Let’s just get this out right now.
For those looking for wholesale changes to Blitz’s preseason power poll after just one week of games, you are going to be sorely disappointed.
For two reasons:
- Blitz does not put too much stock in matchups against out-of-area foes
- The power poll is so accurate from the jump, not much needs to change.
Will you agree? Let’s see.
1. SNIDER (0-1)
WHY #1?
The Panthers were the only team in the SAC that didn’t score double-digit points in Week 1. In fact, they didn’t score point.
But the 15-0 loss to Warren Central is nothing to be down about. That will be the best defense that Snider faces all season, and it won’t be close. Conversely, the defense played tremendously well against a deep and talented Warriors squad.
We will get a better indication of who Snider is this week. Until then, no need to panic.
2. CARROLL (0-1)
WHY #2?
Much like Snider, Carroll played a big-time opponent to begin the season in Hamilton Southeastern. The Chargers actually competed, but too many mistakes cost them. You cannot turn the ball over on kickoffs, let alone do it multiple times as Carroll did last Friday.
Things get no easier this week with a trip to Center Grove. Ho hum just another perennial state power.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
We aren’t going to get into a “which team had the better loss?” conversation, are we?
3. HOMESTEAD (0-1)
WHY #3?
Yup, another winless team ahead of anyone with a win. Look, playing Carmel wherever, let alone down there, is no easy task. Another big-time challenge is on the docket this week with Noblesville coming to town.
Let’s get to Week 3 before we properly judge Homestead, as Wayne will kick off the SAC schedule.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Who do you want Homestead to be higher than? Give Blitz a good reason, too.
4. LEO (1-0)
WHY #4?
A ha! A team with an actual win! Took til No. 4, but here we are.
Great job by Leo to pull one out late on the road at Luersfield. Grayson Esquerra was impressive in his first start. Get the ball in the hands of your playmakers like Landin Hoeppner and Brock Schott. Simple, right?
The defense was also opportunistic, picking off a trio of passes.
Leo is still on the road this week, heading to Angola.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Beating Bishop Luers is good and all, but as a Class 4A school Leo should beat the Knights, right? Right.
5. EAST NOBLE (1-0)
WHY #5?
New East Noble coach Alex Stewart had quite the first win leading his new squad, a 42-6 drubbing of Bremen.
As a team, the Knights ran for 281 yards and four touchdowns. Question is, will they be able to put up similar numbers against Snider this week?
The early NE8 slate is also intriguing, with East Noble opening with Huntington North, DeKalb and Leo in weeks 3-5.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Knock off Snider, or even make it close in the fourth quarter, and East Noble could make a jump.
6. WAYNE (1-0)
WHY #6?
Behold! The first movement from the preseason poll!
The Generals move up a spot after a thrilling OT win at Crispus Attucks that saw Kimar Nelson go crazy. You’ve seen the stat line by now – 27 tackles, six tackles for loss, four sacks, etc. – just insanity.
South Bend Riley this week will be another good challenge for the Generals, who are looking to start 2-0 for the second straight season.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Attucks is very much improved, but not a true test of Wayne’s talent compared to games in the SAC. Sophomore Tre McCraney got the start at quarterback and completed just 29 percent of his passes. If he continues to start, he will improve, but how quickly?
7. BISHOP LUERS KNIGHTS (0-1)
WHY #7?
Considering the amount of newbies the Knights had at the skill positions, they sure did put up a fight against Leo, coming just a few minutes short of a Week 1 dub.
Junior Devin Patterson got more of the playing time last Friday, but classmate Jayce White is still lurking in the quarterback battle. Safe to say that Coach Kyle Lindsay will want to pick a guy as the QB1 sooner rather than later.
Good time to further evaluate this week at New Haven.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Dropping just a single spot for a three-point loss to Leo seems fair, doesn’t it?
8. BISHOP DWENGER (0-1)
WHY #8?
First off, Brownsburg is good. Like REALLY good. Like Class 6A state title contender good.
Second off, Cincinnati Moeller, this week’s opponent, is good. Like really, REALLY good. Like national power good.
So forgive Blitz if he doesn’t put much stock into the first two weeks for the Saints. Fact of the matter is, there aren’t many teams in Dwenger’s history who would even contend with Moeller.
This bear will start his judgement on the Saints beginning in Week 3 against North Side.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Come on now.
9. GARRETT (1-0)
WHY #9?
Welcome to the power poll party, Railroaders!
Not sure enough people understand what Coach Chris DePew’s team did to Adams Central. This wasn’t a last-second heroics type thing. It was domination from start to finish, holding the Flying Jets significantly under 100 total yards for the game.
The Railroaders did most of their damage rushing the ball to the tune of 209 yards as a team. Will DeKalb this Friday bottle up the run and force Garrett to adjust?
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Hey, you’re in the top 10. What else do you want from Blitz?
10. WARSAW (1-0)
WHY #10?
Can’t remember the last time a defense held a team to zero points in four(!) red zone trips, but that is exactly what Warsaw did against Michigan City in Week 1.
And the running game was normal Warsaw, moving the chains in its methodical style owned and operated by Coach Bart Curtis.
How about the Tigers seeking out a challenge? The team will hit the road and head to Warren Central on Friday.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The Northern Lakes Conference is shaping up to be very competitive once again. If Warsaw can navigate that schedule, it will surely rise over the next several weeks in Blitz’s rankings.
NEXT FIVE
11. Adams Central
12. Bluffton
13. North Side
14. Columbia City
15. DeKalb
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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