CLASS 6A
WESTFIELD (8-3) AT HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (11-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EST, Royal Stadium.
COACHES: Jake Gilbert, 92-51 in 12th season at Westfield, 122-87 in 18th season overall. Michael Kelly, 25-6 in third season at Hamilton Southeastern, 39-22 in sixth season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Westfield beat Noblesville, 42-21. Hamilton SE beat Fishers, 35-13.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Hamilton Southeastern, 26-21, on September 16, 2022.
UP NEXT: Westfield hosts Lafayette Jeff (9-2) or travels to No. 5 Carroll (Fort Wayne) (11-0) for semistate. Hamilton Southeastern goes to Lafayette Jeff or Carroll (Fort Wayne).
TOP PERFORMERS: Cole Ballard went 7-of-11 for 63 yards with a touchdown and ran 12 times for 87 yards with another score for the No. 9 Shamrocks against Noblesville. Jalen Alexander scampered 24 times for 267 yards with two scores for the No. 1 Royals against Fishers.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Hamilton Southeastern is an excellent program. Disciplined and hard working. They win the same way we try to win. This has been a good rivalry between two teams trying to work their way to the top. Our games have been very close. We have to stop the run. Their running game has clearly gotten going since we played last time. No. 24 (Jalen Alexander) is dangerous. They also improved their passing as their quarterback (Ty Bradle) has really settled in and made lots of explosive plays to No. 1 (Donovan Hamilton), who is an elite wide receiver. HSE has one of the very best defenses in the state. They are sound and make very few mistakes. We have to block them and go at them. No. 48 (Evan Sherrill) plays with a very high motor and causes everyone lots of problems. They are experienced and great tacklers. I really like their inside linebackers as well and No. 8 (Cole Earlewine) is an all-state player. We’ve been here a couple of years in a row, so I think we’ll be ready for the moment, but we will have to play very well. We are extremely young but have grown up a lot as the year has gone on.” – Westfield’s Jake Gilbert.
“Westfield has a great team with one of the state’s best coaching staffs. They have a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. There are several key factors that we must do or limit them to in order for us to win this week. First, we have to win the line of scrimmage by playing physical and being assignment sound on both sides of the football. Second, we must play fast. Third, play relentless, and finally, be disciplined.” – Hamilton Southeastern’s Michael Kelly.
INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (9-1) AT BROWNSBURG (10-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EST, Roark Stadium.
COACHES: Bill Peebles, 51-12 in fifth season at Cathedral, 125-77 in 18th season overall. John Hart, 60-16 in seventh season at Brownsburg, 326-98 in 38th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Cathedral beat Lawrence Central, 33-13. Brownsburg beat Avon, 56-21.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Brownsburg, 42-35, on August 26, 2022.
UP NEXT: Cathedral entertains No. 4 Center Grove (9-2) or Warren Central (6-5) in semistate. Brownsburg travels to Warren Central or hosts Center Grove.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jaron Tibbs caught six passes for 126 yards with a touchdown for the No. 2 Irish against Lawrence Central. Jayden Whitaker was 7-of-10 for 124 yards with a score and ran three times for 42 yards with another touchdown for the No. 3 Bulldogs against Avon.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Brownsburg is the most complete team I have seen this year in Indiana. They are solid at every position and have a few special players as well. We will have to play great to have a chance to win. Defensively, we have to limit the big play and be stingy against the run. Offensively, we need to be balanced and fundamentally sound.”- Cathedral’s Bill Peebles.
“Cathedral is a great football team. In game one, we caused some turnovers and blocked two punts. If we get turnovers, it would go a long way for our success. Their quarterback (Danny O’Neil) is a generational talent. He is smart, fast, and has a terrific arm. You put him with (Jaron) Tibbs and a really strong receiving core, it makes it really tough on our defense. Their defense is old school tough. No one has run on them, and the weather may limit the passing game. So, we need to try and make the quarterback throw on time, take advantage of sudden change, win special teams’, and handle the weather.” – Brownsburg’s John Hart.
CLASS 5A
FORT WAYNE SNIDER (10-1) AT MISHAWAKA (10-1)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EST, Steele Stadium.
COACHES: Kurt Tippmann, 136-35 in 14th season at Snider. Keith Kinder, 45-14 in fifth season at Mishawaka.
LAST CONTEST: Fort Wayne Snider beat Fort Wayne North, 25-21. Mishawaka beat Concord, 38-17.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Fort Wayne Snider, 31-7, on November 11, 2016 in Class 5A regional final.
UP NEXT: Fort Wayne Snider hosts No. 9 Valparaiso (8-3) or goes to No. 6 Merrillville (9-2) for northern semistate. Mishawaka travels to Merrillville or entertains Valparaiso.
TOP PERFORMERS: Kamari Juarez hauled in six receptions for 103 yards with a touchdown for the top-ranked Saints against No. 7 Fort Wayne North. Ace Troyer caught a 22-yard touchdown pass for the No. 4 Cavemen against Concord.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Mishawaka is an outstanding team from one of the great conferences (Northern Lakes) in the state. Coach Kinder and his staff always do a great job in preparing their teams. They are one of the best coached programs in the state. Their offense is a big challenge for us. They challenge the discipline, toughness, and execution of our defense in ways we aren’t usually challenged each week. Defensively, they are sound and don’t make mistakes or get out of position. They are holding opponents to under 14 points per game. We will have to play precise assignment football on defense and match the physical level of play of Mishawaka. On offense, we have to block their down guys and get hats on the linebackers to be effective running the ball and find ways to get our wide receivers the ball in space. The kicking game will be a big determining factor in the game, and we have to win the battle of field position.” – Fort Wayne Snider’s Kurt Tippmann.
“It’s going to take our best football to be successful this week. Snider is the most complete team we’ve played in several years. They are big, fast, physical, and extremely well-coached. We have to play with great discipline and manage the game well on both sides of the ball. I believe ball security and tackling will be the things that make the difference for us in the game. If we can be good at those two things, we’ll have a shot to win in the fourth quarter.” – Mishawaka’s Keith Kinder.
BLOOMINGTON SOUTH (9-1) AT CASTLE (7-4)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EST, Lidy Field.
COACHES: Gabe Johnson, 21-8 in third season at Bloomington South, 35-18 in fifth season overall. Doug Hurt, 126-69 in 17th season at Castle.
LAST CONTEST: Bloomington South beat Bloomington North, 28-7. Castle beat Evansville North, 28-18.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Bloomington South, 16-14, on October 29, 2021, in Class 5A sectional semifinal.
UP NEXT: Bloomington South hosts No. 2 Whiteland (10-1) or Plainfield (6-5) in southern semistate. Castle goes to Plainfield or entertains Whiteland.
TOP PERFORMERS: Ben Morrison came off the bench to run 35 times for 215 yards with two scores for the No. 3 Panthers against Bloomington North. Brayden Bishop completed 6-of-11 for 113 yards with two touchdowns and rushed 10 times for 32 yards with another tally for the Knights against Evansville North.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Bloomington South will have to continue to play great defense to stop Castle. They run the ball very well and we will have to run and tackle the ball and find a way to contain their quarterback (Brayden Bishop). Offensively, we have to be able to run the ball. They are very good defensively, so we have to make Castle defend sideline to sideline.” – Bloomington South’s Gabe Johnson.
“Bloomington South has a very good team. I think we are going to have to try to slow down a running game that has been seemingly unstoppable and limit big plays in the passing game. Offensively, we are going to have to be balanced in our attack because Bloomington South has been able to consistently shut down their opponents’ rushing attack. We have to win the turnover battle and avoid penalties to have a shot at beating a very, very good team.” – Castle’s Doug Hurt.
CLASS 4A
KOKOMO (11-1) AT COLUMBIA CITY (11-1)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EST, Gandy Field.
COACHES: Austin Colby, 23-8 in third season at Kokomo, 39-14 in 5th season overall. Brett Fox, 47-48 in ninth season at Columbia City.
LAST CONTEST: Kokomo beat Mississinewa, 44-13. Columbia City beat Leo, 27-21 (OT).
PREVIOUS MEETING: First time playing on the gridiron.
UP NEXT: Kokomo hosts No 6 New Prairie (11-1) or goes to Northridge (8-4) for semistate. Columbia City travels to New Prairie or Northridge.
TOP PERFORMERS: Darrian Story ran 18 times for 127 yards with a score for the No. 7 Wildkats against Mississinewa. Ethan Sievers had 15 carries for 92 yards with a pair of touchdowns for the No. 9 Eagles against Leo.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Columbia City is a great football team that has pulled out a lot of close contests. They are a team that has been tested and their kids do not quit when down. It is a testament to their coaching staff, and everyone involved in their program. For us to have success against them, we will need to be efficient on offense. We cannot turn the ball over or have missed plays. Columbia City puts you into a rough spot defensively by running to the edge and throwing the ball efficiently. We are excited to have the opportunity to play this week and look forward to the challenge that Columbia City presents.” – Kokomo’s Austin Colby.
“We will have to play one of the best games we have put together all year to come away with a victory on Friday. We have to be on top of our assignments defensively, reading our keys and making plays. At the same time, we will have to keep the ball away from Kokomo. It will take a full game from all three phases of the game to be able to come away with a win on Friday night.” – Columbia City’s Brett Fox.
NEW PALESTINE (12-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (11-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EST, Bob Tully Field at Roncalli Stadium.
COACHES: Kyle Ralph, 116-10 in 10th season at New Palestine. Eric Quintana, 11-1 in first season at Roncalli.
LAST CONTEST: New Palestine beat Connersville, 43-14. Roncalli beat Brebeuf Jesuit, 21-14.
PREVIOUS MEETING: New Palestine, 44-13, on November 14, 2014, in Class 4A regional final.
UP NEXT: New Palestine hosts No. 4 East Central (10-2) or Evansville Memorial (9-3) in southern semistate. Roncalli entertains Evansville Memorial or goes to East Central.
TOP PERFORMERS: Kyler Kropp raced eight times for 112 yards with three touchdowns for the top-ranked Dragons against Connersville. JJ Prendergast returned an interception 21 yards for the game-winning score for the No. 2 Royals against No. 10 Brebeuf Jesuit.
COACHES’ CORNER: “It is going to take a tremendous effort from our kids this week to beat a very good Roncalli team on their home field. This type of game is what high school football is all about. Two great teams meeting late in the tournament that have been highly ranked all season. We need to play physical fundamental football and be able to match the emotions that come with a hostile environment and a game that is certain to be full of adversity from time to time.” – New Palestine’s Kyle Ralph.
“New Palestine is a good football team. They are coached well and have good talent on the field. We will have to be fundamentally sound and be the most physical football team on the field. We need to stop the run and not allow any explosive plays in the air. We need to set up our offense early and often.” – Roncalli’s Eric Quintana.
CLASS 3A
YORKTOWN (9-3) AT INDIANAPOLIS BISHOP CHATARD (8-4)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EST, Alumni Stadium.
COACHES: Mike Wilhelm, 100-96 in 18th season at Yorktown. Rob Doyle, 60-20 in sixth season at Bishop Chatard.
LAST CONTEST: Yorktown beat Norwell, 42-41. Bishop Chatard beat Guerin Catholic, 49-13.
PREVIOUS MEETING: First get together in football.
UP NEXT: Yorktown hosts No. 1 West Lafayette (12-0) or Knox (9-3) for northern semistate. Bishop Chatard travels to West Lafayette or entertains Knox.
TOP PERFORMERS: Mason Moulton was 14-of-23 for 179 yards with three touchdowns for the Tigers against No. 4 Norwell. Aiden Duncan had five receptions for 145 yards with a touchdown for the No. 6 Trojans against Guerin Catholic.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Bishop Chatard is a well-coached team. Coach Doyle and his staff have done a great job with this team and program. It is obvious that they continuously work on fundamentals and the fine details at each position, and it is challenging to find any weaknesses in the Trojans. In this playoff run, we have to continue to play Yorktown football. First and foremost, we have to block to the whistle on offense and run to the ball on defense. We must establish efficiency with our run and pass game, and our defense must cause turnovers and get Chatard off the field on third and fourth downs.” – Yorktown’s Mike Wilhelm.
“Yorktown is a tough team that has bounced back many times from some difficult deficits. We will need to play all four quarters. Their offense has been explosive when needed and they have shut down some very good teams when needed. We would like to stay balanced in our offensive sets and defensively prevent the big plays.” – Bishop Chatard’s Rob Doyle.
LAWRENCEBURG (11-1) AT SOUTHRIDGE (11-1)
KICKOFF: 5 p.m. EST, Saturday, Raider Field.
COACHES: Ryan Knigga, 110-36 in 12th season at Lawrenceburg. Scott Buening, 96-29 in 10th season at Southridge, 108-57 in 14th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Lawrenceburg beat Batesville, 33-7. Southridge beat Heritage Hills, 42-14.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Southridge, 49-28, on November 14, 2020, in Class 3A regional final.
UP NEXT: Southridge entertains No. 8 Owen Valley (12-0) or goes to Monrovia (5-7) for semistate. Lawrenceburg hosts Owen Valley or Monrovia.
TOP PERFORMERS: Logan Ahaus of Lawrenceburg was 7-of-10 for 135 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 9 Tigers against Batesville. Reid Schroeder had 28 rushes for 128 yards with a pair of touchdowns for the No. 10 Raiders against Heritage Hills.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Southridge is a very good team. They are coached very well. They run their Wing-T system as well as anyone running that scheme. Southridge is fast and physical on both sides of the ball. They fly around on defense and make plays. We are excited about the opportunity. We will need to take care of the ball, finish drives with points, and control the clock on offense. On defense, we will need to be locked in our keys and do our job. We can’t give up the big play in the passing game. We must tackle well in space and create turnovers.” – Lawrenceburg’s Ryan Knigga.
“Lawrenceburg has a strong tradition as a football program and has solidified themselves as a top Class 3A football program. They graduated a very talented and accomplished senior class last year and have followed up last season with another tremendous season. They are strong up front on the offensive line and surround them with very athletic skilled players. Defensively, they have only given up just over 30 points combined in their 11 wins this season which is incredible. To beat Lawrenceburg, we are going to need to neutralize their front lines and have a balanced approach to what we do on both sides of the ball and limit their expensive plays while figuring out a way to create a few on our own. Turnovers will be key as well in determining Saturday’s winner.” – Southridge’s Scott Buening
CLASS 2A
LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (9-3) AT ANDREAN (8-3)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EST, Father Eckert Field.
COACHES: Brian Nay, 39-22 in fifth season at Central Catholic. Chris Skinner, 64-24 in seventh season at Andrean.
LAST CONTEST: Lafayette Central Catholic beat Rochester, 24-8. Andrean beat Bremen, 56-13.
PREVIOUS MEETING: First meeting in football.
UP NEXT: Lafayette Central Catholic hosts Fort Wayne Bishop Luers (7-5) or Bluffton (8-4) for semistate. Andrean travels to Bluffton or entertains Fort Wayne Bishop Luers.
TOP PERFORMERS: Ben Mazur was 15-of-24 for 123 yards with a touchdown for the No. 9 Knights against No. 7 Rochester. Billy Henry went 15-of-17 for 173 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 5 59ers against Bremen.
COACHES’ CORNER: “It’s going to take a complete team effort for us to be successful on Friday night at Andrean. They are the defending champs and pose a lot of problems for opponents. We will have to limit the explosive plays their offense can generate on defense. Our special teams’ unit must be an asset for us (mistake free and win field position game). Offensively, we have to make sure we don’t become one-dimensional and allow for big plays to happen organically within what we do.” – Lafayette Central Catholic’s Brian Nay.
“Lafayette Central Catholic is impressive. They have size and length. They have athletes. They are big on both the offensive and defensive lines. And they are coached well. They play with technique and organization. They don’t make mistakes. We are well aware of their tradition and expectations, and in many ways, they are exactly like us. They play in a conference comprising bigger schools. They have a culture of expectations. Many of their players are multisport athletes that have had success in those other sports. While I don’t have any personal football experiences with LCC, I certainly have a lot of respect for their program. Defensively, it will take all 11 to contain their offense. They can attack a defense from a variety of ways with a variety of players. Communication and organization will be critical. Offensively, we need to control their front. Their defensive line and linebackers are impressive athletes. If they are disruptive, it will be difficult to have success.” – Andrean’s Chris Skinner.
EVANSVILLE MATER DEI (9-3) AT TRITON CENTRAL (10-2)
KICKOFF: 6:30 p.m. EST, Mendenhall Stadium.
COACHES: Mike Goebel, 257-82 in 26th season at Mater Dei. Tim Able, 90-34 in 10th season at Triton Central, 215-132 in 29th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Evansville Mater Dei beat North Posey, 35-0. Triton Central beat Indianapolis Scecina, 10-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Evansville Mater Dei, 35-7, on November 12, 2021, in Class 2A regional final.
UP NEXT: Evansville Mater Dei entertains No. 1 Linton-Stockton (12-0) or travels to Lapel (7-5) for southern semistate. Triton Central goes to Linton-Stockton or Lapel.
TOP PERFORMERS: Mason Wunderlich went 11-of-16 for 193 yards with a score and rushed eight times for 50 yards with a pair of touchdowns for the No. 6 Wildcats against North Posey. Levi Dewey booted what proved to be the game-winning 29-yard field goal for the No. 4 Tigers against Indianapolis Scecina.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We will need to play our very best football to stay in the game. As always, this Tim Able team is outstanding, athletic, seasoned, and very disciplined. Returning so many starters who have obviously matured and gotten stronger, Triton Central has earned its record and ranking. With excellent play on offense, they have put up great numbers through the air and on the ground. We have to try to keep their best players in front of us and make plays where we can. Their offense is so strong. Their disciplined and aggressive defense may be even better. Somehow, we must figure out a way to move the ball, that will be difficult vs. this team. As always, special teams play, field position, protecting the football, and limiting penalties are imperative. The long bus ride is also a factor, but we are excited for the opportunity to play. We simply cannot make mistakes.” – Evansville Mater Dei’s Mike Goebel.
“We play a tough schedule, but so does Mater Dei. We have played our share of full four-quarter games and played a few that we’ve basically played our varsity players in half of the games, and we have played our share of close games! We rely heavily on our defense and special teams. Offensively, we want to protect the ball, move the chains, win the clock possession, and score in the red zone. They have a prolific quarterback (Mason Wunderlich) with an outstanding run game. They have a stout defense that will be a challenge for our offense. We’ve had no trouble bouncing back this week as the players realize the challenge of playing against Evansville Mater Dei. Our kids are locked in in practice and in their preparation for a full four quarter game. The team who executes the best, limits mistakes, and controls the line of scrimmage, has the best chance at winning. They are an elite program with a storied tradition.” – Triton Central’s Tim Able.
CLASS 1A
CARROLL (FLORA) (11-1) AT ADAMS CENTRAL (12-0)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EST, Minnich Field.
COACHES: Blake Betzner, 20-5 in second season at Carroll. Michael Mosser, 125-47 in 14th season at Adams Central.
LAST CONTEST: Carroll beat West Central, 47-6. Adams Central beat Northfield, 41-13.
PREVIOUS MEETING: First matchup on the gridiron.
UP NEXT: Carroll (Flora) hosts No. 4 North Judson (11-1) or Park Tudor (9-3) for semistate. Adams Central travels to North Judson or entertains Park Tudor.
TOP PERFORMERS: Keegan Ellis recorded 18 carries for 224 yards with six touchdowns for the No. 8 Cougars against West Central. Keegan Bluhm scampered 13 times for 121 yards with a score for the No. 2 Flying Jets against Northfield.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Adams Central is a Class 1A powerhouse. They have had success for a lot of years and continue that success this year, A lot of our guys went to the state championship game last year and left very impressed with them as a program. They have offensive skill players everywhere. They have really good linemen on both sides of the ball and their defense is very aggressive to the ball. We are excited for the opportunity to see where we stand with one if not the best program in Class 1A football.” – Carroll’s Blake Betzner.
“This is a big game for us this week. I think that Carroll (Flora) is very good and will give us a very good game. They are big and tough. I think their defense is outstanding, particularly their linebackers. They flow to the ball well and are very good tacklers. Their offense is big and physical as well. They run their system well. We must stop them on offense and prevent them from draining the clock and scoring points. We must execute efficiently on offense. We can’t make mistakes that give them an advantage. We must control the ball and always maintain good field position. If we do all of that, we will have a shot at winning.” – Adams Central’s Michael Mosser.
NORTH DECATUR (12-0) AT SHERIDAN (11-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EST, Wright Stadium.
COACHES: Steve Stirn, 64-29 in eighth season at North Decatur, 151-78 in 20th season overall. Larry Wright, 446-205 in 57th season at Sheridan, 447-208 in 58th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: North Decatur beat Knightstown, 56-6. Sheridan beat Hagerstown, 75-36.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Sheridan, 56-20, on November 13, 1998, in Class 1A regional final.
UP NEXT: North Decatur hosts No. 1 Indianapolis Lutheran (12-0) or goes to Providence (8-3) for southern semistate. Sheridan goes to Indianapolis Lutheran or Providence.
TOP PERFORMERS: Carson Parmer completed 5-of-8 for 162 yards with a touchdown for the No. 3 Chargers against Knightstown. Caleb Alexander came up with five carries for 110 yards with two scores for the No. 6 Blackhawks against Hagerstown.
COACHES’ CORNER: “It is an honor to still be playing. I remind our players weekly what a blessing it is to still have the opportunity to play this game and to play it together. Obviously, Sheridan has a storied tradition. With tradition comes expectations. It appears that their expectations are very high. Sheridan plays a very physical and aggressive style of football. The line of scrimmage is critical in this game. Our defense must defend the big backs that they present to us. We must defend by committee. Our defensive success this year can be attributed to our team speed and getting defenders to the point of attack. Offensively, our quarterback, Carson Parmer, will need to be productive and command our offense. Our backfield of Reid Messer and James Evans must have an impact in this game for us to be successful. We are looking forward to the opportunity. It is a chance for our program to take another step in the building of our program.” – North Decatur’s Steve Stirn.
“North Decatur is a very balanced team with the run and pass. They are very quick both on offense and defense. We must block their linebackers because they are very active. On offense, they have a Running back (Reid Messer) that we must stop. If we stop him, they will go to the pass. They have three or four receivers that can catch the ball. Their quarterback (Carson Parmer) is 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, and very strong. We cannot let him have all day to pass because he is very accurate. The old saying is if we stop the run and pass, we will win.” – Sheridan’s Larry “Bud” Wright.
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