Week 3 is here, the start of conference play throughout the area. Each Friday we will point out five players you should keep an extra eye on in the week’s games.
They may be guys in big games, players who excelled last week or guys who need to step up this week.
In any event, here are the five guys to watch out for tonight.
TERRANCE EPPERSON, BISHOP LUERS (at Snider)
Rarely will you read the words ‘0-2 Bishop Luers at 0-2 Snider.’ But here we are. Epperson has the chance to change fortunes for the Knights if he can get going on the ground after being somewhat limited by opposing defenses in the first two weeks. He still has carried a load for the Knights with 34 of their 58 rushing attempts and seven catches in the passing game. He ran for over 1,400 yards last season and was held under 80 yards just twice. After just 65 yards last week don’t expect Epperson to be too keen on being held back this week. He will need to be, as the Knights are pretty beat up after a physical game with Andrean last week.
HUNTER KURTZ, NORWELL (at Leo)
Kurtz has been explosive thus far for an undefeated Norwell, which has impressed through the first two weeks. Friday, Kurtz and the Knights open NE8 play with a big challenge off Amstutz Road against the Lions. But who is to say he can’t continue to flourish as he did against Mississinewa and Oak Hill? Last week, Kurtz threw for 324 yards and three scores without a single interception or sack. If he can avoid the onslaught of Leo’s defense, it will open everyone else’s eyes about Norwell.
JARET LAUGHLIN, FREMONT (vs. Churubusco)
The senior has thrown for 303 yards and six touchdowns and ran for another 295 yards and five scores in two weeks, so his ability to be a dual-threat looks extensive thus far this season. He is going up against a Churubusco defense that is giving up 44.5 points per game and has yet to record a sack or interception on the year. That means Laughlin could feast and Fremont could be looking at a 3-0 start for the first time since 1987.
JOB RICHMAN, EASTSIDE (vs. Central Noble)
Richman is another one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the northern half of the state. He has rushed for over 100 yards each of the first two weeks and has 297 yards on the ground already to go with 159 passing yards on a 55 percent completion rate. He is tied for 27th in the state in rushing yards through two weeks and ranks tied for 2nd among state quarterbacks in rushing yardage. Eastside has been one of the best early-season stories and Richman is a massive reason why.
PARKER DAUGHERTY, HUNTINGTON NORTH (vs. East Noble)
As the Vikings have jumped out to a 2-0 start, Daugherty hasn’t been talked about enough because of the stellar play of CJ Jemison and Lathen Janes. But he is part of that arsenal too, logging six receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown. But he has really shined defensively, where he has the co-lead in the state with three interceptions through the first two weeks, averaging 34.7 yards per return after the pick. He returned one of those interceptions for a touchdown in Week 1 opposite Eastbrook. With powerhouse East Noble visiting this week, having depth in your weapons will be key, especially as Daugherty may line up on either side of the ball against another guy tied in the state with three interceptions in East Noble’s Alex Scott.
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