BLOOMINGTON NORTH (6-1) AT COLUMBUS NORTH (6-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Andress Field.
COACHES: Anthony Lindsey, 6-1 in first season at Bloomington North. Logan Haston, 16-13 in third season at Columbus North.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Bloomington North, 38-35, on October 6, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Bloomington North beat Columbus East, 28-20. Columbus North beat Bloomington South, 32-14.
UP NEXT: Bloomington North hosts Southport (0-7). Columbus North goes to Terre Haute South (1-5).
TOP PERFORMERS: Jorian Brooks caught eight passes for 135 yards with a touchdown for the No. 5 (Class 5A) Cougars against Columbus East. Gino Prescott scampered 23 times for 162 yards with two scores for the No. 8 (Class 6A) Bulldogs against Bloomington South.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Columbus North is a really good football team. They play a tough schedule, and they are well-coached. This is a good test for us to see how we have grown from the start of the season and moving into post-season play in a few weeks. We must be solid in all three phases of the game this week. We cannot come out flat to start the game. We have to play smart, mistake-free football. We have to be the more physical team to win the Conference Indiana title.” – Bloomington North’s Anthony Lindsey.
“This is a very exciting upcoming game against two quality teams with conference implications on the line. We can’t let the moment get too big. We just need to rely on our preparation throughout the week, followed by our execution on Friday night. Should be a great one!” – Columbus North’s Logan Haston.
BLUFFTON (6-1) AT ADAMS CENTRAL (6-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Minnich Field.
COACHES: Brent Kunkel, 55-31 in eighth season at Bluffton. Michael Mosser, 147-50 in 16th season at Adams Central.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Adams Central, 24-0, on October 6, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Bluffton lost to Heritage, 51-20. Adams Central beat Southern Wells, 55-0.
UP NEXT: Bluffton entertains Franklin County (4-3). Adams Central travels to Woodlan (4-3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Axton Beste found the end zone twice for the Tigers against Heritage. Matt Heiser ran for a pair of scores for the No. 6 (Class 2A) Flying Jets against Southern Wells.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Adams Central is the three-time defending ACAC (Allen County Athletic Conference) champion and three-time defending Class 1A north semistate champion. They are the real deal. We are going to have to play our best game of the season. Mental toughness challenge for our group this week coming off of our first loss, but this group has answered the bell time and time again, and I feel like they will be ready to go against Adams Central. Ball control, limiting turnovers, and capitalizing on opportunities are going to be huge for us. It should be a great atmosphere on Friday night and we are looking forward to it.” – Bluffton’s Brent Kunkel.
“Bluffton is a very skilled team that plays very hard. They are also well-coached and consequently will be a huge challenge to us. We must be able to move the ball against them, something we had a hard time doing last year. We must stop their run game and prevent their quarterback (Axton Beste) from running all over the field because he is very good. We must also play mistake-free football.” – Adams Central’s Michael Mosser.
CENTER GROVE (5-2) AT LAWRENCE NORTH (7-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Bell Field.
COACHES: Eric Moore, 252-78 in 26th season at Center Grove, 300-83 in 30th season overall. Patrick Mallory, 49-72 in 12th season at Lawrence North, 63-80 in 14th season overall.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Center Grove, 43-23, on October 6, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Center Grove lost to Indianapolis Cathedral, 49-45. Lawrence North beat Warren Central, 33-7.
UP NEXT: Center Grove entertains St. Frances (Maryland) (3-3). Lawrence North. Lawrence North plays at Indianapolis Pike (4-3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Nolan Rees recorded six rushes for 108 yards with a score for the No. 7 (Class 6A) Trojans against No. 5 (Class 6A) Cathedral. Davion Chandler hauled in six receptions for 126 yards with a touchdown for the No. 4 (Class 6A) Wildcats against No. 6 (Class 6A) Warren Central.
COACHES’ CORNER: “This matchup features the best Lawrence North team in school history. Former Center Grove assistant Pat Mallory has built a great program in his years at Lawrence North. This combo of Eric Moore vs. his former assistant will be one for the ages. I am so proud of what Pat Mallory has built for Lawrence North. He has brought and built toughness and culture thru dedication and hard work to their football program. They feature a highly touted quarterback (Tanner Aspeslet) and not one, but four of the best receivers in school history. In order for Center Grove to win, we must find a way to stop or at least slow down the high-powered Wildcats’ offense. The formula for that is the same as the past. Keep their offense on the sideline by moving the chains and scoring anytime we have the ball. Getting first downs will be key in this game for the Trojans. We will have to eliminate turnovers in order to not give them extra possessions. But like every week, the game always come down to who can block and tackle and make the fewest penalties. We will have to weather the storms with them and fight back with a long scoring drive on any of their scores. Our special teams will be huge, so we have to make a big play and stop them from having a big day. This will be a tough test for us, but our schedule has us battle tested for this type of team.” – Center Grove’s Eric Moore.
“We need to be and be concerned about us on Friday. We have to compete to our capability by playing fast and physical, minimizing mistakes, and playing the next play. Our special teams must also be special.” – Lawrence North’s Pat Mallory.
CULVER ACADEMY (6-1) AT HERITAGE CHRISTIAN (6-1)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, HCS Stadium.
COACHES: Andy Dorrel, 156-134 in 27th season at Culver Academy. Kyle Ray, 63-29 in ninth season at Heritage Christian.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Heritage Christian, 36-20, on August 31, 2012.
LAST CONTEST: Culver Academy beat Bremen, 31-7. Heritage Christian beat Lapel, 40-21.
UP NEXT: Culver Academy goes to John Glenn (1-5). Heritage Christian travels to Purdue Poly Englewood (2-5).
TOP PERFORMERS: Michael McColgan threw for 272 yards with three touchdowns for the Eagles against Bremen. Andrew Sloan registered nine catches for 100 yards with a score for the No.7 (Class 2A) Eagles against Lapel.
COACHES’ CORNER: “In order for CMA to earn a victory on Friday, we must control the football and finish in the red-zone. Heritage Christian features a high scoring offense and is a proven winner. This may be another shootout game in which the team who has the ball last will be in a position to win. We look forward to the challenge of facing a dynamic offense and testing our own offense against another well coached defense. In order for CMA to secure a victory, we must force Heritage Christian to make a few mistakes and turn over the football. Additionally, gaining an advantage on special teams is always a priority and this game may come down to whoever can control field position will emerge with the victory.” – Culver Academy’s Andy Dorrel.
“Culver Academy is a very good football team. We are going to have to play great football in all three phases to win. Our team has faced adversity all year, and we have responded well. We are looking forward to this challenge Friday night.” – Heritage Christian’s Kyle Ray.
DANVILLE (6-1) AT WESTERN BOONE (7-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Western Boone.
COACHES: Jayme Comer, 39-14 in fifth season at Danville. Justin Pelley, 107-35 in 12th season at Western Boone.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Danville, 21-7, on October 6, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Danville beat Frankfort, 64-16. Western Boone beat Southmont, 36-6.
UP NEXT: Danville hosts North Montgomery (2-5). Western Boone plays at Lebanon (5-2).
TOP PERFORMERS: Carter Ward was 8-of-13 for 93 yards with three touchdowns for the Warriors against Frankfort. Luke Adkins racked up nine tackles and a fumble recovery for the No. 4 (Class 2A) Stars against Southmont.
COACHES’ CORNER: “I expect Friday night to be another outstanding chapter in the Danville vs. Western Boone rivalry. To come out victorious, the Warriors will need to play with elite energy and focus throughout the game. We must stay poised throughout all of the highs and lows of the contest, and keep the next play mentality at the front our minds. We know that Western Boone will play a physical brand of football. It will be our challenge to exceed their physicality and take advantage of our match-ups throughout the game. With this being a game that the winner will earn at least a share of the final Sagamore Conference title, we know that emotions will be high and we must do our very best to channel our energy into producing winning football plays.” – Danville’s Jayme Comer.
“We are excited for what looks to be a great football game on Friday night. Both teams are familiar with one another and the game will come down to who makes the fewest miscues across the board. Special teams could play a big factor in what should be a relatively low scoring affair. In order to win, we will have to be able to make first downs on the ground and through the air in order to move the chains and keep our defense off the field. Scoring inside the red-zone will be key and something we were unable to accomplish a year ago. The conference championship is on the line and we are ready for a great opportunity on our senior night.” – Western Boone’s Justin Pelley.
HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (5-2) AT FRANKLIN CENTRAL (4-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Flashes Stadium.
COACHES: Michael Kelly, 40-12 in fifth season at Hamilton Southeastern, 54-28 in eighth season overall. Jayson West, 15-21 in fourth season at Franklin Central, 138-59 in 17th season overall.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Hamilton Southeastern, 19-3, on October 6, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Hamilton Southeastern beat Noblesville, 28-21. Franklin Central beat Fishers, 22-13.
UP NEXT: Hamilton Southeastern entertains Brownsburg (7-0). Franklin Central travels to Westfield (6-1).
TOP PERFORMERS: Carter Reed rambled 21 times for 157 yards with a score for the No. 8 (Class 6A) Royals against Noblesville. Avery Allen raced 18 times for 100 yards with a touchdown for the Flashes against Fishers.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Franklin Central has a great team. They are tough, physical, and relentless. Their offense is fast and they have great running backs and wide receivers. They have a four-year starter at quarterback (Nevan Tutterow) and they are very active on defense. Their defensive line is very athletic and fast. Their linebackers are tremendous and their secondary plays the pass and run very well. They have one of the best kickers (Zachary Naessens) in the state, so I do not see a weakness. We have to win the line of scrimmage both offensively and defensively, play physical, and create explosives on the offense. We have to tackle well and take care of the football. We need to start fast.” – Hamilton Southeastern’s Michael Kelly.
“We have to play like we did against Fishers. Play solid, bend, but don’t break defense and be physical on offense. We need to win the turnover battle. and find a way to win the special teams’ phase.” – Franklin Central’s Jayson West.
HARRISON (WEST LAFAYETTE) (5-2) AT LAFAYETTE JEFF (7-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Sheumann Stadium.
COACHES: Terry Peebles, 74-39 in 11th season at Harrison. Pat Shanley, 72-21 in ninth season at Lafayette Jeff.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Harrison, 32-13, on September 22, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Harrison beat Anderson, 52-0. Lafayette Jeff beat Marion, 70-28.
UP NEXT: Harrison goes to Kokomo (3-3). Lafayette Jeff plays at McCutcheon (4-3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Lannon Nicoloff completed all seven of his passes for 141 yards with three touchdowns for the Raiders against Anderson. Marquis Adkins tallied 112 yards on the ground with two scores on 15 carries for the No. 2 (Class 5A) Bronchos against Marion.
COACHES’ CORNER: “In any competitive game involving two talented teams, it will come down to who makes the least amount of mistakes on offense and defense. Offensively, we have to take care of the ball and have explosive plays to swing momentum in our direction. Sustaining success on the ground with Jack Gonzalez and Michael Sullivan will be a major emphasis. Defensively, we want to limit Jeff’s big play ability and force them into situations they have not been in too many times this season, such as second (down) and long situations. If we take care of the ball and win the turnover battle, we will be in great shape at the end of the game.” – Harrison assistant coach Kyle Holderfield.
“Our ability to block them and our ability to get off blocks (especially on the perimeter) will have a lot to say about the outcome of the game. This game always seems to have a special teams play that swings the game one way or the other. I believe turnovers and take-a-ways will have a lot to say about the outcome of the game.” – Lafayette Jeff’s Pat Shanley.
INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (3-3) AT INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (4-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Butler Bowl.
COACHES: Sam Otley, 3-3 in first season at Roncalli. Bill Peebles, 64-19 in seventh season at Cathedral, 138-84 in 20th season overall.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Cathedral, 42-0, on October 6, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Roncalli lost to Cincinnati LaSalle (Ohio), 28-17. Cathedral beat Center Grove, 49-45.
UP NEXT: Roncalli travels to East Central (5-2). Cathedral goes to Warren Central (6-1).
OP PERFORMERS: Collin Ash went 9-of-17 for 119 yards with a touchdown for the No. 10 (Class 4A) Royals against Cincinnati LaSalle. Cameron Koers was 14-of-16 for 255 yards with two scores and had eight rushes for 18 yards for the Irish against Center Grove.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Offensively, we need to take care of the football, control the line of scrimmage, and take advantage of explosive play opportunities. Defensively, we have to play sound football, rally to the ball, and tackle well. Om special teams, we need to execute our responsibilities, control field position, and take advantage of scoring opportunities.” – Roncalli’s Sam Otley1
“The Cathedral-Roncalli game is a great rivalry game. Both teams will give their best on the field. It is a shame that this is the last year of our contract. We will have to stop Roncalli’s option game to keep the Victory Bell on the north side of town. The quarterback (Collin Ash) and running back (Zach Dozier) combo they have is very good. They have been putting up a lot of points in recent weeks. Offensively, we need to establish the running game and secure the ball. This is a game where turnovers will be the difference.” – Cathedral’s Bill Peebles.
LEO (6-1) AT COLUMBIA CITY (6-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Gandy Field.
COACHES: Jason Doerffler, 25-8 in third season at Leo, 48-66 in 11th season overall. Brett Fox, 59-55 in 11th season at Columbia City.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Leo, 51-7, Oct. 6, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Leo beat Huntington North, 34-20. Columbia City lost to East Noble, 35-14.
UP NEXT: Leo hosts DeKalb (3-4). Columbia City travels to Norwell (2-5).
TOP PERFORMERS: Nathan Foster came up with 11 rushes for 155 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 5 (Class 4A) Lions against Huntington North. Gavin Smith accounted for a seven-yard scoring run for the No. 8 (Class 4A) Eagles against No. 4 (Class 4A) East Noble.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Columbia City is an excellent football team. They have a system on offense that they run very well. They also have some very dangerous explosive athletes that can do great things with the ball in their hands. Couple that with an experienced quarterback (Grayson Bradberry) and they are a very solid offensive football team averaging 47 points per game. We will have to slow them down on offense and keep pace with our offense. As the season goes on, more games are decided on the line of scrimmage. We will have to play great along the offensive and defensive lines and play opportunistic football. We have to make big plays on offense and create some turnovers on defense.” – Leo’s Jason Doerffler.
“Leo is a great team that finds ways to score in all three phases of the game. We have to be aware of where some of the players are and make sure that we are staying on our own assignments. It will take a complete game from us to be in the game on Friday night.” – Columbia City’s Brett Fox.
NORTH POSEY (6-1) AT SOUTHRIDGE (5-2)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Raider Field.
COACHES: Waylon Schenk, 59-27 in eighth season at North Posey, 87-51 in 13th season overall. Scott Buening, 108-36 in 12th season at Southridge, 120-64 in 16th season overall.
PREVIOUS MEETING: North Posey, 21-14, on October 6, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: North Posey beat Forest Park, 42-7. Southridge beat South Spencer, 48-12.
UP NEXT: North Posey entertains Pike Central (3-4), Southridge plays at Forest Park (4-3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Carter Shickel tossed for 155 yards with a score for the No. 5 (Class 2A) Vikings against Forest Park. Camden Haywood mustered a pair of interceptions for the Raiders against South Spencer.
COACHES’ CORNER: “For North Posey to win Friday night, we will need to play disciplined football and limit mistakes. Southridge is a very good team whose defense has thrived on takeaways. If we can protect the football, establish our run game, and play fundamental defense, we will give ourselves a chance to win on the road in a very difficult environment.” – North Posey’s Waylon Schenk.
“North Posey is always tremendously well-prepared physically and their coaching staff does a great job of getting the ball in the hands of their best players on offense and are always very disciplined and physical defensively. The Vikings’ offense throws a lot of different formations at you and forces you to defend the entire field in numerous ways. They have a group of very accomplished seniors that are both talented and know how to win along with some tremendously gifted young players who will be a great challenge for us. Defensively, they are fast and aggressive and come at you in many different ways. This game will decide our (Pocket Small School) conference champion and should be a great atmosphere.” – Southridge’s Scott Buening.
PENN (5-2) AT NEW PRAIRIE (5-2)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Amzie Miller Field.
COACHES: Pete Riordan, 5-2 in first season at Penn. Casey McKim, 44-15 in fifth season at New Prairie.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Penn, 22-0, on October 6, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Penn lost to Elkhart, 7-3. New Prairie beat Mishawaka Marian, 42-28.
UP NEXT: Penn hosts South Bend Saint Joseph (4-3), New Prairie travels to South Bend Washington (0-7).
TOP PERFORMERS: Jaedon Parker carried the football 16 times for 55 yards for the Kingsmen against No. 10 (Class 6A) Elkhart. Zak Henrich amassed 89 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries for the Cougars against Marian.
COACHES’ CORNER: “New Prairie is a difficult place to play, especially on their senior night. We must control the line of scrimmage offensively and cut down on the number of penalties. Offensively, we need to get more guys involved into the game plan. Defensively, we must stop the run. New Prairie can be explosive with their power run game. To complement their run game, they throw selectively to keep teams off balance.” – Penn’s Pete Riordan.
“The three major keys in my mind are to stop explosive plays by Penn’s offense and make them drive the ball the length of the field. Second is that we must execute at a high level on offense. We must get where we need to be when we need to be there. Third is we need to win the battle for hidden yards. Whether it is turnovers, penalties, or special teams, we need to get more possessions in better field position.” – New Prairie’s Casey McKim.
WHITELAND (3-3) AT PLAINFIELD (6-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Red Pride Field.
COACHES: Darrin Fisher, 140-81 in 20th season at Whiteland, 201-153 in 34th season overall. Tyler Bless, 12-5 in second season at Plainfield.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Whiteland, 22-8, on October 6, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Whiteland lost to Mooresville, 24-21. Plainfield beat Franklin, 34-13.
UP NEXT: Whiteland entertains Greenwood (2-5), Plainfield plays at Martinsville (7-0).
TOP PERFORMERS: Tyree Nolan ran eight times for 109 yards with a touchdown for the Warriors against Mooresville. Ethan Ellis accumulated 89 yards with a score on two carries for the No. 6 (Class 5A) Quakers against Franklin.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Plainfield has been excellent running the football. Limiting explosive plays by keeping the ball inside and in front will be critical along with penetration and pursuit to the ball. Offensively, we will need to keep their defense off-balance with our movement game and multiple ball carriers and pass receivers. The kicking game must provide a big play for us as well.” – Whiteland’s Darrin Fisher.
“We will need to be able to have a good start vs. Whiteland in all three phases of the game. Our defense will need to be assignment sound and do their job against a really good running team in Whiteland. Our linebackers will need to have great read keys especially vs. Whiteland’s jets and motions. Offensively. we will need to handle Whiteland’s multiple pressures and fronts while maintaining the line of scrimmage and sustaining our run game. Special teams will be a huge factor for both teams. We will need to achieve our game breakers goals and make a positive impact in this phase of the game.” – Plainfield’s Tyler Bless.
