BLOOMINGTON NORTH (3-0) AT BLOOMINGTON SOUTH (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Huff Field.
COACHES: Scott Bless, 86-110 in 19th season at Bloomington North, 102-139 in 24th season overall. Gabe Johnson, 24-9 in fourth season at Bloomington South, 38-19 in sixth season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Bloomington North beat Terre Haute South, 38-28. Bloomington South beat Terre Haute North, 66-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Bloomington South, 28-7, on November 4, 2022 in Class 5A sectional final.
UP NEXT: Bloomington North hosts Terre Haute North. Bloomington South travels to Terre Haute South.
TOP PERFORMERS: Dash King was 14-of-24 for 214 yards and ran 14 times for 49 yards with three touchdowns for the No. 5 (Class 5A) Cougars against Terre Haute South. Gavin Adams scampered 14 times for 111 yards with a score for the No. 2 (Class 5A) Panthers against Terre Haute North.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Anytime you play in a big rivalry game you have to be able to block out all of the noise, relax and have fun. Offensively, we need to get off to a fast start and be able to run the football. Defensively, you have to be able to stop South’s run game to have a chance.” – Bloomington North’s Scott Bless.
“Our football team will need to get better during this week of practice. Bloomington North is a good football team, so we will have to be really good for four quarters to beat them.” – Bloomington South’s Gabe Johnson.
EVANSVILLE NORTH (2-1) AT EVANSVILLE REITZ (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Reitz Bowl.
COACHES: Joey Paridaen, 24-30 in sixth season at Evansville North, 60-63 in 12th season overall. Cory Brunson, 21-15 in fourth season at Evansville Reitz, 55-55 in 11th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Evansville North beat Evansville Harrison, 52-12. Evansville Reitz beat Jasper, 24-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Evansville Reitz, 38-15, on September 9, 2022.
UP NEXT: Evansville North entertains Evansville Bosse. Evansville Reitz plays at Evansville Central.
TOP PERFORMERS: Sam McKinney was 11-of-23 for 137 yards with a touchdown and ran six times for 65 yards with two scores for the Huskies against Evansville Harrison. Roland Vera had 10 receptions for 141 yards with a touchdown for the No. 2 (Class 4A) Panthers against Jasper.
COACHES’ CORNER: “First thing is that we must be able to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. If Reitz is able to rush effectively and we aren’t able to run the football, then it will be a long night for us. We have to match their physicality up front. Second, we must limit turnovers and big plays. Reitz is a very balanced and explosive offensive team. They have several weapons that can score quickly. If we can eliminate those quick scoring plays and take the ball away, then we give ourselves a better opportunity to score with them as the night goes on. Finally, special teams will be crucial. They have an amazing kicker (Keifer Sanderson) that can add points anytime they get across the 40-yard line. We must win field position battles and be sound on special teams’ units this week This is a very talented team and we will need to play our best football to give ourselves a chance.” – Evansville North’s Joey Paridaen.
“This is a big conference game. For us to come away with a victory, we will need to cut down our turnovers, be physical up front, and be a disciplined football team.” – Evansville Reitz’s Cory Brunson.
GREENFIELD-CENTRAL (3-0) AT PENDLETON HEIGHTS (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Broughton Field.
COACHES: Travis Nolting, 22-22 in fifth season at Greenfield, 82-50 in 13th season overall. Jed Richman, 44-34 in eighth season at Pendleton Heights, 79-64 in 14th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Greenfield beat Mount Vernon (Fortville), 41-35. Pendleton Heights beat New Castle, 42-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Greenfield, 34-28, on October 21, 2022 in Class 4A sectional opener.
UP NEXT: Greenfield-Central hosts Shelbyville. Pendleton Heights goes to New Palestine.
TOP PERFORMERS: Dallas Freeman had 16 carries for 172 yards with a touchdown and went 11-of-21 for 121 yards with two scores for the No. 6 (Class 4A) Cougars against Mount Vernon (Fortville). Nolan Souders came up with two interceptions, including one returned for a score, for the Arabians against New Castle.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We have to be sharp is all three phases of the game on Friday night. Pendleton has a very athletic quarterback (Isaac Wilson) and several hard downhill runners that we will have to account defensively for in their zone option scheme. Offensively, we will need to control the line of scrimmage with our offensive line and stay attached on our blocks. Pendleton is well-coached and their defense hasn’t given up a point all season. We will need to execute at a very high level in order to come away with the win.” – Greenfield Central’s Travis Nolting.
“Greenfield is a very talented team and Coach Nolting has done a great job. They’re a big play offense with weapons all over the field. We must play great team defense and not give up the big play. Offensively, we must take care of the football and not beat ourselves to be successful.” – Pendleton Heights’ Jed Richman.
GUERIN CATHOLIC (3-0) AT BREBEUF JESUIT (2-1)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Wilhelm Field.
COACHES: Tom Dilley, 59-42 in 10th season at Guerin, 139-119 in 24th season overall. Matt Geske, 26-13 in fourth season at Brebeuf Jesuit.
LAST CONTEST: Guerin beat Heritage Christian, 31-7. Brebeuf Jesuit beat Mishawaka Marian, 44-31.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Brebeuf Jesuit, 28-7, on September 9, 2022.
UP NEXT: Guerin Catholic entertains Indianapolis Roncalli. Brebeuf Jesuit plays at Indianapolis Roncalli on September 22.
TOP PERFORMERS: Alex Gibbs came up with seven receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown for the No. 2 (Class 3A) Golden Eagles against Heritage Christian. CJ Harris tallied 18 carries for 93 yards with a score for the No. 10 (Class 4A) Braves against Marian.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We are excited to begin our Circle City Conference schedule this week against a very good Brebeuf team. Defensively, their offense presents a tremendous challenge spreading the field and deploying a balanced attack. Our ability to pressure the passer, cover a talented receiving corps, while limiting a very good running back will be a tall order for our defense. The Brebeuf defense is always well-=-coached, physical, and stingy. They ploy a multiple defensive scheme that their players execute at a high level. They play fast and physical and do a good job of limiting big plays. We must be able to establish an offensive rhythm, create some explosive plays, and take care of the football. I am expecting a hard fought, close game in which the kicking game could determine the outcome.” – Guerin Catholic’s Tom Dilley.
“To win this week against a very good Guerin Catholic team, we will need to find explosive plays on offense and sustain drives. We need to be successful on third down defensively and get off of the field and we have to flip field position and convert points on special teams.” – Brebeuf Jesuit’s Matt Geske.
HAMILTON SOUTHEASTERN (3-0) AT FISHERS (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Clarian Field.
COACHES: Michael Kelly, 29-7 in fourth season at Hamilton SE, 43-23 in seventh season overall. Curt Funk, 19-16 in fourth season at Fishers, 96-52 in 14th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Hamilton SE beat Avon, 42-23. Fishers beat Noblesville, 48-22.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Hamilton SE, 35-13, on November 4, 2022 in Class 6A sectional final.
UP NEXT: Hamilton Southeastern hosts Westfield. Fishers goes to Brownsburg.
TOP PERFORMERS: Chandler Weston was 6-of-9 for 121 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 4 (Class 6A) Royals against Avon. Bennett Gorak went 23-of-27 for 289 yards with three touchdowns and ran for another score for the No. 6 (Class 6A) Tigers against Noblesville.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Fishers is a well-coached tough team that plays extremely fast. They are very balanced on offense and very disciplined on defense. They have the best front line we have seen on offense and defense thus far. Defensively, we must control the line of scrimmage, play fast and physical, and limit their explosive plays. Offensively, we must control the line of scrimmage, play fast and physical, and create explosive plays. On special teams, we need great coverage in the kicking game, stay in the rush lanes, stay responsibility sound, and create explosive opportunities in the return game.” – Hamilton Southeastern’s Michael Kelly.
“We need to stay focused this week and not get caught up in the moment. This is a big event for our community and a lot of hype goes into the evening. We need to remind our kids that our job is to play the football game and give our best with focus and effort. We must play our best football game of the year if we want to beat this talented HSE team. We must protect the football and limit their explosive plays. It should be a great night for football and a tremendous atmosphere.” – Fishers’ Curt Funk.
INDIANAPOLIS BISHOP CHATARD (3-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (2-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Arlington Field.
COACHES: Rob Doyle, 66-20 in seventh season at Bishop Chatard. Bill Peebles, 54-14 in sixth season at Cathedral, 128-79 in 19th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Bishop Chatard beat Indianapolis Roncalli, 14-7. Cathedral beat Penn, 35-6.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Cathedral, 38-0, on September 9, 2022.
UP NEXT: Bishop Chatard travels to Columbus North. Cathedral plays at North Central (Indianapolis).
TOP PERFORMERS: Aiden Arteaga completed 12-of-23 for 131 yards with a touchdown and ran four times for 31 yards with another tally for the top-ranked and defending Class 3A state champion Trojans against No. 8 (Class 4A) Roncalli. Keith Long came up with six receptions for 75 yards with a score for the No. 5 (Class 6A) Irish against Penn.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Cathedral’s offense is as explosive as you will find in any high school. They are so explosive that they knock teams out of contention before teams can catch their breath. We will have to try and slow them down and force them into longer drives and maybe a mistake or two. As with any quality opponent, special teams will be key to establish field position. Last year, we moved the ball but failed to finish drives, so we will need to do a better job this year.” – Bishop Chatard’s Rob Doyle.
“This is a big rivalry week for both programs. It should be a very physical and tough game on Friday. We need to do a better job establishing the run game than we have in recent week. Defensively, we need to limit the big play.” – Cathedral’s Bill Peebles.
MISSISSINEWA (3-0) AT OAK HILL (3-0)
GAME TIME: 7 pm ET, Oak Hill.
COACHES: Kyle Buresh, 25-12 in fourth season at Mississinewa. Bud Ozmun, 157-102 in 25th season at Oak Hill.
LAST CONTEST: Mississinewa beat Madison-Grant, 48-22. Oak Hill beat Eastbrook, 37-6.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Oak Hill, 45-22, on September 9, 2022.
UP NEXT: Mississinewa takes on Frankton on September 16 at Indiana Wesleyan. Oak Hill meets Madison-Grant at IWU on September 16.
TOP PERFORMERS: Nolan Quaderer was 20-of-24 for 288 yards with four touchdowns and ran seven times for 93 yards with another score for the Indians against Madison-Grant. Avery Mills ran 22 times for 53 yards with three touchdowns for the No. 9 (Class 3A) Golden Eagles against No. 7 (Class 2A) Eastbrook.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Oak Hill is a very tough opponent and Coach Ozmun has done a great job with his program. The main keys in the game for us to be victorious are winning the line of scrimmage battle, turnover differential, and solid special teams’ play.” – Mississinewa’s Kyle Buresh.
“Mississinewa is always one of the most physical teams we play every year. They are always big and strong, plus have some amazing athletes and then you throw in they are well-coached. This is why Mississinewa presents such a challenge with this year being no different. For us to be successful, we will need to be sound in all aspects of the game and be ready to play four quarters of tough, physical football.” – Oak Hill’s Bud Ozmun.
NORTHRIDGE (2-1) AT NORTHWOOD (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Andrews Field.
COACHES: Chad Eppley, 20-11 in third season at Northridge. Nate Andrews, 76-29 in 10th season at NorthWood, 116-68 in 17th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Northridge lost to Mishawaka, 37-16. NorthWood beat Concord, 45-14.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Northridge, 34-17, on November 4, 2022 in Class 4A sectional final.
UP NEXT: Northridge entertains Goshen. NorthWood goes to Warsaw.
TOP PERFORMERS: Beau Bojanich recorded 12 tackles for the Raiders against No. 8 (Class 5A) Mishawaka. Owen Roeder completed 25-of-36 for 404 yards with three touchdowns and ran for another score for the No. 4 (Class 4A) Panthers against Concord.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We will need to keep big plays to a minimum and keep everything in front of us. They have some very talented players on their offense, and we need to be able to limit their production. Offensively, we need to hang onto the ball, and not have mental mistakes.” – Northridge’s Chad Eppley.
“We must embrace the pace, set the tempo, be prepared for the speed of the game, and substitute frequently. We must play four to six A to B situations in which we play as hard are we can for the entire duration of each play from point A to point B. We must also celebrate sudden change. We need to respond positively when things don’t go our way.” – NorthWood’s Nate Andrews.
TRI-WEST (2-1) AT WESTERN BOONE (3-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Western Boone.
COACHES: Jason Ward, 36-13 in fifth season at Tri-West. Justin Pelley, 97-31 in 11th season at Western Boone.
LAST CONTEST: Tri-West beat Frankfort, 56-0. Western Boone beat Crawfordsville, 42-14.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Tri-West, 41-34, on September 9, 2022.
UP NEXT: Tri-West hosts Danville. Western Boone travels to North Montgomery.
TOP PERFORMERS: Nolan Cooper carried the ball 11 times for 93 yards with two touchdowns foe the No. 10 (Class 3A) Bruins against Frankfort. Cannon Brunes recorded eight carries for 65 yards for the No. 4 (Class 3A) Stars against Crawfordsville.
COACHES’ CORNER: “When playing Western Boone as in every game, but especially with Western Boone, they will test you up front. They want to get into a smash mouth game. They want to run the ball and eat up clock. We will have to be more physical than they are. I believe our defensive line is up for the challenge. All of our defensive linemen have two to three years of experience playing varsity. The goal is to get them out of their running formations and force them out of their comfort zone and put them in a passing and spread situation. Offensively, we have to show dominance upfront also. We have to be able to run the ball so we can open up the back end of their defense and let our athletes have more room to work in the secondary. It is very rare that one team will pull away from the other. Both staffs are very good and both teams will be prepared for this matchup.” – Tri-West’s Jason Ward.
“Tri-West is a sound team and always well-coached. They return several players from last year on both sides of the ball, so we will have to be efficient in every aspect of the game if we are going to have a chance to win. We must control the clock and protect the football.” – Western Boone’s Justin Pelley.
WHITELAND (2-1) AT FRANKLIN (2-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Heminger Complex.
COACHES: Darrin Fisher, 132-74 in 19th season at Whiteland, 193-146 in 33rd season overall. Chris Coll, 27-37 in seventh season at Franklin, 106-80 in 18th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Whiteland beat Decatur Central, 31-15. Franklin beat Perry Meridian, 26-20 (OT).
PREVIOUS MEETING: Whiteland, 24-0, on November 4, 2022 in Class 5A sectional final.
UP NEXT: Whiteland travels to Perry Meridian. Franklin goes to Martinsville.
TOP PERFORMERS: Slate Valentine scampered 18 times for 121 yards with one score for the No. 4 (Class 5A) Warriors against No. 9 (Class 5A) Decatur Central. Alex Leugers found the end zone twice for the Grizzly Cubs against Perry Meridian.
COACHES’ CORNER: “The race to maturity for our young team continues. The competitive toughness necessary to compete in a rivalry game on the road is the critical element to win this week in all three phases.” – Whiteland’s Darrin Fisher.
“Defensively, we must be sound against their offense. Coach Fisher is very good at attacking your defensive weaknesses with his offense. We must be sound across the field and play great assignment defense. Offensively, we must score points in the first half. We cannot put pressure on our defense to be perfect. Points early are critical. And as always, we have to be able to match their physicality up front on both offense and defense. Our offensive line and defensive front must be able to at least match play in the trenches.” – Franklin’s Chris Coll.
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