Two teams reached 5-0 this weekend in an electric NE8 race. It just so happens that those two squads—Columbia City and New Haven—will meet this week on the 22nd to decide who will remain undefeated. A big week awaits us in Northeast Indiana.
1. Columbia City (5-0)
Previous Ranking: #1
Week 5: 49-17 W vs 4A DeKalb
Week 6: at 4A #11 New Haven
The Eagles were chugging along all night against DeKalb behind over 100 years from both seniors Cayden Sroufe (137 yards) and Noah Pletcher (114 yards). This week the Eagles face a massive test against New Haven in a battle of opposing offenses—New Haven’s aerial attack against Columbia City’s ground game.
2. New Haven (5-0)
Previous Ranking: #2
Week 5: 41-15 W vs 3A Norwell
Week 6: vs 4A #6 Columbia City
New Haven looks real good this year. 5-0 for the first time since 2017 and a shot this week at taking down the defending NE8 champs in Columbia City. Four receivers—Mylan Graham, Ajani Washington, Trevion Starks, and James Hardy IV—combined for 268 yards, 16.8 yards per catch, and four scores against Norwell. Does Columbia City stand a chance at slowing down Donovan Williams and this passing attack?
3. Leo (3-2)
Previous Ranking: #3
Week 5: 14-7 W at 4A #13 East Noble
Week 6: at 3A Bellmont
Leo’s defense stepped up against East Noble to get a low-scoring slugfest of a win. Kamden Zeisloft’s pair of interceptions of Zander Brazel changed the tide of this game mightily, and the unit held the Knights to just that sole touchdown in the fourth quarter. Heck of a win by the Lions.
4. East Noble (3-2)
Previous Ranking: #4
Week 5: 14-7 L vs 4A #16 Leo
Week 6: at 3A Norwell
With just 132 passing yards and 126 rushing yards, the East Noble offense was sent to a standstill against rival Leo. This is coming from a team that scored 28 against 5A’s #1 Snider—which in turn is quite the testament to Leo’s defense. With Columbia City and New Haven coming soon on that schedule, East Noble can’t afford to have another game like this one offensively.
5. DeKalb (2-3)
Previous Ranking: #5
Week 5: 49-17 L at 4A #6 Columbia City
Week 6: at 4A Huntington North
DeKalb could not slow down Columbia City in a game where the Eagles had scored all 42 points they would put up within the first three quarters. This was a rough one, but a chance at redemption is ahead against Norwell—A squad that has won the last three meetings against the Barons.
6. Norwell (1-4)
Previous Ranking: #6
Week 5: 41-15 L at 4A #11 New Haven
Week 6: vs 4A #13 East Noble
Norwell is a shell of what they were last season. Last season, Norwell clobbered New Haven 59-7 in Ossian. On Friday, New Haven returned the favor with a 41-15 drubbing at home. Donovan Williams lit this Knights squad up throwing 14 of 19 for 206 yards. Norwell’s secondary is struggling mightily this year against the quicker teams in the conference, as Williams had no issues finding open receivers.
7. Huntington North (1-4)
Previous Ranking: #7
Week 5: 13-12 W at 3A Bellmont
Week 6: vs 4A DeKalb
It was a gusty win on the road for Huntington North against a winless Bellmont team that was clearly playing like they knew this was one of their only chances all season for a victory. The Vikings managed to give up just 28 yards through the air, and Will Franze threw three of 13 against a stout Vikings D. Great win for Huntington North!
8. Bellmont (0-5)
Previous Ranking: #8
Week 5: 13-12 L vs 4A Huntington North
Week 6: at 4A #16 Leo
Bellmont offense finally saw life against the Vikings, especially on the ground as senior Aiden Miller ran for 101 yards and a score. Although the Braves didn’t come out of this one with a win, they came out with some regained confidence in the offense.
