BREBEUF JESUIT (1-1) AT GUERIN CATHOLIC (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Guerin Catholic.
COACHES: Matt Geske, 18-9 in third season at Brebeuf Jesuit. Tom Dilley, 52-37 in ninth season at Guerin, 132-114 in 23rd season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Brebeuf Jesuit beat Tri-West, 36-8. Guerin beat Heritage Christian, 35-21.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Brebeuf Jesuit, 42-14, on September 10, 2021.
UP NEXT: Brebeuf Jesuit hosts Culver Academy. Guerin Catholic plays at Indianapolis Roncalli.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jack Maiers ran nine times for 115 yards with two scores for the No. 8 (Class 4A) Braves against No. 7 (Class 3A) Tri-West. Harrison Miller caught a pair of passes for 50 yards and two touchdowns for the No. 5 (Class 3A) Golden Eagles against No. 8 (Class 2A) Heritage Christian.
COACHES CORNER: “For us to be successful against a good Guerin team, we will need to play very physical on defense and create some takeaways or quick stops. Offensively, we need to make sure we stay on the field with execution and take care of the ball. Our special teams can be the difference maker in the game. They have a very good kicking game, and we will need to create some plays in this phase with returns and coverage.” – Brebeuf Jesuit’s Matt Geske.
“We are excited to play Brebeuf this week to get our conference schedule started. To be successful, we must control the line of scrimmage on both sides. We must be able to run the ball and contain their rushing attack. When opportunities to throw the ball are available, we must protect well and run sharp routes against a very good Brebeuf defense. As always, taking care of the ball will play a big role in determining this matchup. We must be opportunistic and take advantage of any chance we have to take the ball away. Our coverage units must also be outstanding to allow us to gain an edge in the kicking game.” – Guerin Catholic’s Tom Dilley.
CENTER GROVE (2-1) AT BEN DAVIS (2-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Giants Stadium.
COACHES: Eric Moore, 226-73 in 24th season at Center Grove, 274-78 in 28th season overall. Jason Simmons, 27-25 in fifth season at Ben Davis, 53-44 in ninth season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Center Grove lost to Louisville Trinity (Kentucky.), 29-28 (2 OT). Ben Davis beat Indianapolis Pike, 38-0.
LAST MEETING: Center Grove, 45-6, on November 19, 2021 in Class 6A southern semistate.
UP NEXT: Center Grove hosts North Central (Indianapolis). Ben Davis travels to Warren Central.
TOP PERFORMERS: Tyler Cherry went 11-of-19 for 222 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 2 (Class 6A) Trojans against Louisville Trinity. Alijah Price had 11 carries for 109 yards and two scores for the No. 5 (Class 6A) Giants against Pike.
COACHES CORNER: “The 2022 version of the Ben Davis vs. Center Grove football game will likely be another game for the ages. From the year 2000 thru the last five or six semistates, these two teams have collided in huge games. Though this game doesn’t lead to the state championship, or it isn’t a conference game, it’s still huge for the players and coaches. Both teams have dynamic offenses and really tough defenses. The Ben Davis offense features great speed and power. With quarterback Thomas Gotkowski having a great year, we have to figure out a way to pressure him. Running back Zion Graham has great speed and agility and they can score on the defense on any place on the field anytime. The Trojans have to find a way to not give up the big play. On offense, we will have to figure out a way to control the ball against the best defense we have seen. They have great size and speed. Ben Davis does a great job of getting the playmakers to the ball and getting you on the ground with sound tackling. First downs will be key for the Trojans, so moving the chains will be huge to continue holding on to the football. Ben Davis is always one play away from scoring and or beating you. We cannot turn over the football, but we must get the turnovers somehow from their offense. We won’t beat them with big plays, so we must create the ‘A’ game plan of ball control, physical football, with first downs and successful plays to stay ahead of the chains. We hope that will be enough to beat the Giants.” – Center Grove’s Eric Moore.
“We have to win the box. We need to be able to stay on schedule running the football and tackle their running backs while limiting yards after contact. We have to win in space. We need to win one-on-one situations in space on both sides of the ball. We also need to win the battle of explosives.” – Ben Davis’ Jason Simmons.
EVANSVILLE REITZ (3-0) AT EVANSVILLE NORTH (2-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. CDT, Bundrant Stadium.
COACHES: Cory Brunson, 11-14 in third season at Evansville Reitz, 45-54 in 10th season overall. Joey Paridaen, 18-25 in fifth season at Evansville North, 54-58 in 11th season overall.
LAST OUTING: Reitz beat Jasper, 41-14. North beat Evansville Harrison, 43-20.
LAST MEETING: Evansville North, 29-26, on September 10, 2021.
UP NEXT: Evansville Reitz hosts Evansville Central. Evansville North plays at Evansville Bosse.
TOP PERFORMERS: Ben Davies was 16-of-20 for 237 yards with three touchdowns for the Panthers against Jasper. Asher Horn hauled in five receptions for 110 yards with two scores for the Huskies against Evansville Harrison.
COACHES CORNER: “Evansville North is big and physical. We need to be able to match them. As always, we need to take care of the football and limit our silly mistakes and penalties. If we can do those things, then it’s just a matter of making the big plays when they happen. Should be a great atmosphere and a great game.” – Evansville Reitz’s Cory Brunson.
“So obviously, this week is a big game in terms of conference standings. Evansville Reitz has a proud program history, so their hot start has regenerated excitement and expectations on the west side of Evansville. We are excited for this home game because it shows us where we are at in terms of program success. The keys are pretty basic and simple honestly. We must be the more physical team and win the run game on both sides of the ball. We have been pretty good at this so far this season, but we must be able to continue this even when teams scheme against our strengths. We must win the turnover and special teams battles. We understand that it is very difficult to completely stop a dynamic offense like Reitz. Therefore, we must try to limit their possessions as much as possible. So being efficient offensively and creating turnovers could help us in that category. Finally, we must compete for all four quarters. In each of our first three games, we have had moments where we haven’t played good, fundamental football. If you play an incomplete game against a team like Reitz, then it will be a very long night for us. Looking forward to a big crowd and competitive game this Friday in Bundrant Stadium.” – Evansville North’s Joey Paridaen.
FISHERS (3-0) AT HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Royal Stadium.
COACHES: Curt Funk, 12-12 in third season at Fishers, 89-48 in 13th season overall. Michael Kelly, 17-6 in third season at Hamilton Southeastern, 31-22 in sixth season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Fishers beat Noblesville, 49-25. Hamilton Southeastern beat Avon, 48-13.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Hamilton Southeastern, 34-0, on October 29, 2021 in Class 6A sectional semifinal.
UP NEXT: Fishers hosts Brownsburg. Hamilton Southeastern plays Westfield.
TOP PERFORMERS: Carson Dunn scampered 14 times for 150 yards and two touchdowns for the Tigers against Noblesville. Jalen Alexander had 10 carries for 139 yards with a score for the No. 4 (Class 6A) Royals against Avon.
COACHES CORNER: “Hamilton Southeastern is a very talented and well-coached football team. They are fast on defense and on offense, they are as balanced as it gets. For us to have success, we can’t turn the ball over and we must eliminate our penalties. In a game like this, we have to take care of the little details. The atmosphere will be awesome, and this will be a great event for our community and school district.” – Fishers’ Curt Funk.
“We have to play HSE football. We have to be physical, tough, relentless, fast, and love one another. We cannot allow emotions to trump our execution. We must stay focused and do our job.” – Hamilton Southeastern’s Michael Kelly.
FORT WAYNE BISHOP DWENGER (2-1) AT HOMESTEAD (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Walters Stadium.
COACHES: Jason Garrett, 44-11 in fifth season at Bishop Dwenger. Chad Zolman, 155-48 in 19th season at Homestead.
LAST CONTEST: Bishop Dwenger beat Fort Wayne South, 42-18. Homestead beat Fort Wayne Luers, 24-16.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Homestead, 37-21, on September 10, 2021.
UP NEXT: Bishop Dwenger plays at Carroll (Fort Wayne). Homestead travels to Fort Wayne Snider.
TOP PERFORMERS: Sam Campbell was 6-of-7 for 106 yards with a touchdown for the No. 10 (Class 5A) Saints against Fort Wayne South. Brett Fuchs caught eight passes for 133 yards for the Spartans against No. 10 (Class 2A) Fort Wayne Bishop Luers.
COACHES CORNER: “To be successful this Friday night vs. Homestead, we will need to execute at a very high level across all three facets of the game. We must reduce penalties and turnovers, while looking to create turnovers. We must win the battle in the trenches.” – Bishop Dwenger’s Jason Garrett.
“Bishop Dwenger is solid in every phase of the game. Offensively, they are good up front, with talent at all skill positions. Defensively, they are athletic and assignment sound. Their special teams are also very good. We will have to play at a very high level in every phase to be successful.” – Homestead’s Chad Zolman.
FRANKLIN (3-0) AT WHITELAND (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Sleighter Field.
COACHES: Chris Coll, 20-33 in sixth season at Franklin, 99-76 in 17th season overall. Darrin Fisher, 121-71 in 18th season at Whiteland, 182-143 in 32nd season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Franklin beat Perry Meridian, 42-0. Whiteland beat Decatur Central, 28-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Franklin, 35-21, on September 10, 2021.
UP NEXT: Franklin entertains Martinsville. Whiteland hosts Perry Meridian.
TOP PERFORMERS: Lance Jones compiled six tackles and a quarterback sack for the No. 4 (Class 5A) Grizzly Cubs against Perry Meridian. Peyton Emberton raced 25 times for 185 yards with two scores for the top-ranked (Class 5A) Warriors against No. 8 (Class 5A) Decatur Central.
COACHES CORNER: “We must be disciplined defensively. Their offense is very good at taking advantage of defenses that do not stay sound in scheme. If we get out of position and don’t do our jobs on an individual level, it will be a tough night for our defense. We must finish drives offensively. We need to get points. When we’ve struggled against them in the past, it was in large part due to our inability to finish possessions with points. We cannot put all the pressure on our defense. We need to limit their yards in the kick game. We cannot afford to give their offense a short field. It will be important that we kick and punt well and that our coverage units are able to limit their return yardage. We must match their physicality and be disciplined about it. We have to play tough, physical football, but not hurt ourselves with penalties due to poor decisions or poor reactions.” – Franklin’s Chris Coll.
“The proximity of the two towns makes the Franklin game a special atmosphere. It will be critical for all of us to ‘Stay in the Moment’ and play each play as if it is the most important one of the night. No distractions, no thoughts of the outcome, just win that snap.” – Whiteland’s Darin Fisher.
INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (2-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS BISHOP CHATARD (2-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Alumni Stadium.
COACHES: Bill Peebles, 44-12 in fifth season at Cathedral, 118-77 in 18th season overall. Rob Doyle, 54-17 in sixth season at Bishop Chatard.
LAST CONTEST: Cathedral beat Penn, 35-21. Bishop Chatard lost to Indianapolis Roncalli, 17-14.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Cathedral, 38-14, on September 10, 2021.
UP NEXT: Cathedral plays at Hammond Morton. Bishop Chatard hosts Columbus North.
TOP PERFORMERS: Zach Meeks came up with four catches for 65 yards with a touchdown for the No, 3 (Class 6A) Irish against Penn. Riley Kinnett scampered 14 yards for a score for the No. 2 (Class 3A) Trojans against No. 2 (Class 4A) Indianapolis Roncalli.
COACHES CORNER: “Rivalry games always come down to which team makes the least mistakes. This one will be no different. Chatard is a very good fundamentally sound team. They play with great energy. We will have to match that energy and execute at a high level to be successful. It should be an unbelievable environment.” – Cathedral’s Bill Peebles.
“We will have to be at our best to get this one. Cathedral is loaded on both sides of the ball, so we have to control the ball and score some points.” – Bishop Chatard’s Rob Doyle.
LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (2-1) AT WEST LAFAYETTE (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Straley Field.
COACHES: Brian Nay, 32-20 in fifth season at Central Catholic. Shane Fry, 97-18 in 10th season at West Lafayette.
LAST CONTEST: Central Catholic beat Northwestern, 42-13. West Lafayette beat Western, 47-18.
PREVIOUS MEETING: West Lafayette, 43-7, on September 10, 2021
UP NEXT: Lafayette Central Catholic plays at Tipton. West Lafayette travels to Rensselaer Central.
TOP PERFORMERS: Owen Munn had three catches for 59 yards with two scores for the No. 7 (Class 2A) Knights against Northwestern. Connor Blankman tallied nine carries for 70 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 1 (Class 3A) Red Devils against Western.
COACHES CORNER: “We will have to execute at a high level in all facets of the game in order to be competitive with West Lafayette. Eliminating turnovers and mental mistakes will be necessary against a highly ranked opponent like West Lafayette, as they are so good at taking advantage of these types of mistakes. Defensively, we must make them put drives together and do our best to eliminate the explosive plays they can generate offensively. Execution in the kicking game will also be paramount for us. Offensively, we need to be able to put drives together and possess the football while scoring enough points in the process.” – Lafayette Central Catholic’s Brian Nay.
“Central Catholic is a well-coached team that is full of athletes. Our defense needs to slow down their running back (Baylor Smith) and make them one dimensional. On offense, we must take care of the football and limit our three and outs. We really need to improve our special teams and win the field position battle.” – West Lafayette’s Shane Fry.
NORTH HARRISON (3-0) AT CHARLESTOWN (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Reis Field.
COACHES: Mark Williamson, 63-46 in 11th season at North Harrison, 79-64 in 14th season overall. Jason Hawkins, 108-47 in 15th season at Charlestown, 114-60 in 17th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: North Harrison beat Corydon Central, 49-26. Charlestown beat Clarksville, 43-21.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Charlestown, 39-7, on September 10, 2021.
UP NEXT: North Harrison entertains Brownstown Central. Charlestown travels to Providence.
TOP PERFORMERS: Sawyer Wetzel recorded 24 carries for 223 yards with two scores for the Cougars against Corydon Central. Alex Harden racked up 18 tackles for the Pirates against Clarksville.
COACHES CORNER: “In order to be competitive Friday night at Charlestown, we must control the line of scrimmage. We cannot have pre-snap penalties or put the ball on the ground. Defensively, we must not give up big plays and tackle well. We will also need to win the kicking game. If we do all three of those things, we will have a decent shot at winning.” – North Harrison’s Mark Williamson.
“North Harrison is a good running football team, so we will have to play good upfront. Their defense is fast and can get to the ball. I’m hoping our offense plays better this week and does not have the mental errors.” – Charlestown’s Jason Hawkins.
WESTERN BOONE (3-0) AT TRI-WEST (2-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, State Bank Stadium.
COACHES: Justin Pelley, 88-29 in 10th season at Western Boone. Jason Ward, 29-10 in fourth season at Tri-West.
LAST CONTEST: Western Boone beat Crawfordsville, 49-0. Tri-West beat Frankfort, 55-6.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Tri-West, 21-11, on September 10, 2021.
UP NEXT: Western Boone hosts North Montgomery. Tri-West travels to Danville.
TOP PERFORMERS: Trevor Weakley registered 17 rushes for 120 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 4 (Class 3A) Stars against Crawfordsville. Ty Owens went 13-of-18 for 144 yards with three scores for the No. 7 (Class 3A) Bruins against Frankfort.
COACHES CORNER: “I expect a physical game and we know Tri-West will be up for this game, just as I hope we are as well. This matchup typically is decided by one or two scores and we will have to do all the little things in order to have a chance to win Friday night. We are very familiar with them, and they are familiar with us as both programs have a great amount of respect for one another. In order for us to come out on top Friday night, we must not beat ourselves. We must maintain possession of the football and make first downs. Punting the football will be a necessity on Friday night for both teams and we must be able to make them drive the field. No turnovers and stay ahead of the chains. If we can prevent the big play, we will have a chance.” – Western Boone’s Justin Pelley.
“When you play Western Boone, you know you’re going against a well-coached team with kids that are hard-nosed. Western Boone is who they are. They are not going to try to trick you in anyway. They play their style of offense and defense. The question and key to beating Western Boone is do you have the cats up front to match their offensive and defensive lineman? Western Boone will line up in different formations, but their main goal is to overwhelm you upfront on offense. If they cannot run in one formation, they will try another. We just have to be ready to stop the run against multiple formations. Offensively, we are banged up on the offensive line and in the backfield, so we will have to find mismatches on the outside and play mistake-free football.” – Tri-West’s Jason Ward.
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