BY PAUL CONDRY AND MATT KOPSEA
AVON (3-0) AT BROWNSBURG (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 pm ET, Roard Stadium.
COACHES: Mark Bless, 69-29 in ninth season at Avon, 218-96 in 29th season overall. John Hart, 19-5 in third season at Brownsburg, 287-87 in 34th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Avon beat Hamilton Southeastern, 29-6. Brownsburg beat Franklin Central, 37-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Avon, 47-25, on November 3, 2017 in Class 6A sectional final.
TOP PERFORMERS: Henry Hesson was 18-of-32 for 241 yards with two touchdowns for the Orioles against Hamilton Southeastern. Donny Marcus ran 25 times for 200 yards and two scores for the Bulldogs against Franklin Central.
CHALK TALK: “They are the most physical team we have played since I have been back in Indiana. They have nine aggressive tough guys back on defense and four (NCAA) D-1 offensive linemen. (Sampson) James may be the best back I’ve seen in 10 years which makes them so touch on offense. We need to match their physicality, have no mistakes, and not allow any big play touchdowns. Hamilton Southeastern was in the game until they made mistakes that led to scores for us.” – Brownsburg’s John Hart.
CENTER GROVE (1-2) AT BEN DAVIS (2-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Giants Stadium.
COACHES: Eric Moore, 180-64 in 20th season at Center Grove, 228-69 in 24th season overall. Jason Simmons, 2-1 in first season at Ben Davis, 28-20 in fifth season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Center Grove beat Carmel, 17-7. Ben Davis beat Pike, 40-19.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Ben Davis, 40-7, on September 8, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Luke Eckert converted a 31-yard field goal and a pair of extra-points for the Trojans against Carmel. Dominic Day caught seven passes for 70 yards for the Giants against Pike.
CHALK TALK: “The Center Grove-Ben Davis game is always a physical contest. The Giants provide great obstacles for the Trojans with their great size and speed. You are always one play away from getting beat with the Ben Davis skill players’ speed and agility. The Trojans must stay in long physical drives on offense and attempt to make one-on-one tackles on defense. When the Giants get on the perimeter. it’s trouble for all. Limiting penalties and zero turnovers will have to be the main objective to stay in the game. This along with limiting Ben Davis’ big play players will be next to impossible. Like always. the Trojans will have to control the clock by getting first downs, and scoring whenever they are given the opportunity. This has been a great high school football series the last 20 years for myself as a coach and our program. I can’t wait for Friday night lights.” – Center Grove’s Eric Moore.
DECATUR CENTRAL (3-0) AT MARTINSVILLE (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Siderewicz Field.
COACHES: Kyle Enright, 20-5 in third season at Decatur Central. Carter Whitson, 9-5 in second season at Martinsville.
LAST CONTEST: Decatur Central beat Whiteland, 28-14. Martinsville beat Greenwood, 29-8.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Decatur Central, 54-15, on September 8, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Parker Harrington had 27 carries for 127 yards for the Hawks against Whiteland. Isaac Osborne ran 17 times for 164 yards and two scores for the Artesians against Greenwood.
CHALK TALK: “Our keys to success against Martinsville are very simple. Do not turn the ball over offensively, force Martinsville to drive the football by not allowing any big plays defensively, and win the field position battle in the kicking game. Martinsville is a very good team coming into the contest with a 3-0 record after dominating Bedford North Lawrence, Bloomington South, and Greenwood. They average 40 points per game on offense and only give up 15 points per game defensively. They can move the ball on the ground or through the air and are led by senior quarterback Travis Griffey who is fourth in the conference with 336 yards rushing on the season. Just behind him and fifth in the conference is running back Isaac Osborne, who has 318 yards on the ground, making them a good one-two punch in the backfield. They have a stout defense with many starters returning from a year ago and are well-coached. We look forward to the challenge of playing at Martinsville and will be geared up for a great battle between two undefeated Mid-State Conference football teams.” – Decatur Central’s Kyle Enright.
“We have to play our brand of football. Defensively, we need to stop the run and that includes their quarterback (Parker Harrington) from scrambling. We need to create turnovers and have to be disciplined in our assignments. Offensively, we have to control the tempo, take care of the football, be patient, and eliminate stupid mistakes like the ones that should have got us beat in week three.” – Martinsville’s Carter Whitson.
EASTBROOK (3-0) AT MISSISSINEWA (2-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Fisher Field.
COACHES: Jeff Adamson, 258-84 in 30th season at Eastbrook. Curt Funk, 58-33 in ninth season at Mississinewa.
LAST CONTEST: Eastbrook beat Madison-Grant, 61-0. Mississinewa beat Elwood, 62-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Eastbrook, 42-21, on September 15, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Clay Dalton recorded nine tackles for the Panthers against Madison-Grant. Cade Campbell tallied three touchdowns for the Indians against Elwood.
CHALK TALK: “It should be a great game. We have to try to find a way to contain (Heisman) Skeens and (Cade) Campbell, who are two of the most explosive backs in our conference and possibly the state. We hope our offense can possess the ball for long periods of time and keep it away from those two as much as possible. Both teams have really good special teams as well and it seems like a key special team play has been a deciding factor the past couple of years. Regardless of the outcome, we will be a better team after playing Mississinewa.” – Eastbrook’s Jeff Adamson.
“For us to beat Eastbrook, we have to win the turnover battle and be sound in special teams. Our defense must play assignment football and limit Eastbrook’s explosive play ability. Eastbrook is an extremely talented and well-coached football team, and it will take a tremendous effort from our Indians to come away with a victory.” – Mississinewa’s Curt Funk.
EVANSVILLE MATER DEI (2-1) AT EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. CDT, Enlow Field.
COACHES: Mike Goebel, 213-63 in 22nd season at Evansville Mater Dei. John Hurley, 76-53 in 11th season at Evansville Memorial.
LAST CONTEST: Evansville Mater Dei beat Evansville Harrison, 50-6. Evansville Memorial beat Evansville North, 56-10.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Evansville Memorial, 37-14, on September 8, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Brady Boring scampered five times for 55 yards and a score for the Wildcats against Evansville Harrison. Darrius Johnson had 13 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown for the Tigers against Evansville North.
CHALK TALK: “We will need to play sound on both sides of the football. Mike Goebel coached teams are always well-prepared and disciplined.” – Evansville Memorial’s John Hurley.
FORT WAYNE BISHOP DWENGER (3-0) AT HOMESTEAD (2-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Walters Stadium.
COACHES: Jason Garrett, 3-0 in first season at Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger. Chad Zolman, 120-38 in 15th season at Homestead.
LAST CONTEST: Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger beat Fort Wayne South, 47-20. Homestead lost to Fort Wayne Bishop Luers, 38-36.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Homestead, 42-0, on September 8, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Tavehon McGarry tallied 13 carries for 60 yards and two touchdowns for the Saints against Fort Wayne South. Luke Goode was 11-of-16 for 155 yards for the Spartans against Fort Wayne Bishop Luers.
CHALK TALK: “We have great respect for Coach Zolman, his staff. and the entire Homestead football program. A tremendous challenge lies ahead of us on Friday night, so all three facets will need to execute at a very high level while minimizing mistakes if we are to have any chance of a victory.” Bishop Dwenger’s Jason Garrett.
“We will need to consistently finish drives on offense. Defensively, we will need to take away big plays. Dwenger is a big physical team with a lot of talent.” – Homestead’s Chad Zolman.
INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (1-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS BISHOP CHATARD (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Bishop Chatard Field.
COACHES: Bill Peebles, 1-2 in first season at Indianapolis Cathedral, 75-67 in 14th season overall. Rob Doyle, 10-6 in second season at Indianapolis Bishop Chatard.
LAST CONTEST: Indianapolis Cathedral lost to Cincinnati Elder (Ohio), 39-34. Indianapolis Bishop Chatard beat Indianapolis Roncalli, 21-13.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Indianapolis Cathedral, 34-13, on September 8, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Bo Sanders hauled in six receptions for 92 yards and two scores for the Irish against Cincinnati Elder. Daylen Taylor scampered 32 times for 93 yards and two touchdowns for the Trojans against Roncalli.
CHALK TALK: “Cathedral is a fine football with great size and speed. We will need all of our guys executing their assignments in order to slow down a very talented offense. We’ll need to be able to find some running lanes to keep their offense off the field.” – Bishop Chatard’s Rob Doyle.
INDIANAPOLIS SCECINA (3-0) AT BEECH GROVE (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Beech Grove Field.
COACHES: Ott Hurrle, 184-129 in 27th season at Indianapolis Scecina, 185-138 in 29th season overall. Mark Weller, 34-42 in eighth season at Beech Grove, 47-63 in 11th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Indianapolis Scecina beat Park Tudor, 37-6. Beech Grove beat Speedway, 48-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Indianapolis Scecina, 41-21, on September 8, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Eric Hollis caught two passes for 88 yards with a touchdown for the Crusaders against Park Tudor. Terrice Pope raced for 98 yards and a score on nine carries for the Hornets against Speedway.
CHALK TALK: “Beech Grove is big and strong, so our offensive and defensive linemen will really need to step up and play their best.” – Scecina’s Ott Hurrle.
NEW PRAIRIE (2-1) AT SOUTH BEND SAINT JOSEPH (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Father Bly Field.
COACHES: Russ Radtke, 62-15 in seventh season at New Prairie, 352-135 in 42nd season overall. Bryon Whitten, 10-15 in third season at Saint Joseph.
LAST CONTEST: New Prairie lost to Andrean, 44-28. Saint. Joseph beat Mishawaka Marian, 7-6.
PREVIOUS MEETING: New Prairie, 42-7, on November 3, 2017 in Class 4A sectional final.
TOP PERFORMERS: Ian Skornog ran for 71 yards, threw for 69 yards and a touchdown, and racked up eight tackles for the Cougars against Andrean. Dan Stone recorded nine tackles for the Indians against Marian.
CHALK TALK: “We are excited to begin (Northern Indians) conference play, and starting off with Saint Joseph will challenge us on many facets of the game. They are very well-coached. Defensively, we must be able to focus on our assignments which we struggled to do last week. Saint Joe will make us be disciplined against the run and the pass. Offensively, we must win the battle in the trenches and match the Indians’ physicality.” – New Prairie associate head coach Bill Gumm.
“To get a win against New Prairie, we must increase our offensive efficiency and play with the same tenacity as we have the past three weeks on defense.” – Saint Joseph’s Bryon Whitten.
PERRY CENTRAL (3-0) AT PAOLI (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Cook Field.
COACHES: Greg Gibson, 43-25 in seventh season at Perry Central. Jeremy Lowery, 12-3 in second season at Paoli.
LAST CONTEST: Perry Central beat Crawford County, 27-6. Paoli beat Springs Valley, 34-16.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Paoli, 48-6, on September 8, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Gavin Poole ran eight times for 76 yards and three scores for the Commodores against Crawford County. Ian Strange had five carries for 87 yards and a score for the Rams in a 44-7 win against Corydon Central.
CHALK TALK: “We will have to play great team defense to stop their running game. On offense, first down will be key to stay in manageable down and distances.” – Perry Central’s Greg Gibson.
“Perry Central is a very good football team. It is obvious that they are very well-coached and their kids are very committed. We have had some real battles with Perry over the years. They are very prideful program with a history of success. We have a great deal of respect for their program and understand we will have to bring our ‘A’ game to have success. Offensively, Perry Central is a power running football team. They have numerous offensive formations, but there is no question what they want to do. They want to run the ball off tackle and they are good at it. Defensively, they pursue well and tackle well. They have only given up six points all year and are playing with a lot of confidence. We will need to have great focus in our preparation for Perry this week. We recognize that we are playing well right now, but we also realize that we have a number of things we must improve on. We are very proud of the energy and effort our kids are playing with, but we must stay coachable and address the mistakes we have made in our first three games. We have done a great job taking care of the football on offense and creating turnovers on defense. We must continue to stay focused in these areas against a disciplined Perry team. We had way too many penalties a week ago. We must stay focused on details and technique to address these issues. Our kids like to play football and we are confident that they will improve as the season progresses. This will be an exciting week and a great challenge.” – Paoli’s Jeremy Lowery.
TRITON CENTRAL (3-0) AT MONROVIA (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. ET, Hadley Field.
COACHES: Tim Able, 45-19 in sixth season at Triton Central, 170-117 in 26th season overall. Kevin Hutchins, 78-38 in 10th season at Monrovia, 95-71 in 15th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Triton Central beat Indianapolis Lutheran, 31-0. Monrovia beat Linton-Stockton, 23-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Triton Central, 20-7, on September 8, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Richard Knowles III carried the ball 17 times for 126 yards and two scores for the Tigers against Indianapolis Lutheran. Clay Whitney rambled 25 times for 219 yards and two touchdowns for the Bulldogs against Linton-Stockton.
CHALK TALK: “Monrovia has one of the elite football programs in the state of Indiana. The results Coach Hutchins has produced has been amazing. Again, they are a physical football team on both sides of the ball. They play the game as hard as any team we play every year. We will need to match and exceed their physicality to compete with them on Friday night. We must improve daily and weekly to get the positive results we have been getting on Friday night. Our recent success has been based on successful defense and special teams play. That must be our staple this Friday night to hold our team together.” – Triton Central’s Tim Able.
WEST NOBLE (3-0) AT ANGOLA (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Angola Stadium.
COACHES: Monte Mawhorter, 78-113 in 20th season at West Noble. Andy Thomas, 29-17 in fifth season at Angola, 119-84 in 19th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: West Noble beat Eastside, 32-13. Angola beat Jimtown, 31-14.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Angola, 72-21, on September 8, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Josh Gross had 11 carries for 140 yards and a touchdown for the Chargers against Eastside. Dyer Ball tossed a 25-yard touchdown pass for the Hornets against Jimtown.
CHALK TALK: “West Noble is a tremendous team. hey have two or three guys who can score from anywhere on the field, and they run to the ball well on defense. We cannot give up big plays, so we have to make them earn everything they get.” – Angola’s Andy Thomas.
