It is time we forget the summer hype, the wishful thinking and the ‘best-case scenarios.’
Let’s see some action on the field.
Indiana high school football is back and so is your favorite forthright friend to educate you on what to expect each and every Friday night.
Let’s get down to it, shall we?
Last year: 173-52 (.768 winning percentage)
CARROLL AT BISHOP LUERS. The Knights ruined the opening of Carroll’s new football facility last year in Week 1, yet both ended up with a share of the Victory Bell at the end of the season. The question is out on which will avoid a drop in offensive production after losing record-setting signal callers. Luers has playmakers, but the defense of the Chargers wants to prove its the best in the league. BLITZ SAYS CARROLL BY 6.
CONCORDIA AT SOUTH SIDE. Can the Archers take the next step in their development under Coach Guy Lee? Some think so, with a win over Concordia for the first time since 2012 not out of the question. However, Eli Mattox is out to show he is one of the top quarterbacks around. Example No. 1 will be South. BLITZ SAYS CONCORDIA BY 10.
NORTH SIDE AT SNIDER. The game of the week in the SAC. The Legends are looking to rebound after falling on the last play of the game to the Panthers in Week 1 last year. Snider wants to show its win last year wasn’t a mirage. Look for who wins the battle in the trenches. BLITZ SAYS SNIDER BY 3.
NORTHROP AT HOMESTEAD. The Quentin Bowen era begins at Northrop, which took down the Spartans to open the season just two years ago. The rebooted Bruins will need some time to find themselves. BLITZ SAYS HOMESTEAD BY 18.
WAYNE AT BISHOP DWENGER. Popular opinion is that Wayne can march into Shields Field and grab a victory. Blitz feels the Generals have a shot if they can feed Lamarion Nelson effectively in the run game. But much as Snider did in the playoffs a year ago, people are underestimating the Saints, who has won 10 straight in the series. BLITZ SAYS BISHOP DWENGER BY 4.
BELLMONT AT HERITAGE. These two teams located barely 20 minutes from each other meet for the first time since 2009. That game saw Bellmont lay down a 30-0 whipping. While the Braves should be improved, the Patriots are further along in their rebuild. BLITZ SAYS HERITAGE BY 14.
CHURUBUSCO AT COLUMBIA CITY. The Eagles of Columbia City have handled their county foe rather easily each of the last two seasons. In Year 3 of this budding rivalry, can the Eagles of ‘Busco close the gap? This one is up for grabs going into the second half, but Coach Brett Fox’s team wears down their foes over time. BLITZ SAYS COLUMBIA CITY BY 12.
DEKALB AT ANGOLA. A battle between a pair of teams that will be better than they were a year ago. The Barons have more returning in key spots, but Angola seems to be high on its younger groups. Look for DeKalb’s offense to show why it is considerably more improved with some big plays in the pass game. BLITZ SAYS DEKALB BY 5.
EASTBROOK AT HUNTINGTON NORTH. A dazzling new football facility in northeast Indiana will open on Friday when the Vikings welcome Eastbrook. The upgrades were more than needed at Huntington North, which could buoy their chances in Week 1. However, the grinding play of the Panthers will be too much. BLITZ SAYS EASTBROOK BY 16.
KOKOMO AT LEO. Don’t look past this one. Evan Barker is a dangerous athlete at quarterback for the Wildkats and could make some plays to keep this one close. But do you really think Coach Jason Doerffler’s squad starts a new era of Lions football with a loss? Neither does Blitz. BLITZ SAYS LEO BY 11.
MARION AT NEW HAVEN. This one will be fun. Athletes all over the field will make this one a high-scoring affair. Problem for the Giants is that they are young across the board offensively. The raw skill is there, but it is still a new experience on Friday night for several freshman that will see time, including the quarterback. Take the ‘dogs and enjoy Mylan Graham’s first big night of the season. BLITZ SAYS NEW HAVEN BY 9.
NORWELL AT MISSISSINEWA. A tricky matchup for the Knights on the road against a team that blasted both New Haven and Wayne last year in the playoffs. The Indians lost some pieces, but still have their quarterback and a 1,000-yard rusher returning. However, Norwell is as good as we think it is, it should be able to handle the challenge. BLITZ SAYS NORWELL BY 7.
PLYMOUTH AT EAST NOBLE. Several years ago this would have been a prime matchup, but Plymouth is coming off a winless season in which the defense did not hold a single opponent under 20 points. East Noble should be able to pounce early and often, putting this one away early. BLITZ SAYS EAST NOBLE BY 22.
ADAMS CENTRAL AT GARRETT. Can the Flying Jets’ youngsters grow up fast? Coach Michael Mosser may be trying to temper enthusiasm, but AC is loaded once again. Garrett’s ability to win at the point of attack will decide this one. Blitz isn’t confident. BLITZ SAYS ADAMS CENTRAL BY 10.
ARCANUM (OH) AT SOUTH ADAMS. A 10-win squad a year ago, Arcanum comes over from the Buckeye State to take on the Starfires. This one will be a better challenge than Winchester was a year ago, but South Adams’ offense will be too much. BLITZ SAYS SOUTH ADAMS BY 12.
FREMONT AT SOUTHERN WELLS. The Raiders have lost 12 straight games. It feels like many more in a row. BLITZ SAYS FREMONT BY 21.
JAY COUNTY AT BLACKFORD. The Patriots have been able to get off to good starts when they take on Blackford in Week 1. That trend continues. BLITZ SAYS JAY COUNTY BY 13.
NORTHFIELD AT BLUFFTON. Four straight dubs in the series for the Tigers. Can they make it five? Let’s mix it up a bit. Sorry Kunks. BLITZ SAYS NORTHFIELD BY 2.
WOODLAN AT EASTSIDE. The Blazers are out to prove that the last few years were not a fluke. BLITZ SAYS EASTSIDE BY 18.
CENTRAL NOBLE AT WEST NOBLE. This rivalry has been fun in Week 1 every year since 2014. Is Central Noble a quiet threat in the NECC Small Division? Could West Noble surprise in the big? Both are possibilities. BLITZ SAYS WEST NOBLE BY 1.
FAIRFIELD AT GOSHEN. Former Wawasee coach Tom Wogomon takes over at Goshen. His first assignment is slowing down the triple option of the Falcons. Consider Blitz intrigued on how this one goes. BLITZ SAYS GOSHEN BY 3.
PRAIRIE HEIGHTS AT WHITKO. Not enough attention is being given to Coach Patrick McCrea and how he has built the Panthers up to respectability. BLITZ SAYS PRAIRIE HEIGHTS BY 9.
SOUTH BEND ST. JOSEPH AT LAKELAND. Tough way for the Lakers to start the season. BLITZ SAYS SOUTH BEND ST. JOSEPH BY 20.
MICHIGAN CITY AT WARSAW. Michigan City is considered one of the top teams in Class 5A. At the very least, we are going to find out how good, or not good, Warsaw is pretty darn quick. BLITZ SAYS MICHIGAN CITY BY 15.
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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