The SAC is closing in on its two top contenders Snider and Carroll. We’ve seen some great performances so far, including a dominant 72-point win by the Chargers on Friday. September’s here, cold weather is on its way, and the SAC race is getting interesting.
Big Division
1. Snider (3-0)
Previous Ranking: #1
Week 3: 52-6 W at 3A Concordia
Week 4: vs 4A South Side
Snider just keeps on rolling early in this season. The Panthers scored 35 points in the first quarter and never had to look back. The defense took a big step, forcing four Concordia interceptions in the process of a dominating performance. The Panthers are the real deal in 2023.
2. Carroll (2-1)
Previous Ranking: #2
Week 3: 78-6 W at 4A South Side
Week 4: vs 4A Bishop Dwenger
This was a matchup that was unbalanced from the get-go. For reference on the speed and skill difference between these teams, junior runningback Cajaun Green ran for 121 yards on 8 carries. That’s an average of over 15 yards per carry. Onto the next one for the Chargers.
3. Homestead (1-2)
Previous Ranking: #3
Week 3: 41-10 W at 4A #19 Wayne
Week 4: vs 6A Northrop
Homestead desperately needed to show their worth against Wayne last week and they did just that. The Homestead defense made big strides, forcing three fumbles against Wayne–although they only recovered one of them. Homestead seems to be back on track, and they’ll have a great chance this week to continue improving.
4. Bishop Dwenger (1-2)
Previous Ranking: #3
Week 3: 21-12 W vs 5A North Side
Week 4: at 6A #11 Carroll
Dwenger found themselves in a similar situation last week as Homestead was: a desperate desire for a win. Although it was messy against the Legends, the Saints got the job done with a big step-up by the defense. It may be tough against Carroll, but Dwenger has some life with their first win of 2023.
5. Northrop (0-3)
Previous Ranking: #5
Week 3: 37-14 L vs 2A Bishop Luers
Week 4: at 6A Homestead
Northrop’s offense got a chance to breathe last week, getting past double-digits for the first time all season. But the Bruins still have a long way to go in this campaign as Quentin Bowen’s young defense continues to try and find their stride.
Small Division
1. Wayne (2-1)
Previous Ranking: #1
Week 3: 41-10 L vs 6A Homestead
Week 4: vs 2A Bishop Luers
Wayne’s offense got brought back to Earth last Friday, as QB Marcus Cooper struggled to get the air game going with just 146 yards and two interceptions. However, this Wayne team still brings the most to the table out of anyone in the Small Division, and they have a chance this Friday to defeat the second-best team in the division and solidify themselves as the small school to beat in the new SAC.
2. North Side (0-3)
Previous Ranking: #2
Week 3: 21-12 L at 4A Bishop Dwenger
Week 4: at 3A Concordia
A tough start keeps getting tougher for North Side. It’s very clear that this offense was built around Bodhe Dickerson’s arm ability and Jontae Lambert’s ground finesse. The scheme needs to change to the fir the Legends offense of today because this offense can’t get off the ground the way they could in 2022.
3. Bishop Luers (1-2)
Previous Ranking: #3
Week 3: 37-14 W at 6A Northrop
Week 4: at 4A #19 Wayne
Sure, a win against winless Northrop is nothing to ride home about, but Luers has to feel good getting that goose egg off their record. Wayne-Luers is sure to be one of the most intriguing games in the SAC this week, and there’s a lot on the line for both teams.
4. Concordia (0-3)
Previous Ranking: #4
Week 3: 52-6 L vs 5A #1 Snider
Week 4: vs 5A North Side
The toughest game on Concordia’s schedule is now past them, and win or lose they can now look ahead to winning opportunities. North Side’s offense has struggled all year, so can Concordia find a way to pull the upset this week? Only time will tell.
5. South Side (0-3)
Previous Ranking: #5
Week 3: 78-6 L vs 6A #11 Carroll
Week 4: at 5A #1 Snider
Unlike Concordia, the toughest game on the schedule for South Side is now. This Snider team has been blunt force trauma, with a disruptive defense and a stellar backfield leading the way in a dominant start to the year. This is the kind of game that gets the Archers familiar with the toughest of the tough to get them ready for what lies ahead in the season and the tournament.
