CLASS 4A SECTIONAL 18
MISHAWAKA (8-1) AT NORTHWOOD (5-4)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Andrews Field.
COACHES: Keith Kinder, 73-22 in eighth season at Mishawaka. Nate Andrews, 96-42 in 12th season at NorthWood, 136-81 in 19th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Mishawaka beat Wawasee, 36-14. NorthWood beat Goshen, 49-24.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Mishawaka beat NorthWood, 26-25, on September 12, 2025.
UP NEXT: Mishawaka hosts Plymouth (3-6) or Washington (2-7). NorthWood entertains Washington or goes to Plymouth.
TOP PERFORMERS: Colten Handley found the end zone twice for the No. 2 Cavemen against Wawasee. Jaron Allen caught five passes for 73 yards with a touchdown for the Panthers against Goshen.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We have a huge challenge in front of us to open the tournament. The last three times we’ve played at NorthWood, the game has been decided by one point. We have to get off to a better start and play with more discipline and execution than we did in our week four matchup. Ball security and winning on third down will be critical to our success.” – Mishawaka’s Keith Kinder.
“It will take an unbelievable effort, attitude, and toughness for 48-plus minutes. We have had a great season (journey) of lessons. It is now time to draw from all of those and put it together with a strong bond and team brotherhood. We must find a way to focus each and every snap.” – NorthWood’s Nate Andrews.
CLASS 4A SECTIONAL 19
FORT WAYNE BISHOP DWENGER (7-2) AT LEO (7-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Lions Field.
COACHES: Jason Garrett, 67-28 in eighth season at Bishop Dwenger. Jason Doerffler, 34-12 in fourth season at Leo, 57-70 in 12th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Bishop Dwenger beat Fort Wayne South, 28-12. Leo lost to DeKalb, 31-28.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Leo beat Bishop Dwenger, 31-13, on November 3, 2023 in Class 4A sectional final.
UP NEXT: Bishop Dwenger entertains Columbia City (5-4) or DeKalb (7-2). Leo goes to Columbia City or hosts DeKalb.
TOP PERFORMERS: AJ Shefferly carried the ball 10 times for 60 yards with a touchdown and recorded eight tackles with 1.5 for loss and one quarterback sack for the No. 8 Saints against Fort Wayne South. Sam Miller racked up 16 tackles and an interception for the No. 10 Lions against No. 13 DeKalb.
COACHES’ CORNER: “It will take a full team effort to be successful on Friday night vs. Leo. They are very well-coached and solid in all three facets. We must execute well in all three facets, win the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, reduce penalties, and limit turnovers.” – Bishop Dwenger’s Jason Garrett.
“Bishop Dwenger presents a huge challenge for us. They are having a great year and they have really dominated on the defensive side of the football. They really pursue to the ball and are a great tackling team. They also don’t get enough credit for what they do offensively. They’ve moved the ball very well the past few weeks and have some dangerous athletes on that side. Their kicking game is solid as well. They are just a very well-rounded football team. We will have to execute at a very high level in all three phases of the game and match their physicality, which has always been a staple of Bishop Dwenger football teams.” – Leo’s Jason Doerffler.
CLASS 4A SECTIONAL 22
INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (6-3) AT NORTHVIEW (8-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Knights Stadium.
COACHES: Sam Otley, 12-8 in second season at Roncalli. Mark Raetz, 98-35 in 13th season at Northview, 113-80 in 19th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Roncalli beat East Central, 28-16. Northview beat Linton-Stockton, 35-14.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Roncalli beat Northview, 33-17, on October 25, 2024 in Class 4A sectional quarterfinal.
UP NEXT: Roncalli welcomes Indianapolis Shortridge (4-5) or Danville (5-4). Northview travels to Shortridge or entertains Danville.
TOP PERFORMERS: Luke Roeder raced twice for 37 yards with a touchdown and caught two passes for 67 yards with another tally for the No. 9 Royals against No. 9 (Class 5A) East Central. Slade Fell accounted for 11 rushes for 52 yards with three scores for the No. 9 Knights against No. 10 (Class 2A) Linton-Stockton.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Offensively, we have to start fast, take care of the football, control the line of scrimmage, and take advantage of explosive play opportunities. Defensively, we need to tackle, play sound, physical football, and rally to the ball. Finally, on special teams, we have to score points and control field position.” – Roncalli’s Sam Otley.
“Roncalli is obviously a very solid and well-balanced team, as usual. I really don’t see any weaknesses with them. For us to win, we will have to play our best football of the season. We have to play physical football for four quarters, tackle well, and block well. We have to contain their quarterback (Collin Ash) and running backs and as always, protect the football and finish drives with points.” – Northview’s Mark Raetz.
CLASS 3A SECTIONAL 27
MACONAQUAH (8-1) AT TWIN LAKES (7-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Price Field.
COACHES: Michael Fenters, 20-2 in second season at Maconaquah. Kevin O’Shea, 17-13 in third season at Twin Lakes, 256-123 in 33rd season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Maconaquah lost to Rochester, 48-6. Twin Lakes beat Western, 22-15.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Maconaquah beat Twin Lakes, 43-14, on November 1, 2024 in Class 3A sectional semifinals.
UP NEXT: Maconaquah hosts Northwestern (4-5) or Peru (2-7). Twin Lakes plays at Northwestern or welcomes Peru.
TOP PERFORMERS: Marcell Sims had 13 rushes for 42 yards with a score for the No. 9 Braves against No. 8 (Class 2A) Rochester. Mason Brummett finished with 11 tackles for the No. 13 Indians against Western.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Offensively, we struggled in our final regular-season game to match the physicality on the line of scrimmage. Playoff football often comes down to a smaller margin of error. Because of this, domination on the line of scrimmage must be reasserted and confirmed in this game. For Maconaquah to win, we must execute in the four-to-five-yard plays, be comfortable with settling into long drives, and find more scoring success at the end of these long drives. Defensively, Twin Lakes brings a highly explosive offense with a mobile quarterback (Cooper Dold) at the helm. In order to keep up with Twin Lakes, we need to limit the explosive vertical plays and remain disciplined in our read keys. Our defense knows that relying on takeaways is unreliable. We must be comfortable with forcing turnovers on downs and limiting the vertical pass. On special teams, we have to clean up simple execution mistakes. Due to some injury concerns, we are asking some of our young players to step up and serve on Friday nights. This comes with risk, but ultimately, there is no better development then having Friday night experience. Even if it is for a couple of key downs in a game, these reps remain a cornerstone of our program and will lead to long-term development.” – Maconaquah’s Michael Fenters.
“In Maconaquah, you have a team that can score a lot of points. They throw the ball really well, but they also have a really good run game. We need to find a way to make them as one dimensional as possible. Defensively, Maconaquah is athletic on the back end and plays a ton of man to man. Their linebackers are fast and read well while their defensive line is very aggressive. We need to be able to successfully run the football and handle their man-to-man pressure.” – Twin Lakes’ Kevin O’Shea.
CLASS 3A SECTIONAL 31
EDGEWOOD (5-3) AT SCOTTSBURG (7-2)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Warrior Field.
COACHES: Scott Fischer, 9-19 in third season at Edgewood, 26-64 in ninth season overall. Kyle Mullins, 46-60 in 11th season at Scottsburg.
LAST CONTEST: Edgewood lost to Northview, 35-7. Scottsburg lost to Brownstown Central, 34-14.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Have never played before on the gridiron.
UP NEXT: Edgewood entertains Corydon Central (3-6) or North Harrison (3-6). Scottsburg plays at Corydon Central or welcomes North Harrison.
TOP PERFORMERS: Braxton Carpenter totaled 21 carries for 87 yards for the Mustangs against No. 9 (Class 4A) Northview. Landon Shuck amassed six receptions for 38 yards and 10 rushes for 44 yards for the No. 11 Warriors against No. 2 (Class 2A) Brownstown Central.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Our seniors will need to step up and give it their all. We will have to play fast and physical against a well-coached Scottsburg team. All three phases of the football game will be big factors in determining who will win this game.” – Edgewood’s Scott Fischer.
“In order to be fortunate to advance in the tournament, we will need to be able to play up to our capabilities while eliminating penalties and mistakes. Edgewood has a very talented roster. We will need to play our best football for 48 minutes to advance.” – Scottsburg’s Kyle Mullins.
CLASS 2A SECTIONAL 35
BLUFFTON (8-1) AT CHURUBUSCO (7-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Victor Field.
COACHES: Brent Kunkel, 63-35 in ninth season at Bluffton. Paul Sade, 87-48 in 13th season at Churubusco.
LAST CONTEST: Bluffton beat Fort Wayne Blackhawk, 55-0. Churubusco beat Fairfield, 27-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: First get-together on the gridiron.
UP NEXT: Bluffton welcomes Adams Central (9-0) or Central Noble (1-8). Churubusco goes to Central Noble or hosts Adams Central.
TOP PERFORMERS: Khamel Moore mustered three rushes for 79 yards with two scores for the No. 9 Tigers against Fort Wayne Blackhawk. Bryce Lawrence hauled in a 71-yard touchdown pass and carried the ball six times for 63 yards with another score for the Eagles against Fairfield.
COACHES’ CORNER: “For us to beat Churubusco, we are going to have to match their physicality from the start. They are a bunch of hard-nosed, physical, well-coached kids, so it is going to be a challenge for us, especially having to travel up there. Playoff time is all about limiting mistakes while capitalizing on what the other team gives you. Busco is not going to give us much, so we need to take advantage of the opportunities that we do get.” – Bluffton’s Brent Kunkel.
“Bluffton is a very complete football team. Defensively, we will have to be very disciplined to slow their offense down. They have multiple play makers and Axton Beste is the best dual threat quarterback we have seen all year. Keeping him out of his comfort zone will be necessary for any success on the defensive side of the ball. On offense, we will need to find a way to block some of the fastest, biggest, and most aggressive defenders we have seen this season. Fundamental blocking rules will be critical.” – Churubusco’s Paul Sade.
CLASS 2A SECTIONAL 38
TRITON CENTRAL (8-1) AT CENTERVILLE (7-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Craig Field.
COACHES: Tim Able, 118-41 in 13th season at Triton Central, 243-139 in 32nd season overall. Ryan Cole, 32-8 in fourth season at Centerville, 32-16 in fifth season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Triton Central beat Indianapolis Scecina, 27-7. Centerville beat Knightstown, 35-28.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Triton Central beat Centerville, 56-0, on October 30, 2015 in Class 2A sectional semifinals.
UP NEXT: Triton Central hosts Northeastern (8-1) or Shenandoah (6-3). Centerville travels to Northeastern or entertains Shenandoah.
TOP PERFORMERS: Landon Ball rolled up 17 tackles for the No. 7 Tigers against Scecina. Kaydin Perkins returned an interception for a score for the Bulldogs against Knightstown.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Centerville has an elite passing game and has a hard-hitting defense. We must be road warriors to step up to the tough challenge of the Bulldogs. They are well-coached and play the game with great passion. We must continue to grow in all three phases. Oftentimes, special teams determine a close game’s outcome. It will take a great week of preparation to come out on top.” – Triton Central’s Tim Able.
“The keys to victory start with stopping the run. Triton Central has a very good run game, led by No. 36 Braden Brown. Triton Central has shown 46 different formations over the last four weeks, so we have to be disciplined in our defensive alignment and we have to tackle at a high level. We will have to fly to the football and gang tackle as a team in order to limit their run game. Offensively, we will need to execute a clean game plan and not get behind the sticks. If we can take care of the football and get our playmakers the ball in space, we feel that we can be successful on offense. Special teams have a chance to be a difference maker in this game. We need to win the field position battle and hope to come away with at least one big play on special teams.” – Centerville’s Ryan Cole.
CLASS 2A SECTIONAL 38
LAPEL (9-0) AT WINCHESTER (8-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Falcon Field.
COACHES: Tim Miller, 93-67 in 14th season at Lapel. Mike Jones, 84-64 in 14th season at Winchester.
LAST CONTEST: Lapel beat Eastern Hancock, 21-20. Winchester beat Union City, 61-28.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Lapel beat Winchester, 49-19, on October 21, 2022 in Class 2A sectional quarterfinals.
UP NEXT: Lapel plays at Eastern Hancock (5-4) or hosts Union County (1-8). Winchester travels to Eastern Hancock or Union City.
TOP PERFORMERS: Isaiah Young totaled 17 tackles for the No. 3 Bulldogs against Eastern Hancock. Bryce Tippett came up with three receptions for 54 yards with a touchdown for the Golden Falcons against Union City.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Winchester plays great defense and runs the ball very well. We will have to play physical defense and stop their running game. Offensively, we will have to take care of the football and get back to having a balanced running and passing attack. Winchester is 8-1 and traveling there, I am sure they will have a great environment.” – Lapel’s Tim Miller.
“Lapel is explosive offensively with a great quarterback (Devin Craig) that is a four-year starter, who has thrown for around 10,000 yards in his career. All conversations about being able to beat Lapel start with trying to limit the damage No. 11 (Craig) does with both his arm and his ability to scramble and extend plays. No. 3 (wide receiver Jaxon Cripe) is as dynamic as a kid gets at this level and No. 20 (wide receiver Liam Ko); No. 8 (wide receiver Andrew Evelo), No. 29 (wide out Brayden Parsley), and No. 85 (wide out Griffen Stow) all create big plays for their team. I love their aggressive defensive style and it will pose challenges for us to be able to continue to run our offense efficiently. Also, they are super solid on special teams. Lapel is deserving of all the accolades that they have received.” – Winchester’s Mike Jones.
CLASS 1A SECTIONAL 44
MADISON-GRANT (5-4) AT SOUTH ADAMS (6-3)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Starfire Field.
COACHES: Brady Turner, 45-40 in eighth season at Madison-Grant. Grant Moser, 86-41 in 11th season at South Adams.
LAST CONTEST: Madison-Grant lost to Mississinewa, 28-16. South Adams beat Southern Wells, 42-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: South Adams beat Madison-Grant, 43-36, on November 8, 2024 in Class 1A sectional final.
UP NEXT: Madison-Grant goes to Wes-Del (5-3) or welcomes Tri (5-4). South Adams travels to Wes-Del or Tri.
TOP PERFORMERS: Harry Brooks and OJ Blackwell scored touchdowns for the Argylls against No. 6 (Class 3A) Mississinewa. Derek McKean contributed four catches for 93 yards with a score for the No. 12 Starfires against Southern Wells.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We need to be able to slow their offense down and win one-on-one battles. It is going to come down to basically if we can maintain ball control and tackle their athletes in space.” – Madison-Grant’s Brady Turner.
“They have a very proficient offense with a couple of really talented running backs. It will take everything we have to try to slow down their run game and come out with a victory.” – South Adams’ Grant Moser.
CLASS 1A SECTIONAL 47
WEST WASHINGTON (5-4) AT KNIGHTSTOWN (5-4)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Willard Field.
COACHES: Jeremy Lowery, 25-24 in fifth season at West Washington, 53-43 in ninth season overall. Trent Taylor, 13-16 in third season at Knightstown.
LAST CONTEST: West Washington beat Salem, 21-14. Knightstown lost to Centerville, 35-28.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Knightstown beat West Washington, 7-6, on October 30, 1998 in Class 1A sectional semifinals.
UP NEXT: West Washington entertains North Decatur (6-2) or travels to Greenwood Christian (2-7). Knightstown plays at North Decatur or Greenwood Christian.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jameson Crawford scampered 23 times for 72 yards with a touchdown and caught two passes for nine yards for the Panthers against Centerville. Gavin Hunt has thrown for 1,026 yards with eight touchdowns and run for 356 yards with 11 scores for the Senators, who have now won three straight with their triumph against Salem.
COACHES’ CORNER: “On special teams, we have to make a game-changing play, whether it’s a big return, a blocked kick, creating a turnover, or pinning the opponent deep. We need to swing the momentum and win the field position battle by flipping the field, pinning them deep, and making them drive the length of the field. Defensively, we have to tackle, be physical, wrap up, and get multiple bodies to the ball. We need to limit explosive plays by keeping everything in front of us and get their offense off the field without points. We have to generate pressure, create turnovers, and attack the football. If we can get two turnovers, we give ourselves a chance to win. Offensively, we have to take care of the football. That means no turnovers and value every possession. We have to block because our willingness to block at every position will define our success. We need to establish the run game, get the extra dirty yards, and finish every run with purpose. Finally, we must finish in the red zone, capitalize on scoring opportunities, and finish with points. Their quarterback (No. 2 Bryor Carmichael) has great arm talent and has had a great year. Their running back (No. 32 Jameson Crawford) is explosive and has great vision. Their leading wide receiver (No. 16 Brody Williard) has made game changing plays all year. Our defense must keep them in front of us and tackle well. Our willingness to block at every position and our ability to take care of the football will define our offensive success. We need to win the special teams phase of the game by making a game changing play and controlling field position.” – West Washington’s Jeremy Lowery.
“Offensively, we have to get the ball to our playmakers in space, Jameson Crawford, Brantt Ellis, Brody Willard, Gage Broady, while protecting our quarterback (Bryor Carmichael). We will also need to run the ball effectively when called upon. Defensively, we have to control the line of scrimmage and try to get to their quarterback on quarterback runs (quarterback ISO and quarterback power). We need to keep pressure in the box both in the run phase and in the pass phase. Coverage of their top receiver is critical. We also have to control perimeter jet sweep plays. On special teams, we can’t have any breakdowns on extra-points or punting protection. We have to try to make a big play in the kickoff return game. Our final goal is to get one more point than them somehow, someway, and advance. Survive and advance. That’s tournament football.” – Knightstown’s Trent Taylor.
