The city.
Everyone wants to know.
“What’s going down in the city this year?”
Here is your answer as Outside the Huddle breaks down what to expect this year in the Summit Athletic Conference.
THE FAVORITE: CARROLL CHARGERS
Winners of three of the last four SAC titles and current owners of the Victory Bell, the Chargers enter 2025 as the team to beat.
Players have come and gone, but success has endured. But the last three of those years saw quarterback Jimmy Sullivan, now at Iowa, under center. So the big question is, can the run continue with a new QB1?
That QB1 will be junior Gabe Frisinger, who proved himself in the offseason to win the job. He will have no shortage of weaponry, with the top two receivers back in Jaidon Van Pelt (53 receptions for 789 yards and 14 TDs) and Mason Baughman (27-457-6). Add in fellow senior Logan Heath in the slot and the emerging Harry Scheele and the offense should cook in the passing game if Frisinger can develop.
THE CONTENDERS
SNIDER PANTHERS
Snider found itself on the short end of a pair of matchups against Carroll last fall – once in the regular season and again in sectional play. The offense struggled against the Chargers, as well as Warren Central in Week 1. To find itself back atop the conference and a threat in Class 6A, the Panthers need to find another gear with the offense against the best the top class in Indiana has to offer.
Seven starters are back on the offense, which had its lowest average scoring output since the 2020 campaign. The running back duo of senior Jordan Davis (776 yards, nine touchdowns) and sophomore Braylon Burton are back, along with four starting linemen, led by center Sawyer Tippmann. Seniors Leland Jen and Crosby Daniels are also back in the mix with tackle Isaiah Caldwell. Sophomores Sabastian Lewis and Connor Bandor are both big prospects and could find themselves seeing heavy action from the jump.
A preseason quarterback battle was won by junior Jaywin Harris. He will need time to grow into the role after limited playing time on Fridays last year.
BISHOP DWENGER SAINTS
The Saints enter the 2025 campaign seeking some big accomplishments, namely some hardware. Whether it comes in the form of an SAC Victory Bell, postseason trophies or a combination, Coach Jason Garrett feels he has the roster and coaching staff to make some noise after consecutive 6-6 seasons.
A total of 14 starters are back, including eight on the offensive side of the ball. Perhaps the biggest boost is the five projected linemen all have starting experience – multi-year starters Andrew Trahin and Lewis Morris at tackle, KC Pieper and Noah Weimer at guard and center Vance Diepenbrock, a long snapping standout who recently committed to Bowling Green.
There is very much a “wait and see” approach with the Saints outside the program. Over the summer and through pre-season scrimmages, they have looked absolutely phenomenal. Spring practices were utilized to their fullest extent, and Bishop Dwenger dabbled in the 7v7 side of things in June to help the offense find some rhythm and consistency.
THE REST
BISHOP LUERS KNIGHTS
This will be, without question, one of the most dominant units in the trenches that the Knights have had in quite some time. Brothers Ayle and Jarron Taylor anchor the defensive front. Combined, they amassed 30 tackles for loss, 18 sacks and 179 tackles a year ago. Fellow senior Chuck McBride will see action on the edge, as well as brothers Nick Holley, a sophomore, and Darius Holley, a freshman.
Offensively up front, Zack Wall will move to center and bring a senior presence in the middle. Junior Josh Morgan is a talent at guard along with senior Quenten Price. Also in the mix will be senior Jonas Muya, a 6-foot-8 monster transfer from LaPorte that will be a force on the gridiron and the basketball court.
“We should be anchored by large and experienced offensive and defensive linemen,” Bishop Luers coach Kyle Lindsay said. “We feel we have some really quality depth on our lines, which is encouraging for both the present and the future.”
CONCORDIA LUTHERAN CADETS
Things started off well for the Cadets last year with wins in its two non-conference games, but they were largely uncompetitive the rest of the way in the SAC.
Overall, Concordia has lost 16-straight games to league foes dating back to 2022. Can this team end the skid?
Eleven starters return, including several in the trench with multiple years of starting experience. Drew Belschner, Carson Dale and Jeremiah Frederick are all back and will help protect a new quarterback and a backfield looking to regain some form.
The defense allowed 34 points per game last year and must be better.
HOMESTEAD SPARTANS
With 16 starters back, including senior quarterback Michael White (1,439 passing yards, 12 touchdowns in 2024), Homestead is hoping to return to its winning ways.
The Spartans need White to be at his best. The 18.6 points offensive scoring average a season ago was the worst mark in over 30 years. Simply put, the offense HAS to be better.
While some will point to a lack of playmakers, it is actually the play of the offensive line that must improve. Homestead averaged just 3.7 yards per carry last season, with its leading rusher going for just 400 yards. While Mitchell Miller is a dog in the trenches, he can’t do it all. While size may be lacking again up front, technique and savvy is going to have to carry the day against some of the tougher defenses on the schedule.
NORTHROP BRUINS
In terms of skill players, the Bruins can match up with anyone in the league. From senior quarterback David Callison to Ohio State commit Jerquaden Guilford and emerging sophomores Robert Rembert IV and Maddox Weil, Northrop should be able to light up the scoreboard.
However, Northrop allowed close to 42 points per game last year. The defense simply has to be better.
Can the linemen match the skill spots in terms of production? If so, the Bruins will be in for a fun year.
NORTH SIDE LEGENDS
A total of 14 starters are back, including eight on offense. While the underrated Tristen Newsome is gone at quarterback, 6-foot-3, 215-pound Jaydin Rivers steps in. A senior who started at Warren Central last year and at Bishop Noll in 2023, Rivers has the talent and experience to be a big-time weapon behind center.
And Rivers will have plenty of help. Newsome was the team’s leading rusher last year, but juniors Caleb Kiengele (744 yards, five TDs) and Markus Williams, as well as senior Jasean Early, who missed considerable time last season to injury, are all back. Kiengele is a three-year starter and will carry the load, but the other two are solid as well.
SOUTH SIDE ARCHERS
The Archers definitely took steps forward in Year 2 under Coach Goodwell, highlighted by a dub over Calhoun St. neighbor Bishop Luers.
Quarterback Robert Murphy is back as well as the team’s top two leading rushers and top four receivers. Justin Timberlake-Johnson and Detrick Smith could start anywhere in the SAC and will be two guys to watch as the Archers try and make another jump forward.
WAYNE GENERALS
While not a complete rebuild for new coach Darrion White, there is a lot to replace with just four starters returning.
Jayce White, Darrion’s son, comes over from Bishop Luers and is set to be the starting quarterback. Brother Jaston White will be a top target at receiver. Senior Cooper Richardson brings some much needed experience to the offensive and defensive lines. Sophomore defensive end Javontae Eldridge is a star in the making, while sophomore Kevon Morris at running back and junior Tyree Eldridge are two to watch.
SAC PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
A DIVISION
1. Carroll
2. Snider
3. Bishop Dwenger
4. Homestead
5. Northrop
B DIVISION
1. North Side
2. Bishop Luers
3. Wayne
4. South Side
5. Concordia Lutheran
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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