Having her father as coach has definitely helped senior Anna Schillinger, and apparently it’s pretty good for the Concordia softball program as well.FORT WAYNE – The football season has been interrupted with news of the firing of Bishop Luers coach Matt Lindsay.
It has been an unfortunate situation that has taken the focus off the top teams and individuals in northeast Indiana.
The games will go, but not before I present some midpoint awards.
MVP
C.J. Jackson, North Side quarterback: The senior has 908 passing yards with 12 touchdowns, and has run for 572 yards with five touchdowns.
His talent and leadership have helped the Redskins remain undefeated heading into today’s SAC showdown with Snider.
Top team
Snider: Of course, this could change tonight when the Panthers (5-0) go up against North Side (5-0). But since the first two weeks of the season, Snider seems to be the most balanced team.
Also, the Panthers have two big wins over perennially strong programs in three-time defending Class 2A state champion Bishop Luers and 5A state runner-up Penn, both coming at Spuller Stadium.
Coach of the year
Jim Rowland, New Haven: For those who thought the Bulldogs were a one-man team the last few years, they were wrong. Te’Vaughn Hurse has graduated, but New Haven is 4-1 and will be a factor in the NHC race with an end-of-the-season showdown with Homestead next month.
The Bulldogs are balanced and downright stingy on defense.
Surprise team
Bluffton: Despite a loss last Friday to Garrett, the Tigers are 4-1. Their 4-0 start was the first time in 30 years the program had accomplished that feat.
Biggest disappointment
Bishop Dwenger (2-3) and Bishop Luers (3-2): Even before the Lindsay firing, the Knights were 2-2. That’s definitely not what fans expected out of a team loaded with Division I talent. The offense has been the biggest problem, averaging only 17 points per game.
The Saints started 2-0 but have lost three straight for the first time since 2000 when they finished 5-6.
Top game, individual
Drew Schnitz, Huntington North quarterback: The senior threw a state-record nine touchdown passes last week in a 62-49 win over Anderson. Receiver Caleb Richison caught six touchdown passes from Schnitz, tying a state record.
Top game
Bishop Luers 21, Northrop 17: The Knights staved off the upset with a touchdown in the final seven seconds Aug. 24. Northrop had Luers on the ropes before a final drive with little time left on the clock and a 50-yard scoring pass to Tyrell Johnson.
