ALEXANDRIA (3-0) AT EASTBROOK (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Adamson Stadium.
COACHES: Pete Gast, 79-92 in 17th season at Alexandria, 94-127 in 22nd season overall. Jeff Adamson, 322-106 in 37th season at Eastbrook.
LAST CONTEST: Alexandria beat Elwood, 47-0. Eastbrook beat Frankton, 57-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Eastbrook, 28-27, on September 13, 2024.
UP NEXT: Alexandria entertains Mississinewa (3-0). Eastbrook plays at Blackford (0-3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Mason Fuller caught four passes for 132 yards with two touchdowns for the Tigers against Elwood. Ryder Gipson ran 13 times for 80 yards with two scores for the No. 7 (Class 2A) Panthers against Frankton.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Eastbrook is a solid team. They are athletic and well-coached. For is to have a victory at Eastbrook, we need to be able to have a good run-pass balance. On offense, we need to be efficient. Get positive plays on first down, limit penalties, and have a great effort out of our offensive line. On defense, we need to play with discipline and focus. Their option game is dangerous. Stopping it involves each defender doing his job and trusting his teammate. We must pursue with a relentless nature and tackle well. Special teams will be huge. Eastbrook has dangerous kids in the return game, so we must execute on special teams and win the field position battle that special teams’ impacts. Our word for this week is ‘GRIT.’ We must play with ‘GRIT.’ To complete the four quarters and achieve a win, we must handle a lot of adversity and persevere. Eastbrook is a fun place to play.” – Alexandria’s Pete Gast.
“This is a big conference game for both schools. Our defense has been playing really well up to this point, and we will need a big effort from them Friday as Alexandria has a very diverse and explosive offense. Hopefully, we can get some more big plays from our special teams again this week and take care of the ball on offense to help limit their number of plays.” – Eastbrook’s Jeff Adamson.
BEECH GROVE (3-0) AT INDIAN CREEK (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Braves Field.
COACHES: Rajshawn Mosley, 7-6 in second season at Beech Grove, 10-12 in third season overall. Max Goodin, 8-6 in second season at Indian Creek.
LAST CONTEST: Beech Grove beat Indianapolis Scecina, 60-14. Indian Creek beat Covenant Christian, 52-28.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Indian Creek, 28-8, on October 26, 2012 in Class 3A sectional semifinals.
UP NEXT: Beech Grove hosts Monrovia (1-2). Indian Creek travels to Lapel (3-0).
TOP PERFORMERS: Caron Parks raced 17 times for 196 yards with three touchdowns for the Hornets against Scecina. Drew Pingleton notched three scores for the No. 10 (Class 3A) Braves against Covenant Christian.
COACHES’ CORNER: “To win this game, we will need to play a physical brand of football. We must play fast and with good eyes on both ends of the field. We need to stop the run and be a very explosive team on offense. We will lean into our leaders and playmakers as we look to go 4-0.” – Beech Grove’s Rajshawn Mosley.
“For us to come away with a victory on Friday, we will need to continue to play outstanding defense. Our opponent has scored a lot of points this season and we have played great defense. We will need to continue to play at a high level on that side of the ball. Offensively, we must continue to take care of the ball, take what the defense gives us, and capitalize on every opportunity to score. On special teams, we must not allow them to generate huge plays in that phase like they have had in the first three weeks, and we must continue to make big plays on special teams.” – Indian Creek’s Max Goodin.
BROWNSBURG (3-0) AT AVON (2-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Oriole Stadium.
COACHES: John Hart, 85-19 in 10th season at Brownsburg, 352-100 in 41st season overall. Rob Gibson, 7-16 in third season at Avon, 29-19 in fifth season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Brownsburg beat Franklin Central, 35-7. Avon lost to Hamilton Southeastern, 17-14.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Brownsburg, 21-13, on November 1, 2024 in Class 6A sectional semifinals.
UP NEXT: Brownsburg hosts Fishers (2-1). Avon welcomes Franklin Central (2-1).
TOP PERFORMERS: Brady Lewis scampered seven times for 43 yards with a score for the top-ranked and defending Class 6A state champion Bulldogs against Franklin Central. Bryce Reynolds finished with 10 rushes for 32 yards for the No. 9 (Class 6A) Orioles against No. 5 (Class 6A) Hamilton Southeastern.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Avon is a vastly improved team. I think (quarterback Jace)Cameron is the key to their offense. He has a very quick release, is very accurate, and scrambles as well as any quarterback we have seen. Their defense has been really good tackle to tackle, and no one has had success with them inside. We will try to challenge them there, then hopefully it will open the outside and run-pass options.” – Brownsburg’s John Hart.
“In order for us to be successful Friday night, it will be much like last week against Hamilton Southeasten. We will have to figure out a way to get off the field on third down on defense and limit explosive plays. Brownsburg has the ability to go 75 yards in one play any time they want. Explosive plays will be game killers. Offensively, we have to be able to run the ball and extend drives.” – Avon’s Rob Gibson.
EVANSVILLE MATER DEI (2-1) AT EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Enlow Field.
COACHES: Cody Hess, 2-1 in first season at Evansville Mater Dei. John Hurley, 151-71 in 18th season at Evansville Memorial.
LAST CONTEST: Evansville Mater Dei beat Vincennes Lincoln, 21-6. Evansville Memorial beat Evansville Central, 44-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Evansville Memorial, 34-14, on October 25, 2024 in Class 3A sectional quarterfinals.
UP NEXT: Evansville Mater Dei welcomes Jasper (2-1). Evansville Memorial hosts Evansville Harrison (0-3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Kane Thacker had two-yard touchdown run for the No. 7 (Class 3A) Wildcats against Vincennes Lincoln. Evan Heldt returned a punt 69 yards for a score for the No. 1 (Class 3A) Tigers against Evansville Central.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Playing a team like Evansville Memorial is going to take our best effort to be competitive on Friday night. They are extremely well-coached and disciplined, so for us to have success we will have to be at our best and execute at a high level. Offensively, we need to protect the ball and limit turnovers, be successful on third down, and stay in front of the chains. Defensively, we have to get off the field on third down and be able to tackle well in space to be competitive.” – Evansville Mater Dei’s Cody Hess.
“Mater Dei is a well-coached football team recognized for its winning tradition and physical style of play. In his first year, Coach Hess has carried on that tradition, and he and his veteran staff do an excellent job preparing for big games. This Friday at Enlow Field will have the feel of a playoff atmosphere. Mater Dei is coming off a very physical win over Vincennes Lincoln, so we know they’ll be ready. For us to come away with a victory, we must focus on stopping the run, protecting the football, avoiding penalties, and making explosive plays on both offense and defense.” – Evansville Memorial’s John Hurley.
HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (3-0) AT FISHERS (2-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Clarian Field.
COACHES: Michael Kelly, 45-14 in sixth season at Hamilton Southeastern, 59-30 in ninth season overall. Curt Funk, 32-26 in sixth season at Fishers, 109-62 in 16th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Hamilton Southeastern beat Avon, 17-14. Fishers beat Noblesville, 42-17.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Fishers, 44-41, on November 8, 2024 in Class 6A sectional final.
UP NEXT: Hamilton Southeastern hosts Westfield (2-1). Fishers travels to Brownsburg (3-0).
TOP PERFORMERS: Terry Walker III was 9-of-19 for 114 yards with a touchdown and ran eight times for 20 yards for the No. 5 (Class 6A) Royals against No. 9 (Class 6A) Avon. Vincent Rozzi had nine catches for 225 yards with two scores for the Tigers against Noblesville.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Fishers is a very physical and well-coached team. They have tremendous speed all over the field. I believe the game is always won or lost at the line of scrimmage. We must be disciplined on defense, assignment sound, and limit their explosive plays. Offensively, we must stay balanced and create explosive plays. Finally, special teams will be very important in this game. We must contain their returners by maintaining lane integrity and tackle well.” – Hamilton Southeastern’s Michael Kelly.
“We will need to play a complete game on Friday night against a very good and well-coached Hamilton Southeastern football team. We have not been sharp in all three phases of the game this season, so we will need to have team discipline and limit our mistakes. Hamilton Southeastern has a lot of talent on offense and defense, so we must know and execute our assignments in order to have an opportunity to win the game. We will need to do the little things correctly, and it starts with blocking and tackling.” – Fishers’ Curt Funk.
INDIANAPOLIS BEN DAVIS (1-2) AT CENTER GROVE (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Ray Skillman Stadium.
COACHES: Russ Mann, 19-9 in third season at Ben Davis. Eric Moore, 258-81 in 27th season at Center Grove.
LAST CONTEST: Ben Davis beat Indianapolis Pike, 31-14. Center Grove beat Marion, 55-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Center Grove, 42-19, on September 13, 2024.
UP NEXT: Ben Davis welcomes Warren Central (2-1). Center Grove travels to Trotwood-Madison (Ohio) (3-0).
TOP PERFORMERS: Jamil Stephens scampered nine times for 75 yards with a touchdown for the Giants against Pike. Brody Tilton accounted for two rushes for 27 yards with two scores for the No. 2 (Class 6A) Trojans against Marion.
COACHES’ CORNER: “To come away with a victory on Friday, we have to handle Center Grove’s physicality and strength. No matter which way this game goes, we must play four full quarters and play complimentary football.” – Ben Davis’s Russ Mann.
“Week four of the high school season is here and it’s going to be a tough one. The Trojans play host to Ben Davis, which has played an excellent schedule as have the Trojans. This game will feature two teams that have already been tested and hopefully the Trojans can come out on top. Ben Davis has excellent speed in the skill positions and great size up front. Their defense is much improved and plays hard fast and sound. Their coverage will present problems for Center Grove, especially with losing one of the best receivers in the state to an injury last week in Drake McClurg. The Trojans’ offense will have to figure out a way to keep moving and score without Drake. That will be the most important key of the game. Can Center Grove move the ball without his talents? Starting sophomore quarterback Oscar Sloan will have to have a Daniel Jones-type of performance, making little to very few miscues, and getting the ball to everyone in the offense. The Trojans will have to lean heavily on the run game and offensive line. Moving the ball and getting first downs will be huge for the Trojans in this game. Limiting penalties is a problem we have dealt with all season and must be cleaned up. Scoring on every opportunity will be huge. Center Grove must contain Ben Davis on special teams and actually make a big play in the kicking game and stay sound. Our most important priority will be to keep the excellent skill guys of Ben Davis in front of the Center Grove defense. We can’t give up one-play scoring drives and must make Ben Davis earn everything they get. Getting Ben Davis in three-and- out situations will be huge and give Center Grove the chance to flip the field. Hopefully, the Center Grove defensive front can contain and put pressure on the Ben Davis passing game. Thus, that will help the secondary.” – Center Grove’s Eric Moore.
INDIANAPOLIS BISHOP CHATARD (3-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (1-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Butler Bowl, Butler University.
COACHES: Rob Doyle, 90-23 in ninth season at Bishop Chatard. Bill Peebles, 67-23 in eighth season at Cathedral, 141-88 in 21st season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Bishop Chatard beat Indianapolis Roncalli, 33-11. Cathedral lost to Cincinnati Saint Xavier (Ohio), 24-6.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Cathedral, 31-7, on September 13, 2024.
UP NEXT: Bishop Chatard hosts Brebeuf Jesuit (0-3). Cathedral plays at Southport (0-3).
TOP PERFORMERS: Jack Harrington tossed a pair of touchdowns for the No. 1 (Class 4A) Trojans against No. 10 (Class 4A) Roncalli. Jimmy Pappas tallied 15 rushes for 76 yards for the No. 4 (Class 5A) Irish against Saint Xavier.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Cathedral has a very good football team. They have several (NCAA) Division One players and their front six on defense is as good as anyone in the state. They have faced a very tough schedule, so their record is very deceiving. Offensively, they run the ball very well and have done so against very good teams. We will have our hands full Friday night. It will be up to us to find ways to get them off the field and establish our run game.” – Bishop Chatard’s Rob Doyle.
“Bishop Chatard is coming off a dominant win over Roncalli. They are 3-0 and ranked No. 1 in Class 4A. They are a very good team that is well-coached and fundamentally sound. We are going to have to play a mistake-free game to come out with a victory.” – Cathedral’s Bill Peebles.
LAFAYETTE JEFF (2-1) AT HARRISON (WEST LAFAYETTE) (2-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Rickard Field.
COACHES: Pat Shanley, 78-23 in 10th season at Lafayette Jeff. Kyle Holderfield, 2-1 in first season at Harrison.
LAST CONTEST: Lafayette Jeff beat McCutcheon, 41-0. Harrison beat Brebeuf Jesuit, 32-21.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Lafayette Jeff, 45-21, on October 11, 2024.
UP NEXT: Lafayette Jeff goes to Richmond (1-2). Harrison travels to North Central (Indianapolis) (1-2).
TOP PERFORMERS: Bryce Vanostran managed 13 catches for 136 yards for the No. 5 (Class 5A) Bronchos against McCutcheon. Channing Glick hauled down nine passes for 106 yards with a score for the Raiders against Brebeuf Jesuit.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Offensively, we have to take care of the football, identify how they are defending us, and take what they give us. Defensively, we have to find a way to get pressure and get their quarterback (Lannon Nicoloff) off platform. We need to know where wide receiver (Channing) Glick is at all times, limit their explosives, and create some takeaways. On special teams, we have to make sure our kick coverage is on our toes as they have playmakers everywhere. We need to create favorable field position.” – Lafayette Jeff’s Pat Shanley.
“Offensively, we have to continue moving the ball on the ground and through the air. We are currently averaging 381 yards per game, which is nice, but we continue to become stagnant when we get into the redzone, often leaving possessions empty after a great drive. We also have to take care of the ball, which our quarterback Lannon Nicoloff has done a great job of so far, given how much has been put on him in the passing game this season. Lastly, we need to get healthy heading into the midway point of the season. On defense, we have to limit Jeff’s ability to make big plays. This starts by playing with relentless effort, tackling well in the open field, and giving them looks they have not yet seen this season. Jeff is a well-oiled machine on the offensive side of the ball and we need to do everything we can to get them out of their rhythm throws.” – Harrison’s Kyle Holderfield.
MISHAWAKA MARIAN (2-1) AT SOUTH BEND SAINT JOSEPH (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Father Bly Field at Leighton Stadium.
COACHES: Mike Davidson, 56-32 in eighth season at Marian. Ben Downey, 68-45 in 10th season at Saint Joseph.
LAST CONTEST: Marian beat South Bend Adams, 21-0. Saint Joseph beat New Prairie, 43-13.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Marian, 27-0, on September 13, 2024.
UP NEXT: Marian hosts Penn (3-0). Saint Joseph plays South Bend Adams (1-2).
TOP PERFORMERS: Vinny Gruber contributed 25 rushes for 119 yards for the Knights against Adams. Antwone Ross caught a 36-yard touchdown pass for the Huskies against New Prairie.
COACHES’ CORNER: “For us to be successful, we have to finish on the offensive side of the ball. Every snap, finish our task. Every series, finish the drive. We can’t leave points on the board. On both sides of the ball, we have to win up front. Defensively, we have to continue to improve on our keys and adjustments. Each week we’ve done better with getting into the right call based on our weekly prep. We also need to be great tacklers, especially in space with the athletes they have with the ball in their hands. Finally, our special teams have to be solid. We can’t give up big plays or scores and we have to help in the field position game.” – Marian’s Mike Davidson.
“Coming away with a victory will require an incredible week of practice regarding energy and focus. On gameday, we need to win the special teams’ battle and need our defense to continue playing like their hair is on fire, but also stay very disciplined. We need our offense to control of line of scrimmage while taking what is there.” – Saint Joseph’s Ben Downey.
NORTH JUDSON (2-1) AT NORTH MIAMI (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, DuBois Field.
COACHES: Brett Lambert, 62-21 in seventh season at North Judson. Joe Grant, 34-55 in ninth season at North Miami, 34-65 in 10th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: North Judson beat South Central (Union Mills), 60-6. North Miami beat Caston, 28-13.
PREVIOUS MEETING: North Judson, 46-0, on September 13, 2024.
UP NEXT: North Judson entertains Culver Community (1-2). North Miami welcomes Pioneer (2-1).
TOP PERFORMERS: Logan Pradke registered three rushes for 79 yards with two scores for the No. 7 (Class 1A) Bluejays against South Central. Lake Musall scampered 12 yards for a touchdown for the No. 6 (Class 1A) Warriors against Caston.
COACHES’ CORNER: “In order to beat North Miami, we’re going to have to be very disciplined on defense against their option attack. They have an experienced team full of seniors that present some big challenges on both sides of the ball. We have to sustain blocks, hold on to the ball, and run the rock with a championship mentality in order to be victorious.” North Judson’s Brett Lambert.
“North Judson is a good football team as they have been for years. They do not have the success they have had by accident. They are very sound with what they do. They run the ball well and they have athletes to get the ball to. We need to be more consistent in our offensive and defensive play in order to come out with a victory. Last week, we fumbled the ball eight times and still came away with a victory. We cannot do that this week. As North Judson will make us pay for those mistakes. We need to play a clean game and eliminate our turnovers. On defense, we need to eliminate the big play. We have given up a few big plays for touchdowns this year, so we need to make them earn their points and drive down the field. If we can clean up our mistakes, we believe we can win the game.” – North Miami’s Joe Grant.
