The ACAC is closing in on its two no. 2’s—1A’s Adams Central and 2A’s Bluffton. With a head-to-head matchup coming up on the 6th of October, the climax of the season is approaching in the conference. Mark your calendars, but first, let’s see if both can stay undefeated this week.
1. Adams Central (6-0)
Previous Ranking: #1
Week 6: 48-0 W vs 1A #15 South Adams
Week 7: at 1A Southern Wells
A second straight shutout for the Flying Jets, and you could tell it was personal against rival South Adams. Adams Central held the Starfires to -18 rushing yards all game. That’s saying something when competing against dual-threat Owen Wanner. The Jets are something else this season.
2. Bluffton (6-0)
Previous Ranking: #2
Week 6: 56-3 vs 1A Southern Wells
Week 7: at 3A Heritage
With losses by #1 Brownstown Central and #3 LaVille all signs are pointing to Bluffton earning the #1 spot in Class 2A this week, and boy do they deserve it. Their best season in almost 40 years, and another dominant win last week against Southern Wells.
3. Heritage (5-1)
Previous Ranking: #3
Week 6: 28-14 W vs 2A Lapel
Week 7: vs 2A #2 Bluffton
Heritage got back to form against Lapel after the shutout loss in Week 5 against Adams Central. The defense dominated with interceptions forced by Caleb Abbott, Landon Hicks, and Lucas Weber. Caleb Abbott also showed up big time on offense, rushing for 105 yards and two touchdowns. Jay Barnett joined him in the 100-yard club with 101 yards rushing. An all-around great performance by the Patriots.
4. Jay County (4-2)
Previous Ranking: #5
Week 6: 34-29 W at 3A Woodlan
Week 7: at 1A #15 South Adams
With Friday’s victory, Jay County improved to their best start through six games since 2013—and it was a dogfight to do so. AJ Meyers put the offense on his shoulders, exploding for 251 rushing yards and five touchdowns off 39 carries. Next up: South Adams, a team Jay County hasn’t beaten since 2018.
5. South Adams (3-3)
Previous Ranking: #4
Week 6: 48-0 L at 1A #2 Adams Central
Week 7: vs 4A Jay County
South Adams could do nothing to slow down Adams Central, as the speed/size difference showed in all four quarters. South Adams is off to their worst start since 2015 and is desperately in need of a win against Jay County to show signs of life before two highly winnable games against Woodlan and Southern Wells.
6. Woodlan (2-4)
Previous Ranking: #6
Week 6: 34-29 L vs 4A Jay County
Week 7: at 4A Culver Academy
A tight loss against Jay County was a downer for Woodlan, but not a poor performance. Drew Fleek had himself a game, rushing for 123 yards and completing a 40-yard pass to add to a 176-yard all-purpose performance. Riley Vancamp stepped up on defense with 12 solo tackles. All-in-all it was a great showing that just wasn’t enough to get the win.
7. Southern Wells (1-5)
Previous Ranking: #7
Week 6: 56-3 L at 2A #2 Bluffton
Week 7: vs 1A #2 Adams Central
The closing weeks of Southern Wells’ schedule are incredibly challenging. A loss to 1A’s #2 last week, and this week a meeting with 2A’s #2 (and future #1) Bluffton Tigers. However, it’s great preparation for sectionals.
