So… East Noble beat New Haven, New Haven beat Leo, and Leo beat East Noble. All three are 5-1, and all three are likely to win their Week Nine matchups. If the week goes by upset-free, there will be a three-way tie for first in the NE8. What a season it has been.
1. East Noble (6-2, 5-1 NE8)
Previous Ranking: #3
Week 8: 31-21 W vs 4A #3 New Haven
Week 9: vs 3A Bellmont
East Noble kicked the door down against New Haven behind an impressive running attack. Seniors Tyson Reinbold, Michael Mosley, and junior Dylan Krehl combined for 268 yards and four touchdowns. The Knights proved themselves to be the hottest hand in the conference, and are on their way to at least a share of the NE8 title.
T-2. New Haven (7-1, 5-1 NE8)
Previous Ranking: #1
Week 8: 31-21 L at 4A #11 East Noble
Week 9: vs 4A Huntington North
Offensively, New Haven fired on all cylinders with 341 yards, 222 of which came through Donovan Williams and the passing game. However, the majority of their impact production came too late, as East Noble led 31-7 until the waning moments of the game. A rough way for the Bulldogs to end their chances at an outright NE8 crown.
T-2. Leo (6-2, 5-1 NE8)
Previous Ranking: #2
Week 8: 51-7 W vs 4A Columbia City
Week 9: at 4A DeKalb
Call it revenge for last year’s 38-13 loss, call it whatever you want. But no matter what, you have to call it sheer domination by the Lions. 214 passing yards and three scores for senior Kylar Decker, and 223 rushing yards with four scores for a versatile rushing unit.
4. Columbia City (5-3, 3-3 NE8)
Previous Ranking: #4
Week 8: 51-7 L at 4A #13 Leo
Week 9: vs 3A Norwell
The wheels have fallen off the Columbia City bus, as three straight losses to the top teams in the NE8 have diminished all chances of a repeat NE8 title. And boy, was this the worst loss of them all. The Eagles look to at least take a senior night win this week against Norwell.
5. DeKalb (5-3, 3-3 NE8)
Previous Ranking: #5
Week 8: 38-14 at 3A Bellmont
Week 9: vs 4A #13 Leo
DeKalb’s 35-0 start to the game against Bellmont sealed this one by halftime. Great game for the Barons, and who knows? Maybe a home upset on senior night against Leo? It’s been a crazy enough season already in the conference…
6. Norwell (2-6, 2-4 NE8)
Previous Ranking: #6
Week 8: 27-6 vs 4A Huntington North
Week 9: at 4A Columbia City
Norwell took care of business to set themselves up for a revenge game on the road in Whitley County against the team that stole the NE8 title from them last year: Columbia City.
7. Huntington North (1-7, 1-5 NE8)
Previous Ranking: #7
Week 8: 27-6 L at 3A Norwell
Week 9: at 4A #3 New Haven
The Vikings were stagnant against Norwell, as the offense fell short time and time again. New Haven will bring Huntington North one last tough task before sectional play.
8. Bellmont (0-8, 0-6 NE8)
Previous Ranking: #8
Week 8: 38-14 L vs 4A DeKalb
Week 9: at 4A #11 East Noble
Bellmont mustered up 4 points in the final two quarters of this one, but a hot start by the Barons threw away any chance for the Braves to get into the game. Next up: East Noble—the hottest team in the NE8.
