Week 2 was another week of successes in the ACAC, as the conference went 6-2 on Friday night with an Adams Central-ranked victory. As ACAC play gets set starting this week, the big boys from Adams County better be ready for a few contenders out to stake their claim in the conference title race.
1. Adams Central (2-0)
Previous Ranking: #1
Week 2: 42-7 W at 2A #15 Eastside
Week 3: vs Blackhawk Christian (0-2)
A 42-8 win against Garrett in week 1 immediately followed up by a 42-7 win is a fantastic start to the season for anybody. But for Adams Central, this is exactly what they expected. 21 points in an electrifying 2nd quarter had this game sealed up like a UPS package by halftime. This Eastside squad saw a lot of turnover in the offseason, hence why this usual fixture for the game of the week was relegated to an expected Jets’ cruise. Next week should have similar results for the Jets, as they face off against a Blackhawk squad in their program’s first 11v11 football season.
2. South Adams (2-0)
Previous Ranking: #2
Week 2: 48-0 W vs 3A Bellmont
Week 3: at 2A #14 Bluffton
South Adams has cruised through their opening out-of-conference clashes. SIX forced fumbles and a kickoff return to open the game against Bellmont. This Starfires team has had it easy so far, but next up they face ACAC opponent Bluffton, led by standout running back Cooper Craig. The South Adams defense has allowed just a field goal through two games. It will be interesting to see how they hold up against a strong offense.
3. Heritage (2-0)
Previous Ranking: #3
Week 2: 39-13 W vs 3A Fairfield
Week 3: vs 3A Woodlan
Kobe Meyer is one heck of a quarterback. The senior flung 18 passes on Friday night, completing fourteen of them for 280 yards and five touchdowns. He even scampered for 83 yards throughout the game. The defense took a step up as well, forcing three fumbles including two by DaRon Matthews. In Casey Kolkman’s time as head coach, this is the best team the Patriots have fielded.
4. Bluffton (2-0)
Previous Ranking: #4
Week 2: 56-14 vs 2A Manchester
Week 3: vs 1A #10 South Adams
Bluffton lit up the scoreboard against Manchester, scoring 21 points in both the first and second quarters. The Tigers are on a roll, as dating back to last season they have won six of their last seven. If you’re looking for a sleeper pick in the ACAC title race, here’s your sleeper. Overlooked, but talented.
5. Jay County (2-0)
Previous Ranking: #6
Week 2: 14-9 W vs 4A Huntington North
Week 3: at 1A Southern Wells
Jay County’s defense held strong against the NE8’s Huntington North Vikings, coming out with a victory despite the offense only gaining 245 total yards. Junior defensive back Lucas Strait went for 10 tackles and two for a loss to lead a stout Patriots’ defense. Even special teams stepped up, as punter Sean Bailey booted two punts for an average of 46 yards per. Jay County looks ready for ACAC play this season.
6. Woodlan (1-1)
Previous Ranking: #5
Week 2: 30-16 W vs 2A Central Noble
Week 3: at 3A Heritage
Woodlan’s quarterback Ty Louden put matters into his hands last Friday night, throwing for 262 yards and four touchdowns in a big bounce-back victory for the Warriors. The running game was producing as well, with junior Drew Fleek rushing for 104 yards on 20 carries. This was a big win for a Woodlam team heading into back-to-back tough games against Heritage and Bluffton, two games that will both see slugfests.
7. Southern Wells (1-1)
Previous Ranking: #7
Week 2: 52-0 L at 1A Madison-Grant
Week 3: vs 4A Jay County
After a 22-game losing streak was snapped in Week 1, Madison-Grant brought the Raiders back to Earth with an absolute whooping. The Argylls led 46-0 by halftime, and the game was about over from there. Opening against the undefeated Jay County Patriots, we’ll see this week how Southern Wells will hold up in ACAC play.
