PREP FOOTBALL: Five Guys to Watch, Week 7

As always, we kick off our Friday mornings with five players to watch. Who is important in Week 7? Who’s a matchup problem? Did they shine in Week 6?

Here are the five guys you should keep an extra eye on tonight.

KNOX JOHNSON, BISHOP LUERS (vs Bishop Dwenger)

The Battle of the Bishops looks to be an interesting one once again. The Saints are coming off a tough loss while Luers has won three straight and have their eyes on the SAC B Division crown. While Luers has used its run game more, Johnson seems to be getting more comfortable all the time under center as a sophomore. He has climbed above a 50 percent completion percentage for the season after last week’s perfect 5-of-5 through the air. How he handles the pressure of Bishop Dwenger’s exceptional defense will be huge tonight.

NICK LAUX, JAY COUNTY (at South Adams)

The Patriots picked up a solid win last Friday, 21-7 over Woodlan. Laux has shown throughout the season that he can do a bit of everything and that was on display in the win seven days ago. Laux had 104 yards (50 passing and 54 rushing) and was responsible, at least in part, for all three of the Patriot scores. He ran in two of the touchdowns and threw for the third with a connection to Brady Jetmore. Laux also ran in a two-point conversion in the game.

BRYAR ALLESHOUSE, LAKELAND (at West Noble)

The junior has been a defensive stopper for Lakeland this season as it heads to Ligonier to take on the diverse offense of West Noble. He has recorded double-digit tackles in four games this season, led by 13 in both wins over Churubusco and Angola; he also logged a fumble recovery against the Hornets. The defensive back will get to see an assortment of action this week against a team that has no issue mixing up their offensive focus.

EVAN SELLS, EAST NOBLE (at Columbia City)

Kickers never get enough love and Sells certainly hasn’t gotten a ton of focus in the offensively-dominant world of East Noble. Yet, coming into a big game tonight in the next step towards an NE8 title, a steady leg is something important for the Knights to have. Sells has hit 25 of 26 extra points this season and is 3-of-3 on field goals with a long of 36 against Huntington North, a game where he accounted for a season-best 9 points.

WARREN KAUFMAN, FAIRFIELD (at Garrett)

Fairfield needs a big conference win and Kaufman has been a man with a purpose for the Falcons. He found the end zone nine times in his first four weeks and is on pace to be a 1,000 yard rusher this season. He also gets it done on the defensive side, leading the team in sacks and also ranking in the top three in total tackles. With both teams needing a win to stay relevant in the NECC big division down the stretch tonight, Kaufman will likely be active most downs.