It’s time for another Flip the Script for Week 6. Can’t believe we’re past the halfway point of the season. If you are new, each week I take a look at one game from each of the four area conferences and preview that game either with coaches, personnel, students, players, etc.
This week, I wanted to really change things up from last time. Instead of talking with the coaches and having them preview their matchups, I was able to talk to some players from each respective team to preview these high level games. Let’s do it, it’s time to Flip the Script and jump into Week 6.
SAC: Northrop @ Bishop Dwenger
A lot is on the line for the Northrop-Dwenger game this week. Although Dwenger fell to Carroll a couple of weeks ago, the SAC is still up for grabs since the Chargers still have to play the Northrop Bruins in two weeks.
Last year, I was at Spuller Stadium and watched the Bruins come from behind and defeat the Saints in a 21-18 thriller in Week 6 before Dwenger would win out and claim the 4A state title. This year, the game should be just as exhilarating.
Unfortunately, I’ve been told the Saints will be playing without their leading rusher, Kolyn Campbell, but he is still well aware of the task at hand against the Bruins this week.
“They have a fast, explosive defense and are a well-rounded, talented, well-coached team. There is a revenge factor in it as well. With the grit our guys have and the confidence they have on the field, I have full faith they will play with their full effort and capability to win,” Campbell told me.
Senior defensive back/wide receiver George Hackman was a key contributor for last year’s team as well and knows the talented that stands across from them on Friday.
“Northrop has great athletes on both sides of the ball. The game will be decided by discipline and whoever wins the trenches. Just like every week, we have to stick to our assignments and alignments,” Hackman added.
First year starting quarterback Tommy Coffman has looked really comfortable to start the year, but one could make a case that he hasn’t faced a pass rush like he will face on Friday. Talking with him, he sounds very prepared for what is ahead this week against Northrop.
“They have a ton of athletes on both sides of the ball and they do a great job creating pressure and trying to speed you up. Should be a great challenge for us as we keep working to improve every week for playoffs,” Coffman replied.
In addition to their defense that is led by Michigan commit Ifeanyi Emedobi, Kent State commit Camden Day, and many other playmakers, Northrop has looked like a team on a mission to start the season. After their Week 1 game was canceled and loss to Warsaw in Week 2, Northrop has won three games in a row.
Senior running back Kobe Reese has shocked some people with his impressive 489 yards and nine touchdowns in only four games. This season, he will be utilized much more against Dwenger and is very confident going into Week 6.
“I expect us to dominate on both sides of the ball and be efficient in everything we do. We have been clicking on all levels and been able to get stops and put points on the board. It would be amazing to come out with the dub to get a great chance at winning the SAC,” Reese explained.
Many players have stepped up big as newcomers, but freshman wide receiver/defensive back Jaydin Haller has quickly become one of the top players in the state of his class as well. New junior quarterback Braydon Peppler has been slinging the football as well. Pretty good for what people thought could’ve been a rebuilding year after losing quarterback David Callsion and Quay Guilford to graduation.
“Honestly, this week, we just have to stay true to ourselves. Trust out coaches and the gameplan they have for us. We know what we are looking for, everything else is going to pan out. Just go and hoop with our guys,” Peppler added.
Day was all business when it came to this week, stating “they’re a good, physical team, we just have to stay disciplined.”
It should be banger in the SAC this week that could have some implications on who walks away with the conference.
NE8: Huntington North @ DeKalb
Most of the talk of the NE8 has been surrounded the undefeated East Noble Knights, but the DeKalb Barons took them to the brink two weeks ago and lost in a close one 14-10. They followed that up with another nail-biting 29-28 loss to Columbia City last week. This Barons team is hungry for a win and are back on their home turf against the second-highest scoring team in the conference – Huntington North Vikings.
Personally, what has stood out to me the most about the Barons has been their defense and their ballhawk ability. They’ve got some hungry guys that are determined to find the football, led by senior linebacker Eli Schwab and senior defensive back Drake Hall, who both have over 70 total tackles each according to MaxPreps. Both players know what to expect from this tough Vikings program.
“I am expecting a very well-coached team with a lot of good athletes and a very balanced offense. If we play our brand of football, I think we come out on top,” Schwab replied.
“Huntington North has a lot of very dangerous, skilled players that we have to watch out for. We will have to play lights out on both sides of the ball and not lose focus in the fourth quarter,” Hall added.
Some of those ‘very dangerous players” that Hall was likely referring to were quarterback Lathen Janes, running back Christian Jemison, Tayshaun McQueen on offense and Gage Clanin, Sawyer Carl, and Parker Daugherty on defense.
Clanin is rising to be one of the best defensive linemen in the area with his 40-plus total tackles and over 13 of them being a tackle for a loss in the backfield. He has been lights out this season and is well aware that DeKalb is going to bring it with high energy back at home.
“It’s going to be a close game. We think they have dudes that play hard, but I think we have better dudes that play harder. We’re the more physical and sound team and we want it more. It’ll be a good game,” Clanin stated.
“I am expecting DeKalb to play hard. They have some great players on both sides of the ball. I plan on this being a classic dog fight. Gonna be the team that does the small things right to come out on top,” Jemison added.
This should be a dandy in Waterloo, a top showdown in the NE8 this week.
ACAC: Adams Central @ South Adams
Our Outside The Huddle Game of the Week takes place in Berne, Indiana that more than likely determines whether or not Bluffton will win the conference for the first time since 1989. Or could there be a three-way tie? Or could the Flying Jets win it for a sixth consecutive season?
With so much on the line in this match-up the players are extremely excited for this game as they are every season. Adams Central has reigned supreme in the ACAC it feels like for so long, but this year feels a little different. Led by Jamison Roach, the Flying Jets remain one of our best chances to reach Lucas Oil from our area. He is prepared for this week and understands what is on the line.
“One big thing we are expecting this week is their ability to throw and speed up the game. We have to be able to keep our defense under control and stick to our responsibilities,” Roach stated.
I really enjoyed lineman Chandler Voglewede‘s response for this game and what he is expecting:
“Coming out with a win. That’s all that matters.” The senior lineman is all gas, no brakes and will be more than ready for the Starfires.
It is no shock to anyone that South Adams likes to pass the football. New starting QB1 Zaden Baumer is amongst the top passers in Class 1A in the state has two solid targets in Wes Summersett and Jax Wanner. Baumer is ready for his first start against AC and knows what he is expecting.
“We know their offense. They know ours. It’s always a fun game to play in and a great atmosphere to be in. We look forward to it every year. It’s one of my favorite games of the year to play and be a part of. Playing them at home with all our fans makes it so much better this season. I’m gonna enjoy the game and the opportunity to compete,” Baumer stated.
“To win this game would mean a lot to me and the team. It would be a true testament to all the work we have put into this offseason. The thing that gives us a chance to win is being able to throw the ball and make big plays when we need them,” Summersett added.
Bragging rights are on the line. A conference could be decided. Berne should be packed this Friday.
NECC: Garrett @ Eastside
The Garrett Railroaders hit the road to face one of the hottest teams in the state, the Eastside Blazers. With a 5-0 record, and only only game that was within one score – against Adams Central back in Week 2 – Eastside has been rolling, but Garrett has a solid running back situation, that if not addressed, could make it a long Friday night for the Blazers.
Aiden Reed and Alex Guzman have combined for over 1,100 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. While this rushing attack has been quite impressive, Eastside has been even more imposing on offense. The Blazers have over 1,500 rushing yards as a team and 25 rushing touchdowns in five games. Incredible. Over 1,200 of those yards and 20 of those touchdowns are between quarterback Job Richman and Noah Dove.
The only player I was able to catch up with for this game was Dove, who is one of my top 10 running backs in the area. He knows they have a target on their backs now and cannot come into this game and take Garrett lightly.
“Defensively, we are expecting a heavy run, to multiple backs in various ways. We have to stay disciplined and keep the same physicality we’ve displayed throughout this season so far. On the offensive side, out front five and tight ends are key to our success. They need to dominate up front, and we will put up a lot of points. Then, in special teams, we always look to create momentum by making big plays with our physicality. Nothing different from the standard Eastside football this week,” Dove replied.
It will be a lot of running in Butler, Indiana, but nonetheless a great battle in the NECC that will have a lot of highlight plays and rushing yards.
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