It’s the final week of the regular season, and teams are working on various aspects to further prepare for Sectionals. The Summit Athletic Conference is still up for grabs, and whatever transpires tonight will dictate who wins it. Even though it is the final week of the regular season, there are still some fantastic games to look forward to in each conference. Admittedly, last week’s predictions humbled me as I got a little upset happy (especially in the SAC), but this week should be more cut and dry in terms of predictions.

SAC Spotlight: Bishop Luers vs. Carroll

For the first time since the 2022 season, the Bishop Luers Knights will play the Carroll Chargers. The last time these two teams faced, Carroll embarked on a 13-1 season and lost the state championship to Center Grove. They defeated Luers in the opening week of the 2022 season 42-3. This year, the teams are a lot different. Carroll junior quarterback Gabe Frisinger is coming off an impressive 313 passing yards, three-touchdown performance in a 48-37 victory over the Northrop Bruins last week. He also is sixth in the state in passing yards. All season long, his primary target has been Jaidon Vanpelt, who is third in the state in receiving yards (958). Their offense is firing on all cylinders heading into the postseason.

This week, the Chargers face a stingy, strong Luers defense led by Jarron & Ayle Taylor. The Taylor brothers will be putting pressure all night long as they try to get to Frisinger and Jackson Rhoades in the backfield. In terms of the SAC, Luers’ defense in 2nd in points allowed by their opponents this season (behind Bishop Dwenger) and this week’s matchup should be a great one at Carroll.

Predictions

Carroll over Luers 28-14.

Northrop over Wayne 48-6.

Homestead over Concordia 35-7.

North Side over Snider 35-14.

Bishop Dwenger over South Side 28-7.

NE8 Spotlight: Leo vs. DeKalb

The Leo Lions got a tough draw in the first round of Sectionals as they will face the top defense in the SAC — Bishop Dwenger Saints. To prepare them, they’ve got a hungry DeKalb Barons team that has been impressive this season. Both teams are 5-1 in the conference, but the Lions are 7-1 overall with only one loss to the undefeated East Noble Knights. DeKalb is 5-2 and has lost to the Knights and the Angola Hornets in Week 1. The Barons offense is led by senior quarterback Eli McCormick. As a team, DeKalb is 1st in total passing touchdowns and passing yards in the NE8. Barons wide receiver Noah Spears is also 2nd in rec. TD’s. Last season, DeKalb lost to Leo in the final week of the regular season and again in the first round of Sectionals. Revenge will be on their minds for sure.

While Leo will attempt to defend the Barons’ elite passing attack, the Lions will try to utilize running back Nathan Foster as much as they can. He remains 5th in the state in rushing yards (1,401) and has also added 18 rushing touchdowns. His 10.86 yards per carry also ranks amongst the best in the state. It’ll be a battle of high-scoring elite offenses, but only one team can get some extra confidence heading into Sectionals.

Predictions

Leo over DeKalb 38-31.

East Noble over Bellmont 48-6.

New Haven over Huntington North 21-14.

Columbia City over Norwell 35-14.

ACAC Spotlight: Blowout Central

Honestly, there’s not much to be excited about in the ACAC tonight, as on paper, most of the games should result in blowouts. It’s been a year where Adams Central and Bluffton have been the clear-cut two best teams in the conference, and both, in the final week of the regular season, have their easiest games. Bluffton will face a 2-6 Blackhawk team, and the Flying Jets will face a 2-6 Woodlan team. It’ll be a week to try some things out for both teams, as Adams Central will face a currently 1-7 Central Noble team next week to kick-off Section play. Meanwhile, Bluffton’s draw wasn’t as favorable; they’ll face a Churubusco Eagles team (assuming they beat Fairfield) that has only lost two games. Barring any crazy upsets here, this week should be chalk in the ACAC.

Predictions

Adams Central over Woodlan 45-7.

South Adams over Southern Wells 56-7.

Heritage over Jay County 28-14.

Bluffton over Blackhawk 38-7.

NECC Spotlight: Angola vs. Eastside

The Angola Hornets have been hoping to get back to where they were in 2022, when they won six games. They’ve followed that season up with a two-win season, a four-win season, and what could be another four-win season in 2025. The Hornets’ offense is led by senior running back Hawk Hasselman, who has 820 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns this season. He is also the team’s leading tackler with 47 total tackles.

Going into Week 9, Angola is 4-4 and will have to gameplan for one of the most dynamic players in the area in Eastside Blazers quarterback Job Richman. As a QC, Richman is 21st in the state of Indiana in rushing yards (1,113) to go along with 11 rushing touchdowns. He has also thrown for 711 passing yards and 11 passing TD’s as well. This gives him 1,824 all-purpose yards and 22 total TDs on the season. Angola’s got a tough task tonight, but can they still prevail and surpass five wins for the first time since 2022?

Predictions

Eastside over Angola 35-14.

Fairfield over Busco 28-21.

Fremont over Toledo Christian (Ohio) 21-14.

Garrett over Central Noble 28-14.

Lakeland over Jimtown 35-7.

West Noble over Prairie Heights 45-7.