ANDREAN (7-1) AT LOWELL (7-1)
KICKOFF: 8 p.m. EDT, The Inferno.
COACHES: Chris Skinner, 85-38 in 10th season at Andrean. Casey McKim, 7-1 in first season at Lowell, 55-18 in sixth season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Andrean beat Hanover Central, 21-0. Lowell beat Munster, 49-14.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Andrean beat Lowell, 27-14, on October 18, 2024.
UP NEXT: Andrean travels to No. 9 Wheeler (7-0) or Lake Station (6-2) on October 31 for Class 2A Sectional 33 semifinal. Lowell hosts Hanover Central (3-5) for Class 4A Sectional 17 quarterfinal.
TOP PERFORMERS: Dylan Gore was 4-of-8 for 89 yards with two touchdowns and ran once for 11 yards for the No. 5 (Class 2A) 59ers against Hanover Central. John Judd came up with seven tackles and an interception for the No. 10 (Class 4A) Red Devils against Munster.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Lowell’s offense runs a handful of schemes from a variety of formations. It is difficult to identify tendencies. Their rushing attack is spearheaded by two very good football players, No. 9 (quarterback Brody Kalwinski) and No. 32 (running back Tymothy James). And as always, their offensive line and tight ends are fundamentally sound. They’ve been able to control the line of scrimmage against everyone in the NCC (Northwest Crossroads Conference) thus far. Since they attack a variety of gaps in a variety of ways, it will require our box defenders to be disciplined in reading their keys. Lowell’s defense flies around and plays with physicality. There are some formations that just won’t match up well against their front, so we’ll need to find ways to run our schemes from different sets. Week nine. Conference championship on the line. We have a lot of respect for the way Lowell plays football, so we’re excited for the matchup.” – Andrean’s Chris Skinner.
“What it would take to come away with a victory this week is three-fold. First, we must win up front. Our offensive line must be physical at the point of attack. Defensively, we must use our quickness and speed to handle their enormous offensive line. Second, we must win the turnover battle. We need to take care of the ball and work on getting turnovers that can give us a short field offensively. Thirdly, we must execute. We must avoid mistakes and play fast and physically. If we are able to execute our blocking schemes and run fits, then we have a very good chance of coming away with a win.” – Lowell’s Casey McKim.
BROWNSTOWN CENTRAL (8-0) AT SCOTTSBURG (7-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Warrior Field.
COACHES: Reed May, 320-65 in 33rd season at Brownstown Central. Kyle Mullins, 46-59 in 11th season at Scottsburg.
LAST CONTEST: Brownstown Central beat Silver Creek, 63-14. Scottsburg beat Eastern (Pekin), 64-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Brownstown Central beat Scottsburg, 42-7, on October 18, 2024.
UP NEXT: Brownstown Central plays at Tell City (4-4) for Class 2A Sectional 40 quarterfinal. Scottsburg entertains Edgewood (5-3) for Class 3A Sectional 31 quarterfinal.
TOP PERFORMERS: Evan Stahl ran four times for 65 yards with two scores for the No. 2 (Class 2A) Braves against Silver Creek. Matthew Wickey caught three passes for 76 yards with a score for the No. 8 (Class 3A) Warriors against Eastern (Pekin).
COACHES’ CORNER: “Scottsburg has a really good ball club that does a great job of mixing up the run and the pass and a tough defense. To win, we will need to play together as a team, play our assignments, win the special teams, and not turn the ball over.” – Brownstown Central’s Reed May.
“Reed May has his best team at Brownstown Central in school history. Brownstown Central has scored 62 points per game, while holding opponents to 10 points a game. It will take a very special effort from both our offense and defense to be fortunate to come away with a victory. We’ll have to limit our penalties and negative plays and contain Brownstown Central’s vaunted ‘Spin Offense.’ We’ll have to play our best game of the season to be victorious.” – Scottsburg’s Kyle Mullins.
CENTER GROVE (7-1) AT BLOOMINGTON SOUTH (8-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Huff Field.
COACHES: Eric Moore, 262-82 in 27th season at Center Grove, 310-87 in 31st season overall. Gabe Johnson, 48-16 in sixth season at Bloomington South, 62-26 in eighth season overall.
LAST OUTING: Center Grove beat Lawrence North, 38-35. Bloomington South beat Brebeuf Jesuit, 38-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Center Grove beat Bloomington South, 49-6, on October 23, 2009 in Class 5A sectional quarterfinal.
UP NEXT: Center Grove welcomes Jeffersonville on October 31 for Class 6A Sectional 8 semifinals. Bloomington South welcomes No. 12 Terre Haute South (6-2) on October 31 for Class 5A Sectional 15 semifinals.
TOP PERFORMERS: Brodie Tilton scampered 16 times for 85 yards with a score and caught a two-yard pass for the No. 3 (Class 6A) Trojans against No. 7 (Class 6A) Lawrence North. Jalen Williams managed five receptions for 95 yards with three touchdowns for the No. 2 (Class 5A) Panthers against Brebeuf Jesuit.
COACHES’ CORNER: “These two powerhouse teams have not played since 2009. Sectional reassignment and Class 5A to Class 6A classification broke up a good rivalry. When I got to Center Grove in 1999, Bloomington South was the team we were going to have to beat to become the program we wanted to become. In the 2000 Class 5A sectional championship game, we beat them for the first time in a while and for the first time in sectional play. They feature a high-powered offense that the Center Grove defense must not give up the big one-play scoring drive to. We must get them off the field on third downs and we must eliminate these stupid penalties or at least reduce the number. Our offense will have to have a powerful run game and put points on the board for us to win the game. Both teams possess great offensive weapons, so which teams’ defense steps up to the challenge will be the difference of the game. Getting first downs and keeping the high-powered Bloomington South offense on the sideline will be huge. A great game going into the bye week which Center Grove desperately needs and a great test for Bloomington South as they prepare for their playoff run.” – Center Grove’s Eric Moore.
“This will be a tough game. Center Grove is as well-coached and physical team that we have played all year. They are going to be a tremendous challenge, but we will be ready to play.” – Bloomington South’s Gabe Johnson.
EAST CENTRAL (7-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (5-3)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Tully Field.
COACHES: Jake Meiners, 72-14 in seventh season at East Central. Sam Otley, 11-8 in second season at Roncalli.
LAST CONTEST: East Central beat Greensburg, 61-0. Roncalli beat Harrison (West Lafayette), 57-20.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Roncalli beat East Central, 17-7, on October 18, 2024.
UP NEXT: East Central hosts Franklin (4-4) on October 31 for Class 5A Sectional 14 semifinals. Roncalli travels to No. 12 Northview (7-1) for Class 4A Sectional 22 quarterfinals.
TOP PERFORMERS: Zamir Whitaker tallied 11 rushes for 58 yards with a touchdown for the No. 4 (Class 5A) Trojans against Greensburg. Luke Roeder caught four passes for 49 yards with two scores for the No. 8 (Class 4A) Royals against Harrison (West Lafayette).
COACHES’ CORNER: “Roncalli is a great football team and program. Playing at Roncalli is a difficult task. It is a great environment for high school football. We are going to have to play extremely well to come away with a victory. We are going to have to slow down their offense, which has really hit its stride in recent weeks. Their quarterback (Collin Ash) does a fantastic job spreading the football around and challenges defenses with his legs. Their offensive line is very good. We are going to have to be great tacklers and hopefully make Roncalli uncomfortable by attacking them from different angles. On the other side of the ball, Roncalli plays vey stout defense. Their defensive line is one of the better fronts we have gone against this year. We will have to handle their pressure. Their whole defense flies to the football and are sure tacklers. This game is going to be won or lost in the trenches on both sides. It will be a fun challenge.” – East Central’s Jake Meiners.
“Offensively, we need to start fast, take care of the football, control the line of scrimmage, and take advantage of explosive play opportunities. Defensively, we have to play sound, physical football, rally to the ball, and tackle. On special teams, we need to score points and control field position.” – Roncalli’s Sam Otley.
EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (8-0) AT CASTLE (6-2)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, John Lidy Field.
COACHES: John Hurley, 156-71 in 18th season at Evansville Memorial. Doug Hurt, 149-79 in 20th season at Castle.
LAST CONTEST: Evansville Memorial beat Vincennes Lincoln, 21-0. Castle beat Evansville Central, 42-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Evansville Memorial beat Castle, 28-21, on October 18, 2024.
UP NEXT: Evansville Memorial goes to No. 2 Gibson Southern (7-1) or Vincennes Lincoln (3-5) on October 31 for Class 3A Sectional 32 semifinals. Castle entertains No. 8 Floyd Central (7-1) on October 31 for Class 5A Sectional 16 semifinals.
TOP PERFORMERS: Connor O’Donohue racked up 10 tackles and a fumble recovery for the top-ranked (Class 3A) Tigers against Vincennes Lincoln. Boden Morgan completed 5-of-7 for 40 yards and carried the ball six times for 31 yards with three touchdowns for the No. 11 (Class 5A) Knights against Evansville Central.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Castle is a well-coached football team that plays a tough, physical brand of football. Coach Hurt and his staff do an excellent job preparing their kids week in and week out. We can expect a playoff-type atmosphere at Castle on Friday night. To come out with a win, we need to stop the run, control the line of scrimmage, protect the football, and make big plays on both offense and defense. We must compete at a high level for four quarters to be successful.” – Evansville Memorial’s John Hurley.
“Evansville Memorial is a very good football team. They are really solid in all aspects. Their defense really stands out. They are disciplined, play hard, and have great team pursuit. Our offense has struggled at times and has to be able to move the ball. Field position will be key and special teams will play a big part in the game. I believe that we can compete with them if we can avoid the turnovers and miscues that have plagued us in our two losses. Last, we need to try and contain a very diverse offense. They are very balanced in terms of run-pass and do a good bit in terms of formations and plays. Most teams cannot execute as much offense as they bring very well. However, they execute at a high level and don’t seem to miss a beat. They are a very good and very well-coached team.” – Castle’s Doug Hurt.
GRIFFITH (7-1) AT WHEELER (7-0)
KICKOFF: 8 p.m. EDT, Bearcat Field
COACHES: Phil Mason, 19-10 in third season at Griffith, 177-103 in 25th season overall. Nick Testa, 21-7 in third season at Wheeler, 29-29 in sixth season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Griffith beat Calumet New Tech, 63-14. Wheeler beat Whiting, 52-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Wheeler beat Griffith, 35-13, on October 18, 2024.
UP NEXT: Griffith welcomes Hammond Bishop Noll (2-6) for Class 3A Sectional 25 quarterfinals. Wheeler goes to Lake Station (6-2) for Class 2A Sectional 33 quarterfinals.
TOP PERFORMERS: Ventris Tetter raced 10 times for 79 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 10 (Class 3A) Panthers against Calumet. Keegan Catone totaled six tackles and a pair of interceptions for the No. 9 (Class 2A) Bearcats against Wheeler.
COACHES’ CORNER: “First, we are thrilled to have put our program in a position to play for a conference championship. Coach Testa and his staff once again have done a great job with the Wheeler program. They are very balanced and play great defense. Their run game is exceptional and their passing game is a big-time threat with No. 5 (wide receiver Tyne Vettickal), No. 18 (tight end Conner Welch), No. 11 (wide receiver David Diaz), and the (Logan) Fox kid is doing a great job at quarterback. Defensively, they have shut everyone down. We must play great defense and make the most of every possession. We have to limit mistakes and execute on both sides of the ball to have a chance. We have been playing much better on defense the last four weeks and on offense, I think we are hitting our stride. I just hope the game doesn’t get too big for us.” – Griffith’s Phil Mason.
“Griffith is a really good team and it’s gonna take a clean game to beat them. We can’t have penalties, turnovers, or mental mistakes. We will have to limit their big plays defensively and control the ball offensively. We need to force a couple turnovers and create some big plays and our best players need to step up and be playmakers.” – Wheeler’s Nick Testa.
HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (5-3) AT BROWNSBURG (8-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Roark Stadium.
COACHES: Michael Kelly, 47-17 in sixth season at Hamilton Southeastern, 61-33 in ninth season overall. John Hart, 90-19 in 10th season at Brownsburg, 357-100 in 41st season overall.
LAST OUTING: Hamilton Southeastern beat Franklin Central, 38-35. Brownsburg beat Noblesville, 42-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Hamilton Southeastern beat Brownsburg, 30-23, on October 18, 2024.
UP NEXT: Hamilton Southeastern travels to Homestead (5-3) on October 31 for Class 6A Sectional 4 semifinals. Brownsburg goes to Indianapolis Pike (3-5) on October 31 for Class 6A Sectional 5 semifinals.
TOP PERFORMERS: Henry Wans returned two kickoffs and an interception for touchdowns for the No. 10 (Class 6A) Royals against Franklin Central. Shakovon Sumpterbey accumulated eight carries for 84 yards with two scores for the top-ranked and defending Class 6A state champion Bulldogs against Noblesville.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Brownsburg is a very tough, physical, and well-coached team. They have explosive players on offense and very disciplined on defense. We must play tough, physical, and relentless. Each player must be disciplined to do their job. Finally, special teams will be very important.” – Hamilton Southeastern’s Michael Kelly.
INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (5-3) AT WARREN CENTRAL (5-3)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Warrior Stadium.
COACHES: Bill Peebles, 71-24 in eighth season at Cathedral, 145-89 in 21st season overall. J.T. Whitaker, 5-3 in first season at Warren Central.
LAST CONTEST: Cathedral lost to Covington Catholic (Kentucky), 17-10. Warren Central lost to Carmel, 42-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Warren Central beat Cathedral, 34-28, on October 18, 2024.
UP NEXT: Cathedral plays at Anderson (1-7) on October 31 for Class 5A Sectional 17 semifinals. Warren Central goes to Perry Meridian (2-6) on October 31 for Class 6A Sectional 7 semifinals.
TOP PERFORMERS: Caden Nelson recorded six tackles for the No. 5 (Class 5A) Irish against Covington Catholic. Keysean Williams-Jarrett hauled in a 37-yard touchdown catch for the No. 10 (Class 6A) Warriors against No. 2 (Class 6A) Carmel.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We are going to have to play great defense and special teams versus a very talented Warren Central team. Our offense is a bit beat up, so we will have to be efficient and take advantage of opportunities in the red zone.” – Cathedral’s Bill Peebles.
“It’s an exciting challenge to go against such a great program. They are very well-coached and execute at a high level in all three phases of the game. We have to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. It starts with establishing the run on offense and stopping the run on defense. We have to play really clean and sound on special teams and be ready for a variety of looks and the potential for fakes. Most importantly, we have to play fast physical football for four complete quarters.” – Warren Central’s J.T. Whitaker.
MACONAQUAH (8-0) AT ROCHESTER (7-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Barnhart Field.
COACHES: Michael Fenters, 20-1 in second season at Maconaquah. Ron Shaffer, 37-12 in fifth season at Rochester.
LAST CONTEST: Maconaquah beat Manchester, 29-28. Rochester beat Northwestern, 49-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Maconaquah beat Rochester, 30-14, on October 18, 2024.
UP NEXT: Maconaquah goes to Twin Lakes (6-2) for Class 3A Sectional 27 semifinals. Rochester plays at Elwood (2-6) for Class 2A Sectional 36 quarterfinals.
TOP PERFORMERS: Carsten Hollars racked up 15 tackles for the No. 5 (Class 3A) Braves against Manchester. Trenton Meadows raced seven times for 96 yards with a score for the No. 11 (Class 2A) Zebras against Northwestern.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Rochester is an extremely successful program. Coach Shaffer and his staff have developed a consistent and perennial powerhouse in the TRC (Three Rivers Conference). This year is no different. Rochester is extremely well-coached, physical, and well-disciplined. There is no room for error when facing a program as successful as Rochester. Offensively, we will need to win at the line of scrimmage. Rochester has one of the better defensive lines in Class 2A and to remain effective in our pass game, we will need to maintain control of the front. Remaining efficient and establishing drives will also help in our execution on the offense. Defensively, we need to play a full four quarters. We have been able to buckle down at the end of games, but against an unrelenting and physical foe, we cannot rely on second-half adjustments. We need to match their physicality and bring multiple hats to the ball at all times. Besides (running back Brant) Beck, Rochester has plenty of threats across the board. We cannot take any of them for granted. Special Teams-wise, we need to continue to be effective in the turnover game. We have been very fortunate to create a plus-one turnover differential in all but one week so far. Continuing to do this, as well as score on special teams, will remain effective for us.” – Maconaquah’s Michael Fenters.
“This week, we must control the offensive and defensive line of scrimmage. Containing (running back) Marcel Sims will be imperative. He is both dangerous in the run and pass game. On the offensive side, we will need to sustain long drives and end them with touchdowns.” – Rochester’s Ron Shaffer.
NORTHVIEW (7-1) AT LINTON-STOCKTON (6-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Williams Field.
COACHES: Mark Raetz, 97-35 in 13th season at Northview, 112-80 in 19th season overall. Brian Oliver, 132-30 in 13th season at Linton-Stockton.
LAST CONTEST: Northview beat Edgewood, 35-7. Linton-Stockton beat Eastern Greene, 44-14.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Linton-Stockton beat Northview, 30-24, on September 18, 1998.
UP NEXT: Northview welcomes No. 8 Indianapolis Roncalli (5-3) for Class 4A Sectional 22 quarterfinals. Linton-Stockton hosts Mitchell (0-8) for Class 2A Sectional 40 quarterfinals.
TOP PERFORMERS: DeMarius McLawyer tallied seven rushes for 54 yards with a touchdown for the No. 13 (Class 4A) Knights against Edgewood. Aidan Sparks ran nine times for 59 yards with two scores for the No. 8 (Class 2A) Miners against Eastern Greene.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Going on the road to Linton will be a tough challenge for us. They return a lot of experience from a team that made it to the state championship game last year. On defense, we will need to have good eye discipline and tackle well. Offensively, we must block well, protect the football, and finish drives with points.” – Northview’s Mark Raetz.
“Northview is a very good team. They present a real challenge with their size and athleticism at every position. In order for us to win the game, we have to eliminate mistakes and take care of the football. We can’t afford to give up big plays and we must finish our drives with points.” – Linton-Stockton’s Brian Oliver.
PENN (8-0) AT SOUTH BEND SAINT JOSEPH (8-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Father Bly Field at Leighton Stadium.
COACHES: Pete Riordan, 16-3 in second season at Penn. Ben Downey, 73-45 in 10th season at Saint Joseph.
LAST CONTEST: Penn beat New Prairie, 49-0. Saint Joseph beat South Bend Washington, 42-12.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Penn beat Saint Joseph, 27-0, on October 18, 2024.
UP NEXT: Penn travels to Portage (0-8) on October 31 for Class 6A Sectional 1 semifinals. Saint Joseph welcomes South Bend Riley (3-5) for Class 4A Sectional 18 quarterfinals.
TOP PERFORMERS: Noah Wallis returned a fumble 15 yards for a touchdown for the No. 5 (Class 6A) Kingsmen against New Prairie. Dallas Downey scampered six yards for a score and caught a 13-yard touchdown pass for the No. 5 (Class 4A) Huskies against Washington.
COACHES’ CORNER: “To beat Saint Joe, we will need to do a great job up front. Defensively, they blitz a lot and generate a ton of pressure. Our offensive line must communicate and protect the quarterback. Defensively, we must force them into long yardage second and third down situations. They run the ball extremely well on the edges and we will need to match their physicality.” – Penn’s Pete Riordan.
“A victory will require us winning the field position battle, limiting Penn’s explosive plays when we’re on defense. Our offense has to remain aggressive and physical with our style of play but be patient and calculated with our approach.” – Saint Joseph’s Ben Downey.
PIONEER (7-1) AT NORTH JUDSON (7-1)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Liberty Field.
COACHES: Adam Berry, 95-26 in 10th season at Pioneer. Brett Lambert, 67-21 in seventh season at North Judson.
LAST CONTEST: Pioneer beat Triton, 42-0. North Judson beat Caston, 35-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: North Judson beat Pioneer, 60-18, on October 18, 2024.
UP NEXT: Pioneer goes to Caston (2-6) for Class 1A Sectional 42 quarterfinals. North Judson travels to South Central (0-8) for Class 1A Sectional 41 quarterfinals.
TOP PERFORMERS: Micah Rans had six rushes for 63 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 8 (Class 1A) Panthers against Triton. Ayson Harper went 3-of-4 for 30 yards with two scores and ran three times for 73 yards for the No. 2 (Class 1A) Bluejays against Caston.
COACHES’ CORNER: “This is the first time our seniors have played for a conference championship. It is going to be a battle from start to finish as North Judson still has a lot of guys that were part of their (Class 1A) state runner-up team. First and foremost, it’s going to take discipline from our team both on offense and defense. We need to execute offensively without making any mental mistakes. We need to stay balanced and take advantage of big plays when the opportunity arises. Defensively, we need to read our keys, communicate, and get to the ball. North Judson executes extremely well and they do not make many mistakes. It will be key to get our defense off of the field and limit their possessions. It’s a big game and should be a great atmosphere! My hope is for Panther Nation to make the trip to support our players as we play for a (Hoosier North) conference championship.” – Pioneer’s Adam Berry.
“To be victorious against Pioneer, we are going to have to be very disciplined on defense. They run the Wing-T very well and have a quarterback (Micah Rans) that is able to make you look bad very quickly. Our offense must be consistent and physical at the point of attack. This has the potential to be a great ball game.” – North Judson’s Brett Lambert.
SPRINGS VALLEY (8-0) AT NORTH DAVIESS (8-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Brown Field.
COACHES: Jason Lowe, 40-11 in fifth season at Springs Valley. Trent Fine, 43-38 in eighth season at North Daviess, 60-70 in 13th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Springs Valley beat Perry Central, 53-6. North Daviess beat North Knox, 36-20.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Springs Valley beat North Daviess, 49-0, on October 18, 2024.
UP NEXT: Springs Valley hosts Forest Park (3-5) for Class 1A Sectional 48 quarterfinals. North Daviess plays at Perry Central (0-8) for Class 1A Sectional 48 quarterfinals.
TOP PERFORMERS: Graham Nottger ran 32 yards for a score and returned a punt 55 yards for a touchdown for the top-ranked (Class 1A) Blackhawks against Perry Central. Zeb Owens racked up 13 tackles for the No. 8 (Class 1A) Cougars against North Knox.
COACHES’ CORNER: “North Daviess is a very solid football team and well-coached. Playing the Cougars each year, we have seen a steady improvement and progression the past few years. Coach Fine’s offense forces you to defend the field vertically, but also stay committed to stopping the quarterback run. This may be the best offensive line I’ve seen them have. All of these things will make it tough on our defense. Offensively, we will need to be physical at the point of attack and stick to our blocking rules.” – Springs Valley’s Jason Lowe.
“In order for us to win this game, we have to play team football and eliminate the big mistakes. Throughout the season, we have been to eliminate those things which has made us successful. Springs Valley has a great running game and we will have to slow them done defensively. It should be a great game.” – North Daviess’ Trent Fine.
