CLASS 4A SECTIONAL 20
CULVER ACADEMY (8-1) AT LEBANON (7-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Lebanon Football Field.
COACHES: Andy Dorrel, 158-134 in 27th season at Culver Academy. Jeff Smock, 46-35 in eighth season at Lebanon.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Lebanon, 25-0, on September 28, 1963.
LAST CONTEST: Culver Academy beat John Glenn, 48-7. Lebanon beat Western Boone, 26-7.
UP NEXT: Culver Academy hosts Logansport (8-1) or Muncie Central (2-7). Lebanon travels to Muncie Central or entertains Logansport.
TOP PERFORMERS: Ty Rakan caught eight passes for 152 yards with two scores for the Eagles against Glenn. Joshua Parks scampered 25 times for 96 yards with two touchdowns for the Tigers against Western Boone.
COACHES’ CORNER: “The Culver Academy Eagles are looking forward to testing our talents against a formidable Lebanon Tiger team. In order for the Eagles to earn a victory, we must continue to utilize our talented offensive weapons in Michael McColgan, Tay Rodriquez, Ty Rakan, Trey Schumacher, Foster Stockton, and Ainsley Ritchie. Lebanon also features a group of talented football players and we are expecting a shootout. The team that is able to capitalize on scoring opportunities and can earn an advantage in the turnover margin will have a tremendous edge and have the opportunity to advance to the sectional semifinals. We must execute fundamental defense and work to control the football as Lebanon has an impressive group of experienced football players. We are expecting this first round sectional matchup to be highly entertaining and competitive.” – Culver Academy’s Andy Dorrel.
“Culver is a solid football team. While we aren’t real familiar with them or their opponents, their film speaks for itself. They have a dynamic offense and really challenge you with both their rushing and passing attack. For us, we really need to tackle well against their running back No. 7 (Tay Rodriquez) and not let their quarterback (Michael McColgan) get out of the pocket and extend plays. Defensively, they are an aggressive and sound defense. For us, we need to do a great job of protecting the football and establishing our running game. We really feel like all of our talent on the outside really opens up when our rushing game puts pressure on the opponent.” – Lebanon’s Jeff Smock.
CLASS 4A SECTIONAL 22
NORTHVIEW (8-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (4-4)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Tully Field.
COACHES: Mark Raetz, 90-33 in 12th season at Northview, 105-78 in 18th season overall. Sam Otley, 4-4 in first season at Roncalli.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Indianapolis Roncalli, 35-14, on October 21, 2016 in Class 4A sectional quarterfinal.
LAST CONTEST: Northview beat Indian Creek, 48-7. Roncalli beat East Central, 17-7.
UP NEXT: Northview entertains Danville (8-1) or Brebeuf Jesuit (7-2). Roncalli goes to Danville or Brebeuf Jesuit.
TOP PERFORMERS: Slade Fell recorded 15 rushes for 127 yards with a score for the Knights against Indian Creek. Zach Dozier rambled 24 times for 89 yards with two touchdowns for the Royals against No. 9 (Class 5A) East Central.
COACHES’ CORNER: “For us to win at Roncalli, it will take our best effort of the season. They are a typical Roncalli team, tough, physical, disciplined. Defensively, we have to contain their quarterback (Collin Ash). He is very dynamic. Offensively, we have to block their down four linemen, so we can run the ball effectively and protect our quarterback (Colton Bath).” – Northview’s Mark Raetz.
“Offensively, we have to take care of the football, control the line of scrimmage, and take advantage of explosive play opportunities. Defensively, we need to play sound, physical football, rally to the ball, and tackle. On special teams, we have to execute our responsibilities and control field position.” – Roncalli’s Sam Otley.
CLASS 4A SECTIONAL 22
DANVILLE (8-1) AT BREBEUF JESUIT (7-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Wilhelm Field.
COACHES: Jayme Comer, 41-14 in fifth season at Danville. Matt Geske, 37-19 in fifth season at Brebeuf Jesuit.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Brebeuf Jesuit, 49-7, on October 23, 2009 in Class 3A sectional quarterfinal.
LAST CONTEST: Danville beat North Montgomery, 47-14. Brebeuf Jesuit beat Terre Haute North, 49-34.
UP NEXT: Danville plays at Northview (8-1) or hosts Roncalli (4-4). Brebeuf Jesuit plays at Northview or hosts Roncalli.
TOP PERFORMERS: Carter Ward went 9-of-15 for 176 yards with three touchdowns for the No. 8 Warriors against North Montgomery. Taylor Clark caught nine passes for 179 yards with a score for the No. 7 Braves against Terre Haute North.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Entering round one of the IHSAA playoffs, the Warriors are excited for the opportunity ahead, having just closed out an 8-1 regular season, and earning the outright Sagamore Conference championships. The Warriors know that they will need to play their best football each week moving forward. Danville will lean on their outstanding group of seniors to lead throughout the week, and then produce on Friday night. Look for Sutton Fulwider, Jace Scrafton, Carter Ward, and Ethan Wooten to lead the offensive attack, while Luke Woolsey, Carter Pruet, Porter Prather, and Steven Webb lead the defense. Friday night will be an outstanding night of football, with two great teams battling to continue their seasons!” – Danville’s Jayme Comer.
“Danville is a very good, well-coached team with great size, strength, and tradition. To win the game, we have to play physical defense and create long third downs. Our tackling needs to be consistent and play like we did in the second half of the Terre Haute North game last week. On offense, we need to let our speed, execution and effort levels be an advantage for us. We can be very explosive and with our quarterback (Maverick Geske) playing the way he is, we can score points in bunches. Special teams can really help us this week by making Danville play on longer fields. We have struggled with this a bit, but we have some guys that have returned from injury that should help our coverage. It should be a great game.” – Brebeuf Jesuit’s Matt Geske.
CLASS 3A SECTIONAL 30
RUSHVILLE (6-3) AT FRANKLIN COUNTY (6-3)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Wildcat Field.
COACHES: Isaac Sliger, 11-28 in fourth season at Rushville. Wes Gillman, 32-37 in seventh season at Franklin County, 46-60 in 11th season overall.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Rushville, 30-27, on September 6, 2024.
LAST CONTEST: Rushville beat Greensburg, 58-0. Franklin County beat Bluffton, 29-22.
UP NEXT: Rushville or Franklin County hosts Batesville (6-3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Nick Jarman completed 7-of-15 for 131 yards with a touchdown for the Lions against Greensburg. Quinn Gillman ran 21 times for 129 yards with two scores and went 5-of-12 for 68 yards with a touchdown for the Wildcats against Bluffton.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Friday’s matchup will be an extremely physical contest that will be a rematch from week three of the regular season. I feel like both teams have continued to improve over the course of the year in preparation for post-season football. For us, we have to establish our brand of football from the beginning on both sides of the ball and continue to do that for four full quarters. In the first game, we did a great job of that in the first half, but felt like we didn’t do it for a full game. Down the stretch of the regular season, I feel like we have done a much better job finishing games and playing physical football for four full quarters.” – Rushville’s Isaac Sliger.
“This is a rematch game from week three against Rushville. The only game this year where we didn’t show up. It was also the first time some of our kids had seen power-counter run football. I feel like we’re in a much different place right now than we were week three. The only parallels are we still have a few injuries we’re dealing with. In order for us to control this football game, we have to take care of the football and keep doing what we do. It’s not complicated for us offensively. We get the ball to our playmakers and let them play. Defensively, we have to be very stout up front, control the line of scrimmage, and read our keys. Our defensive backs are going to keep the receivers in front of them, but really, it’s all about our box and how tough they are against the power-counter run.” – Franklin County’s Wes Gillman.
CLASS 3A SECTIONAL 32
EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (9-0) AT EVANSVILLE MATER DEI (7-2)
KICKOFF: 8 p.m. EDT, Evansville Central’s Mike Owen Field.
COACHES: John Hurley, 146-70 in 17th season at Evansville Memorial. Mike Goebel, 270-92 in 28th season at Evansville Mater Dei.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Evansville Memorial, 41-13, on September 13, 2024.
LAST CONTEST: Evansville Memorial beat Castle, 28-21. Evansville Mater Dei lost to Evansville Reitz, 21-17.
UP NEXT: Evansville Memorial entertains Southridge (7-2) or plays at Mount Vernon (Posey) (5-4). Evansville Mater Dei travels to Southridge or Mount Vernon (Posey).
TOP PERFORMERS: Luke Dockery caught five passes for 100 yards and ran twice for 21 yards for the top-ranked Tigers against No. 8 (Class 5A) Castle. Caden Thacker rambled for a score for the No. 9 Wildcats against Evansville Reitz.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Mater Dei is a well-coached football team recognized for its winning tradition and physical style of play. Coach Goebel and his staff do an excellent job preparing for important games. This Friday at (Evansville) Central will provide a fantastic playoff atmosphere, and we are playing them for the second time this year. We must focus on stopping the run, protecting the ball, avoiding penalties, and making big plays on both offense and defense.” – Evansville Memorial’s John Hurley.
“Memorial is ranked number one in Class 3A for good reason. They earned and deserve it. We must limit mistakes and try to slow down the offensive juggernaut that is led by all-state quarterback Matthew Fisher. We did not do that earlier in the season and no other team has either. We hope to play our best football on Friday.” – Evansville Mater Dei’s Mike Goebel.
CLASS 3A SECTIONAL 32
HERITAGE HILLS (8-1) AT GIBSON SOUTHERN (7-2)
KICKOFF: 8 p.m. EDT, Jewell Field.
COACHES: Todd Wilkerson, 104-44 in 13th season at Heritage Hills. Nick Hart, 133-26 in 13th season at Gibson Southern.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Heritage Hills, 28-0, on September 28, 2024.
LAST CONTEST: Heritage Hills beat Washington, 42-0. Gibson Southern beat Boonville, 42-14.
UP NEXT: Heritage Hills hosts Vincennes Lincoln (3-6) or Princeton (1-8). Gibson Southern travels to Vincennes Lincoln or entertains Princeton.
TOP PERFORMERS: Tyler Ruxer hauled in three passes for 118 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 2 Patriots against Washington. Zach Foster went 18-of-29 for 297 yards with four touchdowns and ran for 86 yards and another score for the No. 7 Titans against Boonville.
COACHES’ CORNER: “For us to be successful Friday night, we will need to play great defense. Gibson Southern’s fast-paced, no-huddle offense is difficult to simulate in practice. Our regular season game against Gibson Southern on September 28 was played while dealing with the remnants of Hurricane Helene. The weather and field conditions forced Gibson Southern to play at a slower pace. This Friday, our defense will need to adjust to the pace, communicate well, and be disciplined. On the offensive side of the ball, our line will need to be locked in. Our goal is to establish the run in order to get our offense firing on all cylinders. Our passing game must be efficient as well as connect on some big play opportunities. The importance of ball security is magnified this time of year. We must take care of the football. We look to our special teams to create positive momentum. We have not made a huge impact with our special teams this year. It’s time for our special teams to start impacting the game in a positive way.” – Heritage Hills’ Todd Wilkerson.
“It is going to take our best performance of the season to come away with a win on Friday. Heritage Hills is a very good football team. They are extremely good on the defensive side of the ball and make it very difficult to move the football and score points. Offensively, they are very explosive and have a very good offensive line. They have the ability to hurt you on the ground and in the air. We’ve got to take care of the football and try and limit their big plays in order to have a chance to come away with a victory.” – Gibson Southern’s Nick Hart.
CLASS 2A SECTIONAL 33
WHEELER (7-2) AT BOONE GROVE (6-3)
KICKOFF: 8 p.m. EDT, Boone Grove Field.
COACHES: Nick Testa, 13-6 in second season at Wheeler, 21-28 in fifth season overall. Dan Kukulski, 49-35 in eighth season at Boone Grove.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Wheeler, 38-20, on September 20, 2024.
LAST CONTEST: Wheeler beat Griffith, 35-13. Boone Grove beat Hammond Bishop Noll, 48-6.
UP NEXT: Wheeler entertains Andrean (5-4) or Whiting (2-7). Boone Grove hosts Andrean or goes to Whiting.
TOP PERFORMERS: Bryce Compton racked up three catches for 75 yards with two touchdowns for the Bearcats against Griffith. Hunter Anthony came up with five tackles and an interception for the Wolves against Bishop Noll.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Boone Grove is a team we know very well and they know us well. There aren’t going to be any surprises. It’s gonna come down to which team executes better and limits mistakes. In these types of games, you expect the best players from both teams to step up and show why they are so good. But there’s always that one kid who steps up unexpectedly and makes a game changing play, and I know all our kids will be ready for their opportunity if it comes. Nothing will motivate and keep you focused on the moment more than playing your biggest rival with the season on the line. It will be a great atmosphere and should be a lot of fun. We are up to the challenge and look forward to Friday night.” – Wheeler’s Nick Testa.
“In order for us to be successful this week against our crosstown rival Wheeler, it is going to come down to executing on both sides of the ball. When we saw Wheeler earlier in the season, we had several turnovers and penalties that halted several of our drives. If we minimize those mistakes, we feel things will work in our favor. Wheeler is on a roll, so we need to come out fast and be physical on both sides of the ball. We are looking forward to the matchup as I am sure they are as well.” – Boone Grove’s Dan Kukulski.
CLASS 2A SECTIONAL 34
WESTERN BOONE (7-2) AT NORTH PUTNAM (7-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Cougar Stadium.
COACHES: Justin Pelley, 107-37 in 12th season at Western Boone. Scott Moore, 14-15 in third season at North Putnam.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Western Boone, 37-14, on October 30, 2020 in Class 2A sectional semifinals.
LAST CONTEST: Western Boone lost to Lebanon, 26-7. North Putnam lost to Greencastle, 49-28.
UP NEXT: Western Boone travels to Lafayette Central Catholic (8-0) or hosts Delphi (6-3). North Putnam plays at Lafayette Central Catholic or Delphi.
TOP PERFORMERS: Blake Wasson registered 12 tackles and forced a fumble for the Stars against Lebanon. Christian Kramer completed 12-of-28 for 165 yards with a touchdown and ran 21 times for 215 yards with three scores for the Cougars against Greencastle.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We are anxious for the tournament to begin and see where we match up against Class 2A competition. North Putnam is playing with confidence and go as their quarterback (Christian Kramer) goes. We have been playing well defensively and pride ourselves on playing physical football with class. Offensively, we hope that our end of season schedule prepares us for the tournament. We have not been productive on offense the last two weeks of the season playing some tough competition. Offensively, we must be able to put points on the board and control the football to keep our defense off the field. If we can make first downs and spread them out when we need to, we will be right in the game. Should be a great night with two similar teams playing to advance.” – Western Boone’s Justin Pelley.
“Western Boone has an excellent program and another great team. They are sound in their techniques and schemes on both sides of the ball. We will have to be good in our assignments on defense as they have multiple guys that can hurt you in multiple ways. We will also have to control the line of scrimmage, take good angles, and finish plays. We must limit explosive plays and get them in situations they do not want to be in. Offensively, we have to be able to run the football. We have to pick up their stunts and pressures well and take advantage of what they are giving us in the passing game. We need to pay fast and communicate up front. We will need to stay ahead of the sticks and take care of the football. We must start fast and finish well in the middle eight (last four of first half first four of second half). We know the task ahead of us, but feel that if we can play at our highest potential, play together, and stay poised, that we can put ourselves in a position to win a football game Friday night.” – North Putnam’s Scott Moore.
CLASS 2A SECTIONAL 37
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN (7-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN (8-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Meyer Field.
COACHES: Kyle Ray, 64-30 in ninth season at Heritage Christian. Dave Pasch, 159-54 in 17th season at Indianapolis Lutheran, 224-111 in 28th season overall.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Indianapolis Lutheran, 39-29, on September 11, 2015
LAST CONTEST: Heritage Christian beat Purdue Poly Englewood, 49-6. Indianapolis Lutheran beat Beech Grove, 56-0.
UP NEXT: Heritage Christian hosts Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter (2-6) or Park Tudor (6-3). Indianapolis Lutheran travels to Cardinal Ritter or entertains Park Tudor.
TOP PERFORMERS: Eli Nix was 6-of-7 for 115 yards with two scores and carried the ball four times for 100 yards with two touchdowns for the Eagles against Purdue Poly. D’Marco Wilson caught a 25-yard touchdown pass for the No. 3 Saints against Beech Grove.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We are going to have to play a great game Friday night to knock off Lutheran. They have been a dominant team over the last several years. They are tough, talented, and well-coached. We are excited for the challenge.” – Heritage Christian’s Kyle Ray.
CLASS 2A SECTIONAL 39
NORTH POSEY (7-2) AT SOUTH VERMILLION (9-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Anderson Field.
COACHES: Waylon Schenk, 60-28 in eighth season at North Posey, 88-52 in 13th season overall. Greg Barrett, 52-28 in eighth season at South Vermillion, 109-62 in 16th season overall.
PREVIOUS MEETING: First get together on the gridiron.
LAST CONTEST: North Posey beat Pike Central, 45-14. South Vermillion beat Attica, 53-3.
UP NEXT: North Posey travels to Sullivan (3-6) or entertains Linton-Stockton (7-2). South Vermillion plays Sullivan or Linton-Stockton.
TOP PERFORMERS: Carter Schickel completed 16-of-26 for 201 yards with two touchdowns for the Vikings against Pike Central. Adam Wallace finished with four receptions for 81 yards with two scores for the No. 6 Wildcats against Attica.
COACHES’ CORNER: “For North Posey to be successful on Friday night, we will have to try to limit the high-powered passing attack of South Vermillion. They are a big play team with several weapons, we have to limit the big plays and make them earn every point they score. Offensively, we have to stay balanced between the run and the pass and protect the football. Turnovers will be key to the outcome.” – North Posey’s Waylon Schenk.
“We need to take advantage of every opportunity we get to score, get a big stop, play great defense and on special teams. This is a state championship caliber program that is well-coached and full of tradition. This is a model team that we are trying to become at South Vermillion High School where the tradition of a program reloads and not rebuilds. They have one of the best running backs (Jed Galvin) in the state that we need to slow down and make them punt the ball. They do a lot of stuff with him and he is a very explosive, tough, and physical runner who is also very good at safety.” – South Vermillion’s Greg Barrett.
CLASS 1A SECTIONAL 42
CARROLL (FLORA) (9-0) AT FRONTIER (8-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Falcon Field.
COACHES: Blake Betzner, 41-7 in fourth season at Carroll (Flora). Jack Barron, 8-0 in first season at Frontier.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Carroll (Flora), 35-0, on October 22, 2021 in Class 1A sectional quarterfinal.
LAST CONTEST: Carroll (Flora) beat Sheridan, 28-0. Frontier beat South Newton, 48-7.
UP NEXT: Carroll hosts Pioneer (6-3) or Caston (2-7). Frontier goes to Pioneer or entertains Caston.
TOP PERFORMERS: Reid Duncan ran for a pair of touchdowns and tossed a 69-yard pass for another score for the No. 8 Falcons against South Newton. Levi Watkins helped pave the way for the No. 2 Cougars to accumulate over 200 yards rushing against Sheridan.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Frontier is a very good football team. They are very well-coached and do a lot of things well. Their speed causes a lot of issues in the perimeter. Their quarterback and running back are both very good players and can score at any moment. Defensively, they don’t give up a lot of points. They are fast to the ball and good at the point of contact. We want to play a clean football game in all aspects on special teams, defense, and offense to have a chance to have success on Friday night.” – Carroll’s Blake Betzner.
“First off, Carroll is a tremendous football team, and they are incredibly well-coached by head coach Blake Betzner. What he has done there the last seven years speaks for itself. They have dominated their conference and established themselves as a premier Class 1A program in Indiana. Their staff is experienced and have seen a lot of playoff football in their time. They do what they do, and they do it well. For us to win, we’ll need to do a number of things. Limit their run game and explosive plays, win the turnover battle, and try to establish a run game of our own. Both teams like to get out to strong leads early, so the first quarter will be crucial.” – Frontier’s Jack Barron.
CLASS 1A SECTIONAL 48
PROVIDENCE (8-0) AT SPRINGS VALLEY (8-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Death Valley.
COACHES: Daniel McDonald, 38-16 in fifth season at Providence. Jason Lowe, 32-10 in fourth season at Springs Valley.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Providence, 41-8, on November 3, 2023 in Class 1A sectional final.
LAST CONTEST: Providence beat North Harrison, 24-0. Springs Valley beat North Daviess, 49-0.
UP NEXT: Providence plays at South Spencer (5-4) or hosts Forest Park (5-4). Springs Valley travels to South Spencer or Forest Park.
TOP PERFORMERS: Cooper Ross finished with 20 rushes for 91 yards with a score for the No. 3 Pioneers against North Harrison. Christian Hamilton mustered 11 carries for 166 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 7 Blackhawks against North Daviess.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Springs Valley’s offense speaks for itself. They run the ball better than anyone we have played, led by Christian Hamilton, who is an exceptional runner and is leading the state in rushing. What may go unnoticed about them is the level of defense that they play. Their defensive line is aggressive, big, and quick, and their linebackers are really good at fitting gaps. We are going to have our work cut out for us. They are a really, really good football team, and Coach Lowe has done a great job with them this season.” – Providence’s Daniel McDonald.
“We will have to be prepared and play very well to come away with a victory Friday. We need to execute at a high level. We need to maximize our speed on both sides of the ball. Providence has dominated Sectional 48 since coming into it. They are well-coached and very talented. Our kids are excited about another opportunity to play against one of the premier programs in all of Class 1A football!” – Springs Valley’s Jason Lowe.
