The annual Optimum Performance Sports 7v7 Summit City Shootout has become a tradition of sorts for both area programs and Blitz alike. For this fuzzy bear, it is the unofficial kickoff of the upcoming season as coaches and kids continue preparations for the fall.
The event, now in its 11th year, also allows Blitz to see a multitude of area squads in one place – complete with a mix of old and new, as well as some emerging talents ready to step up and show out come August.
Last week, Blitz broke down what he noticed in the Small School Division. Today, he lays down some intel from the Large School Division.
BISHOP DWENGER
One thing that was impossible to miss last week at Homestead was the speed in which the Bishop Dwenger offense operated.
In a word, fast.
New offensive coordinator Jon Zolnik has brought a new modus operandi to the Saints’ offensive attack. While the basis of what the offense does will look similar, how it goes about it is going to look tremendously different.
The goal? To wear out defenses.
Bishop Dwenger frequently had defenses guessing at the snap on Wednesday. The Saints used the event to simulate how things will go on Friday nights, complete with headsets on the coaches. Every scrimmage against an opponent between now and August is a chance to get more comfortable in running up-tempo, particularly quarterbacks Tommy Coffman and Knox Johnson. Both were able to show off their passing skills as the Saints scored 97 points in three games on the way to a 3-0 record.
DEKALB
Coming off a seven-win campaign a year ago, the Barons have a lot of momentum heading into Year 2 under Coach Ryan Robertson.
But the team, in particular the offense, has a lot to replace in terms of production, with the starting quarterback, four of the top five rushers and the top five receivers all gone.
Wins and losses in the summer don’t matter, so the Barons’ 0-3 record is whatever. What was important about last Wednesday was getting a proper evaluation against real opponents of the quarterback battle between juniors Xavier Vice and Bracen Staley, a transfer from Carroll. Both bring their own impressive qualities to the position. Vice rushed for 348 yards and four scores a year ago in back-up running back duty, while Staley has a strong arm.
DeKalb scored at least 28 points in all seven of its wins in 2025, proving how important this offense was to the successful season. So finding replacements amongst first-year varsity players will be a challenge and a key to success this fall. More bodies surely helps, as it is expected the Barons will have more depth this year.
NORTH SIDE
There is no shortage of weaponry on the North Side roster, headlined by four-star do-everything prospect Maalik Moore, and there is no doubt that the Legends will want to go vertical with the personnel mismatches they can employ on the outside. But a passing attack is only as good as the quarterback getting the ball to the receivers.
Jaydin Rivers did a phenomenal job of that a year ago, throwing for 2,506 yards and 22 touchdowns against just a half-dozen interceptions. This year, the task has been given to junior Brandon Sanders.
Sanders showcased his arm last Wednesday at Homestead, consistently putting it up downfield into spots where his receivers could make plays. The junior has always had that big-play ability, but it will be how he handles the regular plays and how he commands the huddle and leads by example that will determine how good North Side can be this year.
Sanders left a positive impression on Blitz as North Side went a perfect 3-0 in pool play. But adversity at some point during the season will strike. If the junior can handle it well, the Legends will be all that much more dangerous.
SOUTH SIDE
The trendy pick to make a move in the SAC this year are the Archers. Now in his fourth season at the helm, Coach Andre Goodwell’s team has added a win in each year of his tenure, from one victory to two to three last year.
Replacing Chris Mhoon at running back (and as a return man) will be tough, but South Side is also in search of a new QB1, with a competition ongoing between sophomores Aaron Curry and Quinchaun Lamb.
Both saw action last Wednesday, and both showed some signs they could be the dude. But being a sophomore being center on Friday nights in the SAC is not for the weak, so whoever wins the battle will need to show he is capable of handling the mental fortitude it will take to take on the likes of Homestead, Bishop Luers, Carroll and North Side, four of South Side’s first five league foes.
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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