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

HENRY JORDAN, BISHOP DWENGER

The passing game has been something more widely used by the Saints than many other seasons and Jordan’s presence is why Bishop Dwenger doesn’t mind putting it in the air. Jordan missed one of the first 3 weeks, but still has more passing yards (185) than the traditionally strong running Saints have on the ground as a team. Jordan is also completing 55 percent of his passes and will get a really intriguing test opposite Homestead on Friday.

BRET SAUDER, LEO

The sophomore linebacker has stepped up in major ways…almost like he has a family pedigree for the sport. Sauder’s 22 tackles lead the Lions into a matchup with rival East Noble, who has a heavy offensive attack that happens to be versatile. But versatility is something Sauder is quite familiar with as both a hard hitter and a quick mover. Sauder also has a team high three interceptions, which he has returned for an average of 30 yards per interception.

JAMISON ROACH, ADAMS CENTRAL

A big one in the ACAC as Adams Central visits Monroeville and the Heritage Patriots are likely to be more than game for this one. Here is the big question, how comfortable is Roach after the first three weeks? He has bounced back well from AC’s season opening loss, throwing for 126 yards and also ran for a touchdown. His speed and ability to work out of the pocket will be a point of emphasis for the Flying Jets as they defend the ACAC.

BRECKAN MARAN, FAIRFIELD

It would be easy to say that Maran’s week 3 offensive output lands him as one to watch on Friday night, but it is actually more about his defensive ability. Fairfield is next up in trying to find a way to slow West Noble’s Seth Pruitt and Maran at linebacker is going to be a critical cog. His 27 tackles leads Fairfield thus far and while it will be a group effort for Pruitt, Maran has the strength, consistency and experience to be the head of that charge.

LANDEN FRY, SNIDER

Defensively, Snider sees one football/baseball co-star get plenty of attention, but don’t look past how important Fry continues to be for this team. As the Panthers matchup with Carroll for the potential A Division lead of the SAC, Fry comes in leading Snider in both tackles and interceptions. His 33 tackles through four weeks include 14 solo with a pair of sacks to his credit. Furthermore, Fry has picked off three passes and has the team’s lone defensive touchdown this season.