Columbia City
14. North Side
15. Churubusco
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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