CARROLL (FLORA) (1-0) AT MACONAQUAH (1-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Mac Stadium.
COACHES: Blake Betzner, 43-8 in fifth season at Carroll (Flora). Michael Fenters, 13-1 in second season at Maconaquah.
LAST CONTEST: Carroll (Flora) beat Caston, 41-6. Maconaquah beat Wabash, 61-20.
PREVIOUS MEETING: First meeting on the gridiron.
UP NEXT: Carroll (Flora) hosts Taylor (1-0). Maconaquah travels to Northfield (0-1).
TOP PERFORMERS: Emery Denton accounted for three touchdowns for the No. 4 (Class 1A) Cougars against Caston. Marcel Sims caught five passes for 156 yards with three scores and ran eight times for 94 yards with three touchdowns for the No. 7 (Class 3A) Braves against Wabash.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Maconaquah is a really good football team. They’ve got talent and athleticism all over the field and play with a ton of energy. Offensively, they can beat you through the air or on the ground and they do both really well. Defensively, they’re physical and fly to the football. They’re also extremely well-coached. Coach Fenters does a great job getting his team prepared and playing hard every snap. We’re going to have to execute at a high level on offense and do everything we can to slow down their high-powered attack. This game is a great measuring stick for our program. Maconaquah is a team that could make a serious run in the Class 3A playoffs. We are excited for the challenge and ready to compete.” – Carroll’s Blake Betzner.
“Carroll is a program that is of the highest pedigree. Disciplined, strong, and relentless in their execution. This week, we have reinforced a moniker previously used. To earn your feathers, our players know they must honor the ability of the Cougars and rise to the level of competition present. On offense, being fundamentally sound and having constant communication will alleviate their high-octane pressure. If we can handle their pressure and take care of the ball, we should remain successful. On defense, the respect we have for the Wing-T and Wing-derivative offenses cannot be understated. We have to match their physicality, remain steady in our alignment, and remain relentless in pursuit of the ball carrier. If we never assume the ball carrier is down and meet their physicality, we will continue to be successful. On special teams, our younger players must take pride in their jobs and simply execute. Games this tough will come down to special teams’ execution. Our young guys must respond to this test. If all three phases act in this way, then the Braves will have earned their feathers.” – Maconaquah’s Michael Fenters.
EVANSVILLE NORTH (1-0) AT EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (1-0)
KICKOFF: 6:30 p.m. CDT, Enlow Field.
COACHES: Zac Nero, 1-0 in first season at Evansville North. John Hurley, 149-71 in 18th season at Evansville Memorial.
LAST CONTEST: Evansville North beat Castle, 33-22. Evansville Memorial beat Jasper, 36-14.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Evansville Memorial, 35-14, on August 30, 2024.
UP NEXT: Evansville North entertains Evansville Harrison (0-1). Evansville Memorial goes to Evansville Central (0-1).
TOP PERFORMERS: Jayden Jones went 5-of-6 for 70 yards with two touchdowns and ran 13 times for 74 yards with another for the Huskies against Castle. Luke Brown was 7-of-9 for 130 yards with two touchdowns for the top-ranked (Class 3A) Tigers against Jasper.
COACHES’ CORNER: “The keys to the game for us are to control the possession of the game and to build off last week by fundamentally fixing our issues from the Castle game. I have told our players that we do not need to focus on winning and losing. We need to focus on fighting and overcoming any adversity. I am ok with losing a game if it is the best thing for us in the long run and as long as we fight each play all night. The saying I used was, I am ok with losing the battle to win the war. I believe in building character and culture first and foremost. I believe that high character players translate into winning.” – Evansville North’s Zac Nero.
“Evansville North is a well-coached football team that plays a tough, physical brand of football. Coach Nero and his staff did an excellent job in their debut, earning a big win in week 1 over Castle. We can expect Enlow Field to be a packed house on Friday night for this matchup. To come out with a win on Friday night, we need to stop the run and control the line of scrimmage, protect the football, and make big plays on both offense and defense. We must compete at a high level on Friday night.” – Evansville Memorial’s John Hurley.
FORT WAYNE SNIDER (0-1) AT EAST NOBLE (1-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, East Noble Football Field.
COACHES: Kurt Tippmann, 158-41 in 17th season at Fort Wayne Snider. Alex Stewart, 14-2 in second season at East Noble, 68-41 in 11th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Fort Wayne Snider lost to Warsaw, 38-30. East Noble beat Fort Wayne Wayne, 42-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Fort Wayne Snider, 35-10, on August 31, 2024.
UP NEXT: Fort Wayne Snider plays at Fort Wayne Bishop Luers (0-1). East Noble hosts Huntington North (0-1).
TOP PERFORMERS: Jaywin Harris rushed for 126 yards and two touchdowns for the Panthers against No. 6 (Class 5A) Warsaw. Lucas Niman scampered four times for 78 yards with a score for the No. 3 (Class 4A) Knights against Fort Wayne Wayne.
COACHES’ CORNER: “East Noble is coming off a great season, playing for a Class 4A state championship. This is our second game of three in a row against a state championship game participant from 2024. They have great weapons on offense and a quick and elusive defense that we will have to combat. Defensively, we need to tackle better and be better at defensive assignments to be successful. Offensively, we need to continue to spread the ball around and get it in the hands of our playmakers. East Noble will be another great opponent.” – Fort Wayne Snider’s Kurt Tippmann.
“Fort Wayne Snider is a great football team. They are well-coached and we have a lot of respect for them. For us to come away with a victory, we will need to slow down their rushing attack, execute at a high level on special teams, win the turnover battle, and control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.” – East Noble’s Alex Stewart.
HARRISON (WEST LAFAYETTE) (1-0) AT PLAINFIELD (1-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Red Pride Field.
COACHES: Kyle Holderfield, 1-0 in first season at Harrison. Tyler Bless, 16-6 in third season at Plainfield.
LAST CONTEST: Harrison beat West Lafayette, 28-21. Plainfield beat Terre Haute South, 31-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Plainfield, 24-9, on August 31, 2024.
UP NEXT: Harrison entertains Brebeuf Jesuit (0-1). Plainfield goes to Mooresville (1-0).
TOP PERFORMERS: Jack Gonzalez accounted for 118 yards rushing with a touchdown on 11 carries for the Raiders against West Lafayette. Luke Starnes amassed 21 rushes for 103 yards with two scores and also caught a 41-yards touchdown pass for the No. 8 (Class 5A) Quakers against Terre Haute South.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Plainfield is a well-coached football team that always has great size on both the offensive and defensive lines. Their running back, Luke Starnes, is one of the best in the state and it will take a group effort on defense to tackle him on any given down. Our defense will have to play a disciplined brand of football and force turnovers when given the opportunity. On offense, we will need to continue getting our playmakers the ball and spread the ball around to keep the defense on their heels. Last week, we had two turnovers in the red zone and that simply cannot happen again if we expect to win the football game Friday night.” – Harrison’s Kyle Holderfield.
“We will have to play well in all three phases of the game on Friday to earn victory. On offense, we need to be able to have an effective run game to balance our passing and play action attack. Continue to get the ball in our playmakers hands and end each drive with a kick. Defensively, we need to be able to recognize Harrison’s formations and motions to stop their running attack. We will need to keep everything in front of us and eliminate explosive plays. We must be better on special teams this week and make a solid jump from week one to week one in that phase.” – Plainfield’s Tyler Bless.
INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (1-0) AT BROWNSBURG (1-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Roark Stadium.
COACHES: Bill Peebles, 67-21 in eighth season at Cathedral, 141-86 in 21st season overall. John Hart, 83-19 in 10th season at Brownsburg, 350-100 in 41st season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Cathedral beat Ben Davis, 8-0. Brownsburg beat Spalding (Md.), 36-23.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Brownsburg, 30-14, on August 31, 2024.
UP NEXT: Cathedral hosts Saint Xavier (Ohio) (1-0). Brownsburg entertains Franklin Central (1-0).
TOP PERFORMERS: Tim Onghetich came up with a pair of interceptions for the No. 2 (Class 5A) Irish against Ben Davis. Shakovon Sumpterbey registered 17 carries for 81 yards with a score for the top-ranked and defending Class 6A state champion Bulldogs against Spalding.
COACHES’ CORNER: “It is always great to have the opportunity to play a defending state champ and number one-ranked opponent. Brownsburg is an elite opponent. They had a dominant performance last week versus Bishop Spalding, who was ranked in the top 40 nationally by MaxPreps. We will need to play very sound and physical football to have a chance to win.” – Cathedral’s Bill Peebles.
“Cathedral gave Ben Davis very limited opportunities and played great ball control with two really good running backs (Jimmy Pappas and Xavier Dangerfield). We will have to take advantage of opportunities and be productive on offense and be physical on defense. Whichever team who has won the special teams’ battle in previous years has won this game.” – Brownsburg’s John Hart.
INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (1-0) AT FRANKLIN CENTRAL (1-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Flashes Stadium.
COACHES: Sam Otley, 7-5 in second season at Roncalli. Jayson West, 18-23 in fifth season at Franklin Central, 141-61 in 18th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Roncalli beat Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger, 3-0. Franklin Central beat Perry Meridian, 48-6.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Franklin Central, 20-6, on August 25, 2023.
UP NEXT: Roncalli travels to Indianapolis Bishop Chatard (1-0). Franklin Central welcomes Brownsburg (1-0).
TOP PERFORMERS: Gavin Louthain’s 32-yard field goal was the difference for the No. 5 (Class 4A) Royals against No. 9 (Class 4A) Bishop Dwenger. Markell Bailey hauled in four passes for 78 yards with a touchdown for the Flashes against Perry Meridian.
COACHES’ CORNER: “On offense, we have to take care of the football, control the line of scrimmage, and take advantage of explosive play opportunities. Defensively, we need to play sound, physical football, rally to the ball, and most importantly, tackle. On special teams, we have to execute our responsibilities and control field position.” – Roncalli’s Sam Otley.
“We have to continue to spread the ball around and control the ball. Roncalli is big and they move well, so they will be a challenge on both sides of the ball. We have to contain their quarterback (Collin Ash) and running back (Zach Dozier) as both are athletic and run hard. Big plays and turnovers will be the key.” – Franklin Central’s Jayson West.
MISHAWAKA (1-0) AT PENN (1-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Everwise Freed Field.
COACHES: Keith Kinder, 66-21 in eighth season at Mishawaka. Pete Riordan, 9-3 in second season at Penn.
LAST CONTEST: Mishawaka beat Mishawaka Marian, 35-7. Penn beat Valparaiso, 21-13.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Mishawaka, 27-7, on August 30, 2024.
UP NEXT: Mishawaka entertains Concord (1-0). Penn hosts South Bend Riley (1-0).
TOP PERFORMERS: Kamdon Putz racked up 16 tackles for the No. 3 (Class 4A) Cavemen against Marian. Mason Biernacki came up with four catches for 108 yards with a score for the No. 10 (Class 6A) Kingsmen against Valparaiso.
COACHES’ CORNER: “For us to have a chance on Friday, we have got to clean up the mistakes that we made last Friday. There were too many errors in assignments and we must fix that. Defensively, we have got to limit the big plays. Penn was explosive on offense against Valparaiso and had several plays over 20 yards. We need to do a better job this week on third down as well. Offensively, we’re going to have to be able to get three to four yards per play on first down to keep ourselves in a good down and distance. Possessing the football will be critical for us.” – Mishawaka’s Keith Kinder.
“In order for Penn to win on Friday, we will need to win at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Offensively, we will need to be patient and consistent. Mishawaka’s defense flies around and does not give up the big play. Defensively, we need to play disciplined gap sound defense and make tackles in the open field.” – Penn’s Pete Riordan.
NEW PALESTINE (1-0) AT DECATUR CENTRAL (0-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Devere Stadium.
COACHES: Kyle Ralph, 142-14 in 13th season at New Palestine. Kyle Enright, 81-28 in 10th season at Decatur Central.
LAST CONTEST: New Palestine beat Kokomo, 52-0. Decatur Central lost to Avon, 30-28 (OT).
PREVIOUS MEETING: Decatur Central, 43-42, on August 25, 2023.
UP NEXT: New Palestine welcomes Yorktown (1-0). Decatur Central travels to Whiteland (0-1).
TOP PERFORMERS: Caden Jacobia ended with three rushes for 116 yards with a score for the top-ranked (Class 5A) and defending Class 4A state champion Dragons against Kokomo. Brayden Smith notched 10 tackles for the defending Class 5A state champion Hawks against No. 8 (Class 6A) Avon.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We have been playing Decatur Central consistently since (winning) the (Class 5A) championship game in 2018. They have tremendous athletes and their record speaks for itself. Both of us are coming off a championship season and it will be a tremendous game for both teams again this season. It is always great to play successful teams with such tremendous talent early in the season to find out what your team is made of. We look forward to another great football Friday night with one of the most talented teams in Indiana.” – New Palestine’s Kyle Ralph.
“The team that wins the turnover battle is successful at a high rate. We must make good decisions on offense and protect the ball. On defense, coming away with a fumble or an interception would be big for us. Being able to run the ball effectively on first and second down will be a big factor in the game. Stopping the run and forcing New Pal into long down and distance situations and into passing situations will be big for us. Starting field position will be a big factor. Forcing a team to drive 70 to 80 yards as opposed to 50 or 60 yards makes a difference. We must cover kicks and have explosive returns to put our offense in good position to score. Both teams rely heavily on a plethora of guys who play on both sides of the ball. Who will have the stamina to battle until the final whistle? Which team will have the depth to deal with two-way players being fatigued? Conditioning and depth will play a role in the outcome of the game.” – Decatur Central’s Kyle Enright.
WARREN CENTRAL (0-1) AT WARSAW (1-0)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Fisher Field.
COACHES: J.T. Whitaker, 0-1 in first season at Warren Central. Bart Curtis, 59-21 in eighth season at Warsaw, 260-123 in 35th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Warren Central lost to Center Grove, 24-6. Warsaw beat Fort Wayne Snider, 38-30.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Warren Central, 34-0, on August 30, 2024.
UP NEXT: Warren Central hosts North Central (Indianapolis) (1-0). Warsaw plays at Goshen (0-1).
TOP PERFORMERS: Keyon Thomas had 23 carries for 126 yards with a score for the Warriors against No. 3 (Class 6A) Center Grove. Michael Schenck raced for 134 yards with three touchdowns for the No. 6 (Class 5A) Tigers against Fort Wayne Snider.
COACHES’ CORNER: “As a team, we have to clean up our mistakes from week one and play better football in all three phases of the game. Offensively, we need to execute at a higher level in the pass game and minimize mistakes. Defensively, we need to stop the run as they are a great running team, and play good sound football on special teams.” – Warren Central’s J.T. Whitaker.
“The Tigers will need to play much better defensively and eliminate open field missed tackles. The Warriors will make the Tigers look silly if this doesn’t happen. The Tigers cannot get off to a poor start and survive. Taking care of the football is at an all-time premium on Friday night. The Tigers must hone up our kicking game as 0-of-4 on extra-points is a huge concern. We have to show intensity without being tense and play the game at a high level without panic. Perform with passion and purpose.” – Warsaw’s Bart Curtis.
WESTFIELD (1-0) AT CARMEL (1-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Greyhound Stadium.
COACHES: Josh Miracle, 13-2 in second season at Westfield. Kevin Wright, 55-10 in sixth season at Carmel, 160-28 in 17th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Westfield beat Homestead, 35-0. Carmel beat Fishers, 49-24.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Westfield, 17-13, on August 31, 2024.
UP NEXT: Westfield goes to Zionsville (1-0). Carmel entertains Centerville (Ohio) (0-1).
TOP PERFORMERS: Aidan Grabowski went 7-of-17 for 61 yards and ran seven times for 40 yards with a touchdown for the No. 2 (Class 6A) Shamrocks against Homestead. Ayden Johnson ran 20 times for 90 yards with two scores for the No. 7 (Class 6A) Greyhounds against Fishers.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We look forward to this week’s matchup against an extremely talented Carmel team. Coach Wright and his staff have our utmost respect as we know that they will bring out the best in their players in all three phases of the game. In order for us to be successful this week, we will need to continue to prioritize winning both the takeaway and explosive play battles. This early in the season, whichever team that can limit self-inflicted mistakes and execute base fundamentals at a high level will be pivotal towards success on Friday night.” – Westfield’s Josh Miracle.
“Defensively, we have to contain their running attack. We have to get guys to the ball on defense. It’s very important to get them off-schedule on early downs which has been tough to do. Offensively, we need to sustain drives and be balanced, but take what they give us. Use tempo as a change-up to their multiple defensive packages and looks. Take shots down the field if we get heavy boxes. We must keep them off-balance. On special teams, we have to win the ‘hidden yardage’ battle. Field position will be critical for both offenses, so we have to be really good on cover teams and take advantage of return opportunities.” – Carmel’s Kevin Wright.
