There are some that are desperate for big movements in the area rankings after just a single week of action. That’s just not reality, at least when it comes to your fuzzy pal Blitz.
Basing our first in-season power poll on our preseason top 10, there is some movement after Week 1, just not as much as some folks think.
1. SNIDER (1-0)
WHY #1?
It may not have been as impressive as some thought it would be, the Panthers took care of business against North Side to open the season. The run game picked up where it left off in 2021, with Langston Leavell and De’Alcapon Veazy combining for over 200 yards and three touchdowns.
The defense, while lacking proven star power, did a tremendous job limiting big plays from the Legends offense. Whether that was more the Snider defense or North not pushing the ball downfield is open to interpretation.
Are they the best team in the area? Well, they started the season there. They won’t move until they falter..
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Impossible.
2. CARROLL (1-0)
WHY #2?
The preseason No. 2 team lived up to the ranking in a rout of Bishop Luers last week.
This is one of those Week 1 conundrums. Are the Chargers really that good or are the Knights in rebuilding mode?
We do not have to wait long to find out as the top two teams in Blitz’s poll collide this Friday.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Carroll took the good with the bad with sophomore quarterback Jimmy Sullivan in his first varsity start in Week 1 as he threw for 234 yards and three TDs but also was picked off twice.
You can expect Sullivan to be challenged even more this Friday. Growing pains are inevitable, but Sullivan must make better decisions with the ball in big games. Sometimes a checkdown is the best option.
3. HOMESTEAD (1-0)
WHY #3?
It was a miss of old and new when it came to Homestead’s offensive success last week in a rout of Northrop. Senior Peyton Slaven threw for 177 yards and two scores while junior Brett Fuchs rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns. The breakout? Senior Mason Auxier, who caught his first varsity touchdown while surpassing 100 receiving yards.
The Spartans have begun the season 2-0 in 12 of their last 13 seasons. A date with Concordia looms on Friday.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
While a dominating performance in Week 1, the quality of opponent prevents any serious consideration to jump Homestead over the top two.
4. NORWELL (1-0)
WHY #4?
The Knights fell behind 7-0 early, but then took it to host Mississinewa 22-7 to open the season on the road. Do not undervalue that performance, particularly with Norwell rushing for 384 yards over the course of the game.
Norwell is as advertised.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
If Norwell can run through the gauntlet of the Northeast 8, there is an opportunity for the Knights to jump into the top three somewhere in this poll.
But for now, No. 4 will suffice.
5. BISHOP DWENGER (1-0)
WHY #5?
Remember when folks were pointing to the Saints and saying Wayne was going to go into Shields Field and knock them off? That was funny.
It wasn’t as close as Blitz anticipated, although this bear did pick Dwenger. Sam Campbell had an exceptional start behind center and the impact of CJ Davis cannot be overstated.
The Saints should get a bigger challenge this week down the road at North Side.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Should we be impressed by the Saints’ 22-point victory over Wayne? Yes. Should it vault Dwenger significantly up the power poll? No.
If the wins keep coming, the Saints will keep marching.
6. EAST NOBLE (1-0)
WHY #6?
When Coach Luke Amstutz added this series with Plymouth, he was under the impression he was getting the traditional power – not a team currently riding a 12-game losing streak.
We cannot take out too much from the 51-7 beatdown last Friday, other than East Noble once again looks like a contender in the NE8.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
One area of concern last Friday was the fact that East Noble allowed Plymouth to move the ball on the ground, averaging over 5.5 yards per touch. The run defense must get better as soon as this week with a road trip to NorthWood on the docket.
7. NORTH SIDE (0-1)
WHY #7?
Tough to slot in the Legends this week. As the first team in this edition of the poll with a loss, what is fair? North did play a solid game against Snider, although miscues, confusion and lack of execution – all common things in Week 1 – combined to doom the Legends late.
How does this team rebound? A win over Bishop Dwenger this week shows North has moved forward instead of looking back.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Ranked No. 7 despite having a loss feels fair at this point. If North beats Dwenger and Snider beats Carroll this week, the Legends will take a big step here next week.
8. NEW HAVEN (1-0)
WHY #8?
Yes, Marion has a wealth of inexperience lining up for it this season, but the fact that the Bulldogs pitched a shutout when a year ago they allowed eight of their 11 opponents to score 21 or more points is impressive.
This may be a bit too steep of a jump for New Haven, which will take on Eastbrook on the road this weekend with some key personnel potentially missing.
But consider this wishful thinking from Blitz, who would like nothing more than to see the ‘dogs join the party at the top of the league.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
This is high enough for one week. If New Haven can go down to Grant County and pick up a win against the Panthers, then we will talk higher.
9. LEO (0-1)
WHY #9?
You can blame injuries, but the fact is the Lions did not play well in last week’s 20-point drubbing at the hands of Kokomo.
While much of the discussion has been around the offense and the adjustments it has had to make, giving up 33 points should be more concerning. Leo has traditionally been one of the stingiest teams around, especially in the NE8.
The potential is still there, although a road date at Angola this Friday isn’t a cakewalk.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The defeat to Kokomo looms large, as does the the early-season NE8 schedule that has Norwell, New Haven and East Noble lined up consecutively in September.
10. EASTSIDE (1-0)
WHY #10?
Anyone who thought Eastside would regress in ’22 is sorely mistaken. The run game was stout and quarterback Carsen Jacobs was impressive in his first start.
A big test looms on Friday with Adams Central. Is a spot in Blitz’s top 10 on the line? Perhaps.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Perhaps a convincing win over the Flying Jets would convince Blitz to make a move upward.
NEXT FIVE
11. Warsaw
12. Adams Central
13. Columbia City
14. Concordia Lutheran
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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