Week 1 is finally here in 2026!
When it comes to northeast Indiana, one of the games that stands out this week is the battle happening in Kendallville between the North Side Legends and the East Noble Knights.
Although the season is just getting started, the outcome of this game puts a temporary end to some uncertainty surrounding both programs.
WHAT’S ON THE LINE
How about being the Sectional 19 frontrunner?
Although the sectional is loaded, East Noble and North Side are two of the favorites going into the season to win it. Knights head coach Alex Stewart led the program to a sectional crown in his first season in 2024, but Bishop Dwenger captured the sectional title on its way to a Class 4A state championship.
Meanwhile, North Side hasn’t won a postseason title of any kind since 1990.
With the Saints graduating so much talent from last year’s title team, it feels like Sectional 19 could be wide open – at least on paper. Whoever wins this Week 1 match-up instantly becomes an early favorite to win the sectional.
It also comes down to whether North Side can match its potential. Are the Legends all hype or the real deal? East Noble is replacing its all-state QB in Rylee Biddle, so how much does that loss mean to the program in the short term?
PLAYERS TO WATCH
There is no shortage of talent on both teams. Maalik Moore comes in as the most dynamic player on the Legends. He has the rare ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. It will be intriguing to watch how the Knights’ defense game plans for Moore. The top athlete in the area is looking to show everyone why he’s highly regarded as one of the most dynamic players in the state.
The same can be said for Austin Phillips for East Noble, who will be utilized at both running back and linebacker. How will the Legends scheme to slow down the No. 8 prospect in the nation in the Class of 2029? North Side is well aware of the 99 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and three sacks he finished with last season, and he is just going to be even better as a sophomore. Can Phillips get in the backfield and frustrate the dominant running attack of Caleb Kiengele and Brandon Gaither II?
North Side’s defensive line, which includes Derrion Goodwin, Leslie Woodson, and Omarion Waites, are all guys to watch in this game. With East Noble graduating three key guys up front (all First Team All-NE8 talents), the stacked defensive line of the Legends will look to attack that weaknes. Who will step up for the Knights to slow down the imposing Legends’ defensive front? Can Tayden Getts get some help?
Finally, how does East Noble’s secondary slow down Moore? Luckily, the Knights return three top defensive backs in Alex Phillips, Alex Scott, and Jack Slater. It will be exhilarating to watch how they attempt to disrupt Moore’s timing from the line of scrimmage while maintaining over-the-top leverage. It’s never an easy task to slow down a talented athlete like Moore, but with a few solid defensive backs, this should be a battle all night.
All in all, our Week 1 Game of the Week proves to be a doozy and everyone from northeast Indiana should have their eyes on this game. Who gets early bragging rights for Sectional 19 in Class 4A? We will find out tonight in Kendallville.
BLITZ’S PICK
Check out who Blitz feel will win this game and others around the area!
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