Week 8: Five players to watch on the gridiron tonight

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

Here are the players to keep on watch in Week 8:

Donovan Williams, New Haven at East Noble

As dominant as Donovan Williams has been in stretches, he probably still has not gotten his just due for leading the Bulldogs to a perfect 7-0 mark heading into tonight. Williams has found poise in moments of extreme pressure all season. Expect more of that pressure tonight in Kendallville, but who is to say that he won’t just rise to the occasion again? On the ground, through the air, Williams has proven to be one of the area’s best.

Zander Brazel, East Noble vs. New Haven

East Noble will have to mix and match its offensive attack tonight and Brazel is pretty solid at that. At over 1,000 passing yards, this has been a stellar senior season, averaging over 150 yards per game. Brazel will need to find his biggest impact of the season tonight with the NE8 title on the line. If his line gives him time, Brazel’s vision will be crucial in the passing game.

Jacob Sharin, Wayne at North Side

This is the kind of game where Wayne could really shine. Both teams will probably look for big plays and a high-scoring effort on both sides wouldn’t be shocking. Sharin has been a consistent presence on both sides of the ball for the Generals, ranking fourth on the team in rushing and third in receiving yards. On defense, he has 21 tackles and an interception. He’s not Wayne’s flashiest player, but he alters games nonetheless with the ability to make big plays when the time comes.

Andrew Hunt, Bluffton vs. Adams Central

Hunt has caught 17 passes, four of those for scores, and has 256 yards receiving. With Adams Central’s front line being as stout as anyone in the area defensively, Bluffton will likely have to use its pass game tonight to try and pull the upset. Hunt is a high-quality pass catcher and leads the Tigers in all-purpose yards, as he has also found success as a returner.

Brayden Kirchner, Central Noble at Eastside

In the battle for the NECC Small Division title, it may come down to stopping the Eastside run game that seems to just reload each season. Kirchner is unlikely to let anyone sprint away from him, registering a Cougar-best 115 tackles (58 solo, 57 assists) through seven weeks. He also leads the team in sacks with five, so getting into the opposing backfield has posed no issue for the senior.