9/24 Inside The Zone

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Snider is the clear front-runner in the race for the SAC's Victory Bell as a 17-6 win at North Side on Friday night as the Panthers improved to 5-0 in conference play.

Luers (4-1 in the SAC) and North Side (3-1) are right behind Snider, but have both lost to the Panthers. Since the SAC doesn't share titles the Panthers essentially have a two-game lead with two conference games left. Snider hosts Elkhart Central this week but play Dwenger in week 8 and Wayne in week 9. Kurt Tippmann's team is close to clinching the program's first SAC title since 2005. North Side and Luers play this Friday, with the losing team being eliminated from title contention.

In the NHC Homestead and New Haven are both 4-0 in conference play, with Carroll right behind and 3-1. The Spartans and Chargers will meet this Friday in the Highlight Zone "Game of the Week."

In the ACAC Leo needed two clutch kicks from Zach Ferran to beat Heritage 13-10 last Friday and remain on top in the conference race. Leo improved to 3-0 in conference while Heritage fell to 3-1 in ACAC play. Garrett at 3-0 in conference is currently tied with Leo for the ACAC lead. All ACAC games this coming Friday will be played at Ball State on Saturday.

In the NECC Churubusco, Lakeland, and Fairfield are all tied at the top of the standings with 6-0 records in the league. A shake-out will occur this Friday as the Lakers and Falcons meet in LaGrange county.