ADAMS CENTRAL (7-0) AT BLUFFTON (7-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Park Field.
COACHES: Michael Mosser, 162-50 in 17th season at Adams Central. Brent Kunkel, 62-34 in ninth season at Bluffton.
LAST CONTEST: Adams Central beat Southern Wells, 48-7. Bluffton beat Heritage, 35-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Adams Central, 35-7, on October 25, 2024 in Class 2A sectional quarterfinal.
UP NEXT: Adams Central hosts Woodlan (2-5). Bluffton goes to Fort Wayne Blackhawk (2-5).
TOP PERFORMERS: Braylend Reber scampered 88 yards for a touchdown for the top-ranked and defending Class 2A state champion Flying Jets against Southern Wells. Cooper Craig raced six times for 112 yards with two scores for the No. 6 (Class 2A) Tigers against Heritage.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Bluffton has proven itself to be a very good team with many different weapons that we have to contend with. We are going to have to play great on both sides of the ball. If we don’t, they will score points and score often. We must contain their quarterback (Axton Beste) and slow their run game down. Offensively, we have to methodically move the ball down the field, drain clock, and score points if we are going to win.” – Adams Central’s Michael Mosser.
“We are very excited about the opportunity that we have in front of us this Friday night against Adams Central. They are without a doubt one of the best programs and best coached teams in the entire state of Indiana. For us to come away with a victory, we are going to have to be sharp in all three phases of the game. They are not going to give us anything, so we are going to have to go out and earn it. Games like this are the ones that we have been trying to build towards. We’re very excited for the challenge and looking forward to Friday night.” – Bluffton’s Brent Kunkel.
CROWN POINT (7-0) AT CHESTERTON (5-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. CDT, Field of Troy.
COACHES: Craig Buzea, 47-8 in fifth season at Crown Point, 263-97 in 33rd season overall. Mark Peterson, 63-70 in 13th season at Chesterton, 98-99 in 19th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Crown Point beat LaPorte, 42-7. Chesterton beat Lake Central, 27-6.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Crown Point, 41-7, on October 11, 2024.
UP NEXT: Crown Point entertains Michigan City (5-2). Chesterton travels to Merrillville (5-2).
TOP PERFORMERS: Logan Urbaniak hauled in a pair of touchdown passes for the No. 2 (Class 6A) Bulldogs against LaPorte. Lucas Anderson racked up 11 tackles and returned a fumble 90 yards for a score for the Trojans against Lake Central.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Chesterton is a red-hot football team right now. They have multiple threats on offense and a rock-solid defense. It will be very important for us to take care of the football, eliminate pre-snap penalties, and win on third and fourth downs.” – Crown Point’s Craig Buzea.
“Against Crown Point, it will be important for us to establish the run game early. Controlling the ground game will help us manage the clock, sustain drives, and create scoring opportunities. Crown Point is strong in all three phases, so our execution has to be sharp. If we can find success on early downs, we’ll be able to control possession, keep their offense off the field, and give ourselves the best chance to win.” – Chesterton’s Mark Peterson.
FISHERS (5-2) AT WESTFIELD (5-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Riverview Health Stadium.
COACHES: Curt Funk, 35-27 in sixth season at Fishers, 112-63 in 16th season overall. Josh Miracle, 17-4 in second season at Westfield.
LAST CONTEST: Fishers beat Franklin Central, 36-35, OT. Westfield beat Avon, 38-21.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Westfield, 42-28, on November 15, 2024 in Class 6A regional final.
UP NEXT: Fishers welcomes Zionsville (3-4). Westfield goes to Franklin Central (4-3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Darian Girton managed five catches for 48 yards with a touchdown for the No. 8 (Class 6A) Tigers against Franklin Central. Aiden Grabowski ran five times for 88 yards with two scores for the No. 6 (Class 6A) Shamrocks against Avon.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Westfield is one of the best football programs in the state and we will have a tremendous challenge on Friday night. They are well-coached and they play hard. On offense, they are very balanced and do a really good job with formations and scheme. Their defense mixes up the looks they give, so this will be a challenge for our offense. Our players will need to step up and we will need to play a complete football game. We have struggled to put four quarters of good football together this season and we will need to do so on Friday night. We will need to rise to the challenge of playing on the road. Our kids will be excited for the opportunity for the challenge.” – Fishers’ Curt Funk.
“We look forward to this week’s matchup against an extremely talented Fishers team. Coach Funk and his staff have our utmost respect as we know that they will be well prepared in all three phases of the game. In order for us to be successful this week, we will need to continue to prioritize winning both the takeaway and explosive play battles. Fishers has fielded one of the most explosive scoring attacks in the state, so we will need our defense to step up to the challenge again this week.” – Westfield’s Josh Miracle.
HERITAGE HILLS (6-1) AT NORTH POSEY (6-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. CDT, Viking Field.
COACHES: Todd Wilkerson, 116-45 in 14th season at Heritage Hills. Waylon Schenk, 66-30 in ninth season at North Posey, 94-54 in 14th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Heritage Hills beat Mount Vernon (Posey), 69-7. North Posey beat Forest Park, 42-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Heritage Hills, 43-7, on September 20, 2024.
UP NEXT: Heritage Hills plays at Boonville (4-3). North Posey travels to Mount Vernon (Posey) (4-3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Dalton Pledger finished with seven carries for 75 yards with a touchdown for the No. 4 (Class 4A) Patriots against Mount Vernon (Posey). Remi Johnson recorded six catches for 72 yards with a score for the Vikings against Forest Park.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Congratulations to Coach Schenk and the North Posey football team for another outstanding season. To be successful this Friday, we must continue to improve fundamentally on both sides of the ball. We have shown the ability to be explosive on offense, but we need to continue to develop consistency in the passing game. On defense, we must continue to focus on the details that put
us in position to be successful (proper read steps, identification of formations-tendencies, proper execution of blitzes, down and distance awareness). When we are focused on fundamental details. we can be very good. When we lose our focus, we can be average. As always, we look to our special teams to create positive momentum for us.” – Heritage Hills’ Todd Wilkerson.
“For us to be successful Friday vs. Heritage Hills, we have to do three things. One is to win the turnover battle. We have to steal a possession or two to be competitive. Two is we must win the time of possession. They are extremely explosive on offense and the best way to defend them is to keep them off the field. Finally, we must compete. Most teams who play Heritage Hills are beat before they take the field, so we have to show up and leave it all on the line for four quarters.” – North Posey’s Waylon Schenk.
INDIANAPOLIS BISHOP CHATARD (6-1) AT TRI-WEST (6-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Hendricks Field.
COACHES: Rob Doyle, 93-24 in 9th season at Bishop Chatard. Jason Ward, 59-20 in 7th season at Tri-West.
LAST CONTEST: Bishop Chatard beat Harrison (West Lafayette), 40-24. Tri-West beat Monrovia, 42-6.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Bishop Chatard, 56-14, on November 9, 2018 in Class 3A regional final.
UP NEXT: Bishop Chatard hosts Cincinnati Elder (Ohio) (7-0). Tri-West goes to Beech Grove (5-2).
TOP PERFORMERS: Zach Gantz returned an interception 24 yards for a score for the top-ranked (Class 4A) Trojans against Harrison (West Lafayette). Jax Garver hauled in four receptions for 74 yards with a touchdown for the No. 8 (Class 3A) Bruins against Monrovia.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Tri-West has an elite passing game with the ability to fit tight windows, so we will have to find a way to disrupt their timing and spacing and rhythm. Defensively, I am impressed with the aggressiveness of their front seven. Their defensive line produces a lot of pressure so we need to stay on assignment.” – Bishop Chatard’s Rob Doyle.
“This is going to be an uphill battle. Offensively, they are not complex, but they execute. They are big and physical upfront and their running game is outstanding. In their passing game, they don’t attack down field, but throw a lot of bubble screens and let their athletes make plays. We are going to have to hopefully use our speed to attack their run game. We are going to have to be aggressive on their screens and make tackles at the point of attack. Their defense is sound. They show a lot of different looks upfront, twists, blitzes coming from all over the field, and from every position. We are going to have to be sound upfront with blitz pickups. We are going to have to attack them down field and see if they can defend the pass. We are going to struggle playing smash-mouth football with them. We have to take chances on offense and defense along with special teams to be in striking distance in the fourth quarter.” – Tri-West’s Jason Ward.
LAWRENCE NORTH (6-1) AT CENTER GROVE (6-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Ray Skillman Stadium.
COACHES: Patrick Mallory, 59-74 in 13th season at Lawrence North, 73-82 in 15th season overall. Eric Moore, 261-82 in 27th season at Center Grove.
LAST CONTEST: Lawrence North beat Warren Central, 63-48. Center Grove lost to Indianapolis Cathedral, 21-15.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Lawrence North, 34-21, on October 11, 2024.
UP NEXT: Lawrence North welcomes Indianapolis Pike (2-5). Center Grove plays at Bloomington South (7-0).
TOP PERFORMERS: Jeb Brown registered 17 tackles with four for loss for the No. 6 (Class 6A) Wildcats against No. 10 (Class 6A) Warren Central. Franky Hayse racked up 15 tackles for the No. 5 (Class 6A) Trojans against No. 3 (Class 5A) Indianapolis Cathedral.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We must be disciplined, read our keys, get into our alignment, do our job, and then move on to the next play. We must play fast and physical. That is how we attack each day and game day should show our preparation. Our special teams must be ‘special.’ We need to do our job and try to set the tone each time we are on special teams. Special teams sometimes can be the deciding factor in a game, so we need to be fast and physical.” – Lawrence North’s Pat Mallory.
“This game features one of the states most successful teams, five-time state champion Center Grove and one of the state’s up and coming possible state champions in Lawrence North. We are decimated with injuries, losing our best defensive player during the Warren Central game and continuing with injuries to all five running backs over the next 5 games. In all, the Trojans lost (wide receiver) Drake McClurg (88 receptions over 1,000 yards of receiving) and (running back) Nolan Rees (a 1,000-yard rusher), then compile that with losing the next four running backs as well as the starting center. But we have seemed to have the next man up mojo and have competed and winning games. Our offense will need to find a way to keep the ball on offense, so first downs will be huge in keeping the dynamic Lawrence North offense off the field. We have to find a way to limit drive crushing penalties and have zero turnovers. Our defense will have a huge task of slowing down because there is no stopping their triple-headed monster. It features the state’s most dynamic running back (No. 3 Izayveon Moore), one of the states most talented receivers (No. 1 Monshun Sales, and a young, talented quarterback (No. 12 Darian Prather). Fans at Ray Skillman Stadium will be seeing what possibly could be three future NFL or at least major college stars in the Lawrence North backfield. With all of this in mind, we have to find a way to stop the one-play drive or letting their offense get out of any down and distant hole they may be in. Third down and long will be huge for the Trojans’ defense. Our slogan for this week is ‘get off the field’ for our defense. Our offense will have to use accurate passing and timely runs to operate the field of play against a tough Lawrence North defense. Last, but by no way least, the special teams will be huge. We need to use this our advantage to flip the field on them and not let their specialists get a big play on special teams.” – Center Grove’s Eric Moore.
MISSISSINEWA (7-0) AT EASTBROOK (7-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Jeff Adamson Stadium.
COACHES: Jeremy Lochner, 7-0 in first season at Mississinewa. Jeff Adamson, 326-106 in 37th season at Eastbrook.
LAST CONTEST: Mississinewa beat Elwood, 48-0. Eastbrook beat Madison-Grant, 31-26.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Mississinewa, 44-7, on October 11, 2024.
UP NEXT: Mississinewa hosts Madison-Grant (5-2). Eastbrook welcomes Oak Hill (4-3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Jacob Schwartz went 9-of-13 for 96 yards with a touchdown for the No. 4 (Class 3A) Indians against Elwood. Ryder Gipson and the No. 5 (Class 2A) Panthers rolled up 280 yards on the ground against No. 10 (Class 1A) Madison-Grant.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Friday’s game will be a big one for the community and our team. We are entering a hostile environment where we must play with intentional discipline, relentless effort, and nasty finishes. To beat a team like Eastbrook, we have to not hurt ourselves by taking care of the ball and limiting penalties. This team is finding its ways with leadership from our captains (Kallen Quaderer, Karson Morrical, and Ah’lijah Monday) and a group of linemen that love to dominate the line of scrimmage. We are excited for the opportunity to compete and are looking to make our school and community proud.” – Mississinewa Jeremy Lochner.
“The Mississinewa game is always important for us. It is a long-standing rivalry game and it has been a very pivotal game the past few years in determining who wins the Central Indiana Conference. Mississinewa is very big up front with some very athletic players at all the skill positions. They really don’t show any weaknesses on film. It will be a very emotional game and we will need to play our best football of the year on both sides of the ball and get some plays in our favor in the kicking game.” – Eastbrook’s Jeff Adamson.
PENDLETON HEIGHTS (6-1) AT YORKTOWN (6-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Tiger Stadium.
COACHES: Jed Richman, 60-44 in 10th season at Pendleton Heights, 95-74 in 16th season overall. Mike Wilhelm, 118-108 in 21st season at Yorktown.
LAST CONTEST: Pendleton Heights beat Delta, 49-6. Yorktown beat Greenfield-Central, 35-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Pendleton Heights, 47-20, on October 11, 2024.
UP NEXT: Pendleton Heights hosts Shelbyville (3-4). Yorktown goes to Mount Vernon (Fortville) (0-7).
TOP PERFORMERS: Cooper Sims accounted for three catches for 59 yards with a score for the No. 8 (Class 4A) Arabians against Delta. Kaden Crumes tallied four carries for 68 yards with two touchdowns and caught a 23-yard pass for the No. 11 (Class 4A) Tigers against Greenfield-Central.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Yorktown is always very well-coached and fundamental. Coach Wilhelm does a great job getting his kids to play very physical and fast as well. We have our work cut out for us this week and they are also in our sectional, so more than likely we will see them again. Sam Tokar is a very talented quarterback and his brother Henry (Tokar) is a very good lineman for them as well. We will need to control the line of scrimmage and tackle in space very well to compete this week.” – Pendleton Heights’ Jed Richman.
“Pendleton Heights is a well-coached, disciplined team. They are multidimensional on offense with a myriad of formations, and they have several run-catch threats. On defense, they play a stout 3-4 front with solid players at most positions. This game will be won in the trenches. Both teams will seek to establish a run game early, so our offensive line must play with a sense of urgency. At the same time, our defensive front must cause confusion in their schemes, and we must always be aware of their dual threat quarterback (Brandt Gray). Special teams and defensive takeaways will play a role in the outcome. For Yorktown’s success, it simply always comes down to block to the whistle on offense and run to the ball on defense. We look forward to a great HHC (Hoosier Heritage Conference) football game.” – Yorktown’s Mike Wilhelm.
SOUTHMONT (7-0) AT CASCADE (7-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Cascade Stadium.
COACHES: Desson Hannum, 93-108 in 19th season at Southmont. Connor Simmons, 35-26 in sixth season at Cascade.
LAST CONTEST: Southmont beat Western Boone, 26-23. Cascade beat Greencastle, 98-13.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Southmont, 22-21 (OT), on October 27, 2023 in Class 3A sectional semifinal.
UP NEXT: Southmont welcomes Greencastle (3-4). Cascade travels to Western Boone (4-3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Heath Tolliver carried the ball 20 times for 77 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 11 (Class 2A) Mounties against Western Boone. Dayton Mink raced seven times for 64 yards with three scores for the No. 3 (Class 3A) Cadets against Greencastle.
COACHES’ CORNER: “This is the best team that we have seen all year. They are well-coached, play hard, and they have experience. For us to win, we understand that we need to limit mental mistakes, move the chains, and limit explosive plays. We are excited for the opportunity to be in this position. It is going to take a great week of preparation and 48 minutes of disciplined football on our part.” – Southmont’s Desson Hannum.
“Our keys to victory start with needing to win both the offensive and defensive lines of scrimmage. We also need to win the explosive plays (more than 15 yards on offense and limit their explosive plays), and the turnover battle (perfect ball security on offense and create turnovers on defense).” – Cascade’s Connor Simmons.
WARREN CENTRAL (5-2) AT CARMEL (6-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Greyhound Stadium.
COACHES: J.T. Whitaker, 5-2 in first season at Warren Central. Kevin Wright, 50-11 in sixth season at Carmel, 165-29 in 17th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Warren Central lost to Lawrence North, 63-48. Carmel beat Indianapolis Ben Davis, 43-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Warren Central, 32-3, on October 11, 2024.
UP NEXT: Warren Central hosts Indianapolis Cathedral (5-2). Carmel plays at Lawrence Central (4-3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Johnathan Dossett carried the ball 15 times for 69 yards with a score and caught a 23-yard pass for the No. 10 (Class 6A) Warriors against No. 6 (Class 6A) Lawrence North. Jacob Bellin managed two receptions for 70 yards with a touchdown for the No. 3 (Class 6A) Greyhounds against Ben Davis.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Carmel is a great team and Coach Wright has done a good job of returning them into a contender. We will have to play our best game in all three phases of the game. Controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides will be important. We also have to play sound special teams football and play hard for four quarters from beginning to end.” – Warren Central’s J.T. Whitaker.
“We have to win the field position battle, which normally means great play on special teams. We need to find ways to create explosives on offense while limiting theirs. We need to take the next step because this is a big rivalry game against a very good team.” – Carmel’s Kevin Wright.
WEST CENTRAL (7-0) AT FRONTIER (7-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Falcon Field.
COACHES: Marc Hall, 50-69 in 12th season at West Central, 63-87 in 15th season overall. Jack Barron, 15-1 in second season at Frontier.
LAST CONTEST: West Central beat Faith Christian, 72-14. Frontier beat Tri-County, 62-8.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Frontier, 47-8, on October 11, 2024.
UP NEXT: West Central entertains North White (2-5). Frontier goes to South Newton (3-4).
TOP PERFORMERS: Nathan Peter completed all three of his passes for 102 yards with two touchdowns and ran five times for 56 yards with another score for the No. 11 (Class 1A) Trojans against Faith Christian. Ayden Justice went 5-of-6 for 67 yards with a touchdown and carried the ball six times for 94 yards with three scores for the No. 4 (Class 1A) Falcons against Tri-County.
COACHES’ CORNER: “This is a big week for us as both teams are undefeated in the (Midwest) conference and overall. Last year, we both were undefeated in conference when we played, and we came up on the wrong side of the score. This year, we will need to prepare harder for their passing and running game, which both present their own unique challenges. For us, we have been physical all year, but we will need to take it up another notch this week, as we know Frontier will be prepared and ready for the game. If we are able to block, tackle, and take care of the football, we will give ourselves a chance to have a big night.” – West Central’s Marc Hall.
“West Central is a very well-coached team. Marc Hall has been there for over a decade now and has built a consistently strong and competitive program that competes for conference championships every year. The keys for us to be successful on Friday is honestly very simple and nothing fancy. We have to win the turnover battle, stop their potent rush attack, and win on third down. This is a team that will not beat themselves. We have to be the aggressor on the offensive and defensive lines and win the 50-50 balls on the perimeter. Last season, my first year, we went over there and rattled their cage, and I think they were surprised with the speed we have and the scheme that goes with it. I thoroughly believe they will learn from last year’s matchup and put a more focused effort on defending our skill players on the perimeter. So, we will need to establish a consistent run game and move the chains if we want to put the ball in the end zone. Overall, it is an exciting time for the Midwest Conference, having 1a and 1b going head-to-head this late in the season, with the winner most likely emerging as the conference champion and keeping their undefeated season alive. It is a matchup that both sides have had circled for months now, and rightfully so. We’re very excited to see and feel the atmosphere of a big time, small school matchup amongst the cornfields of Indiana. It doesn’t get any better.” – Frontier’s Jack Barron.
