Week 9: 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 9:

Caiden Hinkle, DeKalb vs. Leo

The junior has been a monster for one of the most underrated teams in the area, rushing for 985 yards and 12 touchdowns in the first eight weeks of the season. While a lot of focus on DeKalb has been thrown on their passing game, Hinkle has been plowing by opposing defenses. Hinkle has run for over 100 yards six different times and is averaging 121.8 yards per game as he now runs into a big and powerful Leo defense.

Brett Fuchs, Homestead vs. Bishop Luers

Well why wouldn’t you watch Fuchs after last Friday’s record setting and dominant run game against Concordia. While Luers won’t be as easy to power through, Fuchs has been consistent and is far from a one week star. Fuchs has rushed for 1,225 yards this season, averaging 7.5 yards per carry and over 153 yards per game. He is a hard charger who will look to make the most of an opportunity to knock off the only SAC unbeaten left.

Isaac Zay, Bishop Luers at Homestead

Staying in the big game for this week, Zay has become a do it all force for Luers as an athlete on both sides of the ball. While the Knights’ run game can be fascinating, Luers has actually moved the ball much more through the air this season with Zay as the leading target. He has caught 19 passes with five of them going for touchdowns in the team high 331 yards he has accumulated at receiver. Zay also has a team 5th-best 37 tackles, a forced fumble and an interception.

AJ Myers, Jay County vs. Heritage

Jay County is getting back into the swing of the ACAC this season and could really make a statement if they can play tough opposite Heritage to close out the regular season. Multiple times, Myers has been an absolute load to slow down including 251 yards and 5 touchdowns in a win over Woodlan. He also has gone for 150 against Bluffton and over 100 yards on the ground against Adams Central, showing he can be effective against the best of the best in the ACAC.

Jaylen Strong, Blackhawk Christian at Fremont

The Braves will look for the first win of their 11-man history on Friday as they close the regular season at Fremont. Strong, a senior, has been a consistent presence on offense for Blackhawk as he has rushed for 504 yards and also has the most receptions on the team with 12. He has also chipped in on the defensive end with 25 tackles and an interception.