The ACAC dominated their week 1 competition, going 6-1 in season openers. Although Adams Central stands alone as the defending champs of this league, it feels like the ACAC could be much more competitive this season.
1. Adams Central (1-0)
Week 1: 42-8 W vs 3A Garrett
Week 2: at 2A Eastside
As usual, Adams Central dominated in their season openers, as for a seventh straight season the Flying Jets win in Week 1 by 28+ points. This Jets team is so formidable it seems like they could stand alone once again in the ACAC and go undefeated. Only time will tell.
2. South Adams (1-0)
Week 1: 20-3 W vs 2A #18 Tipton
Week 2: vs 3A Bellmont
This looks like it might be another season where Adams Central and South Adams compete against one another for the ACAC crown. Both are on another level already, as the Starfires shut down a prolific Tipon offense. The Starfires should have no issue with Bellmont as well.
3. Heritage (1-0)
Week 1: 34-0 W at 3A Bellmont
Week 2: vs 3A Fairfield
Kobe Meyer is one heck of a player. Against Bellmont he threw for 114 yards, 10 of 15, and two touchdowns. That’s going alongside his performance on the ground, as he blazed through the Braves’ front with 203 yards and 3 more touchdowns. His abilities alone push Heritage to number three on this list. He’s the type of player who can lead a team to greatness.
4. Bluffton (1-0)
Week 1: 47-6 W at 1A Northfield
Week 2: vs 2A Manchester
Bluffton appears to still be going strong after an 8-5 sectional title-winning season last year for the Tigers. Cooper Craig showed out, rushing for 139 yards on seven carries for three touchdowns. This Bluffton offense is showing signs of improvement early in this year’s campaign. Can’t wait to see what they can do down the stretch.
5. Woodlan (0-1)
Week 1: 30-20 L vs 2A Eastside
Week 2: vs 2A Central Noble
Woodlan’s loss to Eastside brings up some concern for the Warriors. The years of dominance in the prime coaching years of Sherwood Haydock seem so far in the past. What is this team capable of now? Just eight wins in the last three years for Woodlan in an ACAC that keeps getting tougher as the ‘Adams Family’ (AC and SA) keeps getting stronger. Hopefully, the Warriors can get a win this week against a weaker Central Noble squad.
6. Jay County (1-0)
Week 1: 47-7 W vs 2A Blackford
Week 2: at 4A Huntington North
Per usual, Jay County routed Blackford in their season opener. Now the real out-of-conference test comes this week against Huntington North. Expect the Patriots to climb up the polls if they can squeeze out a victory against the Vikings from the NE8.
7. Southern Wells (1-0)
Week 1: 29-26 W at 2A Elwood
Week 2: at 1A Madison-Grant
Congratulations to the Southern Wells, who snapped a 22-game losing streak on Friday night with a victory over Elwood. Although the Panthers were also on a losing streak of their own (and still are at 23 straight) this win means a lot to a squad that has been desperate for victory. A great performance by Bryar Gerheart helped push the Raiders to a win, as he ran for 131 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
