Here are SuperSam’s Picks for Week 8

7-0 New Haven @ 5-2 East Noble

Word has it that Mylan Graham is expected to play tonight for the New Haven Bulldogs. And a productive Mylan Graham makes all the difference in the world against one of the state’s best defenses especially in the pass rush situation.

If the Bulldogs are able to spread the ball around the field and continue to get Tre Bates involved, New Haven has a pretty good shot to win their first game at East Noble since 2011.

However, there’s a reason East Noble hung around with Leo and Snider, and destroyed Columbia City. Their frontline is a big challenge for New Haven, and the Knights have a balanced attack on offense with a blue-collar work ethic.

Players to Watch

New Haven: Donavan Williams Senior QB

East Noble: Zack Leighty Guard

I have the Dawgs in a close one. New Haven by 2

6-1 Snider @ 3-4 Bishop Dwenger

This game either becomes a SummitCity classic or it becomes a Snider blowout. Both teams had disappointing losses in recent stretch. Snider lost to Homestead in overtime two weeks ago. Dwenger lost to Luers in overtime last week.

While this could swing in either direction, this is a game Snider needs to win to have a shot at sharing the SAC title next week.

Players to Watch

Snider: Lukas Rohrbacher Senior Middle Linebacker

Dwenger: Carter Minix Senior Running Back/Wide Receiver

Snider by 7

5-2 Columbia City @ 5-2 Leo

While the records look identical, both teams have been trending on opposite directions over the last couple games. Quietly, the Lions are rounding into postseason form, while Columbia City has looked vulnerable of late.

If Leo is able to contain Stratton Fuller and stop the run, they’ll be in good position to win. I don’t see CC getting blown out quite like last week, but this matchup to me favors also on paper. 

Players to Watch

Columbia City: James Getts Senior Running Back

Leo: Brock Schott Junior Tight End/Defensive End

Leo by 14

1-6 Huntington North @ 1-6 Norwell

One of these teams will pick up win number two on their campaigns even though it’s been a trialing season for these two NE8 programs. Huntington has dealt with the transition of a new scheme, while graduation and injuries plagued Norwell’s season.

With this being Norwell’s senior night, I have them winning this game and doing this for the seniors.

Players to Watch

Huntington North Luke Teusch Senior Running Back/Linebacker

Norwell Drew Graft Junior Quarterback/Strong Safety

Norwell by 3

3-4 Central Noble @ 5-2 Eastside

This is for the NECC Small School Division, and while this is the best CN has looked all season, the matchup greatly favors Eastside on paper.

If the Blazers contain their athletes, successfully pressure the QB, and take care of the football, this is Eastside’s game for the taking.

I have the Blazers to complete their Drive for 5 straight division titles.

Players to Watch

CN: Brody Morgan Junior Quarterback

Eastside: Gage Spalding Senior Running Back/Middle Linebacker

Eastside by 20

4-3 Fairfield @ 5-2 Lakeland

Following a heartbreaking overtime loss @ West Noble, I have the Lakeland Lakers bouncing back in a tough home-win against Fairfield’s wishbone offense. Just a warning though. I don’t see this come close to the 35-34 score that we saw a week ago.

Players to Watch

Fairfield: Brecken Maran Junior Running Back

Lakeland: Brayden Holbrook Sophomore Quarterback

Lakeland by 8

7-0 Adams Central @ 6-1 Bluffton

Last week, Bluffton had a case of the #1 seed hiccups, and from what I was told, they were nervous to live up to the ranking. I don’t see that being an issue for long. However, this is a rough get right game for Bluffton. Khamel Moore could play his first game of the season tonight after a lengthy stint due to an injury.

The Flying Jets are in postseason form. J-E-T-S JETS by 18

Players to Watch

AC: Jack Hamilton Senior Quarterback/Strong Safety

Bluffton: Cooper Craig Freshman Running Back

4-3 South Adams @ 2-5 Woodlan

After a dramatic win on the last play of the game on defense for South Adams, momentum is high for the Starfires. And given Woodlan’s injury circumstances, I have the Fighting Wanner’s extending their new winning streak to 2 games.

Players to Watch

SA: Colton Bollenbacher Senior Running Back/Defensive Back

Woodlan: Braden Smith Senior Wide Receiver/cornerback

South Adams by 10

3-4 Garrett @ 0-7 Angola

Garrett had a gusty 22-19 win over Fairfield, but even Chris DePew admitted this was not a great game for them. They know what it was like to be the winless team for as long as they had last year losing their first 6. Now they have to make the trip up north to Angola. The Hornets know if they don’t find a way to win a game soon, they’ll have the program’s first 0-10 season EVER. That’s not the type of record they want to be breaking considering the expectations.

This Angola team is no pushover and Garrett Coach Chris DePew even went as far as to say that they have played a tougher schedule than Garrett. If the Hornets can get their offense going and stop the run, they’ll have a chance to get a win.

Players to Watch

Garrett: Cam Ruble Junior Running Back/Defensive End

Angola: Korbin Roan Junior Running Back

All streaks must come to an end. I have the Angola Hornets in a SuperSam UPSET SPECIAL! Angola by 1

1-6 Fremont @ 0-7 Prairie Heights

The Panthers haven’t posted a winless season under Coach McCrea since his first season at the helm in 2016. It’s not senior night since they had that in Week 5, but this is the possible last home game for the seniors. Against a banged up but scrappy Fremont team, I will take the shocker in the Steuben County Brawl.

Players to Watch

Fremont: Carmyne Moreno Sophomore Tight End/Middle Linebacker

Prairie Heights: Walker McCrea Junior Defensive Tackle

I have We the Heights in a UPSET SPECIAL. Prairie Heights by 1

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