Everyone, welcome New Haven to the #1 spot in the NE8, as their undefeated season continues after a double-digit win against the defending NE8-champion Columbia City Eagles. The race for the crown is closing in on the Dawgs, so who can stop them?
1. New Haven (6-0)
Previous Ranking: #2
Week 6: 21-7 W vs 4A #6 Columbia City
Week 7: at 3A Bellmont
New Haven’s offense is so prolific. Columbia City managed to hold the Bulldogs to just 60 yards passing yards just for Tre Bates to hit the ground running with 149 yards and two touchdowns rushing. The Bulldogs now stand as the only undefeated team in the NE8.
2. Leo (4-2)
Previous Ranking: #3
Week 6: 40-0 W vs 3A Bellmont
Week 7: at 4A Huntington North
The Leo defense allowed just 81 yards against Belmont in a pure shutout. Not to mention an 11/11, 153-yard, three-touchdown performance by Kyle Decker.
3. Columbia City (5-1)
Previous Ranking: #1
Week 6: 21-7 L at 4A #9 New Haven
Week 7: vs 4A East Noble
The first loss of the year for Columbia City left the Eagles scratching their heads as to how to slow down an offense like New Haven. They managed to force both an interception and a fumble out of Donovan Williams, but still couldn’t stop the offense as a whole. Teams like New Haven don’t come around often, and Columbia City learned that the hard way.
4. East Noble (4-2)
Previous Ranking: #4
Week 6: 49-15 W at 3A Norwell
Week 7: at 4A #6 Columbia City
35 of East Noble’s 49 points came in the first half, as the Knights breezed by Norwell in a game that has to feel great for returning players who remember the 45-0 loss last year to this Norwell squad. Quick and easy for East Noble.
5. DeKalb (3-3)
Previous Ranking: #5
Week 6: 49-13 W at 4A Huntington North
Week 7: vs 3A Norwell
One half of play was all DeKalb really needed against the Vikings—even one quarter as the Barons scored 35 points in the second quarter alone.
6. Norwell (1-5)
Previous Ranking: #6
Week 6: 49-15 L vs 4A East Noble
Week 7: at 4A DeKalb
Norwell’s fall from grace continues as the Knights give up another blowout defeat. A second-straight game allowing 40+ points as the Knights are left wondering how to pick up the pieces before sectionals.
7. Huntington North (1-5)
Previous Ranking: #7
Week 6: 49-13 L vs 4A DeKalb
Week 7: vs 4A #14 Leo
Although Huntington North’s offense keeps improving week-by-week, it’s not enough for a team that has allowed 7+ touchdowns three times this season. A tough game against Leo awaits the Vikings.
8. Bellmont (0-6)
Previous Ranking: #8
Week 6: 40-0 L at 4A #14 Leo
Week 7: vs 4A #9 New Haven
Another shutout loss for Bellmont, as they’ve matched their shoutout-loss total from last year (5 games). Things aren’t looking bright in Decatur.
