BROWNSBURG (8-0) AT HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (5-3)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Royal Stadium.
COACHES: John Hart, 77-18 in ninth season at Brownsburg, 344-99 in 40th season overall. Michael Kelly, 40-13 in fifth season at Hamilton Southeastern, 54-29 in eighth season overall.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Brownsburg, 21-14, on October 13, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Brownsburg beat Noblesville, 22-18. Hamilton Southeastern lost to Franklin Central, 14-10.
UP NEXT: Brownsburg host Avon (2-6) on November 1. Hamilton Southeastern entertains Homestead on November 1.
TOP PERFORMERS: Avin Robinson came up with three catches for 106 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 1 (Class 6A) Bulldogs against Noblesville. Chandler Weston was 13-of-23 for 142 yards with a score for the Royals against Franklin Central.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Hamilton Southeastern has a great fast defense and a very physical offense. We will need to get a hat on a hat and sustain drives.” – Brownsburg’s John Hart.
“Brownsburg is a tremendous team. They are very disciplined on offense and defense. They are extremely well-coached. They are big on both sides of the ball. We must limit their big play potential. They use momentum to score quickly and often. We must be disciplined and assignment sound on both sides of the ball. We also need to win the line of scrimmage, play fast, gang tackle, and be relentless. We have to hit big plays when they present themselves to us and finish drives in the end zone.” – Hamilton Southeastern’s Michael Kelly.
CASTLE (7-1) AT EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (8-0)
KICKOFF: 8 p.m. EDT, Bosse Field.
COACHES: Doug Hurt, 141-75 in 19th season at Castle. John Hurley, 145-70 in 17th season at Evansville Memorial.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Castle, 24-21, on October 13, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Castle beat Evansville Central, 62-21. Evansville Memorial beat Vincennes Lincoln, 35-12.
UP NEXT: Castle travels to Floyd Central (5-2) on November 1. Evansville Memorial goes to Evansville Mater Dei (7-1).
TOP PERFORMERS: Boden Morgan went 6-of-12 for 154 yards with two scores for the No. 6 (Class 5A) Knights against Evansville Central. Luke Dockery hauled in nine passes for 163 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 1 (Class 3A) Tigers against Vincennes Lincoln.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We are going to have to play our best game of the year. Memorial’s offense is putting up points like a pinball machine. They are well-coached on both sides of the ball. Defensively, they are not a big group, but pursue the football relentlessly. We are going to have to limit mistakes and put up points offensively. It is going to be a very tough test for us. Playing at Bosse Field is a once in a lifetime opportunity and should be a great environment for the players and fans.” – Castle’s Doug Hurt.
“Castle is a well-coached football team currently playing at a very high level. Coach Hurt and his staff do a great job preparing for big games. Friday night’s game at Bosse Field will be a great environment for our 100-year series throwback game. Both teams will be wearing throwback uniforms. We will need to focus on stopping the run, protecting the football, eliminating penalties, and making big plays on both sides of the ball.” – Evansville Memorial’s John Hurley.
EVANSVILLE REITZ (6-2) AT EVANSVILLE MATER DEI (7-1)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Reitz Bowl.
COACHES: Cory Brunson, 35-18 in fifth season at Evansville Reitz, 69-58 in 12th season overall. Mike Goebel, 270-91 in 28th season at Evansville Mater Dei.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Evansville Reitz, 14-10, on October 13, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Evansville Reitz beat Evansville Bosse, 35-0. Evansville Mater Dei beat Evansville Harrison, 45-7.
UP NEXT: Evansville Reitz entertains Evansville Central (1-7). Evansville Mater Dei hosts Evansville Memorial (8-0).
TOP PERFORMERS: Jasseim Ussery scampered 10 times for 115 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 9 (Class 4A) Panthers against Evansville Bosse. Ethan Stofleth rambled six yards for a score for the No. 6 (Class 3A) Wildcats against Evansville Harrison.
COACHES’ CORNER: “It’s rivalry week. This is always a tough game no matter what our records are. Our defense needs to be discipline and fly around. On offense, we will need to take care of the football and be physical up front.” – Evansville Reitz’s Cory Brunson.
“This rivalry pits neighbors, cousins, junior league teammates, husband-wives, and sometimes even siblings against each other on this given Friday night at the Reitz Bowl. Although both teams are ranked and have good records, throw out the record books on this one. Both teams will show up and try their best to take home the ‘West Side Nut Club Trophy’. We must be ever-present play after play to compete with a now healthy Reitz team. We must be at our very best to stay with the Panthers. We must eliminate penalties and mistakes.” – Evansville Mater Dei’s Mike Goebel.
FRANKLIN CENTRAL (5-2) AT WESTFIELD (7-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Riverview Health Memorial Stadium.
COACHES: Jayson West, 16-21 in fourth season at Franklin Central, 139-59 in 17th season overall. Josh Miracle, 7-1 in first season at Westfield.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Westfield, 28-19, on October 13, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Franklin Central beat Hamilton Southeastern, 14-10. Westfield beat Fishers, 46-12.
UP NEXT: Franklin Central hosts Columbus North (7-1) on November 1. Westfield entertains Harrison (West Lafayette) (5-3) on November 1.
TOP PERFORMERS: Avery Allen ran 18 times for 79 yards for the Flashes against Hamilton Southeastern. Carsen Melvin completed 15-of-25 for 138 yards with a touchdown for the No. 4 (Class 6A) Shamrocks against Fishers.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We are a bit banged up after the last few games and Westfield is a really good football team. We will have to have a next man up mentality and play smart to have a chance to win. We must keep winning the turnover battle and run the ball well. Our defense has played well the last few weeks, so we need them to step up against a really big and talented Westfield offense.” – Franklin Central’s Jayson West.
“Our players and staff have the utmost respect for Coach West and his staff. Franklin Central’s program continues to improve under Coach West and will be a great challenge for us as we wrap up our last regular season game. The keys to the game will still revert back to winning with fundamentals in regards to taking care of the football, blocking, and tackling at a high level. The team that wins the turnover and explosive play battle will be critical for success on Friday night. We are looking forward to this highly anticipated HCC (Hoosier Crossroads Conference) matchup.” – Westfield’s Josh Miracle.
GUERIN CATHOLIC (4-4) AT LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (7-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, LaRocca Field.
COACHES: Tom Dilley, 68-49 in 11th season at Guerin Catholic, 148-126 in 25th season overall. Brian Nay, 56-27 in seventh season at Lafayette Central Catholic.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Guerin Catholic, 27-3, on August 25, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Guerin Catholic beat Terre Haute North, 41-18. Lafayette Central Catholic beat Benton Central, 76-0.
UP NEXT: Guerin Catholic entertains West Vigo (3-5). Lafayette Central Catholic goes to Delphi (5-3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Kolbe Klee ran 18 times for 102 yards for the Golden Eagles against Terre Haute North. Hudson Gutwein managed four catches for 83 yards with three touchdowns for the No. 2 (Class 2A) Knights against Benton Central.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Lafayette Central Catholic is a very good team playing very good football. Coach Nay and his staff have the team performing very well in all three phases. Defensively, we must limit their big play potential and control the line of scrimmage while restricting their run after catch ability. They are a very balanced and potent offense. Our offense must be able to sustain drives, take care of the ball, and execute at a high level. Although it will be very difficult against a very sound defense, we must find a way to generate some explosive plays.” – Guerin Catholic’s Tom Dilley.
“We are excited to get another opportunity to compete for the Bishop’s Cannon. It’s going to take a very special effort in order to put ourselves in a position to win in the fourth quarter. Guerin is a great test for us as we transition into the post-season.” – Lafayette Central Catholic’s Brian Nay.
INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (5-2) AT WARREN CENTRAL (7-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Warrior Stadium.
COACHES: Bill Peebles, 65-19 in seventh season at Cathedral, 139-84 in 20th season overall. Mike Kirschner, 23-18 in fourth season at Warren Central, 162-88 in 22nd season overall.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Warren Central, 20-17, on August 29, 2014.
LAST CONTEST: Cathedral beat Indianapolis Roncalli, 35-6. Warren Central beat Carmel, 32-3.
UP NEXT: Cathedral entertains North Central (Indianapolis) (0-8) on November 1. Warren Central plays at Indianapolis Tech (3-4) on November 1.
TOP PERFORMERS: Albren Johnson tallied two catches for 103 yards with a touchdown for the No. 5 (Class 6A) Irish against Roncalli. Kendall Garnett carried the ball 19 times for 110 yards with a score for the No. 6 (Class 6A) Warriors against Carmel.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We are playing a historically good defense this week. Warren Central has a special group of athletes, and they are well-coached. We have our hands full. We are going to have to play complimentary football this week to win. We will need to be great in all three phases of the game to win.” – Cathedral’s Bill Peebles.
“We are playing a very good Cathedral Irish team. We will have to win the turnover battle on Friday night to be successful.” – Warren Central’s Mike Kirschner.
MISSISSINEWA (8-0) AT MADISON-GRANT (8-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Argyll Stadium.
COACHES: Kyle Buresh, 42-13 in fifth season at Mississinewa. Brady Turner, 38-34 in seventh season at Madison-Grant.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Mississinewa, 48-22, on September 1, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Mississinewa beat Eastbrook, 44-7. Madison-Grant beat Alexandria, 62-17.
UP NEXT: Mississinewa hosts Oak Hill (5-3). Madison-Grant entertains Monroe Central (6-2).
TOP PERFORMERS: Ah’lijah Monday finished with 21 carries for 167 yards with two touchdowns and caught two passes for 17 yards with a score for the No. 3 (Class 3A) Indians against Eastbrook. Rosin White ended with 13 carries for 166 yards with three touchdowns for the No. 4 (Class 1A) Argylls against Alexandria.
COACHES’ CORNER: “There is not a better way to finish out the regular season than having the opportunity to play another undefeated team for a conference championship. Madison-Grant is a physical, explosive, and experienced team that Coach Turner has done an exceptional job with. Offensively, they have a lot of ball carriers that contribute to a great run game between the tackles and on the edge. Defensively, they play fast and relentlessly pursue the football. The main key to this game will be controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Winning the turnover battle, explosive play battle, and special teams battle will also be important keys to winning this game. We need to be able to get them off schedule on drives when they are on offense and stay on schedule with our drives on offense.” – Mississinewa’s Kyle Buresh.
“Our game on Friday is going to be a big contest for us. We are going to need to control field position and have efficient drives on offenses. On defense, we have to make them earn every yard they get and create turnovers.” – Madison-Grant’s Brady Turner,
PLAINFIELD (7-1) AT MARTINSVILLE (8-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Siderewicz Field.
COACHES: Tyler Bless, 13-5 in second season at Plainfield. Brian Dugger, 35-20 in fifth season at Martinsville.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Martinsville, 13-6, on October 13, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Plainfield beat Whiteland, 32-7. Martinsville beat Mooresville, 27-18.
UP NEXT: Plainfield entertains Anderson (0-8) on November 1. Martinsville hosts Charlestown (1-7).
TOP PERFORMERS: Westyn Weyrich racked up 18 rushes for 116 yards for the No. 5 (Class 5A) Quakers against Whiteland. Mason Dodson recorded four catches for 49 yards with two scores for the No. 2 (Class 4A) Artesians against Mooresville.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We will need to be able to have a good start vs. Martinsville in all three phases of the game. Our defense will need to be assignment sound and do their job against a really good passing team in Martinsville. Our linebackers will need to have great read keys especially vs. Martinsville’s effective run game. Offensively, we will need to handle Martinsville’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, so we will need to achieve our game breakers goals and make a positive impact in this phase of the game.” – Plainfield’s Tyler Bless.
“Plainfield is a really good football team and Coach Bless has done a great job of putting together a physical and fundamentally sound team. For us to beat Plainfield, we are going to have to play very physical up front and not let them dominate the line of scrimmage. If they are able to dictate the line of scrimmage, they will control the ball and the tempo of the game. We need to play gap sound and fly around and make plays. If we can get them off track and put them in long yardage situations, we can cause them some issues. Offensively, we need to take care of the football and play our brand of football. Take what they give us and get the ball to our playmakers.” – Martinsville’s Brian Dugger.
PROVIDENCE (7-0) AT NORTH HARRISON (6-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, North Harrison.
COACHES: Daniel McDonald, 37-16 in fifth season at Providence. Mark Williamson, 79-55 in 13th season at North Harrison, 95-73 in 16th season overall.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Providence, 35-0, on October 13, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Providence beat Corydon Central, 52-21. North Harrison beat Clarksville, 44-6.
UP NEXT: Providence travels to Springs Valley (7-1), North Harrison goes to Corydon Central (3-5).
TOP PERFORMERS: Cooper Ross totaled 18 carries for 100 yards with a touchdown for the No. 2 (Class 1A) Pioneers against Corydon Central. Payton King came up with 105 yards and two scores on 18 carries for the Cougars against Clarksville.
COACHES’ CORNER: “North Harrison is a big, physical football team. They excel at running the ball and chewing up clock, so it will be imperative that we limit their 1st down efficiency and force them to go three and out. Offensively, we have to control the line of scrimmage and be efficient on first down.” – Providence’s Daniel McDonald.
“Like many teams this time of year, we will be down five starters which includes our top two running backs. Providence is a very talented team. We must play perfect football to have a chance to win the game in the fourth quarter.” – North Harrison’s Mark Williamson.
ROCHESTER (7-1) AT MACONAQUAH (8-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Maconaquah.
COACHES: Ron Shaffer, 29-9 in fourth season at Rochester. Michael Fenters, 8-0 in first season at Maconaquah.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Rochester, 36-14, on October 13, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Rochester beat Southwood, 29-0. Maconaquah beat Wabash, 77-0.
UP NEXT: Rochester hosts Elwood (1-7). Maconaquah entertains Peru (3-5).
TOP PERFORMERS: Kale Shotts registered 11 carries for 159 yards with three touchdowns for the Zebras against Southwood. Aiden Robinson went 18-of-23 for 376 yards with seven touchdowns for the No. 7 (Class 3A) Braves against Wabash.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Rochester is a storied program and Coach Shaffer is well regarded as a brilliant football mind. In order to remain undefeated and successful, our program has to rise to that level of scholarship and commitment. This is a matchup where the communities know each other well, the coaches have all competed with and against each other, and the athletes have grown up alongside each other. In matchups with that familiarity, success resides in demonstrating our preparation. Offensively, we have shown the ability to remain dynamic and adjust within games. Going against a stout defense like Rochester requires every offensive drive to be as fruitful as possible. Our key will be to strike early and often, utilizing our speed and spacing to force Rochester into scoring from behind. Their offense by design loves to drain the clock away, forcing the least amount of time possible for an opposing offense to score. In order to play complimentary football, we will need to be efficient and quick in our scoring. Defensively, this is certainly one of our greatest tests this year. We have been fortunate to have players that have committed to disciplined football. This discipline is vital to handling the Rochester Wing-T. We know they will gain yards. How we respond to those yards gained is key. On special teams, we are fortunate enough to play many underclassmen. We are also fortunate that our special teams have not been overly stressed throughout the season. In a game this close and with a conference championship, special teams have to remain clean and consistent. With our use of underclassmen, these reps are valuable for experience, rest for our starters, and can be the difference maker to a conference championship.” – Maconaquah’s Michael Fenters.
SCOTTSBURG (6-2) AT BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL (8-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Blevins Stadium.
COACHES: Kyle Mullins, 38-56 in 10th season at Scottsburg. Reed May, 308-64 in 32nd season at Brownstown Central
PREVIOUS MEETING: Brownstown Central, 48-21, on October 13, 2023.
LAST OUTING: Scottsburg beat Eastern (Pekin), 51-7. Brownstown Central beat Silver Creek, 44-6.
UP NEXT: Scottsburg plays at Owen Valley (0-8). Brownstown Central travels to Switzerland County (6-2).
TOP PERFORMERS: Landon Shuck tallied 16 rushes for 115 yards with a score for the Warriors against Eastern (Pekin), Gregory Hutcheson had eight carries for 192 yards with three touchdowns for the top-ranked (Class 2A) Braves against Silver Creek.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Coach Reed May runs a perennial powerhouse program at Brownstown that is currently averaging 48 points per game with his vaunted spin Wing-T offense. He has a stable of backs this year, a great passing attack, and a suffocating defense. Undoubtedly, Brownstown is the best team we have faced all year. We will have our hands full Friday Night. In order for us to win, we’re going to have to play disciplined in every facet of the game, but especially on defense. Additionally, we will need to establish balance in our offensive attack and be able to run when we want to run and pass when we want to pass. Quarterback Nathan Byrd comes into the game with 1,579 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. Running back Landon Shuck leads our rushing attack with 1,311 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Defensively, 6-foot-2, 225-pound middle linebacker Garrett Boling comes into the game with 101 tackles and three interceptions returned for touchdowns.” – Scottsburg’s Kyle Mullins.
“Our game on Friday is for the (Mid-Southern) conference championship. We have at least a share of the title and with a victory, we can claim the championship by for ourselves. Scottsburg started off with two tough losses (Madison and North Harrison), but have been rolling the past six weeks. They have a very good team that will come to our place seeking their first ever conference championship.” – Brownstown Central’s Reed May.
WHEELER (6-2) AT GRIFFITH (8-0)
KICKOFF: 8 p.m. EDT, The Boneyard.
COACHES: Nick Testa, 12-6 in second season at Wheeler, 20-28 in fifth season overall. Phil Mason, 11-7 in second season at Griffith, 169-100 in 24th season overall.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Wheeler, 27-6, Oct. 13, 2023.
LAST OUTING: Wheeler beat Whiting, 49-6. Griffith beat Calumet, 56-6.
UP NEXT: Wheeler goes to Boone Grove (5-3), Griffith hosts Hammond Bishop Noll (3-5).
TOP PERFORMERS: Jayden Ortiz raced 12 times for 163 yards with three touchdowns for the Bearcats against Whiting. Ryan Bullion was 17-of-26 for 194 yards with two scores for the Panthers against Calumet.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Griffith has really good players all over the field and in all three phases. Pair that with a hall of fame coach and you have a team that has dominated their competition and is capable of beating anyone. They are really physical on both the offensive and defensive lines and their playmakers are a threat every time they touch the ball and their quarterback (Ryan Bullion) plays older than a sophomore. He’s really good. We are going to have to match their physicality upfront and limit our mistakes. We can’t commit stupid penalties and can’t turn the ball over. Everyone needs to be locked in on their job and do it to the best of their ability and when their opportunity to make a play comes, we have to make them. We are a pretty good team too and have some really good players who are welcoming the challenge of going into a hostile environment on the road, the last game of the regular season for a conference championship. This is what you play for, the opportunity to play for championships, Two great teams who both want to win. It’s exciting and should be fun.” – Wheeler’s Nick Testa.
“This season, the focus has been solely on us. Every week our philosophy isn’t about our opponents. It’s about us, our execution, our physicality, and preparation. We can’t make mistakes. No penalties and no turnovers. Wheeler has been very explosive on offense, so we must limit their big plays. We must sustain drives and limit their time of possession. Both defenses have done a great job all season and they have a great defensive front that we must find a way to neutralize them. I like that we are at home, so that’s our advantage.” – Griffith’s Phil Mason.
