Week 5 could be branded “Elimination Week” around the area.
In the Northeast 8, Leo and East Noble face off in what feels like the championship game for the league, the loser likely out of contention without a massive upset somewhere.
In the Summit Athletic Conference, a quartet of one-loss teams take each other on, with a second league loss effectively ended all hope of winning the Victory Bell.
So who walks away eliminated come Friday night? Let’s take a look.
Last week: 15-3 (.833)
Overall: 65-18 (.783)
CARROLL AT BISHOP DWENGER. Riding a three-game winning streak over the Chargers, the Saints would like to make it four and get back on track after last week’s loss. But Jeff Becker and company have other ideas. Can Bishop Dwenger prevent the big plays and corral Becker consistently? Blitz isn’t sure. BLITZ SAYS CARROLL BY 4.
CONCORDIA AT NORTHROP. Following a brutal three-week stretch facing Homestead, Snider and Bishop Luers, the Cadets get a bit of reprieve with the schedule. Blitz hopes to see Eli Mattox under center for Concordia, which should give the offense a boost. C.J. Davis has a big night to give the Bruins the edge. BLITZ SAYS NORTHROP BY 5.
BISHOP LUERS AT NORTH SIDE. If both teams are at full strength, there will be no greater amount of skill talent on the field anywhere in the area in Week 5. Unfortunately, that may not be the case for the Legends if scuttlebutt is to be believed. Another week, another win for the Knights. BLITZ SAYS BISHOP LUERS BY 19.
SNIDER AT HOMESTEAD. Were the Panthers during their bye week able to shore up a defense that has surrendered close to 25 points per game so far this year? That is where this one is decided. The Snider defensive unit must be on its game. BLITZ SAYS HOMESTEAD BY 8.
SOUTH SIDE AT WAYNE. The lone winless remaining team in the SAC is Wayne, which has lost back-to-back games by seven points or less. The Generals running game is the difference in this one, led by junior Lamarion Nelson, who is averaging over 140 yards per contest on the ground. BLITZ SAYS WAYNE BY 8.
DEKALB AT COLUMBIA CITY. This was a good game a year ago, with the Eagles getting by in OT by a single point. DeKalb has been more competitive than its 0-4 record indicates, but has struggled in containing solid offenses. BLITZ SAYS COLUMBIA CITY BY 14.
HUNTINGTON NORTH AT BELLMONT. The Braves have not earned a win since 2018. Could the 23-game losing streak end on Friday? Blitz would love to see it, although Huntington North’s run game may be too good to contain. Ah what the heck, let’s go Braves. BLITZ SAYS BELLMONT BY 2.
LEO AT EAST NOBLE. Also known as the NE8 Championship Game. The winner of this will in all likelihood win the league. Can East Noble contain Leo’s run game? Will the Lions be able to match up with Rowan Zolman and Nick Munson downfield in pass defense? Who wins the chess match between two of the area’s best coaches? Blitz can’t wait. This one is for you, Leo offensive line…BLITZ SAYS EAST NOBLE BY 1.
NORWELL AT NEW HAVEN. Norwell’s three wins have come against teams that are a combined 1-11. When New Haven has all its dawgs, it can match up well with the Knights. Blitz is feeling his pals from New Haven are in line to get a big dub. BLITZ SAYS NEW HAVEN BY 6.
BLUFFTON AT JAY COUNTY. The Tigers won’t drop to 0-3 in the ACAC, right? This one could be tighter than many expect, particularly if the Bluffton defense plays like it did last week at Woodlan. BLITZ SAYS BLUFFTON BY 12.
HERITAGE AT ADAMS CENTRAL. Coach Michael Mosser’s team has won six straight over the Patriots in the series. Make that seven, in convincing fashion. BLITZ SAYS ADAMS CENTRAL BY 25.
SOUTH ADAMS AT MONROE CENTRAL. While the Golden Bears shut out Hamilton Heights to begin the year, their other three wins have come against three winless programs. So perhaps South Adams can go on the road and land a big win and keep its undefeated record intact. It’s going to take a big effort from some youngsters, but it’s not out of the question. But MC wants some revenge after losing to the Starfires five times over the last three seasons. BLITZ SAYS MONROE CENTRAL BY 3.
WOODLAN AT SOUTHERN WELLS. How does a win streak sound? Woodlan gets its second-straight win for the first time in two years. BLITZ SAYS WOODLAN BY 21.
CENTRAL NOBLE AT FREMONT. Will Hoover is already nearly the 1,000-yard mark for rushing this season to go with 12 touchdowns. With a big night on Friday, he could surpass the 1K mark in just five games. Incredible. BLITZ SAYS CENTRAL NOBLE BY 22.
CHURUBUSCO AT PRAIRIE HEIGHTS. It truly has been a challenging first month of the season for the Eagles, both schedule-wise and missing players. Things should go considerably easier this week. BLITZ SAYS CHURUBUSCO BY 23.
GARRETT AT EASTSIDE. Can the Railroaders go on the road and get the win in Butler? Eastside has not yet played to its potential for an entire gamer, but that day is coming. Too much Laban Davis in this one. BLITZ SAYS EASTSIDE BY 15.
LAKELAND AT ANGOLA. The Hornets may have what it takes to win the NECC Big School Division, we just haven’t seen the full package as of yet. It could emerge over the next few weeks. BLITZ SAYS ANGOLA BY 17.
WEST NOBLE AT FAIRFIELD. Has Fairfield gotten back on track after its first win of the year last week? It is a young group in Goshen, but Blitz feels last week could be the start of something big for Fairfield in the NECC. BLITZ SAYS FAIRFIELD BY 11.
NORTHRIDGE AT WARSAW. It will be a battle of rushing attacks as the Tigers host the Raiders in what could end up deciding the NLC this season. Warsaw must find a way to limit senior Micah Hochstetler’s ability to deliver strikes downfield while relying on a plethora of running backs. BLITZ SAYS WARSAW BY 2.
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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