The race for the SAC crown continues to narrow down, as Luers (5-0) leads the charge after a fantastic win against Dwenger, with Snider (4-1) and Carroll (4-1) looking to at least tie with the Knights. Just two weeks to go in a tight race.
Big Division
1. Snider (6-1, 4-1 SAC)
Previous Ranking: #1
Week 7: 49-7 W vs 6A Northrop
Week 8: at 4A Bishop Dwenger
Snider took care of business against the rival Bruins, needed not to keep their starters in for the second half after a dominant 49-0 start in the first two quarters. A blowout win for a squad that felt the bitter taste in their mouths from the Homestead defeat.
2. Carroll (5-2, 4-1 SAC)
Previous Ranking: #2
Week 7: 41-20 vs 6A Homestead
Week 8: at 6A Northrop
After an electric season last year, Jimmy Sullivan has struggled to maintain his stride. Against Homestead, he showed what he is capable of with 435 yards on offense—235 through the air and 200 on the ground. The defense also forced two interceptions to round up a fantastic, well-rounded victory that Carroll desperately needed.
3. Bishop Dwenger (3-4, 3-2 SAC)
Previous Ranking: #3
Week 7: 29-28 (OT) L at 2A #9 Bishop Luers
Week 8: vs 5A #2 Snider
This was a game Dwenger wished they could have back. Two costly turnovers—both inside the 20—kept Luers in the game and allowed the Knights to send the rivalry showdown to overtime, where they would eventually win it. Lots to learn from for the Saints.
4. Homstead (3-4, 3-2 SAC)
Previous Ranking: #4
Week 7: 41-20 L at 6A #11 Carroll
Week 8: vs 3A Concordia
Homestead’s offense couldn’t get off the ground against Carroll—literally. Although Brett Fuchs led the rushing game with 192 yards and two scores, the passing game couldn’t hit the same level with 93 yards, a touchdown, and two picks from Michael White. A rivalry loss that’ll sting for a good bit.
5. Northrop (0-7, 0-5 SAC)
Previous Ranking: #5
Week 7: 49-7 L at 5A #2 Snider
Week 8: vs 6A #11 Carroll
Northrop got beaten up and down the field, plain and simple. It’s been a rough year for this squad, which has been unable to slow any of their competition this season down to less than 5 scores.
Small Division
1. Bishop Luers (5-2, 5-0 SAC)
Previous Ranking: #1
Week 7: 29-28 W (OT) vs 4A Bishop Dwenger
Week 8: vs 4A South Side
Bishop Luers proved how gutsy they can be for a second week in a row. Despite a game with under 200 total yards on offense, Luers managed to send this game to overtime. Despite giving up the first score of OT, Luers responded. And with the game on the line, Coach Kyle Lindsay called for the two-point conversion—which became aided by a defensive pass interference on the first attempt—and the Knights converted it from the one-and-a-half line behind a halfback dive to Mickey Daring. An instant classic for the Knights who improve to 5-0 in conference play, with a chance to guarantee at least a share of the SAC crown if they defeat South Side this week.
2. Wayne (4-3, 2-3 SAC)
Previous Ranking: #2
Week 7: 45-6 vs 3A Concordia
Week 8: at 5A North Side
The Generals’ defense was lights-out against Concordia, getting to the quarterback a season-high eight times and forcing three interceptions. Outright dominance—and with this win—Wayne has set themselves up for a showdown next week against North Side to determine who will take the 2nd-place spot in the Small Division.
3. North Side (3-4, 3-2 SAC)
Previous Ranking: #3
Week 7: 20-6 W at 4A South Side
Week 8: vs 4A Wayne
Before the season started, I had Kamden Johnson listed as a player to watch in the SAC. This week, he earned everyone’s attention with a 254-yard performance on the ground. South Side’s defense shut down the Legends through the air, forcing two interceptions from Dylan Scribble, but could find no answers for Johnson. The Totem Pole stays with the North.
4. South Side (1-6, 1-4 SAC)
Previous Ranking: #4
Week 7: 20-6 L vs 5A North Side
Week 8: at 2A #9 Bishop Luers
South Side’s secondary has made big strides this season, and the improvement continued against North Side with two interceptions forced by the Archers. Where they continue to struggle is up front, and that really showed on Friday.
5. Concordia (0-6, 0-5 SAC)
Previous Ranking: #5
Week 7: 45-6 L at 4A Wayne
Week 8: at 6A Homestead
The Cadet offense was able to make moves through the air, with sophomore Braden Corbett throwing for 290 yards. However, three interceptions to just one touchdown and a big difference, and Wayne capitalized on those turnovers. On to the next one.
