PREP FOOTBALL: Five Guys to Watch, Week 9

As always, we kick off our Friday mornings with five players to watch. Who is important in Week 9? Who’s a matchup problem? Did they shine in Week 8?

In this week’s case, with titles elsewhere wrapped up or essentially wrapped up, we look at 5 players in the SAC with the conference’s title still in limbo during the final week of the regular season.

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

KOBE REESE, NORTHROP (vs. Wayne)

Reese has been an underrated standout for the high powered Northrop offense all season. While the passing game has rightfully earned a lot of attention, Reese has been grinding it out on the ground where he leads the Bruins with 276 rushing yards and is also an occasional option in the passing game. Reese’s six rushing touchdowns make him third in touchdowns among Northrop skill position players behind David Callison and Jerquadon Guilford. Reese also ranks fourth for Northrop in all purpose yards this season as they hope to still earn a piece of the SAC.

OMARION WAITES, NORTH SIDE (vs. Snider)

The junior has been on an absolute tear the last five weeks for the Legends. Waites leads North Side in total tackles with 75, including a co-team best 12 tackles for loss, and he also has two sacks to his name. But if you look at the last five outings, they are the best: 10, 15, 12, 10 and 16 tackles with his season best of 16 coming last week in a loss to Homestead. As the Legends look to get back in the win column before the postseason, Waites will likely be a force again tonight against Snider.

DETRICK SMITH, SOUTH SIDE (at Bishop Dwenger)

The Archers are the first line of potential spoiler in the SAC race if they could get a win tonight at Dwenger. Smith leads a defense that gave up just seven points last week in a win. There may be a large gap between that opponent and the Saints, but momentum is always helpful. Smith leads South Side with 97 tackles on the season, 60 of those coming solo. He also has a pair of sacks this season and has not reached double digit tackles just once. It is also worth mentioning his 21 tackles (14 solo) against South Bend St. Joe earlier this season.

TYREE ELDRIDGE, WAYNE (at Northrop)

Eldridge has recorded four interceptions this season, leading the Generals. His defensive ability is a key against a high powered Northrop offense is the Generals have any hope to slow them down. Eldridge also had a season high 7 tackles against North Side. Eldridge also leads the Generals in receiving yards with 375 and has four of the team’s nine offensive touchdowns on the season.

WADE RAINES JR., SNIDER (at North Side)

Raines has been able to showcase his two way ability throughout the season, having some shining moments on defense for this young and rebuilding Snider program. Last week in a loss to Dwenger, he was target number one for the Snider passing game, picking up five catches for 47 yards. As the Panthers continue to figure out their identity with the postseason looming, a dog fight of a game with North Side could turn some fortunes. To have a heady, speedy player like Raines helping lead the way would be a positive step for Snider.