ANDREAN (0-0) AT MERRILLVILLE (0-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. CDT, Demaree Stadium.
COACHES: Chris Skinner, 78-37 in 10th season at Andrean. Brad Seiss, 83-37 in 11th season at Merrillville, 96-54 in 14th season overall.
LAST SEASON: Andrean 9-5, Merrillville 11-2.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Merrillville, 27-0, on August 23, 2024.
UP NEXT: Andrean entertains Fort Wayne Bishop Luers. Merrillville welcomes Loyola Academy (Illinois).
TOP PERFORMERS: Ethan Reyna recorded 117 tackles and an interception for the No. 4 (Class 2A) 59ers. JQ Johnson scampered 163 times for 1,161 yards with 17 touchdowns for the No. 3 (Class 5A) Pirates.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Merrillville is once again a contender in the DAC (Duneland Athletic Conference) and (Class) 5A North. We are excited about the opportunity for a marquee matchup, but we also know the challenge ahead of us. Offensively, there is marginal room for error and self-inflicted mistakes. Their defensive speed across all three levels is impressive. It is difficult to simulate that in practice. We will need our offensive players to understand their assignments and understand how schemes may change depending on alignment to our formations. Their defense is too fast and physical to be reactive in the moment. Defensively, we need to create as much confusion in the box as possible while still maintaining gap-integrity. We need to disguise looks in the defensive secondary while not playing out of position. We have seen continually over the years that missed gaps, missed assignments, and missed angles can lead to explosive plays.” – Andrean’s Chris Skinner.
The ‘Battle of Broadway’ is a great way to start the year. The atmosphere at Demaree Stadium is great as expectations are always high for both teams. Coach Skinner has done a nice job and we know that we’ve got to play well to beat them. Sometimes week one is more about the team that makes the least amount of mistakes compared to how well you play. We’re excited for a tough week one test.” – Merrillville’s Brad Seiss.
CARMEL (0-0) AT FISHERS (0-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Clarian Field.
COACHES: Kevin Wright, 54-10 in sixth season at Carmel, 159-28 in 17th season overall. Curt Funk, 30-25 in sixth season at Fishers, 107-61 in 16th season overall.
LAST SEASON: Carmel 3-7, Fishers 7-5.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Carmel, 23-10, on November 4, 2016 in Class 6A sectional championship.
UP NEXT: Carmel hosts Westfield. Fishers goes to Lawrence North.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jacob Bellin hauled in 47 receptions for 596 yards with seven touchdowns for the No. 9 (Class 6A) Greyhounds. Tyler Maynard registered 69 tackles with seven for loss for the No. 7 (Class 6A) Tigers.
COACHES’ CORNER: We need to start fast because we are playing on the road in front of what I am sure will be a big crowd, so early momentum is key. We have to handle adversity when it pops up. It’s the first game so something is bound to happen that will force us to respond. That was a struggle last year for us in close loses. We need to be great on special teams and win the hidden yardage battle. Again, in big games last year, special teams was an issue, so we have put a big off-season emphasis on it, but games are different. The bottom line is Fishers has a lot of momentum coming off last year’s Class 6A sectional championship. We had our worst season in decades with a veteran team. We have to find ways to build confidence as the game goes on with a lot of first-year starters playing in their first big game. As in most first games, it normally comes down to turnovers and explosive plays. I think the underlying theme of the game though will be who blocks and tackles the best for four quarters. Indiana is very limiting in how many practices you are able to practice those two basic fundamentals of the game. There are no pre-season games in high school football, so in all reality what happens at the line of scrimmage will determine the game’s outcome.” – Carmel’s Kevin Wright.
“Carmel is a very good football team with a tremendous coaching staff and talent. Carmel has good size and speed and they play hard. I am impressed with their offense and defense. We will need to match their physical play, take care of the football, and play mistake-free football on special teams. We will have our hands full, and our players will need to be ready physically and mentally for the challenge.” – Fishers’ Curt Funk.
CENTER GROVE (0-0) AT WARREN CENTRAL (0-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Warren Central Stadium.
COACHES: Eric Moore, 255-81 in 27th season at Center Grove, 303-86 in 31st season overall. J.T. Whitaker, 0-0 in first season at Warren Central.
LAST SEASON: Center Grove 8-5, Warren Central 10-2.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Center Grove, 23-15, on November 15, 2024 in Class 6A regional final.
UP NEXT: Center Grove goes to Carroll (Fort Wayne). Warren Central travels to Warsaw.
TOP PERFORMERS: Dominick Berry caught 31 passes for 237 yards with five touchdowns for the No. 2 (Class 6A) Trojans. Anthony Dennison threw for 754 yards with seven scores for the No. 7 (Class 6A) Warriors.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Another season is upon us here at Center Grove. Starting the season with Warren Central makes you know exactly where you stand as a team. The 2025 version of Warren Central is just like the last 27 versions, fast, big, and physical, not exactly how you want to start a campaign, but when you play Warren Central, you are always playing the best. For the Trojans to get a win, it will take a number of things. We must control the football and number the possessions Warren Central gets with their powerful offense. But to control the ball, you have to figure out a way to slow down their daunted defensive line, which maybe the best in the state every year. The Trojan defense must not give up the big plays. We will not be able to afford the long touchdown pass over the top of our defense or the big run busted from the line of scrimmage. We must contain and make them earn everything they get on offense. Our offense must make some big plays and most of all, move the chains. First downs will be huge in a game like this. Even though we won last year, they made some special teams plays with their tremendous athletes. We must contain their specialists and get them on the ground. Early games are usually full of penalties, so we have to fight those but cannot have turnovers. Protecting the football is my number one concern. I’m expecting the same ole same ole for the Warren Central vs. Center Grove football series. It has been an entertaining series the last 27 years, so this one should be no different.” – Center Grove’s Eric Moore.
“Center Grove is an elite program with a (Indiana Football) Hall of Fame head coach. For us, it starts with discipline and doing things right. Center Grove is never a team that beats themselves, so we have to be disciplined in all three phases, offense, defense, and special teams. We will have to play hard for four quarters being fast and physical. We will need to execute at a high level in all three phases of the game.” – Warren Central’s J.T. Whitaker.
CONCORD (0-0) AT ELKHART (0-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Rice Field.
COACHES: Craig Koehler, 72-35 in 11th season at Concord. Travon Curry, 8-2 in second season at Elkhart.
LAST SEASON: Concord 10-1, Elkhart 8-2.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Concord, 13-12, on August 23, 2024.
UP NEXT: Concord plays Jimtown at Elkhart’s Rice Field. Elkhart goes to Northridge.
TOP PERFORMERS: Derek Gomez contributed 64 tackles with six for loss for the No. 9 (Class 5A) Minutemen. Frankie Willis ended with 10 receptions for 214 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 13 (Class 6A) Lions.
COACHES’ CORNER: “The obvious and easy answers for a week one game is that we must win special teams’ and the turnover margin. Typically, the team that does that has a great chance of winning, especially in week one. In addition, Elkhart always presents significant problems with their athleticism. We must minimize big plays defensively and make them continue to snap the ball.” – Concord’s Craig Koehler.
“We will have to play physical and disciplined football all night against a really good Concord program. Offensively, we must execute and eliminate foolish mistakes and penalties. Defensively, we will have to keep (quarterback) Bo (Polston) and (wide receiver) Reese (Breveard) in check as best as we can. We must tackle in space and get off blocks up front.” – Elkhart’s Travon Curry.
DANVILLE (0-0) AT GIBSON SOUTHERN (0-0)
KICKOFF: 6:30 p.m. CDT, Jewell Field.
COACHES: Jayme Comer, 41-15 in sixth season at Danville. Nick Hart, 133-27 in 14th season at Gibson Southern.
LAST SEASON: Danville 8-2, Gibson Southern 7-3.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Gibson Southern, 21-14, on August 23, 2024.
UP NEXT: Danville hosts Cascade. Gibson Southern plays at Rochester (Illinois).
TOP PERFORMERS: Porter Prather accumulated 54 tackles with six for loss and caused a pair of fumbles for the No. 11 (Class 4A) Warriors. Colin Scherer finished with 117 tackles for the No. 3 (Class 3A) Titans.
COACHES’ CORNER: “The Warriors are excited for the opportunity to travel down to Gibson Southern and compete for a week one victory against the Titans. To win the football game, we will need to be efficient in our passing game, getting the ball to our athletes in space, and giving them the chance to score. Our offensive line will need to be physical and opportunistic in our running game. On the defensive side of the ball, we will need to get 11 Warriors to the football each play by working to create turnovers and establish ourselves as elite tacklers. Finally, our special teams will need to help us win the hidden yards part of the game and create explosive plays in the kicking game. It will be a great high school football game in Southern Indiana.” – Danville’s Jayme Comer.
“I think that this is a great test for us right out of the gate. It’s week one, so it is hard to know what to expect from either side, but history will show that Danville will be really good. Coach Comer does a great job and will have his guys prepared to play a great game. Both programs have played at the highest level and will compete at an extremely high level. It will come down to who can execute the best in all three phases of the game.” – Gibson Southern’s Nick Hart.
EAST CENTRAL (0-0) AT LAWRENCEBURG (0-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Neary Field.
COACHES: Jake Meiners, 65-13 in seventh season at East Central. Ryan Knigga, 130-42 in 15th season at Lawrenceburg.
LAST SEASON: East Central 8-4, Lawrenceburg 10-2.
PREVIOUS MEETING: East Central, 24-3, on August 23, 2024.
UP NEXT: East Central welcomes Harrison (Ohio), Lawrenceburg travels to Taylor (Ohio).
TOP PERFORMERS: Ryan Minges rambled for 1,517 yards with 25 touchdowns for the No. 5 (Class 5A) Trojans. Keaten McGrath registered 49 receptions for 697 yards with four scores for the No. 4 (Class 3A) Tigers.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Playing at Lawrenceburg in week one is always a huge challenge. The Pit will be rocking, and it will be a matchup between top 10 teams in their respective classes. We are going to have to handle our emotions and handle the environment. Since neither team has a whole lot of film, there will be a feeling out process on both sides of the ball early on to see how each other are planning on attacking. We have to create explosive plays and take care of the ball on offense. Our defense is going to have to be great tacklers and, hopefully, create a turnover or two. Our special teams will need to win the hidden yardage. It will be a great game, and we are looking forward to kicking off the season.” – East Central’s Jacob Meiners.
“We are excited to get the 2025 season underway. We have had a good off-season and our kids have really worked hard to prepare their bodies for the upcoming season. We really enjoy the prep and focus each year that goes into preparing for a team like East Central. It is a great week one game and sets the tone for the season. It has been a long time since the Tigers have beaten East Central (1992). We had a great opportunity in 2017, but didn’t finish it. It’s no secret, you don’t just show up and beat East Central. You must execute at a high level. You must be ready to stop a powerful run game, tackle well in space, and not turn the ball over. We have a solid team, but we will need to grow up fast in the trenches. We have playmakers and if we can execute and take care of the ball, we’ll see where we are later in the game. Hopefully, we give ourselves a chance.” – Lawrenceburg’s Ryan Knigga.
HOMESTEAD (0-0) AT WESTFIELD (0-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Riverview Health Stadium.
COACHES: Chad Zolman, 167-63 in 22nd season at Homestead. Josh Miracle, 12-2 in second season at Westfield.
LAST SEASON: Homestead 5-5, Westfield 12-2.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Westfield, 42-9, on November 13, 2020 in Class 6A regional final.
UP NEXT: Homestead travels to Noblesville. Westfield goes to Carmel.
TOP PERFORMERS: Michael White tossed for 1,439 yards with 12 touchdowns and ran for 318 yards and two scores for the Spartans. Alex Aramboles had 66 tackles and 10.5 sacks for the No. 3 (Class 6A) Shamrocks.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We believe Westfield is one of the best teams in the state this year, so the margin for error in this game will be very small. We have to play stingy defense and efficient offense to be successful. Our special teams will need to be really solid as well.” – Homestead’s Chad Zolman.
“We look forward to kicking off our 2025 season this week at home vs. a very good Homestead program. Coach Zolman and his staff do an outstanding job of getting the best out of their players in all three phases of the game. In order for us to be successful this week, we will need to prioritize winning both the takeaway and explosive play battles while continuing to put a premium on developing our fundamental skills. We are also excited to announce that Friday will mark our senior night.” – Westfield’s Josh Miracle.
INDIANAPOLIS BEN DAVIS (0-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (0-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Butler Bowl.
COACHES: Russ Mann, 18-7 in third season at Ben Davis. Bill Peebles, 66-21 in eighth season at Cathedral, 140-86 in 21st season overall.
LAST SEASON: Ben Davis 5-6, Cathedral 6-4.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Cathedral, 24-6, on August 23, 2024.
UP NEXT: Ben Davis hosts Avon. Cathedral plays at Brownsburg.
TOP PERFORMERS: Caleb Scott managed 40 tackles with 6.5 for loss and 2.5 sacks for the No. 10 (Class 6A) Giants. Kyle Hardin racked up 65 tackles with 11.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks for the No. 2 (Class 5A) Irish.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Well, to come away with a victory, this is going to be a test in so many ways. We have a ‘young’ team, but not just because of our age. We have plenty of seniors starting, but some of them this is there first (Class) 6A start. We have quite a few new players in new positions and we have a freshman playing quarterback. So, how strong of a team did we become over the summer? How do we respond to challenging moments? How do we respond to playing a full game? How do we respond to adversity and/or success? It’s such a fun game, but not an easy one to plan for though.” – Ben Davis’s Russ Mann.
“This will be the third straight year we have played Ben Davis. As usual, they are a fast, physical, and well-coached football team. We will have to match their physicality because we will not be able to match their speed. It will take a mistake-free game for us to come out with the victory.” – Cathedral’s Bill Peebles.
LAFAYETTE JEFF (0-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS BISHOP CHATARD (0-0)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Chatard Stadium.
COACHES: Pat Shanley, 76-22 in 10th season at Lafayette Jeff. Rob Doyle, 87-23 in ninth season at Bishop Chatard.
LAST SEASON: Lafayette Jeff 11-1, Bishop Chatard 9-3.
PREVIOUS MEETING: First encounter on the gridiron.
UP NEXT: Lafayette Jeff entertains Michigan City. Bishop Chatard travels to Hanover Central.
TOP PERFORMERS: Campbell Walker tallied a program-best 163 tackles for the No. 6 (Class 5A) Bronchos. Zach Gantz amassed 39 tackles, four interceptions, a blocked punt, and a fumble recovery for the top-ranked (Class 4A) Trojans.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Without having seen this Chatard team on film, it goes without saying that we are facing one of the top programs in the state of Indiana. In the last 10 years, we have won nearly 78 percent of our games here at Jeff. We are working hard to build a program that our community can be proud of and that is respected across the state of Indiana. What better way to see how we stack up than to schedule a four-year contract with a state powerhouse? Additionally, we have worked to load up on our non-conference schedule. As we all know, in the state of Indiana, everyone qualifies for the playoffs. We understand that scheduling teams-programs of Chatard’s caliber is going to help prepare us for our goal of playing our best football late in the season. In order to win, we will have to be really sound and disciplined in all three phases. We will have to match their physicality on both sides of the ball. We will have to take care of the football and work to take it away from them. They have seven starters back on defense, so limiting their explosive plays will be paramount. Defensively, their scheme is very multiple, so we will have to communicate very well and take what they give us.” – Lafayette Jeff’s Pat Shanley.
“Lafayette Jeff is a very talented team with over 100 players on the roster. They have great size up front on both sides of the ball, led by defensive end and power four player Aaden Aytch. Their defense is very aggressive and brings a lot of pressure. Their offense is truly explosive with speed all over the place. We will have to find a way to control the ball to keep their offense off the field. Their kicker (Madden Gifford) is excellent as well, so the special teams battle will be key.” – Bishop Chatard’s Rob Doyle.
WARSAW (0-0) AT FORT WAYNE SNIDER (0-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Spuller Stadium.
COACHES: Bart Curtis, 58-21 in eighth season at Warsaw, 259-123 in 35th season overall. Kurt Tippmann, 158-40 in 17th season at Fort Wayne Snider.
LAST SEASON: Warsaw 10-4, Fort Wayne Snider 8-3.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Fort Wayne Snider, 33-20, on November 6, 2009 in Class 5A sectional final.
UP NEXT: Warsaw hosts Warren Central. Fort Wayne Snider goes to East Noble.
TOP PERFORMERS: Brody Duncan came up with 169 carries for 782 yards with eight touchdowns for the No. 7 (Class 5A) Tigers. Braylin Fertil had 25 tackles and one interception for the No. 12 (Class 6A) Panthers.
COACHES’ CORNER: “For the Tigers to beat the Panthers, we must take care of the football, which means no turnovers. They are fast, so we must tackle well in space. We must play every snap like it’s our very last one. We must not ‘wilt’ or ‘fold’ if we do have a bad play or if things aren’t going as we had planned.” – Warsaw’s Bart Curtis.
“Warsaw is one of the great programs in the state of Indiana and Class 5A. Coach Curtis and his staff do a great job. They are very well-coached, disciplined, and present a unique offensive scheme. Coming off one of the best years in their program’s history, we have a huge challenge on our hands. It will be a physical game, determined a lot of what happens with the battle on the offensive and defensive lines. We have to get off the field on defense and get the ball back in our hands on offense. We can’t let them limit our possessions and chances to score. When we have the ball, we have to score and be productive. We will have limited chances, so special teams’ will be a big factor in determining field position. We have great respect for Warsaw and the team they will bring to Fort Wayne.” – Fort Wayne Snider’s Kurt Tippmann.
