Week 7 of the high school football season is just hours away. As usual, it’s time for me to make some predictions on the top games in the 260 area tonight.
5-1 Lakeland @ 6-0 West Noble
This is for my money the Game of the Week in this area because this is for a conference championship in the NECC’s Big School Division.
With West Noble, it’s going to come down to can they contain Brayden Holbrook and the shotgun spread of the Lakers. Because if they don’t, there’s that sophomore in Sean Conley that can run the football at a rate of 18 yards per carry.
However, coming into the season, I thought West Noble was the best team in the NECC, and I thought Lakeland was close but maybe not quite at West Noble’s level yet.
In the end, I have West Noble’s defense coming away victorious.
Players to Watch
Lakeland: Brayden Holbrook Sophomore Quarterback
West Noble: Nolan Parks Senior Middle Linebacker
West Noble by 7
4-2 East Noble @ 5-1 Columbia City
This is about as tight of a game as you’re going to get tonight. If you read my preview, I’m forecasting a tight low-scoring game in this one because of East Noble’s elite pass rush and Columbia City’s recent struggles against that type of defensive pressure.
So it’s going to come down to can the Knights contain Stratton Fuller, and can the Knights move the ball on their Wing-T Spread well enough to get some points?
I said it on my preview and will say it here. If this game comes down to special teams, I like East Noble’s chances because of Alex Sprague.
Played to Watch
EN: Connor Leins Senior Middle Linebacker
Columbia City: Stratton Fuller Junior Wide Receiver/Cornerback
I got the Knights in a barn burner.
East Noble by 3
3-3 Homestead @ 4-2 Carroll
Carroll has looked beatable this season, but Homestead has been a tough team to forecast all season long.
But if the Sparty defense is strong and Brett Fuchs is productive, all bets are off. I do wonder if Carroll’s offensive line will block well enough to get some things going with the offense.
I see this game being a little sloppier than expected, but I see Carroll pulling off a tight win over their biggest rival. But remember watch for that fox in Brett Fuchs.
Players to Watch
Homestead: Wyatt Little Senior Safety
Carroll: Jimmy Sullivan Junior Quarterback
Carroll by 7
Battle of the Bishops: 3-3 Bishop Dwenger @ 4-2 Bishop Luers
Two red hot teams in SAC play who fondly are apart one of the greatest rivalries in Fort Wayne history. The Saints vs the Knights @ Luers Field. These games are always a treat to watch.
This should be a great game filled with emotion and a battle that most fans will be pleased with their effort.
However, I gotta take Dwenger in a tight one.
Players to Watch
Dwenger: Carter Minix Senior Wide Receiver
Luers: Isaac Zay Senior Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
Dwenger by 1
6-0 Bluffton @ 5-1 Heritage
Tigers are #1 in 2A for the first time ever, and I fear like everyone else that a trap game is coming because of the fact Heritage is a tough place to win a game for visiting teams. Those fans are a very energetic group.
That said, Bluffton will be a pretty decent favorite in this game led by a huge offensive line. If Bluffton can pound the ball, they’ll be in decent position to win. But don’t sleep on the Fighting Kolkman’s
Players to Watch
Bluffton: Cooper Craig Freshman Running Back
Heritage: Braden Walter Junior Wide Receiver/Safety
Bluffton by 14
Totem Pole Game: 2-4 North Side @ 1-5 South Side
This is the 97th meeting between these two rivaled schools with a rich history in these games. Congrats to the Archers on their first win in the Andre Goodwell era, but they’ll be pretty big underdogs on paper in this year’s matchup.
Even without Tae Tae, I still like North Side’s athleticism. But I see South’s persistence continue into this game.
Players to Watch:
North Side: Tristen Newsome Junior Free Safety
South Side: Jayvon Irby Freshman Running Back/Outside Linebacker
We the North by 27
4-2 Jay County @ 3-3 South Adams
Starfires finally open their brand new turf field, it’s also their homecoming game, which means it should be an exciting game.
I don’t like doing this to Grant Moser. But not so fast my friend. This ain’t your granddaddy’s Jay County Patriots. It’s the Fighting Zgunda’s and the hall-of-fame coach is starting to see the benefits of patience with the program. I will say had it not been for that 34-29 comeback win where they were down 22-6 in the first half, I don’t think they win this game.
But they have life, and when you have that dangerous combination of Sean Bailey and AJ Myers, that’s a tough matchup for anyone.
Players to Watch
Jay County: AJ Myers Senior Running Back
South Adams: Owen Wanner Senior Quarterback
I have Jay County in a SuperSam UPSET SPECIAL
Jay County by 2
Battle of Baseline: 2-4 Churubusco @ 2-4 Central Noble
I love this rivalry, and I want to be a believer in the Cougars………
I don’t like making this pick because of my past connections with CN. But, I have to do it. Unless the Cougars look significantly better tonight and they can stop the run, which means they gotta play their best game in at least 2 years. Otherwise, it’s about to be nighty night to Central Noble’s homecoming.
I got the Eagles flying high!
Players to Watch
Busco: Gavin Huelsenbeck Senior Tight End/Linebacker
CN: Brayden Kirchner Senior Tight End/Linebacker
Busco by 8
4-2 Fairfield @ 2-4 Garrett
Garrett definitely needs this win if they want to ride this ship towards the final few weeks of the season. They’ve let at least one game get away from them, and were unable to find the end zone last week vs West Noble.
Last year, this was the game that snapped Garrett’s 0-6 start and finished their season with some momentum. Now, Fairfield is definitely better this season, and with their wishbone attack, they can be difficult to play against.
But, they say it takes two to tango. And if there’s one team that can play this type of game, it’s 100% Garrett. I think they have the dudes up front to contain the run and grind out a well-earned.
Players to Watch
Fairfield: Brooks Custer Senior Quarterback/Defensive Back
Garrett: Calder Hefty Junior Quarterback/Defensive Back
All I got to say is
ROLL BIG TRAIN
Garrett by 8
1-5 Norwell @ 3-3 DeKalb
Good News for Norwell: Drew Graft returned at quarterback last week after suffering an injury in Week 2.
Bad News: DeKalb has their swagger back
Sorry, Norwell fans, no upset city tonight.
Players to Watch
Norwell: Drew Graft Senior Quarterback
DeKalb: Xavier Bell Sophomore Wide Receiver
DeKalb by 14
