BREBEUF JESUIT (4-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (5-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Arlington Field.
COACHES: Matt Geske, 21-10 in third season at Brebeuf Jesuit. Bill Peebles, 47-12 in fifth season at Cathedral, 121-77 in 18th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Brebeuf Jesuit beat Terre Haute South, 27-0. Cathedral beat Cincinnati LaSalle (Ohio), 37-6.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Cathedral, 45-21, on October 8, 2021.
UP NEXT: Brebeuf Jesuit travels to Terre Haute North. Cathedral plays at Center Grove.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jack Maiers ran 12 times for 134 yards with a touchdown for the No. 9 (Class 4A) Braves against Terre Haute South. Carson Johnson scampered 11 times for 102 yards for the No. 3 (Class 6A) Irish against Cincinnati LaSalle.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We will need to be physical with them defensively and not give up big plays to their skill positions. On offense, we need to be able to control the pace and use our tempo while limiting turnovers. Our special teams play could be the key to the game this week as we have grown so much there over the past month.” – Brebeuf Jesuit’s Matt Geske.
“It should be a very competitive game versus Brebeuf. They have a very experienced and stout defense, so we will have to execute and play physical football to have success offensively. Our defense will be challenged by their spread attack. They are very aggressive offensively, so we need to keep the ball in front of us, tackle well. and pursue to the ball well to contain them.” – Cathedral’s Bill Peebles.
EASTERN (GREENTOWN) (5-2) AT SHERIDAN (6-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Wright Stadium.
COACHES: Josh Edwards, 78-83 in 16th season at Eastern, 94-147 in 24th season overall. Larry Wright, 441-205 in 57th season at Sheridan, 442-208 in 58th season overall.
PREVIOUS OUTING: Eastern (Greentown) beat Tri-Central, 44-6. Sheridan beat North Central (Farmersburg), 42-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Sheridan, 14-7 (OT), on October 8, 2021.
UP NEXT: Eastern (Greentown) hosts Clinton Prairie. Sheridan plays at Carroll (Flora).
TOP PERFORMERS: Blake Robinson caught nine passes for 90 yards with two touchdowns for the Comets against Tri-Central. Zach Bales racked up 15 tackles for the No. 10 (Class 1A) Blackhawks against North Central (Farmersburg).
COACHES’ CORNER: “I think the big key for us on Friday is going to be we have to tackle well. We cannot try to tackle up around the shoulder pads. We have to make sure we are at the legs. Sheridan is very big and physical, so we have to make sure we use our strength, which is our speed and quickness on the line. We only have two seniors on the field for us this year, so we are starting all sophomores and juniors. Those young kids are really starting to grow up for us. Our youth showed in the Carroll (Flora) game, but they are consistently getting better. We hope that they can step up in this game and make some plays for us on the offensive and defensive lines. We want to be balanced in this game and be able to run the ball and pass the ball. We have averaged over 200 yards rushing and 250 passing in our last two ball games, which is about where we want to be.” – Eastern (Greentown’s) Josh Edwards.
“Eastern is a well-balanced team. In order to beat them, we must stop the pass first of all. They have a good quarterback (Eli Edwards) and several good receivers. Then we must stop the run as they have two excellent running backs with good or excellent speed; Our players have not played a full game since game one against Western Boone, so we must be ready to play a full game without mistakes.” – Sheridan’s Bud Wright.
HARRISON (WEST LAFAYETTE) (6-1) AT LOGANSPORT (6-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Logansport Memorial Hospital Stadium.
COACHES: Terry Peebles, 58-34 in ninth season at Harrison. Mike Johnson, 30-38 in seventh season at Logansport, 244-116 in 32nd season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Harrison beat Indianapolis Tech, 41-0. Logansport beat Richmond, 55-12.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Harrison, 54-0, on September 4, 2020.
UP NEXT: Harrison entertains Richmond. Logansport travels to Anderson.
TOP PERFORMERS: Carter Knoy carried the ball twice for 47 yards with a touchdown for the No. 6 (Class 5A) Raiders against Indianapolis Tech. Tristan Kitchel came up with a pair of interceptions for the Berries against Richmond.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Offensively, we will need to continue to run the ball successfully and not turn the ball over. We have had zero turnovers the last two games. The Logansport defense is disciplined and very good at what they do, so we have to answer that by being disciplined ourselves and know our assignments on every play. Defensively, we will have to stop the well-oiled Wing-T that Coach Johnson has ran for over 20 years and been successful at running it. He runs one of the best Wing-Ts in the state of Indiana. He does a great job of putting his players in the best spots to win football games. Overall, Logansport is well-coached and senior-heavy football team, so we will have to be on our ‘A’ game to come out with a victory.” – Harrison assistant coach Kyle Holderfield.
“Harrison is an outstanding and well-coached team. The Berries will have to play penalty free-no turnover offense and be able to find a way to run the ball against the Raiders. We must also be able to contain their rushing attack when we are on defense. Special teams will be important for us to be successful.” – Logansport’s Mike Johnson.
INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN (7-0) AT SPEEDWAY (5-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Johnson Field.
COACHES: Dave Pasch, 130-53 in 15th season at Lutheran, 195-110 in 26th season overall. Shane Clampitt, 14-5 in second season at Speedway.
LAST CONTEST: Lutheran beat Monrovia, 52-6. Speedway beat Cascade, 34-28 (OT).
PREVIOUS MEETING: Lutheran, 37-0, on October 8, 2021.
UP NEXT: Indianapolis Lutheran entertains Traders Point Christian. Speedway travels to Triton Central.
TOP PERFORMERS: Micah Mackay hauled in two passes for 83 yards with a score for the top-ranked (Class 1A) Saints against Monrovia. Carter Watson went 16-of-24 for 154 yards with three touchdowns for the Sparkplugs against Cascade.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Speedway is always well-coached and disciplined. We have to match that with an ability to avoid mistakes and have great mental preparedness and awareness. Speedway has tremendous team speed in all of the skilled positions, a great running game, and a fast physical defense. We will have to execute the game plan to have success on both sides of the football.” – Lutheran’s Dave Pasch.
“I think Lutheran is one of the best programs in the state and Coach Pasch seems to reload every year. They are extremely talented again this year. Offensively, we will need to establish our running game with DeeJay McFerson and that will be a big key for us this game. We will also need to make some explosive plays in the passing game and take advantage of opportunities in the red zone. Defensively, we will need to stop their quick passing game. They do a great job on bubble screens and tunnel screens with their athletes. We will need to tackle extremely well and not give up big plays.” – Speedway’s Shane Clampitt.
FORT WAYNE SNIDER (6-1) AT FORT WAYNE BISHOP DWENGER (5-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Shields Field.
COACHES: Kurt Tippmann, 132-35 in 14th season at Snider. Jason Garrett, 47-12 in fifth season at Bishop Dwenger.
LAST CONTEST: Snider beat Fort Wayne Northrop, 48-0. Bishop Dwenger beat Fort Wayne Luers, 17-12.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Bishop Dwenger, 42-20, on November 5, 2021 in Class 5A sectional final.
UP NEXT: Fort Wayne Snider hosts Fort Wayne Bishop Luers. Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger entertains Fort Wayne Northrop.
TOP PERFORMERS: Luke Haupert was 5-of-8 for 88 yards with two scores for the No. 2 (Class 5A) Panthers against Fort Wayne Northrop. Tobias Tippmann scampered 21 times for 117 yards with a touchdown for the No. 9 (Class 5A) Saints against Fort Wayne Bishop Luers.
COACHES’ CORNER: “The Bishop Dwenger game is always a favorite in our program each season. We have a long tradition between the two programs, and always is a great game. Bishop Dwenger is always very physical, well-coached, and plays very well. They do not beat themselves and force you to have to make plays to be successful. We have to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. We have to eliminate big plays to their playmakers, No. 7 (C.J. Davis) and No. 5 (Carter Minix). On offense, we have to get hats on their blitzing linebackers as they cause a lot of destruction to offenses. We have to get the ball in the hands of our playmakers both at wide receiver and running back. On defense, we have to stop the run (first and foremost) and eliminate explosive plays. Make them drive to the field to score. Special teams will be a big part, so winning the battle of field position will be key. They also have a great return team in kickoff returns. We also have to handle whatever adversity presents itself in this game. Not everything is going to go our way, so we have to handle it and move on, keeping the focus on playing football and executing football plays.” Fort Wayne Snider’s Kurt Tippmann.
“In order to be successful, we must execute at a very high level in all three facets. We must control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and win the turnover battle. A significant point of emphasis for us is to reduce penalties and stay on schedule while on offense.” – Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger’s Jason Garrett.
LEO (5-2) AT COLUMBIA CITY (6-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Gandy Field.
COACHES: Jason Doerffler, 5-2 in first season at Leo, 28-60 in ninth season overall. Brett Fox, 42-48 in ninth season at Columbia City.
LAST CONTEST: Leo beat Huntington North, 41-6. Columbia City beat East Noble, 42-19.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Leo, 52-7, on October 8, 2021.
UP NEXT: Leo hosts DeKalb. Columbia City plays at Norwell.
TOP PERFORMERS: Kyle Decker was 10-of-13 for 167 yards with two scores for the Lions against Huntington North. Justice Goree rambled 29 times for 138 yards with two touchdowns for the Eagles against East Noble.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Columbia City is a very good team that’s having an outstanding season. They are a very well-coached team and there is a lot of positive energy and momentum within their town and football program. They have played great defense all year long, giving up less than 10 points per game. They are also a great offensive football team. They are big, strong, and physical up front. They also possess some good speed at the skill positions. We will have to play very well on defense, control the line of scrimmage on offense, and be sound in the kicking game to come away with a victory. We feel that we are playing well despite some injuries in some key spots. We will have to have some young guys step up and play well. It should be a great atmosphere and our guys are really looking forward to the challenge Columbia City presents.” – Leo’s Jason Doerffler.
“We need a full team effort to beat a team like Leo this Friday. Leo is finding their groove on offense and flying around on defense. We have to keep working all three phases of our game to ensure that we can compete Friday night. Each week has been a tougher challenge than the week before and that’s the case this week when Leo comes to town.” – Columbia City’s Brett Fox.
NEW PRAIRIE (7-0) AT PENN (5-2)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, TCU Freed Field.
COACHES: Casey McKim, 23-8 in third season at New Prairie. Cory Yeoman, 196-53 in 20th season at Penn.
LAST CONTEST: New Prairie beat South Bend Riley, 42-21. Penn beat South Bend Saint Joseph, 40-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: New Prairie, 17-7, on October 8, 2021.
UP NEXT: New Prairie hosts Elkhart. Penn travels to South Bend Adams.
TOP PERFORMERS: Noah Mungia raced 29 times for 175 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 5 (Class 4A) Cougars against South Bend Riley. Elijah Coker hauled in three receptions for 45 yards with two scores for the Kingsmen against South Bend Saint Joseph.
COACHES’ CORNER: “In order to come away with a victory against Penn, we are going to need to win the battle in trenches. Whether it is our front eight on the defensive side of the ball or our offensive line in the run game, we need to be the physical aggressors and get the job done play in play out. The next key is to win the turnover battle. Throughout most of the year, we have done an outstanding job of taking care of the ball on offense and taking the ball away on defense. We need to limit their scoring opportunities while getting more on offense for ourselves. The third key is to execute at a high level. Whether it is limiting big plays on defense or making sure that we are solid on special teams, it is important that we do not beat ourselves with mistakes. We cannot afford to give any advantages to the other team through our poor play. We must make them earn it.” – New Prairie’s Casey McKim.
“New Prairie is a well-coached, talented team with plenty of experience on both sides of the ball. They’ve got a big, physical front which allows them to run the ball effectively. They also like to throw it every now and then, so we have to be prepared for anything. They’re also strong and physical defensively, so we’ve got to be able to move the ball effectively against them by making good decisions and avoid mistakes. We have to execute well in all three phases of the game in order to have a chance to be successful.” – Penn’s Cory Yeoman.
NORTH JUDSON (7-0) AT LAVILLE (7-0)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Lancer Field.
COACHES: Brett Lambert, 32-12 in fourth season at North Judson. Will Hostrawser, 77-31 in 10th season at LaVille.
LAST CONTEST: North Judson beat Triton, 62-22. LaVille beat John Glenn, 42-6.
LAST MEETING: North Judson, 10-9 (OT), on October 8, 2021.
UP NEXT: North Judson entertains Pioneer. LaVille plays at Culver Community.
TOP PERFORMERS: Brock Benson recorded 24 carries for 197 yards with two scores for the No. 3 (Class 1A) Bluejays against Triton. Paul Dewitt registered 24 rushes for 145 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 3 (Class 2A) Lancers against John Glenn.
COACHES’ CORNER: “When we play LaVille, we know that it is going to be a very physical game. They have a strong senior class with lots of experience, size, and speed. Coach Hostrawser has done an excellent job of building and maintaining a program during his time at LaVille. We have been fortunate to win the last two seasons, however it hasn’t been easy. Last year, we won by a point in overtime and the year before we won on a field goal with a minute to go. The year before that it was tied 0-0 going into the fourth quarter before they scored 17 points in the fourth. For us to win, we need to win the turnover battle, have minimal penalties, and score if and when we get in the red zone. Our defense has to play like they have for most of the season. If we don’t match their physical style of play, then we will have a long night.” – North Judson’s Brett Lambert.
“The margin for error is quite small in games such as this one. So, in order to earn a win this coming Friday night, we will need to execute our game plan in all three phases at a high level. Field position will be paramount as well as red zone efficiency. Defensively, we must be able to win third downs and get off the field. Offensively, we must play consistently in the trenches.” – LaVille’s Will Hostrawser.
RIVER FOREST (5-2) AT CALUMET (7-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. CDT, Arrowhead Stadium.
COACHES: Demetri Blanco, 10-6 in second season at River Forest. Cody French, 13-4 in second season at Calumet.
LAST CONTEST: River Forest beat South Central (Union Mills), 63-6. Calumet beat South Bend Clay, 60-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: River Forest, 28-14, on October 8, 2021.
UP NEXT: River Forest travels to Bowman Academy. Calumet entertains Hanover Central.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jose Alvarez came up with 12 carries for 150 yards with a touchdown for the Ingots against South Central. Anthony Ponce ran 11 times for 166 yards with a score for the Warriors against South Bend Clay.
COACHES’ CORNER: “In order to beat Calumet, we will need to play disciplined and also play assignment football. Offensively, they are very talented, so we will need to play within the system and rely on each other in order to get a big team win.” – River Forest’s Demetri Blanco.
“We are going to have to play disciplined physical football in all three phases of the game Friday. River Forest is a good football team with playmakers on both sides of the ball. They are big, physical, and well-coached. We are looking forward to the challenge and opportunity that this game presents for our program and our school. We know that we will need to have great practices and preparation to earn a chance at victory Friday night.” – Calumet’s Evan French.
SOUTH PUTNAM (6-1) AT HERITAGE CHRISTIAN (5-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Heritage Christian.
COACHES: Chuck Sorrell, 31-11 in fourth season at South Putnam, 35-37 in seventh season overall. Kyle Ray, 48-22 in seventh season at Heritage Christian.
LAST CONTEST: South Putnam beat Brown County, 75-12. Heritage Christian beat Lapel, 42-38.
PREVIOUS MEETING: South Putnam, 27-18, on October 16, 2020.
UP NEXT: South Putnam hosts Linton-Stockton. Heritage Christian entertains Christel House Manual.
TOP PERFORMERS: Wyatt Mullin went 9-of-12 for 235 yards with four touchdowns for the No. 7 (Class 1A) Eagles against Brown County. Luke Valerio caught 13 passes for 181 yards with a score for the No. 8 (Class 2A) Eagles against Lapel.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We have talked all season about doing our jobs. We play a gap control defense that is supposed to swarm the ball. We must do this against a great Heritage Christian offense. Their quarterback (Kyle Antoine) will hurt you in the run game if we do not play our assignments. Secondly, our corners are supposed to stay deep and must do that this week as he can also sling the ball very well. Offensively, the offensive line must step to our gaps and be able to run power and counter effectively. Then, we must get the ball to all of our skill players. We have had eight different guys score touchdowns this season. They must all step up and contribute to win a game against a top 10 Class 2A team.” South Putnam’s Chuck Sorrell.
“South Putnam is a really good football team. We need to win the turnover battle and play sound, disciplined football in all three phases to win this week. We have to be able to stop the run and put pressure on the quarterback (Wyatt Mullin). On offense, we need to maintain the great balance we’ve had this season and play physical. Looking forward to a great game.” – Heritage Christian’s Kyle Ray.
