CENTER GROVE (5-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (3-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Marian University.
COACHES: Eric Moore, 252-77 in 26th season at Center Grove, 300-82 in 30th season overall. Bill Peebles, 63-19 in seventh season at Cathedral, 137-84 in 20th season overall.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Center Grove, 45-38, on October 13, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Center Grove beat Lawrence Central, 27-18. Cathedral beat North Central (Indianapolis), 53-13.
UP NEXT: Center Grove travels to Lawrence North (6-0). Cathedral hosts Indianapolis Roncalli (3-2).
TOP PERFORMERS: Brevin Holubar came up with five catches for 141 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 5 (Class 6A) Trojans against Lawrence Central. Cameron Koers completed 13-of-18 for 177 yards for the No. 7 (Class 6A) Irish against North Central.
COACHES’ CORNER: “The 2024 Center Grove vs. Cathedral game will likely hold up to the past games. This series has become one of the best in the state, each year featuring top players and two of the best coaching staffs. It is always one of the best games of the year. We have had exciting finishes, unbelievable comebacks, and many talented players making big time plays for each school. Both clubs are a lot alike this year. They have lots of new faces who have proven themselves to be quality players and play makers. For Center Grove to win this game, a lot of things will have to go our way. We will have to control the ball by getting first downs and keep the great Cathedral offense on the sideline. We cannot afford any turnovers or give up any one-play type scoring drives. We must make few to no mental mistakes and limit the penalties. However, the big game factor will be which team can control the line of scrimmage, plus, who will be the most physical team? Both teams pride themselves with great physical presence, so it will be a war. Which running backs can get yards after contact? We must continue its aerial assault that has proven to be an awesome addition to the 2024 Trojans, with Gabe McWilliams throwing for over 350 yards three times this year. Good old-fashion blocking and tackling will be the difference as in most high school games.” – Center Grove’s Eric Moore.
“Center Grove is once again one of the top teams in Indiana. We are going to have to play a great game to get a victory. They have big play scoring ability with explosive playmakers at all positions offensively. We are going to have to limit the big play. Offensively, we will need to establish the run and convert first down to control the clock and execute and finish in the red zone.” – Cathedral’s Bill Peebles.
COLUMBIA CITY (6-0) AT EAST NOBLE (5-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, East Noble Field.
COACHES: Brett Fox, 59-54 in 11th season at Columbia City. Alex Stewart, 5-1 in first season at East Noble, 59-40 in 10th season overall.
PREVIOUS MEETING: East Noble, 35-0, Sep. 29, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Columbia City beat New Haven, 70-0. East Noble beat Norwell, 42-0.
UP NEXT: Columbia City entertains Leo (5-1). East Noble goes to New Haven (0-6).
TOP PERFORMERS: Landon Fazio scampered five times for 105 yards with a touchdown for the No. 5 (Class 4A) Eagles against New Haven. Mason Treesh caught five passes for 107 yards with a score for the No. 7 (Class 4A) Knights against Norwell.
COACHES’ CORNER: “This Friday, we need a complete team effort. East Noble is an extremely talented team. They are fierce on defense and they have players on offense that can make big plays all night long. We have to be able to ride the roller coaster of emotions throughout a big game, take care of the football, and play for each other.” – Columbia City’s Brett Fox.
“Columbia City is a very well-coached and disciplined football team. They are very explosive on the offensive side of the ball, disciplined on the defensive side of the ball, and sound in all phases of special teams. For us to come away with a victory, we will need to limit their big plays on offense and force them to drive the field. We will need to execute at a high level offensively and come up with some explosive plays of our own. We need to win the field position battle on special teams. We also must win the turnover battle.” – East Noble’s Alex Stewart.
COLUMBUS NORTH (5-1) AT BLOOMINGTON SOUTH (4-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Huff Field.
COACHES: Logan Haston, 15-13 in third season at Columbus North. Gabe Johnson, 36-13 in fifth season at Bloomington South, 50-23 in seventh season overall.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Bloomington South, 49-14, on Sep. 29, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Columbus North beat Terre Haute North, 51-10. Bloomington South beat Southport, 41-0.
UP NEXT: Columbus North hosts Bloomington North (5-1). Bloomington South entertains Brebeuf Jesuit (4-2).
TOP PERFORMERS: Asher Ratliff was 12-of-18 for 129 yards with three touchdowns and ran eight times for 32 yards for the No. 10 (Class 6A) Bulldogs against Terre Haute North. Braylen Townsend recorded 27 carries for 147 yards with two touchdowns for the Panthers against Southport.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Historically, this has been a highly competitive conference rivalry, and I don’t think this year will be any different. For us to come away with the win, we must have an excellent approach to our prep week, and we need to play our physical brand of football from start to finish. If we play mistake-free football and dominate the line of scrimmage, we will take care of business on Friday!” – Columbus North’s Logan Haston.
“We need to play mistake-free football. It will be a very fundamental game for us involving solid tackling and blocking.” – Bloomington South’s Gabe Johnson.
EASTBROOK (4-2) AT MADISON-GRANT (6-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Argyll Stadium.
COACHES: Jeff Adamson, 319-102 in 36th season at Eastbrook. Brady Turner, 36-34 in seventh season at Madison-Grant.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Eastbrook, 22-8, on October 6, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Eastbrook beat Elwood, 58-0. Madison-Grant beat Frankton, 49-0.
UP NEXT: Eastbrook plays at Mississinewa (6-0). Madison-Grant hosts Alexandria (4-2).
TOP PERFORMERS: Bodie Howell rambled 11 times for 123 yards with three scores for the Panthers against Elwood. OJ Blackwell tallied seven carries for 127 yards for the No. 4 (Class 1A) Argylls against Frankton.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Our kick coverage units will be important. Because Madison-Grant runs the ball so well, we have to keep them out of four-down territory because they will go for it every time. Their run game will put a lot of pressure on our defense. Although both teams are run-oriented, we need to be able to complete some timely play-action passes for explosive plays.” – Eastbrook’s Jeff Adamson.
“It is going to take a complete game. Eastbrook is a very good team that is well-coached and will bring intensity and discipline Friday night. We have to play our best game.” – Madison-Grant’s Brady Turner.
ELKHART (5-1) AT PENN (5-1)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Everwise Freed Field.
COACHES: Travon Curry, 5-1 in first season at Elkhart. Pete Riordan, 5-1 in first season at Penn.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Penn, 35-0, on October 27, 2023 in Class 6A sectional semifinal.
LAST CONTEST: Elkhart beat South Bend Saint Joseph, 38-17. Penn beat South Bend Adams, 49-14.
UP NEXT: Elkhart entertains Mishawaka Marian (3-3). Penn travels to New Prairie (4-2).
TOP PERFORMERS: Quinn Rost was 6-of-17 for 119 yards with a touchdown and carried the ball six times for 54 yards for the No. 9 (Class 6A) Lions against Saint Joseph. Cohen Wyson registered 12 carries for 89 yards with a score for the Kingsmen against Adams.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We need to play a full game. We have had flashes but have not put a full four quarters together yet and that is a major emphasis this week. We have to win the battle at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and play disciplined Elkhart football. Penn is a great program and they are well-coached, so we will need to have a great week of practice and we must execute on Friday night. We have to be disciplined and not have silly foolish penalties Friday night.” – Elkhart’s Travon Curry.
“In order to beat Elkhart, we must stay ahead of the chains offensively. It’s important to avoid long yardage situations where they thrive. They have done a great job forcing long yardage situations and getting turnovers in those cases. Defensively, we must keep them in long yardage situations. It will be very important to limit them on first and second down. I think special teams and gaining the hidden yardage will be very important in this game. They have dynamic return men that we must prevent from getting big returns and conversely, we must be able to give our offense the ball with good field position.” – Penn’s Pete Riordan.
EVANSVILLE REITZ (5-1) AT EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (6-0)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Enlow Field.
COACHES: Cory Brunson, 34-17 in fifth season at Evansville Reitz, 68-57 in 12th season overall. John Hurley, 143-70 in 17th season at Evansville Memorial.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Evansville Memorial, 21-16, on November 3, 2023 in Class 4A sectional final.
LAST CONTEST: Evansville Reitz lost to Castle, 35-7. Evansville Memorial beat Evansville Bosse, 42-22.
UP NEXT: Evansville Reitz travels to Evansville Boose (0-6). Evansville Memorial plays at Vincennes Lincoln (3-3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Landon McClarney went 7-of-12 for 68 yards for the No. 5 (Class 4A) Panthers against No. 9 (Class 5A) Castle. Matthew Fisher completed all four of his passes for 95 yards with three touchdowns for the top-ranked (Class 3A) Tigers against Evansville Bosse.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We will need to learn from our mistakes last week vs. Castle. Memorial is a very good football team. It will be a physical game. If we want to get back into the conference race, we will need to take care of the football and win the battle up front. Those will be the keys for this Friday and the rest of the season.” – Evansville Reitz’s Cory Brunson.
“Reitz is a well-coached football team that plays physical football. Coach Brunson and his staff do a great job preparing this team for big games. Enlow Field will be a packed house for this week seven game on Friday. To win this game, we need to focus on stopping the run, preventing explosive plays, protecting the ball, and making big plays on both offense and defense. To come out victorious on Friday night against Reitz, we will need to compete at a high level.” – Evansville Memorial’s John Hurley.
HERITAGE (5-1) AT BLUFFTON (6-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Park Field.
COACHES: Jeremy Hullinger, 5-1 in first season at Heritage. Brent Kunkel, 55-30 in eighth season at Bluffton.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Heritage, 27-21, on September 29, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Heritage beat Tipton, 21-7. Bluffton beat Southern Wells, 45-7.
UP NEXT: Heritage goes to Southern Wells (0-6). Bluffton hosts Adams Central (5-1).
TOP PERFORMERS: Lucas Weber raced 19 times for 124 yards with a touchdown for the Patriots against Tipton. Cooper Craig racked up 12 rushes for 120 yards with three scores for the No. 5 (Class 2A) Tigers against Southern Wells.
COACHES’ CORNER: “This week, we have a great challenge going down to Bluffton and taking on the Tigers. They’re a team with a lot of success over the last few years and they’ve built a strong program that’s perennially a team to be reckoned with in the ACAC (Allen County Athletic Conference) and Class 2A as a whole. All the credit goes to Coach Kunkel and his staff for what they have turned Bluffton football into. So, our team will need to have a good week of practice and get off the bus prepared for a hard-hitting football game. The Tigers can hurt you in so many ways offensively and defensively. On offense, they run a multi-pronged attack that will challenge us on the ground and through the air. Quarterback Axton Beste is one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the area with a lot of weapons at his disposal including Cooper Craig, Khamel Moore, and Aaron Streveler. On defense, Bluffton is fast and physical led by middle linebacker Griffin Morgan and defensive lineman Drayvin Shoemaker. We need to communicate well, do our jobs, and get off to a fast start.” – Heritage’s Jeremy Hullinger.
“Heritage is a really good football team. They are very big up front along both the offensive and defensive lines. They have some very explosive playmakers on offense who are capable of scoring a touchdown on any given play. The last two years we have played Heritage it has come down to three to four key plays they have made them and we have not. For us to win this game, we have to realize that we are in for a 48-minute fight. This game is not going to be easy, so we need to take care of the football, execute on offense, and bend but don’t break on defense. We’re looking forward to the challenge.” – Bluffton’s Brent Kunkel.
LAWRENCE NORTH (6-0) AT WARREN CENTRAL (6-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Warriors Stadium.
COACHES: Patrick Mallory, 48-72 in 12th season at Lawrence North, 62-80 in 14th season overall. Mike Kirschner, 22-17 in fourth season at Warren Central, 161-87 in 22nd season overall.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Lawrence North, 48-7, on September 29, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Lawrence North beat Ben Davis, 58-28. Warren Central beat Indianapolis Pike, 18-7.
UP NEXT: Lawrence North hosts Center Grove (5-1). Warren Central entertains Carmel (3-3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Tanner Aspeslet completed 16-of-28 for 265 yards with four touchdowns and ran six times for 45 yards with a score for the No. 6 (Class 6A) Wildcats against defending Class 6A state champion Ben Davis. Jerimy Finch recorded 11 tackles with three for loss for the No. 4 (Class 6A) Warriors against Pike.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We have to be us on Friday. We can only control us and how well we do our own job. We need to play and physical because speed accompanied with toughness is a great equation. We can’t get too high and also can’t get too low. We must play the next play no matter what happens to you or for you. The game needs to go on, so we must play the next play.” – Lawrence North’s Pat Mallory.
“In order for us to be successful, we are going to have to slow down, if possible, their very powerful offense. They have a great quarterback (Tanner Aspeslet), running back (Izayveon Moore), and receivers. They are a very dangerous team that puts you in great conflict.” – Warren Central’s Mike Kirschner.
LOGANSPORT (5-1) AT WEST LAFAYETTE (4-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Straley Field.
COACHES: Mike Johnson, 41-47 in ninth season at Logansport, 255-125 in 34th season overall. Shane Fry, 120-25 in 12th season at West Lafayette.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Logansport, 16-0, on September 13, 1974.
LAST CONTEST: Logansport beat Hamilton Heights. 41-6. West Lafayette beat Western, 20-0.
UP NEXT: Logansport entertains Western (0-6). West Lafayette goes to Twin Lakes (3-3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Chrisanthony Del Valle amassed 16 carries for 127 yards with a touchdown for the Berries against Hamilton Heights. Dawson Martin came up with 19 rushes for 86 yards with two scores for the Red Devils against Western.
COACHES’ CORNER: “West Lafayette is an outstanding team that is well-coached. They play with a lot of speed and movement. We will have to match their physical play on both sides of the ball and match the speed at which they play. We must be able to slow their run game down in order to have any kind of a chance. We must be able to handle their slanting-moving 3-4 defense in order for us to have any success on offense.” – Logansport’s Mike Johnson.
“For us to be successful against Logansport, we need to be able to produce some explosive plays and avoid turnovers on offense. On defense, we must win the line of scrimmage and be disciplined defending their Wing-T offense. Our special teams need to be solid and win the field position battle.” – West Lafayette’s Shane Fry.
MONROVIA (5-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN (5-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Meyer Field.
COACHES: Andy Olson, 29-24 in fifth season at Monrovia. Dave Pasch, 156-54 in 17th season at Indianapolis Lutheran, 221-111 in 28th season overall.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Indianapolis Lutheran, 49-14, on September 29, 2023.
LAST CONTEST: Monrovia beat Speedway, 42-21. Indianapolis Lutheran beat Indianapolis Scecina, 33-6.
UP NEXT: Monrovia hosts Covenant Christian (0-6). Indianapolis Lutheran travels to Speedway (3-3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Noah Bryant tallied 18 carries for 123 yards with a score for the No. 10 (Class 2A) Bulldogs against Speedway. Jackson Willis tossed for 159 yards with a touchdown for the No. 3 (Class 2A) Saints against Indianapolis Scecina.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Lutheran is always one of those teams that you can count on to be very disciplined. They make few mistakes, if any. We need to force them into mistakes, as well as assert ourselves up front. Defensively, we need to contain their running back (DeMarco Wilson) as he is one of the fastest players we’ll see this year. Their wide receivers are no joke either, so we’ll need to stay disciplined in the secondary. Forcing a few third (down) and longs early will be the goal for our defense. Offensively, trusting and following our rules up front, and going 100 percent on every play will give us a chance to put points on the board against their stingy defense. Playing away at Lutheran doesn’t help, but our team is ready for the challenge, and ready to keep our goal of ICC (Indiana Crossroads Conference) champs alive. Go Dogs!” – Monrovia’s Andy Olson.
“Monrovia is well-coached and very disciplined with a load of talented players. We have to match them with an ability to avoid mistakes and have great mental preparedness. Monrovia has tremendous team speed, and they are physical and very fundamental. They have a fast physical defense that attacks and a very explosive offense. We will have to execute the game plan to have success in all three phases of the football game.” – Indianapolis Lutheran’s Dave Pasch.
NORTHVIEW (6-0) AT CASCADE (6-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Cascade Stadium.
COACHES: Mark Raetz, 88-32 in 12th season at Northview, 103-77 in 18th season overall. Connor Simmons, 24-25 in fifth season at Cascade.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Northview, 56-14, on October 13, 2017.
LAST CONTEST: Northview beat Terre Haute South, 31-28, Cascade beat North Putnam, 56-21.
UP NEXT: Northview goes to Edgewood (2-4). Cascade travels to Greencastle (2-4).
TOP PERFORMERS: Colton Bath went 11-of-13 for 140 yards with two touchdowns and ran 16 times for 89 yards for the No. 10 (Class 4A) Knights against Terre Haute South. Dayton Minix tallied 19 carries for 142 yards with a score for the Cadets against North Putnam.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Cascade is having an outstanding season. Coach Simmons really has them playing well and bought in to his culture. They play very hard and have great team speed. We will need to play disciplined football on defense and tackle well. On offense, we need to protect the football and avoid silly penalties and mistakes. We will have our work cut out for us, and we expect it to be a physical, four-quarter game.” – Northview’s Mark Raetz.
“Northview has had a great start to the season and Coach Raetz has done a tremendous job. They are a very disciplined team that is physical up front and have the athleticism to get the edge. In order for Cascade to have success, we have to set the tone with our lineman up front in the run game. We know that teams will crowd the box, however, we still want to assert ourselves with what we do best. Offensively, we need to have a great balance in ball carriers and win the explosive play battle with managing the tempo of the game. Defensively, we understand they are a talented team. We need to swarm to the football, tackle well and make sure we are communicating, and following keys that will take us to the plays. We can’t wait for the opportunity Friday.” – Cascade’s Connor Simmons.
VALPARAISO (4-2) AT MERRILLVILLE (5-1)
KICKOFF: 8 p.m. EDT, Demaree Stadium.
COACHES: Bill Marshall, 65-16 in seventh season at Valparaiso. Brad Seiss, 77-36 in 10th season at Merrillville, 90-53 in 13th season overall.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Merrillville, 24-20, on November 10, 2023 in Class 5A regional final,
LAST CONTEST: Valparaiso lost to Crown Point, 41-7. Merrillville beat LaPorte, 35-0.
UP NEXT: Valparaiso entertains Portage (2-4). Merrillville hosts Lake Central (3-3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Thomas Burda ran 19 times for 85 yards with a score for the No. 7 (Class 5A) Vikings against No. 3 (Class 6A) Crown Point. JQ Johnson scampered 20 times for 158 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 3 (Class 5A) Pirates against LaPorte.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We need to get both of our lines back on track. Offensively and defensively, we have to win the line of scrimmage. Tackling and rallying to the football on defense will be a huge factor as well. Coming off of a loss to a very good Crown Point team, we must realize that second place in the DAC (Duneland Athletic Conference) is dependent on how we perform the next three weeks, which will also be great preparation for the post-season.” – Valparaiso’s Bill Marshall.
“It’s a huge game. It’s always an extremely competitive game later in the season. We’ve met in the regional each of the last two years as well so we’re very familiar with one another. Coach Marshall has done a great job with their program. It’s our homecoming, so we expect a great environment and a great game.” – Merrillville’s Brad Seiss.