It’s finally Week 1 for the high school football season. As we’ve taken in all of the previews and scrimmages and now it’s time to put up or shut up. The Summit Athletic Conference is embarking on another competitive season where it feels like there are some teams on the horizon that could compete for the conference title. The Carroll Chargers will look to defend their 2024 SAC title this season, but it’s not going to be an easy task. In 2025, the conference loaded with talent across the board.
To shine some love on what will be a merciless battle for bragging rights in the SAC, let’s highlight the top 5 players in the conference going into 2025. Later on, we’ll talk honorable mentions, that way every school in the conference has at least one player to watch, so there’s representation for each program. Here are the top 5 players to watch going into the season.
- Jerquaden Guilford, WR, DB, Northrop
One of the most well-rounded, explosive wide receivers in the state, Northrop Bruins wide receiver Jerquaden Guilford is expected to have a huge 2025 season. The 6-foot-2, 190 pound wideout is entering his senior season with a lot to prove. Working with trainer Dre Muhammed and Traction in Fort Wayne Guilford has separated himself from other recruits. He finished with 556 yards and three TD’s last season, but with his quarerback David Callison back and healthy, this combination shall be lethal for opposing defenses this season. Fresh off his commitment to Ohio State University, all eyes will be on him this season — rightfully so.
2. Jarron Taylor, DT Bishop Luers
After being named to the 1st team All-SAC, IFCA Junior All-State teams, Bishop Luers defensive tackle Jarron Taylor hopes to enhance his abilities even more this season. He led the 3A State title Runner-Ups in tackles with 97 last year and also added eight sacks. The 6’2, 260-pound senior has offers from Air Force, Army, Butler, Indiana State, Western Illinois already, but with an even better season in 2025, Taylor will add more teams to his list. He’s the best defensive lineman in the area and will hopes to lead the Knights to another successful season.
3. Michael White, QB, Homestead
Before summer practices began, Homestead Spartans quarterback Michael White became one of many recent commitments to Grant Valley State University. As of right now, he’s the most proven quarterback in the conference and has an effortless poise in the pocket and utilizes his athleticism to make plays outside the pocket as well. He’s coming off an impressive junior season where he threw for 1,439 yards along with 12 touchdowns. Using his speed, he also was able to rush for 318 yards for two rushing touchdowns as well. Entering his final year with a chip on both his and the program’s shoulder, White should have a huge season ahead. A 1,500-plus passing yard, 500-plus rushing yard season isn’t too far fetched for White to accomplish this season. Especially with a weapons like Carter Kennedy (608 yards, 6 TD’s) and Liam Moore lining up at wideout for the Spartans
4. Andrew Trahin, OT, Bishop Dwenger
The best offensive lineman in the area going into 2025 is Bishop Dwenger’s 6’5, 285-pound Andrew Trahin. After considering colleges like Bowling Green, Kent State, Toledo, and Western Michigan, Trahin made his commitment to Eastern Michigan earlier this summer. The Junior All-State lineman will be looking to lead the Saints and protect both his quarterback Henry Jordan and returning leading rusher Gus Tippman this season. In terms of the 2-6-0 area code, Trahin is amongst a class of his own in terms of offensive lineman and will be a powerful force on both sides of the line in 2025.
5. Maalik Moore, WR/DB, North Side
Malik Moore is arguably the best junior in the area. The 6’3, 190-pound athlete is already garnering offers from Cincinnati, Eastern Michigan, Indiana, Purdue, Michigan State and other Division I schools, Moore has quickly become a top athlete in the state. North Side Legends head coach Ben Johnson mentioned to me that he was impressed and learned that he learned that their secondary is “really good” after their scrimmage last week. Moore plays both defensive back and wide receiver for the Legends and continues to improve every season. Last season, he finished with 39 receptions for 648 yards and 10 touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, he also snagged four interceptions. If his trend continues, he’ll improve again this season — which should scare all of North Side’s opponents this season.
Honorable Mention:
David Callison, QB, Northrop
Caleb Kiengele, RB, North Side
Ayle Taylor, LB, Bishop Luers
Dee Hogue, WR, Northrop
Owen Dodson, TE, Snider
Dylan Tippmann, Bishop Dwenger
Jaidon Van Pelt, WR/DB, Carroll
Jayce White, QB, Wayne
Houston Ellinger, DB, Bishop Dwenger
Grant Allman, LB, Concordia
Detrick Smith Jr., LB, South Side