We are about halfway through the regular season. It’s time for some Week 5 area football picks!!
Adams Central (3-1, 1-0 ACAC) @ Heritage (4-0, 2-0 ACAC)
The last time the Jets failed to beat Heritage, that came in 2014, AC’s last losing season. Despite how good the Patriots are on paper, it’s difficult to see Heritage come out on top against a very good Jets team with a prolific Wing-T and a sturdy defense.
Players to Watch
AC: Cameron Fravel Junior Defensive End
Heritage: Charlie Riddle Senior Offensive and Defensive line
J-E-T-S JETS by 14
Angola (1-3, 0-1 NECC Big School) @ Lakeland (3-1, 0-1 NECC Big School)
This is a get-right game for both teams as they struggled in their Week 4 matchups. Angola’s defense was torched by Seth Pruitt in a 35-10 defeat, while Lakeland was railroaded by Garrett 41-27.
I think the Lakers get it done tonight.
Players to Watch
Angola: Hawk Hasselman Junior Quarterback
Lakeland: Keyan Arroyo Junior Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
Lakeland by 10
Bishop Dwenger (1-3, 1-1) @ Homestead (2-2, 2-0)
Huge SAC battle between the Saints and Spartans, both are much better teams than what their record tells you.
I will say this if Dwenger can stop the passing game led by Michael White, I think the Saints have a chance.
Players to watch
Dwenger: Dylan Tippmann Junior Outside Linebacker
Homestead: Sam Steward Senior Outside Linebacker/Running Back
I got the Saints Marching to Victory Lane! Dwenger by 1 in a SuperSam Upset Special!
Columbia City (4-0, 2-0 NE8) @ DeKalb (2-2, 1-1 NE8)
This matchup headlines between Stratton Fuller of Columbia City at wide receiver and Caiden Hinkle of DeKalb at running back. Which player is able to enhance their impact of tonight’s game will be the difference maker.
However, I can’t help but to think about CC’s +148 point differential this season. Survey says:
Players to Watch
CC: Grayson Bradberry Senior Quarterback
DeKalb: Nicholas Ley Senior Tackle and Defensive End
Columbia City by 18
East Noble (3-1, 2-0 NE8) @ Leo (4-0, 2-0 NE8)
This is probably the game of the week for me, but it may not be everyone’s game of the week. Either way, this is certainly one of the top games to watch for tonight between these 2 conference juggernauts.
To me, the big x-factor is can East Noble contain the dynamic duo of Landin Hoeppner and Brock Schott? My super senses tell me: Not quite.
Players to Watch
EN: Mason Treesh Junior Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
Leo: Brock Schott Senior Tight End/Defensive End
Leo by 3 in a nail biter, perhaps too close to call
Eastside (1-3) @ Garrett (4-0)
The Train trophy has been kept consistently in the halls of Eastside High School since 2015. Garrett hasn’t started a season 5-0 since 2011.
I think the Eastside streak ends tonight, especially if Linkin Carter doesn’t play. I like Garrett’s surging momentum.
All I gotta say is: ROLL BIG TRAIN
Players to Watch
Eastside: Noah Dove Freshman Quarterback/Defensive Back
Garrett: Cam Ruble Senior Running Back/Defensive End
Garrett by 12
New Haven (0-4, 0-2 NE8) @ Norwell (1-3, 1-1 NE8)
The last time New Haven started a season 0-5, you have to go back to the year 2000. New Haven has been close a few times, but hasn’t played well enough to earn that first win. The forecast says that ends tonight!
Players to Watch
New Haven: Nevin Gibson Senior Running Back
Norwell: Drew Graft Senior Wide Receiver/Strong Safety
New Haven by 20
North Side (2-2, 1-1) @ Northrop (1-3, 0-2)
North Side has the talent to make this SAC race interesting, but with a Week 6 date @ Bishop Luers looming, I worry that if North Side is looking ahead, they could be in for a dogfight to the finish. This is a potential trap game because, if Northrop is healthy, they have the offensive firepower to make this a ballgame.
I say Coach Johnson’s Legends remain victorious, but not without a strong fight from Northrop.
Players to Watch
North Side: Caleb Kiengele Sophomore Running Back
Northrop: Jerquaden Guilford Junior Wide Receiver
North Side by 6 in a SHOOTOUT
Prairie Heights (3-1, 1-0 NECC Small School) @ Churubusco (1-3, 1-0 NECC Small School)
The Panthers are off to their best start since 2003. They beat CN for the first time in 11 years. Now, can the Panthers go 2-0 in divisional play? They last beat Busco in 2003, and they’re seeking their first 4-1 start since 1988.
Busco, however, did beat Eastside on Friday 24-12. But they have to look a lot better if they want to reach victory lane in consecutive weeks.
This sounds like recency bias, but give me “We the Heights” in a small-town battle.
Players to Watch
PH: Mac Armstrong Junior Quarterback
Busco: Wes Ott Junior QB/Defensive Back
Prairie Heights by 5
Snider (3-1, 2-0) @ Carroll (2-2, 2-0)
Let’s make this very clear, this is the actual game of the week in the 260. It’s the top 2 teams in the SAC so far, and I think for all intense purposes, this feels like an SAC title game.
Will the Power run attack of Snider find its way again or does Jimmy Football and the Carroll Chargers get their revenge??
Bring on the chaos!
Players to Watch
Snider: Brandon Logan Senior Strong/Free Safety
Carroll: Caiden Abbs Senior Offensive Line
Carroll by 1 in a SuperSam Classic
