As part of our weekly football coverage here, I'm going to offer up my hypothetical fantasy football picks every Thursday. Note: This league is completely made up. If you are in a high school fantasy football league, please seek professional help.
START 'EM
RB — Ryan Kleinschmidt, Bishop Chatard, Sr.
Anyone who bought into the talk of Chatard being more of a passing team this year can rest easy — Kleinschmidt came out in Week 1 and carried 27 times for 162 yards and three TDs. Doesn't get much better than that, which is why we love Kleinschmidt. His consistency makes him one of the safest plays every week. Look for him to approach 200 yards on Friday against Broad Ripple.
Projection: 25 carries, 180 yards, 2 TDs
RB — Eric Davis, Fishers, Sr.
Fishers ran for an impressive 239 yards in a season-opening win over a good Noblesville team, and Davis got the bulk of the carries. After running it 20 times for 145 yards in Week 1, Davis will take aim at the Hamilton SE defense on Friday night. One cause for hesitation — Davis didn't find the end zone last week, but he should approach 30 carries in what I expect to be a close game. Trust that the TDs will come.
Projection: 31 carries, 165 yards, 2 TDs
WR — Anthony Warrum, Heritage Christian, Jr.
The name of the game for fantasy WRs is targets, and Warrum got plenty of balls thrown his way in Week 1. He snared 12 catches for 195 yards against Cardinal Ritter. He only scored one touchdown, but TDs are fickle — you know Warrum will have plenty of opportunities tomorrow against Triton Central.
Projection: 9 catches, 130 yards, 1 TD
DON'T START 'EM
QB — Kyle Faunce, Warren Central, Sr.
Yes, Faunce had 282 yards and three touchdowns in his first game as starter, but look at the attempts — he threw the ball just 15 times. Senior WR Kevin Davis had 188 of those yards, and Warren Central is likely to turn to its ground game on Saturday against a strong Cathedral defense. It's a game the Warren Central coaches will probably ask Faunce not to lose.
Projection: 9 of 18, 145 yards, 1 TD
QB — Gunner Kiel, Columbus East, Sr.
We know Kiel is the best quarterback in the state and one of the best in the country, but you can't ignore the fact that he's working with an almost entirely new offense this season. The receiving corps is inexperienced, and it showed in Week 1 as Kiel passed for less than 50 yards. That makes him a risky play against Columbus North tomorrow. Wait a few more weeks and try to buy low on Kiel. Once the Columbus East offense finds its groove, he'll start putting up monster numbers.
Projection: 18 of 32, 220 yards, 1 TD
WR — Gehrig Dieter, South Bend Washington, Sr.
It's tough to sit a guy who had a state-record 373 (!) receiving yards and five (!!) touchdowns last week, but I personally never feel comfortable starting "The Week After Guy." Dieter will probably have a great game against Michigan City, but I'm still too stubborn to play him this week.
Projection: 8 catches, 140 yards, 2 TDs
* Projections based on 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR format; No PPR
Want to join my (nonexistent) Indiana high school fantasy league? Find me on Twitter (@ESPNHSGrimala) and tell me your team name.