#1: Homestead
Record: 8-0
Last Week: #1
Week 9: vs South Side
One more obstacle stands in the Spartans’ way in the SAC, after Homestead added another win to their record by beating Wayne. Everything is still clicking on both sides of the ball. New starting RB Ryan Burton did a nice job of stepping into his role on offense after he ran for 102 yds and 3 TD. The defense did its job again, as it has all year by shutting down opposing offenses. There’s not much to say that hasn’t already been said. This Homestead team is phenomenal and is lead by its QB Luke Goode (1,960 yds, 20 TD, 1 INT), who is 5th in the state in yds and will look to eclipse 2,000 this week.
#2: Bishop Dwenger
Record: 7-1
Last Week: #2
Week 9: at Northrop
Dwenger is likely on their way to another 8-1 season, but it feels different this time. Dwenger finished last year with 1 loss, won the conference and a state championship. Dwenger is just about as good as they were last year, however, Homestead’s hold on the SAC means that the Saints will have to do without winning the conference this year. But again, Dwenger is good enough to win another state championship. QB Brenden Lytle (1,339 yds, 12 TD) is a solid game-manager for this run-first offense that has once again worn down defenses of all kinds, including 188 yds against Snider’s athletic defense. All the pieces are still there for Coach Garrett’s team to go back-to-back.
#3: Snider
Record: 6-2
Last Week: #3
Week 9: at Bishop Luers
Snider couldn’t get the job done against Dwenger after a late Jon Barnes interception sealed their fate. One of the biggest problems for the Panthers was their inability to convert on third and fourth down, going 0-12 on those downs. It was a game they’d probably want to have another shot at, especially in more favorable passing conditions, but they’ll have to move on and make sure they take care of business next week.
#4: Carroll
Record: 5-3
Last Week: #4
Week 9: vs Wayne
The Chargers’ defense has to be elated with their play lately. On Friday, they held Concordia to 0 points and picked off Brandon Davis 3 times. They lead the SAC in sacks too, averaging 3 a game. Sophomore QB Jeff Becker has certainly had help this year and has contributed himself, with 1,349 yds passing, 452 yds rushing, and 17 TD. Though they would have liked to beat a top-tier SAC team this year, they’ll be fine knowing that they beat everyone they were supposed to, unlike 2018. Besides, they’ll get another shot against a very good opponent in the 6A sectionals. For now, Carroll will aim to beat Wayne on senior night to cap off a good year.
#5: North Side
Record: 4-4
Last Week: #7
Week 9: at Concordia
Congratulations to the Legends, who have fought their way up to an even record of 4-4, after starting 0-3. They now lead the back end of the SAC and can finish above .500 for the first time in Coach Mike Brevard’s tenure. QB Duce Taylor returned only completing 3 of his 13 passes, but it was a tough night for all quarterbacks with the inclement weather. Taylor and RB Alex Holliday-Robinson, who ran for 130 yds and 3 TD in their win over Northrop, look to prove something more against Concordia.
#6: Northrop
Record: 4-4
Last Week: #5
Week 9: vs Bishop Dwenger
The Bruins luck ran out against North Side, after they allowed 29 points in the second half to lose the game 29-10. The Bruins weren’t able to get their offense going running the football, averaging 2.1 yds per carry with Jeremiah Green and Damarius Cowen. They’ll face an even tougher test this week against Dwenger’s defense.
#7: Concordia
Record: 3-5
Last Week: #6
Week 9: vs North Side
Concordia’s offense had one of its worst games of the year. QB Brandon Davis, who now has 14 interceptions, threw 3 against Carroll. These turnovers didn’t help players like WR Jalen Vanderbosch and RB Amir Drew, who were each held to under 50 yds. The Cadets will need to figure it out this week in order to keep up with North Side’s revamped offense.
#8: Bishop Luers
Record: 2-6
Last Week: #9
Week 9: vs Snider
Bishop Luers got a much-needed victory over South Side and took back the #8 spot in our rankings. The Knights were led by RB Brayden Cowherd’s 200 yds and 2 TD. He needs to be a big factor again to beat Snider.
#9: South Side
Record: 1-7
Last Week: #8
Week 9: at Homestead
The Archers will likely look back on this season as one where they were able to win a game, but there were plenty of opportunities to win more. They get a big chance to finish the season strong when they travel to Homestead to take on the 8-0 Spartans.
#10: Wayne
Record: 0-8
Last Week: #10
Week 9: at Carroll
Wayne’s last chance at a win comes against Carroll on Friday. They’ll face a tough defense as they try to spoil senior night for the Chargers.
