Team of the Year: Snider (8-1)
Going through the gauntlet of the SAC isn’t easy, and to come out of the conference with one loss is quite impressive. Despite the overtime loss to Homestead, the Panthers tacked on big wins against 6A Warren Central, 6A #9 Carroll, and 4A #6 East Noble.
Most Improved Team: Wayne (5-4)
After ending 2022 with a fourth straight season with eight or more losses, the Generals took a big step in the right direction in 2023, going 5-4 with key wins over North Side and Crispus Attucks (whose Week 1 loss to Wayne is still the TIgers’ only loss this season). In his 4th season as the head coach at Wayne, Sherwood Haydock has this program back to its winning ways for the first time since 2018.
Coach of the Year: Kyle Lindsay, Bishop Luers
After starting the year 0-2, Coach Lindsay rallied the Knights to a six-game winning streak in SAC play, clinching a share of the SAC title despite a loss to Homestead in the regular-season finale. Another season with lots of potential in the postseason for Luers.
Game of the Year: Luers 29, Dwenger 28 (OT)
The Battle of the Bishops lived up to all of the hype this season. Luers, undefeated at the time in SAC play, stepped up on defense in the first half disrupting Ethan Springer in the pocket. Dwenger battled back in the second half to force overtime and even opened overtime with a touchdown. However, Luers responded, went for two, and converted behind a Mickey Daring dive to remain in the SAC title race. A great game.
Upset of the Year: Homestead 23, Snider 20 (OT)
Ranked 5A’s #1 team heading into this game, Snider could not afford a loss after knocking off the reigning SAC champ Carroll Chargers the week before. However, Homestead had other plans. Snider scored a field goal in OT, Homestead iced the game with a Brett Fuchs run to pull off the comeback win.
Newcomer of the Year: Kamden Johnson, North Side
Although not a newcomer to SAC football, the Homestead transfer was a newcomer to his North Side teammates heading into the season. However, he earned everyone’s respect with an 833-yard season, averaging 104 yards per game and 7.4 yards per carry. A great season for the senior running back.
HIM Award: Brett Fuchs, Homestead
In six of Homestead’s games this season, Fuchs exploded for over 150 rushing yards. His game was unshakable, and his masterclass performance was the talk of the town on October 6th against Concordia, where he ran for 355 yards and six touchdowns–both school records for a running back.
Best College Commit: Tae Johnson, North Side to Notre Dame
Although his commitment was in June, it’s still important to highlight North Side’s biggest recruit ever in football. The four-star made his decision to commit to Marcus Freeman and the Fighting Irish this summer and is sure to make a big impact on an up-and-coming Notre Dame team.
Mr. SCS: Tae Johnson, North Side
Despite already being a two-way player as a wide receiver and free safety, he was asked to take over the quarterback job midway through the season. And he didn’t look bad, throwing for 457 yards, five touchdowns, and no interceptions. He really can do it all, folks.
