Yeah, we are a week late. But hey, conference games haven’t started yet, so we are fine. Blitz is a busy bear, after all.
The city.
Everyone wants to know.
“What’s going down in the city this year?”
Here is your answer as Outside the Huddle breaks down what to expect this year in the Summit Athletic Conference.
THE FAVORITE: CARROLL CHARGERS
Over the last five years, the Carroll football program under Coach Doug Dinan has become the standard not just in the Summit Athletic Conference, but in the entire area.
The Chargers have won, or been a game away from, capturing the SAC Victory Bell in each of the last five seasons. A year ago, it was a 9-6 loss to Bishop Dwenger that cost Carroll the title.
Carroll returns a total of 12 starters, of which seven are on the defensive side of the ball. The strength is in the back two levels, with three-year starter and leading tackler Eli Neuhouser back at inside linebacker, as well two-year starter Asher Wagoner. Austin Rohrs broke out as an impact junior at linebacker a year ago and is back as well, giving the Chargers three exceptional linebackers in their 3-4 scheme.
Only five starters return on offense, but they are at key positions. Leading the way is senior quarterback Gabe Frisinger. All he did in his first year as the starter was throw for 3,349 yards and 27 touchdowns while adding 532 yards rushing and eight more scores.
While Frisinger’s top receiver from a year ago is gone in Vanpelt, Scheele is ready to step into the void. The senior hauled in 62 receptions for 981 yards and six scores as a junior. His skill set is such that he could put up Vanpelt-like numbers this fall, if not better. He is THAT good.
Carroll football is currently a machine. And that isn’t changing this year. With Frisinger back, weapons at the skill position spots and some dudes at linebacker and the secondary, the Chargers are the favorite entering the year in the SAC and the best team, on paper, in northeast Indiana.
FOR A FULL PREVIEW OF THE CARROLL CHARGERS, CLICK HERE
THE CONTENDER
BISHOP DWENGER SAINTS
With a resurgent season in the rearview, Coach Jason Garrett’s program is looking to continue its state-contending ways with some new wrinkles and new faces entering 2026.
New offensive coordinator Jon Zolnik is bringing something to the Bishop Dwenger offense we haven’t seen before – an up-tempo style. Now the run-heavy, bruising attack isn’t going anywhere, Zolnik wants to put the pressure on defenses to adapt quickly and line up efficiently. Finding mismatches and wearing out the defense with physicality AND lack of recovery time between plays are the advantages looking to be found.
The Saints will have a new quarterback for their new scheme to replace Henry Jordan. Tommy Coffman is currently QB1, but there will be some packages for junior Knox Johnson, a transfer from Bishop Luers.
Junior Kolyn Campbell is set to be the primary running back, although we know that the Saints love to rotate their backs and feed a multitude of guys the ball. Campbell, who rushed for 511 yards and five touchdowns last year, is a physical specimen and looks the part of a traditional, hard-nosed Dwenger running back.
The Saints must replace three starters along the offense front, although having junior center Isaac Moga back is big after he started as a sophomore. Sophomore guard Michael Sheehan is the only other lineman back with starting experience. However, Bishop Dwenger is not short of big bodies ready to step up. Juniors Gavin Stauffer, Ericson Gustafson, Deakin Zartman and Ter’Ryious Jackson will all see action, as well sophomore Cole Pesek, who has the coaching staff really excited about his potential.
The entirety of the starting secondary is back, and all are seniors. Zent had four interceptions last year and is a two-year starter. Cooper Campbell (112 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, two INT) and Nick O’Keefe (41 tackles, one INT) are also back with a pair of seasons as a starter under their belts. Jordan and George Hackman are also phenomenal on the back end.
FOR A FULL PREVIEW OF BISHOP DWENGER, CLICK HERE
THE REST (in alphabetical order)
BISHOP LUERS KNIGHTS
It is unknown territory for Bishop Luers, which will compete in Class 4A for the first time ever this year after three straight seasons that ended at Lucas Oil Stadium in the state championship.
Seven starters return on offense, including a trio of multi-year starters along the offensive line – Myante Williams, Peter Brough and Josh Morken. These guys will be key in protecting junior quarterback Tommy Reichert, as well as opening holes for junior TJ Epperson, who rushed for 1,462 yards and 15 touchdowns last year. Junior Dallas Mata will spell Epperson when needed.
Junior Nate Javins will be one of Reichert’s top targets on the outside. Senior Owen Weaver could emerge on offense after being a special teams ace a season ago.
The defense was gutted by graduation and transfer. First Team All-SAC selections Jarron Taylor on the interior and brother Ayle Taylor at edge are both gone, as is tackling machine Brayden Mygrant at linebacker. The secondary lost McKale Woodson and Dereon Carswell.
The Knights have a quarterback, running backs and wideouts all back with significant starting experience. Zack Wall at center will be tough to replace, but Brough moves there after lining up at tight end a season ago.
The inexperience on defense will loom large, particularly early in the season. The Knights also will need to stay healthy as depth is lacking at certain positions. The senior class numbers just seven players this year.
CONCORDIA LUTHERAN CADETS
With 15 starters back from last year, Coach Tim Mannigel’s program is hoping to take a step forward in 2026 in its final season of SAC competition before moving to the ACAC.
Senior Eli Trent will man the quarterback spot where he threw for 733 yards and rushed for 587 more a year ago with 11 total touchdowns. A pair of junior returnees will be in the backfield in Biden Paulin and Abe Salway.
Several top receivers are back as well, including leading receiver Mike Henley, a junior, who hauled in 31 catches for 380 yards and five TDs. Junior Caleb Geiger (20 catches, 289 yards, TD) and senior Bryan Kelly are also back.
Three starting linemen return, including multi-year starter Bode Thompson at 6-foot-6, 290 pounds. Adriel Milton will line up at the other tackle spot opposite Thompson, while sophomore Kalon Avery will be at guard after starting as a freshman.
A lot of the same names will see action on defense as well. Luke Hayworth is one to watch at edge. The junior led the team in tackles for loss (5.5) and sacks (three) last year as a sophomore. Milton will be in the interior in Concordia’s 4-3 scheme.
The linebacker corps will include Avery, Paulin and Geiger, all of whom have started on defense and all of whom are underclassmen.
The secondary returns largely intact, but will need to take a step forward in its development as the Cadets intercepted just one pass last year. Salway, Trent, Eli Deane and Brycen Kelly all have experience on the back end.
HOMESTEAD SPARTANS
There were some positive signs of progress for Homestead in 2025, its first winning season since 2021. Shutout wins over North Side and Snider stood out, as well as an overtime victory over Northrop.
But the Spartans were also routed by rival Carroll 49-0, then bowed out in the first round of sectional play for the fifth-straight season.
Senior Logan Frieden is back at QB1 after taking over for Michael White early last season after an injury. Frieden threw for 1,626 yards and nine touchdowns while also rushing for 316 yards and six scores.
The running back corps returns largely intact with Shane Bardwell, Triston Sandifer, Brandon Pinkston and others. The Spartans must replace their top four pass catchers from a year ago, although there is big-play ability there with sophomore Mason Weaver and junior Gavin Wells, each of whom had 50-plus yard plays for touchdowns against Westfield in Week 1.
The line on both sides of the ball is a concern, particularly with Carson Powell, a transfer from Norwell, out for the first few games due to transfer rules. It is where Homestead has struggled in the past and must improve to challenge again in the SAC.
Caleb Hollingsworth is a very capable safety on the back end, and junior John Bair at linebacker is impressive.
Overall, Homestead lacks playmakers, but the hope is it can develop some over the course of this year. The positive is the Spartans are no longer stuck going south from the start of the playoffs. Beginning this year, Homestead is in Sectional 4 with Week 2 foe Noblesville, rival Carroll and Northrop.
NORTHROP BRUINS
Last year saw a renaissance of Northrop football. Long a pushover in the SAC and a non-factor in Class 6A, the program broke out of its two-decade slumber with an eight-win season that included a pair of victories over long-time nemesis Snider, as well as handing Bishop Dwenger its lone defeat of the conference season.
But is Northrop really back? Or was last year a one-hit wonder? With a new head coach in John Schaefer, it is up to him and a large contingent of returning coaches to make sure the Bruins don’t disappear as quick as they emerged.
After seeing its first game against Gary West canceled, the Bruins have had to wait an extra week to get their campaign started. When it does at Warsaw this Friday, it will be Braydon Peppler, a transfer from Carroll, at QB1.
The entire backfield returns in terms of proven running backs, with the dynamic duo of seniors Kobe Reese (467 rushing yards, seven touchdowns) and Levi Portee (375 yards, seven TDs) expected to be leaned upon more in the offensive scheme with a new quarterback. Junior Robert Rembert IV (57 total touches, 330 yards, three touchdowns) is also dangerous out of the backfield and in the pass game.
Junior Maddox Weil is being highly recruited and is primed to surpass all of his receiving marks from last year, an impressive 58 catches for 968 yards and eight touchdowns. Senior Jaxson Robinson will see more touches as well. Northrop is really high on freshman Jaydin Haller, who may be raw but is already getting Division I interest and is a big play waiting to happen.
The offensive line returns two-way stud Camden Day, who will anchor the front. Junior Jayden Bryant at center will be a key cog in the Bruins’ machine.
Defensively, the headliner is University of Michigan commit Ifeanyi Emedobi. The edge is high on potential and will look to be a dominant force for Northrop in his senior campaign. A year ago, Emedobi amassed 50 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
FOR A FULL PREVIEW OF THE BRUINS, CLICK HERE
NORTH SIDE LEGENDS
Even with the forced departure of Coach Ben Johnson due to matters unrelated to football and a Week 1 loss to East Noble, there is a lot to still be excited about for the Legends under interim coach Jaylon Smith.
North Side brings back a total of 16 starters back from last season’s 6-5 campaign – eight each on offense and defense. Leading rusher Caleb Kiengele returns after running for 887 yards and seven touchdowns. He will be joined in the backfield by junior Brandon Gaither II, a transfer from Bishop Luers who rushed for over 1,000 yards for the Knights.
Do-everything athlete Maalik Moore returns as North Side’s leading receiver. The three-star recruit hauled in 53 receptions for 792 yards and 13 touchdowns past season. Seb Moore and Jarmeek Harrison have graduated, meaning senior tight end Sutton Yorko (10 catches, 138 yards, TD) should see some increased looks in the passing game. Seniors Jarnard Moore and BJ Johnson are two playmakers who should capitalize on defenses’ attention on Maalik Moore.
The wealth of skill on offense will no doubt help out junior Brandon Sanders, who takes over the QB1 spot from last year’s starter Jaydin Rivers. While Sanders missed Week 1, he is expected to be back in the second half of the Week 2 game against New Haven.
For a long time, the Legends struggled with line play, but they are equally skilled in the trenches this year as well. Omarion Waites and Derrion Goodwin are two of the best two-way linemen around. Juniors Kason Tomlinson and Lavardis Casey have experience, and the Holley brothers – junior Nick and sophomore Darius – will play big roles up front after transferring from Bishop Luers.
Leslie Woodson, a verbal commit to Iowa State, is a beast at the edge on defense. He went for 60 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and seven sacks a year ago. A lot of the same players along the offensive front will be in the rotation on defense, including Waites, Goodwin, Nick and Darius Holley and sophomore Zeke Smith.
FOR A FULL PREVIEW OF THE LEGENDS, CLICK HERE
SNIDER PANTHERS
Plenty has been made about Snider’s historically-bad season of a year ago. The seven losses. Just the three wins. Two losses to rival Northrop that ended the Bruins’ long losing skid to the Panthers.
But a new season brings optimism. In Snider’s case, it also brings a home field advantage for the first time in the program’s history.
From 1965 to 2025, the Panthers had to play away from campus. Every home game somewhere else. Now, Snider has its own field – Russ Isaacs Stadium – named after the iconic coach who won 194 games and the 1992 state championship leading the program.
A new era is upon the Panthers, and they are using it to bury memories of a year ago.
Coach Kurt Tippmann’s team returns 10 starters on defense, including six of its top seven tacklers from a year ago. The linebacker corps returns intact, with three-year starter Braylin Fertil, who was honored with the coveted Snider No. 1 jersey in the preseason, leading the way. Fellow seniors Jakari Cole, Jameson Reed and Hayden Maple all are back with starting experience, in addition to junior Cole Baumgartner, who led the team in tackles last year with 73.
Two defensive linemen return with starting experience in seniors Darien Clopton on the interior and Jamin Portee on the edge. They will need to receive some help from some newbies, but it will be imperative for the first line of defense be effective. Snider was a sieve against the run last fall, allowing 192 yards on the ground per game.
Max Johnson, who saw considerable playing time as the starter in the second half of the season last year, will begin the year at QB1. He can scramble too, as evidenced by his 301 yards rushing and three touchdowns as a sophomore.
Braylon Burton has seen varsity time since he was a freshman, and the junior is expected to be the lead running back. Senior Omari Buchanan will be in the mix as well.
FOR AN FULL PREVIEW OF THE SNIDER PANTHERS, CLICK HERE
SOUTH SIDE ARCHERS
It feels like Andre Goodwell is building something at South, and you can’t help but root for him.
The Archers have increased their win total in every year under Goodwell, from one victory in 2023 to three of them last year. South opened this season with a 49-6 rout of Marion.
After a preseason QB battle, sophomore Quinchaun Lamb entered the season at the starting spot. He threw a pair of touchdowns in the opening against the Giants.
Senior Jayvon Irby is one of the best pure athletes around. He can score on offense and special teams and be a difference maker on defense. He along with classmates Detrick Smith III, KJ Alexander and AJ Gaston are primed to push South Side up the standings even more this year.
WAYNE GENERALS
It was a tough Year 1 for Coach Darrion White after the Generals went winless in 2025, but the program is hoping to take a step forward.
Wayne is going to lean on senior Ashton Martin to hold down the quarterback spot, but there will be quite a lot of youth around him. Sophomores Geno Morris and Ryan Smith will be primary ballcarriers in backfield, as well as junior Kevon Morris.
The pass catchers include some veterans in brothers Tyree and Javontae Eldridge, as well as Jaston White. But mixed in with be the sophomore Geno Morris and classmate Cordell Derrick.
Coach White definitely has some dudes on defense, led by Javontae Eldridge, who is emerging as a Power 4 talent. His brother Tyree is one of the top defensive backs in the SAC, and senior Mykalan Westmoreland is arguably the most overlooked player in the entire conference as a defensive lineman.
SAC PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
A DIVISION
1. Carroll
2. Bishop Dwenger
3. Northrop
4. Snider
5. Homestead
B DIVISION
1. North Side
2. Bishop Luers
3. South Side
4. Concordia Lutheran
5. Wayne
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