BLUFFTON (2-0) AT SOUTH ADAMS (1-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Starfire Field.
COACHES: Brent Kunkel, 66-36 in 10th season at Bluffton. Grant Moser, 91-43 in 12th season at South Adams.
LAST CONTEST: Bluffton beat Churubusco, 40-0. South Adams beat Bellmont, 42-19.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Bluffton beat South Adams, 44-41, on September 5, 2025.
UP NEXT: Bluffton hosts Woodlan (2-0). South Adams travels to Heritage (2-0).
TOP PERFORMERS: Axton Beste completed all five of his passes for 110 yards with two touchdowns and ran 21 yards for a score for the Tigers against Churubusco. Wes Summersett caught three passes for 51 yards with a score and ran three times for 38 yards with another touchdown for the No. 5 (Class 1A) Starfires against Bellmont.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Year in and year out, South Adams is one of the most challenging games on our schedule. This year is no different. They are very talented on the offensive side of the football and will present a lot of challenges for our young secondary. On defense, they always boast a bunch of hard-nosed kids to fly to the football. We are going to need to work to control the clock, limit their opportunities, contain the big play, and start the game fast if we want to come out on top.” – Bluffton’s Brent Kunkel.
“They are a great program and very well-coached. They have one of the best small school quarterbacks (Axton Beste) in the state and a very experienced line. We will need to not turn the ball over and get some stops on defense to be able to have a chance.” – South Adams’ Grant Moser.
BROWNSBURG (2-0) AT FRANKLIN CENTRAL (1-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Flashes Stadium.
COACHES: John Hart, 98-19 in 11th season at Brownsburg, 365-100 in 42nd season overall. Jayson West, 23-30 in sixth season at Franklin Central, 146-68 in 19th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Brownsburg beat Rabun Gap (Georgia), 31-15. Franklin Central lost to Indianapolis Roncalli, 21-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Brownsburg beat Franklin Central, 35-7, on September 5, 2025.
UP NEXT: Brownsburg entertains Avon (2-0). Franklin Central goes to Zionsville (2-0).
TOP PERFORMERS: Brady Lewis scampered 21 times for 89 yards with a touchdown for the top-ranked and two-time defending Class 6A state champion Bulldogs against Rabun Gap. Caiden Marsden was 10-of-22 for 139 yards with a score for the Flashes against No. 4 (Class 4A) Roncalli.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We are playing good football right now by winning turnover battle (80 percent win), big play (80 percent), sack win (Franklin Central averages 3.5 sacks a game), and special teams. Franklin Central has always created a huge challenge for us as they will this year and we also need to account for their defensive lineman Jayce Brewster.” – Brownsburg’s John Hart.
“We have to have a great effort in all three phases. We have to run the ball well and not turn it over to be able to keep their offense off the field. We have to stop the run and not give up big plays on defense, which will be a monumental task, but it to happen for us to have a chance.” – Franklin Central’s Jayson West.
CENTER GROVE (1-1) AT CARMEL (1-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Greyhound Stadium.
COACHES: Eric Moore, 266-84 in 28th season at Center Grove, 314-89 in 32nd season overall. Kevin Wright, 54-13 in seventh season at Carmel, 169-31 in 18th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Center Grove beat Carroll (Fort Wayne), 42-17. Carmel lost to Westfield, 38-34.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Center Grove beat Carmel, 31-27, on August 26, 2022.
UP NEXT: Center Grove plays at Indianapolis Ben Davis (1-1). Carmel welcomes Indianapolis Pike (0-2).
TOP PERFORMERS: Jeremiah Guidie recorded three catches for 70 yards with a touchdown for the No. 5 (Class 6A) Trojans against No. 9 (Class 6A) Carroll. Mychael Lewis ran 22 times for 105 yards with three scores and caught three passes for 21 yards for the No. 4 (Class 6A) Greyhounds against No. 2 (Class 6A) Westfield.
COACHES’ CORNER: “The Center Grove vs. Carmel game has for the last 30 years has been one of the primetime games of high school football in the state of Indiana, and a top game in the MIC (Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference) each year. Featuring the south side vs. north side Indianapolis area matchup. As we tell our team each year, Carmel was and always will be the benchmark of success so until we beat them, we can’t consider our program a success. The Carmel offense features many formations and a complex offense with a very physical and very well-coached defense, which doesn’t seem to miss a tackle. Center Grove will have to stop their high-flying offense and get the Hounds off the field on third down. Moving the chains will kill our defense. We also can’t allow them to get a big score on a one-play drive and must force them to turnover the football. With that said, our offense has to control the ball, get first downs, make zero turnovers, and cut down on mental mistakes and penalties. We have an excellent passing game, but the run game is warming up and must continue to put pressure on the Greyhounds. We hope that will enable us to open up the passing game. Protecting quarterback Oscar Sloan will be vital and getting the ball to Roman Youngs and Drake McClurg will be high profile priorities. The kicking game will make it interesting. Carmel is always excellent on special teams, and this year we are much improved. Both have high-quality kickers and punters and return men to hurt the opponent in those situations.” – Center Grove’s Eric Moore.
“We need to optimize heat management and practice efficiency. With extreme weather threatening practice time, practice quality must be extremely efficient. We also need to rotate players early in the first half to preserve starters’ legs for the fourth quarter. We have to limit explosive plays and situational stops, better communication and tackling, and force field goals in the red zone. Finally, we must harness the home crowd to fuel fast execution, establish tempo early, and control the emotion.” – Carmel’s Kevin Wright.
CENTERVILLE (1-1) AT EASTERN HANCOCK (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Knarr Field.
COACHES: Ryan Cole, 33-10 in fifth season at Centerville, 33-18 in sixth season overall. William Coonce, 2-0 in first season at Eastern Hancock.
LAST CONTEST: Centerville lost to Hagerstown, 25-21. Eastern Hancock beat North Decatur, 62-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Centerville beat Eastern Hancock, 38-27, on September 5, 2025.
UP NEXT: Centerville hosts Lapel (2-0). Eastern Hancock plays at New Castle (1-1).
TOP PERFORMERS: Brylen Riggs came up with 38-yard touchdown receptions for the Bulldogs against Hagerstown. Blake Whittington scampered 11 times for 100 yards with two scores for the No. 9 (Class 2A) Royals against No. 10 (Class 1A) North Decatur.
COACHES’ CORNER: “First, we are going to have to limit the big plays defensively, tackle well in space, and match their physicality in the box. They have thrived on big offensive plays in their first two games along with a strong run game. They have playmakers all over the field and a very good offensive line. We want to force them to drive a long field and not allow explosive plays. Offensively, we have to communicate up front to handle their aggressive blitzing defense. We need to establish the run game and control the time of possession. We have to take care of the football and sustain drives by moving the chains. We are hoping to get healthy this week after losing eight starters in week two’s game. Our skill position players will need to make big plays when given the opportunity. We expect a very physical battle for four quarters on Friday night. We believe creating a game changing play on special teams and the turnover battle could be the difference in this one.” – Centerville’s Ryan Cole.
CROWN POINT (2-0) AT MERRILLVILLE (2-0)
KICKOFF: 8 p.m. EDT, Demaree Stadium.
COACHES: Craig Buzea, 52-9 in sixth season at Crown Point, 268-98 in 34th season overall. Brad Seiss, 96-40 in 12th season at Merrillville, 109-57 in 15th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Crown Point beat Pike, 38-7. Merrillville beat Lafayette Jeff, 56-54 (2OT).
PREVIOUS MEETING: Crown Point beat Merrillville, 35-21, on September 5, 2025.
UP NEXT: Crown Point entertains Lake Central (0-2). Merrillville plays at Portage (0-2).
TOP PERFORMERS: Oliver Brewer drilled a 44-yard field goal and two extra-points for the No. 7 (Class 6A) Bulldogs against Pike. Josiah Horton totaled six tackles and an interception in the second overtime for the No. 10 (Class 6A) Pirates against Lafayette Jeff.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We must play much better than what we have played thus far this season. Merrillville is superior to us in just about every measurable including size and speed. We cannot settle for field goals like we did vs. Pike last week. It looks like if you can’t score 50 points, you can’t beat them. This is a tall task for sure. As always, it will come down to turnovers, third and fourth down conversions, and explosive plays.” – Crown Point’s Craig Buzea.
“We continue a very tough early season stretch for us opening DAC (Duneland Athletic Conference) play hosting Crown Point. They have had a stronghold as being the best team in the Region for a while now and we know we’ll have to play very well to beat them. We’re looking forward to our first home game of the season and the opportunity to play them. We’ll have to be physical and play the best we have all year to beat them. We’re looking forward to it.” – Merrillville’s Brad Seiss.
GRIFFITH (2-0) AT LOWELL (1-1)
KICKOFF: 8 p.m. EDT, The Inferno.
COACHES: Phil Mason, 23-11 in fifth season at Griffith, 181-104 in 26th season overall. Casey McKim, 10-4 in second season at Lowell, 58-21 in seventh season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Griffith beat Munster, 48-37. Lowell beat LaPorte, 45-30.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Lowell beat Griffith, 42-14, on September 5, 2025.
UP NEXT: Griffith welcomes Boone Grove (1-1). Lowell hosts Hanover Central (2-0).
TOP PERFORMERS: Davon Thomaston found the end zone three times for the Panthers against Munster. Van Kooistra registered 11 tackles for the Red Devils against LaPorte.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Lowell has some a couple of great players on offense. We are going to have to improve greatly on defense and continue to be consistent on offense. This is a great opportunity for us a s a program. We are going to have to match their intensity and physicality.” – Griffith’s Phil Mason.
“We need to stop explosive plays for Griffith’s offense. They are able to strike quickly, so we must make them drive the ball. Secondly, we must dominate in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Despite being much smaller than them, we must use our speed and quickness to disrupt and maintain blocks in the trenches. Thirdly we must execute at a very high level. We must play consistently each and every play.” – Lowell’s Casey McKim.
INDIANAPOLIS BISHOP CHATARD (2-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (1-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Tully Field.
COACHES: Rob Doyle, 98-26 in 10th season at Bishop Chatard. Sam Otley, 18-10 in third season at Roncalli.
LAST CONTEST: Bishop Chatard beat Leo, 42-7. Roncalli beat Franklin Central, 21-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Roncalli beat Bishop Chatard, 26-6, on November 7, 2025 in Class 4A sectional final.
UP NEXT: Bishop Chatard welcomes Indianapolis Cathedral (0-2). Roncalli goes to Columbus North (2-0).
TOP PERFORMERS: Julio Graves hauled in 25-yard touchdown for the No. 2 (Class 4A) Trojans against Leo. Kallen Stahley was 5-of-7 for 76 yards with a touchdown and carried the ball seven times for 15 yards for the No. 4 (Class 4A) Royals against Franklin Central.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Roncalli is always a great rivalry. Both teams play a physical brand of football. Once again, they are huge up front and have a punishing running back (Alex Jarvis). We have to eliminate the long clock consuming drives. Their fans are very supportive, so it is one of the more difficult places to play. They do a great job of shutting down the run game and mixing in blitzes at the right time, so our first down plays are key. Special teams always play a role in this game as well.” – Bishop Chatard’s Rob Doyle.
“Offensively, we have to get off to a start fast, take care of the football, control the line of scrimmage, and take advantage of explosive play opportunities. On defense, we need to play sound, physical football, rally to the ball, and most importantly, tackle. On special teams, it’s important we score points and control field position.” – Roncalli’s Sam Otley.
LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (2-0) AT TIPTON (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Tipton Ford Field.
COACHES: Brian Nay, 64-36 in ninth season at Central Catholic. Aaron Tolle, 151-91 in 22nd season at Tipton.
LAST CONTEST: Central Catholic beat Indianapolis Crispus Attucks, 38-0. Tipton beat Manchester, 49-18.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Tipton beat Central Catholic, 49-7, on October 3, 2025.
UP NEXT: Lafayette Central Catholic hosts Logansport (2-0). Tipton entertains Hamilton Heights (0-2).
TOP PERFORMERS: Isaac Diaz romped for 55 yards on 12 carries for the No. 4 (Class 1A) Knights against Crispus Attucks. Zakk Emberton registered five catches for 104 yards for the Blue Devils against Manchester.
COACHES’ CORNER: “It is imperative that we focus all week on making the routine play more consistently. Tipton is so well-coached and well-prepared. They will capitalize on any and all mistakes. Our boys need to be where their feet are all night if they want to give themselves a chance to win it in the fourth quarter.” – Lafayette Central Catholic’s Brian Nay.
“For the Blue Devils to be successful on Friday, we will need to clean up a lot of our mistakes from last week. We cannot turn the ball over and must reduce negative plays. We also must try to get pressure on LCC’s quarterback (Andrew Stapleton), which is not easy to do. Last year, we also tackled very well in the secondary. If we can do these things, we will have a chance to win on Friday.” – Tipton’s Aaron Tolle.
NEW PALESTINE (1-1) AT YORKTOWN (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Tiger Stadium.
COACHES: Kyle Ralph, 156-15 in 14th season at New Palestine. Mike Wilhelm, 123-110 in 22nd season at Yorktown.
LAST CONTEST: New Palestine lost to East Central, 14-6. Yorktown beat Muncie Central, 24-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: New Palestine beat Yorktown, 35-10, on September 5, 2025.
UP NEXT: New Palestine goes to Mount Vernon (Fortville) (1-1). Yorktown welcomes Delta (0-2).
TOP PERFORMERS: Andrew Davis totaled 14 tackles for the No. 2 and defending Class 5A state champion Dragons against No. 1 (Class 4A) East Central. Sam Tokar went 13-of-25 for 130 yards with two touchdowns and ran five times for 35 yards for the No. 7 (Class 4A) Tigers against Muncie Central.
COACHES’ CORNER: “After two tough opening weeks against one of the top teams in Illinois and Indiana, we are 1-1. We need to bounce back this week and travel to face a very good Yorktown team now. The path doesn’t get easier, so we need to have a good week of preparation.” – New Palestine’s Kyle Ralph.
“In order to be competitive and successful on Friday night, we must physically, emotionally, and mentally prepare for a battle with New Palestine on Friday night. On offense, we must become much more efficient, especially on first down. On defense, we need to prepare for Coach Ralph’s multifaceted attack offense. We must slow down New Pal’s inside zone, and we must also eliminate explosive plays. Both teams devote time to being excellent on special teams, and that will play a role in this game. We want to be more explosive and eliminate negative plays.” – Yorktown’s Mike Wilhelm.
ZIONSVILLE (2-0) AT WESTFIELD (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Riverview Health Stadium.
COACHES: Scott Turnquist, 37-46 in eighth season at Zionsville. Josh Miracle, 25-5 in third season at Westfield.
LAST CONTEST: Zionsville beat Lawrence Central, 24-12. Westfield beat Carmel, 38-34.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Westfield beat Zionsville, 48-20, on October 31, 2025 in Class 6A sectional semifinal.
UP NEXT: Zionsville entertains Franklin Central (1-1). Westfield travels to Noblesville (1-1).
TOP PERFORMERS: Elliott Clevenger raced 18 times for 118 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 2 (Class 6A) Shamrocks against No. 4 (Class 6A) Carmel. Zade Bankert compiled 17 carries for 94 yards with a score for the Eagles against Lawrence Central.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We have to not beat ourselves with penalties, turnovers, and negative plays. We’ve struggled with that a bit the first few games and we absolutely can’t do that this week. We have to generate explosive plays on offense. We have to find ways to get chunk plays in both the run game and pass game and we cannot afford to give those up on defense. We have to be much better on third downs. Extending drives is going to be critical on offense which will give our defense a chance to be fresh throughout the game. We’ll have to be able to get stops and get off the field on third downs on defense as well. We can’t give up long drives.” – Zionsville’s Scott Turnquist.
“We look forward to this week’s matchup with the Zionsville Eagles. We have the utmost respect for Coach Turnquist and their program. In order to be successful Friday, we will need to continue building on the momentum from the first two weeks of the season. We must continue putting an emphasis on winning both the takeaway and explosive play battles. We look forward to playing Friday in front of our home crowd.” – Westfield’s Josh Miracle.
