Week 3: Five players to watch on the gridiron tonight

As we will do each week, we look at the five players who may have the biggest impact on their games this Friday night.

Here are the players to keep on watch:

BRADEN SMITH, WOODLAN at Heritage

We will call it light work for Smith in Week 2’s win over Central Noble. Smith caught nine passes and went for 164 yards in a victory. Possibly more impressive was the fact he scored four touchdowns on those nine touches. Known more for his work on the hardwood, Smith had a great breakout week. As Woodlan tries to open ACAC play with a win, Smith coming close to replicating what he did last week could be very is important.

CARTER RIPKE, CONCORDIA vs. Snider

Ripke has only played one week and despite some turnovers in Week 2’s high-scoring loss to Eastbrook, his numbers were wild. With a 61 percent completion rate (23/38), Ripke threw for 402 yards and three scores in the loss. On the ground, where Concordia has struggled quite a bit, Ripke is second in total rushing yards and yards/rush (40/5.1). His ability to air it out will be tested against Snider. Can he step up again?

BRAYDEN HOLBROOK, LAKELAND at Prairie Heights

Holbrook was a monster in Week 2’s win with 575 total offensive yards for the Lakers. He threw for 295 yards on 12 of 20 passing in the 61-39 victory over Churubusco and totaled the second-most yards in a game in program history. He also threw for 154 yards in a Week 1 win and is now 27 of 43 passing the ball in this young season. What lays ahead tonight is a struggling Prairie Heights team. meaning Holbrook may put up massive numbers again.

MASON KNOCH, New Haven vs. DeKalb

The two-way Bulldog lineman got to complete one of those lineman dreams last week, picking up a valued scoop and score complete with a dive into the end zone for a touchdown. He has been big for New Haven’s running game the first two weeks with seven pancake blocks and helping the Bulldogs run for 490 yards while opponents probably came in focused on the New Haven passing game more. In a battle of two 2-0 NE8 teams, this one is big to establish New Haven or DeKalb as a true contender in the conference.

AJ MYERS, Jay County at Southern Wells

Myers remained one of the most versatile offensive players in last Friday’s big win for Jay County over Huntington North. The Patriots’ defense was stout in holding the Vikings to nine points, but when called upon offensively, Myers stepped up. He ran for a team-high 73 yards and scored one of the team’s two touchdowns on a run. He also added 33 passing yards in the victory. Jay County is 2-0 for the first time since 1996.