WEEK 9: Five players to watch on Friday night

DAWSON HEFTY (GARRETT vs. Central Noble)

While Garrett’s offense has used the run game far more than going aerial, Hefty has been target number one when the Railroaders do air it out. He leads the team with 21 receptions for 284 yards with a season best 6 catches for 82 yards against Prairie Heights. What stands out about Hefty though is his work going on both sides of the ball, playing a bit of ironman football. The senior sits second on Garrett’s team in total tackles with 60, including 11 each in games against DeKalb and West Noble; he has also forced two fumbles and recovered two fumbles, bringing one back for a touchdown against West Noble.

TRE MCCRANEY (NEW HAVEN at Huntington North)

While New Haven has struggled to get their footing throughout the season, McCraney has absolutely not had as much of a problem doing so, throwing for over 200 yards on four occasions through eight weeks, with another game at 192 passing yards. In the last three games for the Bulldogs, he has thrown for 1,212 yards with 12 touchdowns. He comes into the final week of the regular season just 35 yards away from 2,000 on the year and has thrown less than 20 passes in a game just once this season.

BRADY BOYLE (HERITAGE vs. Jay County)

Boyle has done solid all around work for the Patriot defense this season. While he doesn’t lead Heritage in any statistical category, he has a consistent approach that has worked well. He sits second on the team in total tackles with 61, including a team third best 26 solo tackles and a team second best 8.5 tackles for loss. Boyle sits second in sacks with a pair, while also hunting down a forced fumble and a fumble recovery this season. He has also run the ball 20 times, including an 84 yard output against South Adams earlier this season.

JOHN BAIR (HOMESTEAD at Warren Central)

Bair leads the Spartans in total tackles and has had double digit tackles in 6 of their 8 games, including 10 in last week’s win over North Side, with two coming for a loss. On the season, Bair has 79 tackles, including 13 for loss and has been a model of consistency. His season low in tackles is just 7, coming in week 7 opposite Carroll. What he lacked in tackles in that game though, he made up with all three of his sacks this season. He also has an interception to his credit back in August against Westfield.

COLE HITTINGER (CARROLL at Bishop Luers)

Hittinger leads the area in kick scoring this season with 52 total points, including a perfect 3-of-3 on field goals for the high scoring Chargers. Hittinger has connected on 43-of-46 extra points this season, connecting on 8 against Concordia and 7 each time in games against Bishop Dwenger and Northrop. Hittinger’s best game came against Homestead, where he connected on all six extra points and a season best 35 yard field goal; he also has field goals this season of 23 and 30 yards.