As has become customary, Blitz is counting down who he feels are the top 50 individual players in northeast Indiana heading into the 2026 season.
A few insights into Blitz’s protocol:
- This is based on high school impact, not college potential
- No newbies. Players with previous varsity playing time only
Today, we cross the halfway point of our countdown with positions No. 25-21.
No. 20: QB Job Richman, senior, Eastside
Five years ago, Eastside had a tremendous two-way quarterback who was named Outside the Huddle’s Player of the Year in 2021 – Laban Davis. Richman’s skill set is very much like Davis, who made his mark on the Eastside record book.
Richman may very well own some program records of his own if he has another season like last year when he totaled over 3,000 total yards – 1,736 yards rushing and 1,336 yards passing. Combined, he accounted for 40 touchdowns – 20 passing and 20 rushing – with just four interceptions.
There was not a team on the schedule that Richman did not perform against. He went for 92 or more yards rushing in every game. He rushed for at least one touchdown in every game but one, and threw for a touchdown in every game but one. Despite losing to Adams Central in the sectional final last year, he accounted for 260 total yards.
Running the Eastside offense out of the shotgun, Richman stands poised in the backfield. He is effortless when he decides to break out into the open field with his legs, and he has impressive touch with the ball when getting the ball downfield.
COACH’S QUOTE ON JOB RICHMAN
“Job is a terrific young man and leader. He’s a dual threat at QB and his ability to make plays with his feet and his arm are a huge component of our offense. He’s continued to work over the spring and summer in a way that leads me to believe he’s not content with the successes of last year. We’re excited to see him compete in his final HS season.” – Eastside coach Alyx Brandewie
No. 19: QB/S Jamison Roach, senior, Adams Central
A multi-year starter behind center for the Flying Jets, Roach has been an the engine that powers the offense. He can run, he can pass, he can facilitate and he knows AC’s offensive scheme like the back of his hand.
Last year, Roach threw for 1,096 yards and 15 touchdowns for the 13-1 Flying Jets. He added 1,273 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground, as he averaged 7.1 yards per attempt.
Roach was also one of Adams Central’s most stalwart defenders, making 80 tackles and three tackles for loss to go with an interception and a fumble recovery.
Roach also returned a kickoff for a touchdown, evidence of just how versatile he is in all facets of the game.
COACH’S QUOTE ON JAMISON ROACH
“Jamison is an outstanding kid both as a player and a person. He has proven to be not only a great athlete but a great team leader. How he goes this year is how we will go. He is a big part of our success on both sides of the ball.” – Adams Central coach Michael Mosser
No. 18: QB Axton Beste, senior, Bluffton
Much like Roach, Beste has been a multi-year starter behind center in the ACAC for the Tigers. Beste is a gamer, willing to do what it takes from the quarterback spot to lead his team to victory.
At 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Beste is built for the QB1 position. He is good at seeing downfield both inside and outside of the pocket, and he has a velocity on his throws that few in this area can match. Once he takes off on the run, he is tough to bring down due to his size, and he has deceptive speed that can catch defenders off guard.
Beste’s accuracy is perhaps his greatest attribute. He connected on 74 percent of his pass attempts for 1,751 yards and 23 touchdowns. He added 556 yards and nine scores on the ground.
COACH’S QUOTE ON AXTON BESTE
“Axton Beste is the best leader that I have ever coached. He does everything right, he holds himself to the highest standard and expects/demands the same from each of his teammates.” – Bluffton coach Brent Kunkel
No. 17: DB Jarnard Moore, senior, North Side
Moore’s kickoff return of 108-ish yards for a score against Homestead was one of the highlights of the 2025 season in northeast Indiana. In fact, Moore scored three different ways on the year – one receiving, one on a kickoff and a pick-six.
At his primary position, Moore is arguably the best cover corner in the area. He did not allow a touchdown in coverage last fall and he can line up at a variety of places in the secondary.
On film, you can see how instinctual that Moore is. He knows to follow a quarterback’s eyes and make a break on the ball when it comes in his direction. He has quick feet and sure hands that benefit him well, with three interceptions a season ago. North Side will also move Moore into the box on occasion, where he is solid at tackling on blockers and getting loose to make plays on ball carriers. He had 62 tackles and six tackles for loss as a junior.
COACH’S QUOTE ON JARNARD MOORE
“Jarnard is a playmaker! His primary position is cornerback (1st Team All-Conference), but he also plays nickel, safety, receiver and we use him in the return game. I love his character on the field and off the field. We have high expectations for him this year. The kid can flat-out ball!” – North Side coach Ben Johnson
No. 16: RB TJ Epperson, junior, Bishop Luers
Not many folks outside of Bishop Luers knew what to expect a year ago when the Knights entered the season with a pair of sophomore running backs. All the duo did was run for over 2,600 yards and 24 touchdowns.
Epperson was one half of that duo, and led the way with 1,462 yards and 15 touchdowns. He averaged over 104 yards per game in 14 games, culminating in a two-touchdown effort in the Class 3A state championship game against Cascade.
A quick back who hits the hole at full bore, Epperson is impressive at running away from contact without outright avoiding it. He will take on a defender, and frequently come out the victor in the exchange. If you try and bring Epperson down high, he is going to shake you off.
Epperson knows one speed, fast. From the moment he is handed the ball, he is at full speed ready to attack. He is a potential problem every time he has the ball in his hands.
COACH’S QUOTE ON TJ EPPERSON
“TJ is first and foremost a wonderful human being who truly cares about those around him. He has an infectious personality and always seems to be smiling. As a football player, he’s shown he cares more about his team winning than he does about his stats. He’s got a great work ethic and he truly cares about the development of the younger players in the program. This humility will lead him to big things in life, on and off the field. We’re excited to see what the 2026 season has in store for him.” – Bishop Luers coach Kyle Lindsay
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