Prep football: 5 guys to watch on the gridiron in Week 4

DARYEA WILLIAMS, BISHOP LUERS

Possibly no player in Northeast Indiana was more effective in week three than Williams, who ran over Northrop to the tune of 266 yards on 24 carries. While he did put out his season best rush of 65 yards, it is the second time in the first three weeks Williams ran for over 100 yards as he is helping pace the Luers offense out of the gate this season. With an athletic and forceful Wayne on the opposite end at Luers Field this week, Williams having a high output yet again could be crucial in this conference matchup.

GRAYSON BRADBERRY, COLUMBIA CITY

Through three weeks, Bradberry has completed 22 of the 27 passes he has thrown with seven touchdowns to zero interceptions. That kind of control and competency is big against a surging Huntington North program that threatened East Noble for a big part of last Friday’s game. Bradberry has been comfortable in his role for the Eagles and you can’t just fake the kind of experience he has developed during his time under center. He has thrown for 391 yards along the way of the first third of the regular season.

BRAYDEN HOLBROOK, LAKELAND

Of the three wins for Garrett on their way to 3-0, the air game hasn’t been a huge aspect for their opponents but DeKalb did find some success moving the ball with the pass game. So of course week four brings in one of Northeast Indiana’s premier arms in Holbrook with fellow 3-0 Lakeland. This game has major NECC Big Division title race implications. Holbrook brings over 152 passing yards per game with just over 64 percent success rate. Garrett’s secondary is in for arguably their toughest assignment of the year with the Lakeland pass game with five viable targets for Holbrook’s cannon of an arm.

DREW FLEEK, WOODLAN

As the Warriors visit a rolling Bluffton team, their goal will be pretty simple on the surface: slow down Axton Beste. The Bluffton QB has been able to terrorize opponents through the air and by taking it himself on the ground. Fleek may be Woodlan’s best counter puncher there as he leads Woodlan with two sacks, while also recording an interception and two fumble recoveries. Fleek also adds an average of 7.7 tackles per game so he will be looking to be all over the Bluffton offense this Friday night.

GAVIN KRULL, BELLMONT

The Braves will be looking to end their 25 game losing streak against fellow 2024 0-3 start team Norwell. Being at home could be a really crucial piece to this game for the Braves. Krull can help lead as an athletic option on both sides of the ball. He has 3 of the Braves’ 19 receptions this season (team 2nd best) and can certainly move well against the Norwell D. He will also be able to bring strong secondary help should the Knights choose to go through the air.