Blitz doesn’t put much stock into one week.
Two, maybe. Three, definitely. But a single week?
Many folks will not agree with the top of this poll. That’s their right, and maybe they are proven right after this coming Friday.
But Blitz hasn’t gotten this far by following the majority.
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. CARROLL (0-1)
WHY #1?
Why indeed.
Some folks found sadistic pleasure in celebrating the “downfall” of Carroll football with last week’s loss at Hamilton Southeastern. Funny how that works.
But let’s be real here. HSE had that game circled on its calendar as soon as last season ended with a semistate. Coach Michael Kelly said as much numerous times in the preseason.
There were warning signs for Carroll – particularly with an offensive line that couldn’t protect Jimmy Sullivan. But HSE is likely a top 5 team in the entire state, maybe even top 3.
So forgive Blitz for not punishing the Chargers by dropping them from the No. 1 spot in his power poll. Not yet, at least.
2. SNIDER (1-0)
WHY #2?
Make no mistake, the Panthers were impressive in their 22-point dub over Warren Central in Week 1. Snider’s rushing attack set the tone, surpassing 300 yards of production.
But how good is Warren Central? It’s a top 3 PROGRAM in the entire state in terms of postseason success. But the Warriors are 15-17 in their last 32 games. And yes, they play a really tough schedule, but they aren’t HSE.
Thankfully, we will get some clarity on Friday when Carroll takes on Warren Central. So we will have a direct comparison that can be made. But as impressive as Snider’s dub was, Blitz questions the quality of opponent, even when that opponent is Warren Central.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Because Blitz hates Snider. At least, that’s what some folks will claim.
3. HOMESTEAD (0-1)
WHY #3?
When talking about the most impressive performance from Week 1, Snider rates at the top but Homestead isn’t far behind.
Yes, the Spartans fell to Carmel by seven, but considering recent history in this series coupled with a sophomore QB making his first start and the lack of proven star power on the roster, Homestead opened Blitz’s eyes.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
But again, is Carmel down? We truly don’t know yet.
Maybe jumping Homestead two spots despite a loss shows more about how Blitz feels about other teams and not necessarily the Spartans.
4. LEO (0-1)
WHY #4?
The Lions held a commanding 11-point lead at halftime at Kokomo and let it slip away.
The fact that Leo couldn’t close the deal is a negative, but they were also able to build a significant advantage against a team that was two points away from going to the state championship game last season and knocked off Leo by 20 points to start the 2022 campaign. Kokomo is currently in the top 5 of Class 4A AP Poll.
Again, it’s not time to hit the panic button. The Lions are another highly-ranked team in this power poll that will be judged further coming out of this Friday.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Well, Blitz is putting a bunch of 0-1 teams in the top half of his poll so who knows, if you go 0-2 do you rise?
To be fair, Leo is down one spot from the preseason power rankings.
5. EAST NOBLE (1-0)
WHY #5?
Coach Luke Amstutz’s team rolled past an outmatched Bishop Luers team in Week 1. Leaning on an offensive front that pushed the defense off the ball snap after snap, East Noble made it look easy, particularly in the second half.
A bigger challenge awaits in Kendallville this Friday with Snider coming to town. Are the Knights a legit top 5 team in the area? We will find out.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Quality of opponent. It was a perfect matchup for the bigger and deeper Knights against Luers. It’s strength vs. strength this Friday against the Panthers.
6. NORTH SIDE (0-1)
WHY #6?
North Side was not at full strength last week with their two best players out in Brauntae Johnson and Jordan King. That said, not scoring on offense is not a good way to start the season.
We cannot judge the Legends until they have their studs on the field, but offensively there are some clear warning signs.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Northridge is no slouch, neither is Lawrence North, this Friday’s opponent. Still, North Side didn’t impress in Week 1 in any facet of the game. Let’s hope Week 2 is better.
7. ADAMS CENTRAL (1-0)
WHY #7?
It’s amazing when we look at a 34-point win as a “slow start” for the Flying Jets.
The Garrett win showed that AC isn’t going anywhere, although it may take half of the season to get the offense operating like a well-oiled machine with a new QB behind center.
This Friday’s test at Eastside will be an interesting game to watch for both teams.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Class 1A program that hasn’t proven enough to jump some of the heavy hitters.
8. NEW HAVEN (1-0)
WHY #8?
In terms of hype, New Haven and East Noble delivered in Week 1. Yet Leo and Columbia City (even after a lopsided dub), aren’t getting as much.
It’s what happens when you’ve only played one game.
Blitz has questions about New Haven, which beat up on Northrop last Friday. Can that defense hold up against some of the better offenses in the NE8? Can the Bulldogs steer clear of injuries?
That said, that offense looked dangerous.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
If the wins keep coming, this ranking will seem low in comparison to say mid-season.
9. COLUMBIA CITY (1-0)
WHY #9?
Churubusco is a young squad, but you can’t help but be impressed with what Columbia City hwas able to do in a 41-point rout.
Last year, we kept waiting for Columbia City to trip up in the NE8, and it never happened. With a lot gone from last year, some are in that very same mindset. Through one week at least, nothing has changed with Coach Brett Fox’s squad.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The majority of Columbia City’s toughest games are set for the second half of the season, per usual. Time will tell for the Eagles.
10. WAYNE (1-0)
WHY #10?
An offensive attack deemed pretty dangerous in the preseason was as advertised against Attucks. Wayne is now over .500 for the first time since 2018.
Can the Generals keep it going? It is a favorable matchup this Friday on the road at Northrop, but Week 3 will be telling with Homestead in to visit.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Entering the top 10 after a win over Attucks is quite the gift. What else do you want from this bear?
NEXT FIVE
11. Warsaw
12. Bishop Dwenger
13. Bishop Luers
14. DeKalb
15. Heritage
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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