BLOOMINGTON SOUTH (7-1) AT CENTER GROVE (6-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Ray Skillman Field.
COACHES: Gabe Johnson, 58-19 in seventh season at Bloomington South, 72-29 in ninth season overall. Eric Moore, 271-85 in 28th season at Center Grove.
LAST CONTEST: Bloomington South beat Brebeuf Jesuit, 52-7. Center Grove lost to Lawrence North, 28-20.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Center Grove beat Bloomington South, 33-12, on October 17, 2025.
UP NEXT: Bloomington South hosts Franklin (4-4) for Class 5A sectional semifinal on October 30. Center Grove travels to Whiteland (2-6) for Class 6A sectional semifinal on October 30.
TOP PERFORMERS: Mayson Lewis caught five passes for 95 yards with three touchdowns for the No. 2 (Class 5A) Panthers against Brebeuf Jesuit. Ricky Lange ran 18 times for 94 yards for the No. 7 (Class 6A) Trojans against No. 5 (Class 6A) Lawrence North.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Center Grove is a very good football team. It will be a great test for us. They are a very typical Center Grove team, big, strong, and physical. We are going to have to be at our best and execute at a high level to win. We will have to keep penalties down to a minimum.” – Bloomington South’s Gabe Johnson.
“Center Grove needs to get out fast and show dominance on offense in the running game and have a solid passing attack that will provide some easy 1st downs and yards. Our defense must not give up big play over the top and must be the more physical team and tackle well with precision. Both teams have great kickers, so expect both teams to kick when needed. We must cut down on red-zone miscues. We got in there (inside opponent’s 20-yard line) four times vs Lawrence North and didn’t convert. Our young quarterback (sophomore Evan Wischmeier) needs to take what the defense is giving him and do not press the situation and hurt the team. We must continue to be a great second half team, but be more efficient in the first half. We need to create turnovers to win this game. Both teams need this game for momentum entering the playoffs. Our biggest concern is our health as we are down two offensive linemen, one defensive lineman, a running back, a linebacker, a defensive back, and our starting quarterback (Oscar Sloan). We hope to get him back, but he’s not cleared yet. Our schedule takes its toll on high school kids.” – Center Grove’s Eric Moore.
EASTERN HANCOCK (8-0) AT MILAN (7-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, The Teepee.
COACHES: William Coonce, 8-0 in first season at Eastern Hancock. Ryan Langferman, 133-84 in 19th season at Milan.
LAST CONTEST: Eastern Hancock beat Shenandoah, 58-0. Milan beat South Decatur, 59-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Eastern Hancock beat Milan, 40-7, on October 3, 2025.
UP NEXT: Eastern Hancock plays at Christel House Manual (2-5) for Class 2A sectional quarterfinal. Milan goes to Trinity Lutheran (2-3) for Class 1A sectional quarterfinal.
TOP PERFORMERS: Hayden Jackson hauled in two receptions for 87 yards with a touchdown for the No. 5 (Class 2A) Royals against Shenandoah. Beckett Langferman romped nine times for 97 yards with two scores for the No. 7 (Class 1A) Indians against South Decatur.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Milan is a very physical team that is very good along both lines. We have to play disciplined and match their physicality. They are going to work to control possessions, so we have to be efficient on offense, and take care of the football.” – Eastern Hancock’s William Coonce.
“We are excited to host Eastern Hancock this Friday in what I expect to be a playoff atmosphere at Milan High School. Eastern Hancock is a dangerous opponent with a balanced offense that can hurt you both on the ground and through the air. Defensively, we will need to limit explosive plays and make them earn every yard. Offensively, our goal will be to control the ball and the clock while keeping their defense honest with our passing game. We need to stay on schedule, consistently move the chains, and focus on winning each down rather than trying to score on every play. As in most football games, turnovers and special teams will also play a significant role in determining the outcome. Ultimately, we will need to play disciplined, complementary football in all three phases to give ourselves the best chance to come away with a victory.” – Milan’s Ryan Langferman.
EVANSVILLE REITZ (7-1) AT EVANSVILLE MATER DEI (7-1)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Reitz Bowl.
COACHES: Cory Brunson, 53-24 in seventh season at Evansville Reitz, 87-64 in 14th season overall. Cody Hess, 13-7 in second season at Evansville Mater Dei.
LAST CONTEST: Evansville Reitz beat Evansville Bosse, 48-8. Evansville Mater Dei beat Evansville Harrison, 28-6.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Evansville Reitz beat Evansville Mater Dei, 21-7, on October 17, 2025.
UP NEXT: Evansville Reitz plays at Evansville Bosse (0-8) for Class 4A sectional quarterfinal. Evansville Mater Dei hosts Princeton (1-7) for Class 3A sectional quarterfinal.
TOP PERFORMERS: Hunter Moers completed 6-of-12 for 107 yards with three touchdowns and ran once for 18 yards for the No. 9 (Class 4A) Panthers against Evansville Bosse. Colton Salee tallied 86 receiving yards with two scores and ran for 39 yards and a third touchdown for the No. 6 (Class 3A) Wildcats against Evansville Harrison.
COACHES’ CORNER: “It’s rivalry week, so no matter what the records are, this is always a tough game. We need to have a great week of practice and continue fixing mistakes. We need to do all the little things right this week. It should be a great atmosphere.” – Evansville Reitz’s Cory Brunson.
“We will have our hands full this Friday night against Reitz. Anytime you play a team like Reitz, you know you are going to be challenged physically and have to be prepared for four quarters. We have a lot of respect for their program, and we know we will need to play a complete game to give ourselves a chance to be successful. This is a great rivalry and a great game for all who are involved. For us, it starts with taking care of the football offensively and avoiding putting our defense in difficult situations. Second, we need to stay ahead of the chains on early downs and put ourselves in manageable situations. Defensively, we must know our assignments, play physical, and get off the field on third downs. They have a great running attack and are capable of making a big play at any time. We must limit explosive plays. Finally, we have to win the special teams battle and make the plays that can change the momentum of a game. In a matchup like this, the little things and the ability to finish drives will make a big difference.” – Evansville Mater Dei’s Cody Hess.
INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (6-2) AT EAST CENTRAL (7-1)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Trojan Field.
COACHES: Sam Otley, 23-11 in third season at Roncalli. Jake Meiners, 81-17 in eighth season at East Central.
LAST CONTEST: Roncalli beat Harrison (West Lafayette), 42-6. East Central beat Columbus North, 35-13.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Roncalli beat East Central, 28-16, on October 17, 2025.
UP NEXT: Roncalli travels to Connersville (4-4) for Class 4A sectional quarterfinal. East Central welcomes Madison (4-4) for Class 4A sectional quarterfinal.
TOP PERFORMERS: Kallen Stahley was 3-of-4 for 91 yards with a score and carried the ball twice for 16 yards for the No. 5 (Class 4A) Royals against Harrison (West Lafayette). Colton Bellman accounted for 14 carries for 93 yards with a touchdown for the top-ranked (Class 4A) Trojans against Columbus North.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Our keys to victory include getting off to fast start offensively. We have to take care of the football, reduce penalties, control the line of scrimmage, and take advantage of explosive play opportunities. On defense, we need to tackle, play sound, physical football, rally to the ball, and limit their explosive plays. Our special teams also have to score points and control field position.” – Roncalli’s Sam Otley.
“This game will be a huge test for our football program before entering the tournament. Roncalli and East Central play a very similar style and this has been a slugfest over the last few years. Coach Otley does a phenomenal job and their team is so well-coached. We are going to have to execute in all three phases of the game in order to give ourselves an opportunity to win this game. We are going to have to be great tacklers and play sticky coverage. Offensively, we are going to have to take care of the football and score points when the opportunity arises. Roncalli has a huge front on both sides of the ball, and this game is going to be won and lost in the trenches. This should be a great game and one that will have a playoff atmosphere.” – East Central’s Jake Meiners.
LOWELL (6-2) AT ANDREAN (7-1)
KICKOFF: 8 p.m. EDT, Father Eckert Field.
COACHES: Casey McKim, 15-5 in second season at Lowell, 63-22 in seventh season overall. Chris Skinner, 98-39 in 11th season at Andrean.
LAST CONTEST: Lowell beat Munster, 28-7. Andrean beat Hanover Central, 36-6.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Andrean beat Lowell, 19-3, on October 17, 2025.
UP NEXT: Lowell entertains Gary West (4-3) for Class 4A sectional quarterfinal. Andrean hosts Griffith (8-0) for Class 3A sectional quarterfinal.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jeron Cannon registered nine tackles for the Red Devils against Munster. Tyler Vo came up with five catches for 86 yards with a touchdown for the No. 3 (Class 3A) 59ers against Hanover Central.
COACHES’ CORNER: “In order to come away with a victory Friday, we must dominate the line of scrimmage and execute up front. We must be able to impose our will in the run game and be physical. We have to stop big, explosive plays on defense. We must not have any busts in coverages or run fits. We need to win the turnover battle. We need to take care of the ball on offense and get the ball back on defense. Andrean is very talented, athletic, and well-coached. We will need to execute in every phase of the game Friday night.” – Lowell’s Casey McKim.
“Coach McKim and the Lowell staff have their team playing efficient football on both sides of the ball. Their quarterback-running back tandem (Gavin Gutierrez and Tymothy James) is particularly impressive, and both players deserve the accolades they’ve received. Much of their success can be attributed to the offensive line and tight ends who do a great job upfront. Lowell’s offense executes a variety of schemes. This diversity in play-calling requires a detailed understanding of reads and responsibilities. Recognizing individual keys and executing assignments will be critical for us defensively. Defensively, Lowell looks to create disruption through its alignments and blitz packages. Our pre-snap recognition and communication will be essential to identifying their intentions and putting ourselves in the best position to succeed. Offensively, I believe we’ve done a good job balancing the run and pass throughout the first eight weeks, and we’ll need to remain effective in both areas on Friday. We’re excited for the opportunity to close out the regular season with a week nine matchup that will determine the (Northwest Crossroads) conference championship.” – Andrean’s Chris Skinner.
NORTH JUDSON (8-0) AT PIONEER (8-0)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, The Pit.
COACHES: Brett Lambert, 76-23 in eighth season at North Judson. Adam Berry, 109-27 in 11th season at Pioneer.
LAST CONTEST: North Judson beat Caston, 21-14. Pioneer beat Triton, 66-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Pioneer beat North Judson, 36-18, on October 17, 2025.
UP NEXT: North Judson travels to Triton (1-7) for Class 1A sectional quarterfinal. Pioneer welcomes Taylor (1-7) for Class 1A sectional quarterfinal.
TOP PERFORMERS: Javen Christensen raced 14 times for 61 yards with a touchdown and was 2-of-3 for 49 yards for the No. 3 (Class 1A) Bluejays against No. 13 Caston. Colton Popejoy went 8-of-11 for 105 yards with three scores for the top-ranked (Class 1A) Panthers against Triton.
COACHES’ CORNER: “In order to beat Pioneer, we are going to have to finish drives and not turn the ball over on offense. Defensively, we have to stay disciplined in the execution of our assignments. It takes 11 guys playing in unison in order to beat a team as good as the Panthers. It should be an awesome environment on Friday night.” – North Judson’s Brett Lambert.
“This is a big game with two undefeated teams vying for a conference championship. It will take all three phases of the game in order to win. Our defense is going to have to stay disciplined and read their keys. North Judson runs their triple-offense extremely effectively and our motto of ‘do your job’ is going to play a huge role. They also have an explosive passing attack with their dual threat quarterback (Javen Christensen). Our defensive backs are going to have to have a great night in coverage and in the run game. North Judson’s defense is physical and quick. Our offensive line will have to play their best game to date to counteract that. Our offense is designed to get four-to-five yards a play. We will need to be happy with that while also taking opportunities to get a big play. It is going to be a great atmosphere at The Pit. The stands are going to be packed, and it’s going to be a great night of high school football between two quality teams.” – Pioneer’s Adam Berry.
SOUTH BEND SAINT JOSEPH (8-0) AT PENN (8-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Everwise Freed Field.
COACHES: Ben Downey, 85-47 in 11th season at Saint Joseph. Pete Riordan, 27-4 in third season at Penn.
LAST CONTEST: Saint Joseph beat South Bend Washington, 66-0. Penn beat New Prairie, 59-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Penn beat Saint Joseph, 38-6, on October 17, 2025.
UP NEXT: Saint Joseph entertains South Bend Riley (2-6) for Class 4A sectional quarterfinal. Penn plays at Valparaiso (5-3) for Class 6A sectional semifinal on October 30.
TOP PERFORMERS: Sam Scicchitano completed all four of his passes for 73 yards with two scores for the No. 6 (Class 4A) Huskies against Washington. Braylon Centilli managed two catches for 99 yards with a touchdown for the No. 6 (Class 6A) Kingsmen against New Prairie.
COACHES’ CORNER: “In order to come away with a victory the following things must happen. Our offense takes what’s there, avoids self-inflicted wounds, and focuses on the ‘next play’. Our defense communicates well, executes the gameplan, and focuses on the ‘next play’. We win the field position battle and focus on the ‘next play’.” – Saint Joseph’s Ben Downey.
“Saint Joe has an excellent group of skill guys. Their receivers and defensive secondary are their strengths. We need to limit their big plays on offense and keep them in long yardage situations where the quarterback (Sam Scicchitano) cannot get comfortable. Offensively, we need to take what they give us, move the ball between the tackles and above all, take care of the football.” – Penn’s Pete Riordan.
TIPPECANOE VALLEY (7-1) AT BREMEN (6-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Don Bunge Field.
COACHES: Stephen Moriarty, 71-33 in 10th season at Tippecanoe Valley. Justin Bogunia, 12-7 in second season at Bremen, 117-70 in 17th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Tippecanoe Valley beat John Glenn, 39-13. Bremen beat Knox, 37-28.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Tippecanoe Valley beat Bremen, 31-7, on October 17, 2025.
UP NEXT: Tippecanoe Valley goes to Jimtown (5-3) for Class 3A sectional quarterfinal. Bremen travels to Prairie Heights (1-7) for Class 2A sectional quarterfinal.
TOP PERFORMERS: Mason Miller registered four rushes for 20 yards with a touchdown for the No. 12 (Class 3A) Vikings against Glenn. Ethan Borsodi accounted for nine tackles for the Lions against Knox.
COACHES’ CORNER: “This is a great opportunity for our program to compete for our first conference championship since the formation of the INSC (Indiana Northern State Conference). Playing at Bremen is always a challenge, and this year will be no different. Coach Bogunia has done a great job with his team, and they’ve had an outstanding season so far. For us to come away with a victory, we need to establish a rhythm early on offense and find ways to slow down their explosive offense. Their quarterback (Jake Rodriguez) is extremely fast and talented. If we can’t contain him and limit his ability to scramble, they will be very difficult to stop. Our defense has been the backbone of our team all season long, and I’m excited to see how our guys respond to the challenge that awaits us Friday night. We know what’s at stake, and we’re looking forward to the opportunity to play in a tournament-like game before sectional play starts next week.” – Tippecanoe Valley’s Steve Moriarty.
“We will need to sustain drives and have an effective ball control offense to reduce their opportunities on offense. We will need to sustain drives with scores like we did last Friday. I don’t feel like we necessarily have to get turnovers, but we definitely need to make them have multiple play drives and limit big plays.” – Bremen’s Justin Bogunia.
WARSAW (8-0) AT NORTHRIDGE (8-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Interra Field.
COACHES: Bart Curtis, 72-25 in ninth season at Warsaw, 273-127 in 36th season overall. Luke Amstutz, 8-0 in first season at Northridge, 132-52 in 17th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Warsaw beat Concord, 37-29. Northridge beat NorthWood, 45-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Warsaw beat Northridge, 34-19, on October 17, 2025.
UP NEXT: Warsaw hosts Fort Wayne Wayne (1-7) for Class 5A sectional semifinal on October 30. Northridge welcomes Mishawaka (5-3) for Class 4A sectional quarterfinal.
TOP PERFORMERS: Micah Kohler came up with a 27-yard touchdown reception for the top-ranked (Class 5A) Tigers against Concord. Malachi Graber recorded eight tackles for the No. 7 (Class 4A) Raiders against NorthWood.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We must take care of the football. We will certainly not win if we turn the football over in the same fashion as last Friday night. The Raiders do not need any additional assistance from the Tigers. We have to try to hold them under their points per game average of 46 points per game. If they score 46 points on Warsaw, it is most likely that they will end up holding the NLC (Northern Lakes Conference) trophy at the end of the evening. We need an understanding of their offensive personnel and identifying who their weapons are. They have many in No. 32 (Kane Yeater), No. 3 (Keivonte Copeland), No. 11 (Myhles Norman), No. 17 (Maxwell Lamb), No. 12 (Karsyn Rumfelt), who was their quarterback last year, and No. 16 (quarterback Jake Scholl), who is the engine of this Amtrak train. Understanding and executing them are two different things, so we need to play our positions and not somebody else’s. We cannot have any kick game mishaps and must utilize all phases of our kick game as a weapon versus a necessary evil. Finally, we can’t buy the eye candy. Northridge has a ton of things going on offense. They have many moving parts throughout the course of most offensive snaps, so we have to keep our eyes focused and disciplined at all times.” – Warsaw’s Bart Curtis.
“It’s a huge game for this program. Northridge has only one conference title (Northern Lakes Conference in 2017) in school history in football. In order to win, we will have to play very well defensively against one of the best ground offenses in the state.” – Northridge’s Luke Amstutz.
WHEELER (8-0) AT GRIFFITH (8-0)
KICKOFF: 8 p.m. EDT, The Boneyard.
COACHES: Josh Wissing, 8-0 in first season at Wheeler. Phil Mason, 29-11 in fourth season at Griffith, 187-104 in 26th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Wheeler beat Whiting, 49-14. Griffith beat Calumet, 56-6.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Griffith beat Wheeler, 34-10, on October 17, 2025.
UP NEXT: Wheeler welcomes Boone Grove (4-4) for Class 2A sectional quarterfinal. Griffith goes to Andrean (7-1) for Class 3A sectional quarterfinal.
TOP PERFORMERS: Logan Fox was 5-of-6 for 99 yards with three scores for the No. 9 (Class 2A) Bearcats against Whiting. Davon Thomaston racked up three catches for 57 yards with a touchdown for the No. 7 (Class 3A) Panthers against Calumet.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Griffith is a very good football team. They are big and physical up front and have some skill players that are really dynamic with the football in their hands. Defensively, they fly around and create havoc with blocking schemes. We are going to have to play our best game of the year in all three phases of the game. In the kicking game, we are going to have to be sound and make a few plays that set up our offense and defense. On defense, one of the keys for us will be to slow down their running attack. Their line does a great job opening space for their tailback (Desmond Neylon), so we will need to close that space and tackle well to be successful. Offensively, we will need to be able to attack their man coverage defense and open up some space for our running back (Levi Murray). I think the biggest thing for our team will be how we respond when things do not go as planned. We know that we will be in a battle for four quarters and we will have to make plays when they present themselves.” – Wheeler’s Josh Wissing.
“We just have to keep focusing on us. That has been the key to our success all season. We were sloppy at times last Friday, and we understand that can’t happen against great teams. Wheeler has done a great job responding to a coaching change and they have played great football all season. We have to play physical and not turn the ball over or have mental mistakes if we expect to get a win on Friday.” – Griffith’s Phil Mason.
