SuperSam is back for the opening week predictions of the 2024 season. Here are the Top 10 Games of the Fort Wayne area, as well as my predictions. It’s time to fast forward like the Flash and get to my Week 1 breakdowns and picks!
Adams Central @ Garrett
Perhaps the most anticipated game of the night comes at Memorial Field in Garrett, IN. 3-time state finalists Adams Central vs a up and coming Garrett team. It’s the high-flying Jets vs big-tough Garrett. Two contrasting styles with incredible football rich history, great coaches, and unbelievable fanbases.
This game has the makings for a SuperSam classic! I know, I know. Adams Central, 3 straight state finals appearances, and only lost a grand total of 4 games in that span (3 coming to Indy Lutheran in the state finals). But this is a different year and a new era for the Jets.
Don’t get me wrong, Adams Central still has a GREAT football team. Is it a state contender yet? I think they would tell you they’re not there yet because this is only Week 1. They’re not going to overcomplicate this. They know it’s a tough game. I know this will be a dogfight.
Garrett returns a lot, they’re strong, they’re tough, and they’re going to give AC a lot of trouble; way more trouble than the past 2 years combined. Garrett plays a style that no one admittedly likes to play against.
This ain’t a joke folks! Garrett can win this football game. I’m not bias at all on that. Being at home with the experience they have back, they certainly can do it. But at the end of the day, Adams Central is still a great football team with a wealth of talent and even quite a few returning talent led by junior defensive end Cameron Fravel and the Alex and Drew and Max Kaehr.
But the headline is going to be just how well quarterback Jamison Roach handles the atmosphere that Garrett will bring tonight.
Players to Watch
Adams Central: Jamison Roach Sophomore Quarterback/Cornerback
Garrett: Brayden Nussbaum Junior Running Back/Linebacker
I still say J-E-T-S JETS by 6
Bremen @ East Noble
Bremen has a great football tradition as a 2A power, and I expect them to compete on paper. Bremen is experienced and they’re a tough team to beat for 4 quarters. But this is a tough first game for the visiting Lions. Welcome to Kendallville they say! East Noble is not going to let the naysayers dictate how to play football. New coach in Alex Stewart? No problemo! In fact, Stewart has been an immediate help to this program that already was in great hands under now permanent AD Luke Amstutz.
Plus, EN returns a lot up front and in the skills areas. Logan Hatton, Dallas Plattner, Rylee Biddle, Alex Brennan, Jacob Ramey, Kobe Ritchie, Landon Swogger, Pace Agee, Mason Treesh, and most importantly Dylan Krehl.
We know at SummitCity Sports, Dylan Krehl has been a fan favorite and arguably their most important player. You want Krehl to lay down the hammer on opposing linemen, he’s got it. You want him to rush for 70-80 yards and score a couple TD’s, got it. You want him to extend his game in the passing game, he’s got that as well. That type of versatility is something I know Bremen DOES NOT have whatsoever. Good luck Lions.
Players to Watch
Bremen: Tyrus Graverson Senior Wide Reciever/Strong Safety
East Noble: Dylan Krehl Senior Middle Linebacker/Running Back
East Noble by 14
DeKalb @ Angola
In a battle up north past I-69 lies Angola in the northeast corner of the state as they host their longtime bitter rivals DeKalb. These two teams have seen a recent history of some dramatic wins. The series over the last handful years is only 8-6 in favor of DeKalb since the 2013 season.
Don’t get me wrong Hawk Hasselman is a great athlete and they got some solid guys like Brayden Duke and Alex Thomas. However, while Angola does have a knack for playing hard-nosed football and playing physical, many questions lie within their offensive line and their ability to garner enough offense in their pistol triple-option. The bigger question is can the Hornets find a way to slow down this meat grinder of an offensive line that DeKalb has?
We know Caiden Hinkle is going to dominate on the ground and get his 100+ yards rushing. We expect that at this point. Xavier Bell has electric speed as a junior wide receiver and free safety, Brady Culler is an experienced middle linebacker as a junior (I still can’t believe that). Addison Ross another solid cornerback and can be an option as a wideout. Nicholas Ley is one of the most underrated defensive ends in this area. Bowen Minehart had 5 sacks last season as a sophomore. Graham Blythe is another solid linebacker for the Barons.
And while they lose Caden Pettis and Aaden Lytle, DeKalb has experienced players to fill those spots. Will Weber at quarterback could be in line for a massive season as a senior. And to me that puts DeKalb over the edge as the on-paper favorites.
Players to Watch:
DeKalb: Brady Culler Junior Middle Linebacker
Angola: Alex Thomas Junior Wide Receiver/Middle Linebacker
DeKalb by 10
Hamilton Southeastern @ Carroll
This has become an interesting non conference opponent since these two teams met in Semistate less than 2 years ago. Last season, Carroll’s offense couldn’t muster enough offense to withstand the Royals’ defense.
This season, they’ll still have a huge challenge stopping this offensive line that is led by the Purdue commit Cameron Gorin at offensive tackle. On offense, can Iowa commit Jimmy Sullivan at quarterback and his offense find rhythm against a stellar defense led by the Pitt commit Mason Alexander at corner. Look for Western Michigan commit Brady Rhoad to get some targets early to generate some early season reps and establish what they want to do as an offensive unit.
Besides those two, the x-factor to me is on the offensive line. Caiden Abbs is a name that needs to be on your radar NOW. He’s a future college football player up front, and he’s built for this moment. Lot of heart and grit. Will that be enough against a really, really talented HSE squad?
This is a winnable game for Carroll, but it’ll require a great team performance.
Players to Watch
HSE: Cameron Gorin Senior Offensive Tackle
Carroll: Caiden Abbs Senior Offensive Lineman
HSE by 3
Homestead @ Carmel
Last season, this was only a 14-7 win for the Greyhounds. This season, Homestead is experienced and hungry for a bounce back season. Everyone wants to say Carmel wins again. But I got some news to share with you….
Players to Watch
Homestead: Sam Steward Senior Outside Linebacker/Running Back
Carmel: Ozzy Pollard Senior Tight End
Homestead by 3 in the SuperSam Upset Special!
Marion @ South Side
I had to get the Archers in here somehow. This is a very underrated game, and I think this is a game the Archers can win tonight. Too much athletic upside not to think this team can at least start the season 1-0.
It’s very difficult to predict this type of game, but I say the Archers avenge last year’s defeat and take down the Giants in a tight affair.
Players to Watch
Marion: Tim Jones Junior Quarterback
South Side: Jayvon Irby Sophomore Running Back/Outside Linebacker
We the South by 1 in a SuperSam Upset Special!
New Haven @ Northrop
The Bulldogs lost more from last season than anyone else coming into this season. Even their coaching staff has seen changes. While Vance Shearer is a great long term hire for the ‘Dogs, New Haven has a rebuilding season to start, and it won’t be easy playing at Spuller Stadium against a hungry and experienced Northrop Bruins.
After 2 straight 1-win seasons, something’s gotta give for the boys in Orange and brown. Northrop has weapons and if successful can have a solid air raid attack. But can they play consistent football? New Haven will play hard and tough in the trenches, but will they have the horses to come out victorious Friday night? SuperSam says the Bruins get the dub.
Players to Watch
New Haven: Charles “Chuck” McGrant Senior Tackle/Defensive Tackle
Northrop: Jerquaden Guilford Junior Wide Receiver
Northrop by 16
Warren Central @ Snider
Coming off a state championship last season, I’m excited to see what this year’s version of Snider Panthers football looks like. But I’m not going to lie, I’m very concerned about this matchup. Have you seen who Warren Central brings back? 4, 4 division 1 studs on defense. Damien Shanklin (LSU commit at EDGE rush), Tyrone Burrus Jr. (Louisville commit at EDGE rush), Cameron Herron (Iowa commit at Interior O-Line), and Mike Kirchner is a potential D1 recruit. Yeesh.
Don’t get me wrong, Snider is still incredibly talented led by the recent Notre Dame football and baseball commit Brandon Logan. I still think this will be a good season for the Panthers, but that’s a tough first game for a retooled Snider offense to generate any momentum for that first game.
I have the Warriors’ defense leading the way to a bounce back opening win.
Players to Watch
Warren Central: Damian Shanklin Senior EDGE (#1 ranked overall player in all of Indiana Per 247 Sports)
Snider: Brandon Logan Senior Wide Receiver/Safety (#14 ranked player in Indiana per 247 Sports)
Warren Central by 14
North Side @ Northridge
Last season, the Raiders out of Middlebury shocked the Summit City by going into Chambers Field and beating the Legends 26-13. While the Raiders return a dangerous offensive line, SuperSam suspects a bounce back season in the works given the return of a lot of great talent at North Side and some sophomores could shine tonight.
Give me ‘We the North’!
Players to Watch
North Side: Josh Masasu Senior Running back/Middle Linebacker
Northridge: Brady Scholl Sophomore Quarterback
We the North by 6
Leo @ Bishop Luers
This is essentially the Game of the Week in this area. For the first time in a decade, Leo and Bishop Luers will meet in a football game. For the first time in a dozen years, a meeting comes after Luers won a state championship. Leo and Luers have many interesting pieces, but something has to give.
The athletes and grit of Leo or the speed and big-time playmaking ability of Luers? Something tells me that Luers may have a slight edge in the skills position on both sides of the field. I have Luers opening their state title defense with a win.
Players to Watch
Leo: Brock Schott Senior Tight End/Defensive End (Miami (FL) commit #5 ranked overall player per 247 Sports)
Bishop Luers: Jaylen White Senior Wide Receiver/Free Safety
We the Luers by 7
Bonus Pick
Lakeland beats South Bend St. Joseph by 3. I had to get the Lakers in somehow for this week! I say Brayden Holbrook gets 2 TD passes, and Carson Mickem rushes for 90 yards.
