1. Norwell
Week 1: 22-7 win over Ole Miss
Previous Ranking: #1
Week 2: vs Heritage
The Knights showed a whole different side that we have not talked about. DEPTH! With both
running backs Graft and Colbert out, Drew Ringger rushed for 229 yards on 36 carries. This is
still a team poised for a postseason run.
2. East Noble
Week 1: 51-7 win over Plymouth
Previous Ranking: #3
Week 2: @ Northwood
If East Noble wanted to make a week one statement, they surely did. Plymouth is a program
struggling. But let’s not overlook the fact that the Knights rolled in week one. Even with Zander
Brazel starting to work into his comfort zone he was serviceable enough to win. And the
Knights have found that they have some pieces on this team.
3. Leo
Week 1: 32-13 loss against Kokomo
Previous Ranking: #2
Week 2: @ Angola
Lots of speculation about the new offense this season and most of us in the media may be
undervaluing Kokomo to some extent. But the Lions were in the game until halftime. In the
second half, Kokomo did not look back. Leo has a chance to bounce back this week against
Angola.
4. New Haven
Week 1: 47-0 win over Marion
Previous Ranking: #4
Week 2: @ Eastbrook
We expected the offense to score. But look out! This is now the team to watch in the NE8. On
top of that to leave Marion scoreless has us raising some eyebrows. Easily we could bump
the Bulldogs up to #3 this week. But we wanted to give Leo a chance for a redeemer week. If
New Haven beats Eastbrook, this will be tough to keep them out of the top 3.
5. Columbia City
Week 1: 31-7 win against Churubusco
Previous Ranking: #5
Week 2: @Delta
Columbia City started off the first half a little rusty. If Buroff and Co. would have had a couple
fewer mistakes Busco could have been up by 2 touchdowns at the half. Instead, the defense
made plays and went into the half up by a score. In the second half in an effort led by LB Josh
Arntz who finished with double-digit tackles, CC got the offense moving well on the ground
and involved Stratton Fuller and Peyton Shearer in the passing game, and handled business.
An away revenge game against Delta looms to see if the Eagles can move up the poll.
6. DeKalb
Week 1: 21-14 loss against Angola
Previous Ranking: #6
Week 2: vs Garrett
We had a lot of talk about Tegan Irk and his new weapons on the Barons’ offensive side of
the ball. Unfortunately, a rejuvenated Angola Hornets squad got the W. This week will be a
great test of where Dekalb is against an underrated Railroaders team. Yes. I mean that!
7. Huntington North
Week 1: 36-6 loss against Eastbrook
Previous Ranking: #7
Week 2: @ Jay County
The Vikings have made some improvements this season but starting off with a big loss to
Eastbrook and going into week two against a Jay County team that just pitched a 41-0
shutout is going to be a tough row to hoe. HN is still hanging toward the bottom of the NE8
to start the season.
8. Bellmont
Do not let this score scare you as the Braves always play hard for Coach Hall. However, like
Huntington North losing in week one and follow up in this case, against South Adams just
stings a little bit. The Starfires rolled week one, as we all count down to the showdown with
Adams Central. In the meantime, the Braves must have a perfect game in week two to evade
the NE8 basement another week longer.
