This week has brought in the warm welcome of a new contender in ACAC, as Bluffton rides high and South Adams falls low after a stunning blowout win by the Tigers. An great season awaits the ACAC, and it has just gotten way more interesting.
1. Adams Central (3-0)
Previous Ranking: #1
Week 3: 54-10 W vs Blackhawk Christian
Week 4: at 4A Jay County
It’s pretty impressive to have just 36 total plays against an opponent that has 42 plays and win the game by 44 points. Adams Central remains the most feared team in the ACAC, but they’ve yet to run into the gauntlet of the conference.
2. Bluffton (3-0)
Previous Ranking: #4
Week 3: 41-6 W vs 1A #6 South Adams
Week 4: at 3A Woodlan
You’re looking at the hottest small-school squad in all of Northeast Indiana. What a performance against South Adams as Bluffton held the Starfires to a mere 171 all-purpose yards. Not to mention the onslaught Andrew Hunt put on–rushing for 103 yards, two touchdowns, and tacking on a 60-yard punt return. Better get used to the Tigers, because they’ll be a contender in the ACAC for the foreseeable future.
3. Heritage (3-0)
Previous Ranking: #3
Week 3: 26-0 W vs 3A Woodlan
Week 4: at 1A #6 South Adams
Have I said what I’m about to say many times already? –Yes– Will I stop saying it? –NO!– Kobe Meyer is brilliant. 140 yards through the air with two passing touchdowns to coincide with 197 rushing yards and another pair of scores. This week will be a real test for the Patriots, but it’s hard to see anyone slowing down the Kobe Meyer Train. All aboard…
4. South Adams (2-1)
Previous Ranking: #2
Week 3: 41-6 L at 2A #10 Bluffton
Week 4: vs 3A Heritage
South Adams took a hard fall on Friday. Star quarterback Owen Wanner couldn’t get anything going against a stout Bluffton defense, only mustering up 74 yards through the air. The Tigers dominated the line of scrimmage, dropping Wanner in the backfieldmany times over. This Starfires team has to hold up against the bigger-sized teams, or else their offense will struggle mightily to get their foot off the brakes.
5. Jay County (3-0)
Previous Ranking: #5
Week 3: 43-12 W at 1A Southern Wells
Week 4: vs 1A #2 Adams Central
Sean Bailey’s quarterback play was exceptional Friday against the Raiders. Bailey only threw 10 passes but used them to gather 244 yards and three touchdowns–talk about a productive night. Jay County is 3-0 for the first time since 1985, and the vibes are immaculate in Portland.
6. Woodlan (1-2)
Previous Ranking: #6
Week 3: 26-0 L at 3A Heritage
Week 4: vs 2A #10 Bluffton
Heritage gave Woodlan the 1-2 combo with another great performance by Kobe Meyer and a complete shutdown of Woodlan’s offense, which only managed to obtain four first downs all game. There’s nothing explosive about the Warriors’ offense, and some more firepower is necessary for Woodlan to get back to form.
7. Southern Wells (1-2)
Previous Ranking: #7
Week 3: 43-12 L vs 4A Jay County
Week 4: vs 1A Wes-Del
Southern Wells has a great running back in Tucker Worster, who ran for 97 yards on seven carries in the loss against Jay County. The ground game has been one of the brightest sides to this Southern Wells squad, and the Raider backs can carry this team to wins.
