FISHERS (2-0) AT NOBLESVILLE (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Swanson Field.
COACHES: Curt Funk, 18-16 in fourth season at Fishers, 95-52 in 14th season overall. Dave Sharpe, 10-23 in fourth season at Noblesville, 49-49 in 10th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Fishers beat Pike, 40-0. Noblesville beat Homestead, 42-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Fishers, 49-25, on September 2, 2022.
UP NEXT: Fishers hosts Hamilton Southeastern. Noblesville travels to Westfield.
TOP PERFORMERS: Khobie Martin ran 24 times for 173 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 7 (Class 6A) Tigers against Pike. Logan Shoffner scampered eight times for 101 yards with three scores for the No. 10 (Class 6A) Millers against Homestead.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We need to have eye discipline on defense and trust our read keys. We will need to be great tacklers and get 11 hats to the ball every play. Our special teams need to be solid and can’t give up a big play. Our offense must take care of the football and remain balanced. We can’t afford a turnover in this game. We are on the road and there will be a big crowd. We need to stay focused.” – Fishers’ Curt Funk.
“Fishers is a well-coached team with a lot of size and speed on both sides of the ball. The key for us is to control the clock with a lot of first downs, but we also need to hit a couple of big plays. Defensively, we will try to limit their big-time playmakers from making the big play. This is easier said than done when you are trying to contain guys like Khobie Martin, JonAnthony Hall, and Bennett Gorak. They really seem to take what the defense gives them, and they get their other very talented skill players involved when their star players are getting most of the attention.” – Noblesville’s Dave Sharpe.
FRANKLIN CENTRAL (2-0) AT BROWNSBURG (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Roark Stadium.
COACHES: Jayson West, 9-13 in third season at Franklin Central, 132-51 in 16th season overall. John Hart, 62-17 in eighth season at Brownsburg, 329-98 in 39th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Franklin Central beat Indianapolis Roncalli, 20-6. Brownsburg beat Indianapolis Cathedral, 45-31.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Brownsburg, 42-7, on September 2, 2022.
UP NEXT: Franklin Central hosts Zionsville. Brownsburg plays at Avon.
TOP PERFORMERS: Nevan Tutterow was 8-of-14 for 119 yards with a touchdown for the Flashes against No. 6 (Class 4A) Indianapolis Roncalli. Kayden Olinger caught six passes for 126 yards with two scores for the No. 2 (Class 6A) Bulldogs against No. 6 (Class 6A) Cathedral.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We are excited to play a top tier team in Indiana at their place. It will be a tough environment and we cannot make mistakes to allow them to bowl us over with momentum. Their offense is averaging around 50 points per game and they have a great kicking game, so we have to battle hard in both of those areas and not lose field position in the kicking and offensive side of the ball. We have to make big plays and win the turnover battle to have a chance at winning at Brownsburg.” – Franklin Central’s Jayson West.
“Franklin Central is one of the most improved programs in Class 6A. Their defense is outstanding, especially their secondary. Our key is to limit big plays. We have five what we call ‘hawked’ touchdowns already this year. ‘Hawk’ is when there is a break away touchdown play and someone catches them from behind.” – Brownsburg’s John Hart.
GUERIN CATHOLIC (2-0) AT HERITAGE CHRISTIAN (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, HCS Stadium.
COACHES: Tom Dilley, 58-42 in 10th season at Guerin, 138-119 in 24th season overall. Kyle Ray, 52-24 in eighth season at Heritage Christian.
LAST CONTEST: Guerin Catholic beat Lafayette Central Catholic, 27-3. Heritage Christian beat Shenandoah, 19-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Guerin Catholic, 35-21, on September 2, 2022.
UP NEXT: Guerin Catholic travels to Brebeuf Jesuit. Heritage Christian plays at Eastern Hancock.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jack Linden ran eight times for 38 yards and a touchdown for the No. 2 (Class 3A) Golden Eagles against No. 7 (Class 2A) Lafayette Central Catholic. Elijah Pimental came up with 10 rushes for 180 yards and two scores for the No. 9 (Class 2A) Eagles against Shenandoah.
COACHES’ CORNER: “In order to be successful this week against a very good Heritage Christian team, we must be able to contain their offensive speed and limit their big play capabilities. The Eagles are talented, fast, and well-coached. Their skilled position players have explosive potential on offense and in the kicking game. Our offense must improve consistency and sustain drives. At the same time, we know we will need to generate explosive plays on offense. Their defense is disruptive, aggressive, and fast. We must have great communication up front as well as great blocking on the perimeter. As always, we must win the takeaway battle, control the line of scrimmage, as well as gain an edge through our special teams. We are looking forward to a hard-fought game Friday evening.” – Guerin Catholic’s Tom Dilley.
“We need to play a complete game to come away with a victory against Guerin Catholic. We need to execute in all three phases and play with great toughness and discipline. Guerin Catholic is really talented and well-coached, so we are excited for the challenge.” – Heritage Christian’s Kyle Ray.
INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (1-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS BISHOP CHATARD (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Chatard Stadium.
COACHES: Eric Quintana, 13-3 in second season at Roncalli. Rob Doyle, 65-20 in seventh season at Bishop Chatard.
LAST CONTEST: Roncalli lost to Franklin Central, 20-6. Bishop Chatard beat Indianapolis Tech, 46-6.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Roncalli, 17-14, on September 2, 2022.
UP NEXT: Roncalli hosts Columbus North. Bishop Chatard travels to Indianapolis Cathedral.
TOP PERFORMERS: Benjamin Brandenburg returned an interception 56 yards for a score for the No. 6 (Class 4A) Royals against Franklin Central. Aiden Arteaga completed 5-of-7 for 98 yards with three touchdowns for the top-ranked and defending Class 3A state champion Trojans against Indianapolis Tech.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Offensively, we need to control the line of scrimmage and establish the run game. Defensively, we need to control the line of scrimmage and not give up big plays. We need to be the most physical team on the field.” – Roncalli’s Eric Quintana.
“The Chatard Roncalli rivalry is always tight. Our first job is to shut down the running game of Roncalli Offensively, we need to control the ball and keep their offense off the field. This is always a hard-hitting game.” – Bishop Chatard’s Rob Doyle.
LINTON-STOCKTON (2-0) AT MONROVIA (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Hadley Field.
COACHES: Brian Oliver, 106-23 in 11th season at Linton. Andy Olson, 17-20 in fourth season at Monrovia.
LAST CONTEST: Linton-Stockton beat Decatur St. Teresa (Illinois), 35-20. Monrovia beat Phalen Academy, 65-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Linton-Stockton, 52-27, on September 2, 2022.
UP NEXT: Linton-Stockton plays at Sullivan. Monrovia travels to Triton Central.
TOP PERFORMERS: Paul Oliver rambled seven times for 97 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 2 (Class 2A) Miners against Decatur St. Teresa. Brayton Belcher had six rushes for 77 yards with two scores for the Bulldogs against Phalen Academy.
COACHES’ CORNER: “This is always a great game for us. Coach Olson does a tremendous job with his program. In order for us to pull out a win, we have to be disciplined on defense and finish our drives on offense.” – Linton-Stockton’s Brian Oliver.
“Linton is year-in and year-out one of the hardest hitting teams we play. They are a hard-nosed team that has a tough defense and versatile offense. One big thing that we will have to do is limit our mistakes. Linton is great at making teams pay for mistakes. They are disciplined, so we’ll have to match their discipline and then some. Offensively, controlling the ball and keeping it off the ground will be our main focus. Defensively, limiting the big play and matching their toughness will be crucial. I coached with Linton’s defensive coordinator Mark Gennicks in the North-South all-tar game this past summer, and I’ve known Coach Oliver for years now. They are a great coaching staff, and we know they will have their boys ready. We are doing our best this week to do the same.” – Monrovia’s Andy Olson.
MERRILLVILLE (2-0) AT CROWN POINT (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. CDT, Dog Pound.
COACHES: Brad Seiss, 64-32 in ninth season at Merrillville, 77-49 in 12th season overall. Craig Buzea, 17-6 in third season at Crown Point, 230-93 in 31st season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Merrillville beat Hobart, 31-12. Crown Point beat Chicago Taft (Illinois), 49-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Crown Point, 48-40, on September 2, 2022.
UP NEXT: Merrillville entertains Portage. Crown Point plays at Lake Central.
TOP PERFORMERS: Dontae Pope tallied 13 carries for 148 yards with two scores for the No. 2 (Class 5A) Pirates against Hobart. Larry Ellison accounted for a pair of rushing touchdowns for the No. 9 (Class 6A) Bulldogs against Chicago Taft.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Crown Point vs. Merrillville one of the great rivalries in region football. It’s a great way to start the DAC (Duneland Athletic Conference) season with a big game. We’re a young team that needs to handle our first road game, along with a very tough environment. Our coaching staff will have the kids well-prepared against a program that has both good players and is very well-coached. It’ll be a fun game.” – Merrillville’s Brad Seiss.
“Merrillville presents our biggest challenge so far this season. As always, they will be the most physically gifted team we will see all year long. Their defensive front four may be the best in the state and their quarterback (Dontae Pope) will be a challenge to contain as he runs and throws equally well. In order for us to compete, we must play mistake-free football on offense and not allow any explosive touchdowns on defense. Special teams will be very key for us as well.” – Crown Point’s Craig Buzea.
NORTHWOOD (2-0) AT CONCORD (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Jahe Field.
COACHES: Nate Andrews, 75-29 in 10th season at NorthWood, 115-68 in 17th season overall. Craig Koehler, 58-29 in ninth season at Concord.
LAST CONTEST: NorthWood beat Portage, 49-7. Concord beat Jimtown, 27-10.
PREVIOUS MEETING: NorthWood, 41-13, on September 2, 2022.
UP NEXT: NorthWood hosts Northridge. Concord travels to Warsaw.
TOP PERFORMERS: Landon Perry hauled in four passes for 107 yards for the No. 4 (Class 4A) Panthers against Portage. Jaron Thomas recorded 13 carries for 208 yards with two scores for the No. 9 (Class 5A) Minutemen against Jimtown.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We must embrace the pace. Set the tempo, be prepared for the speed of the game, and substitute frequently. We must have four to six A to B situations in which we play as hard as we can for the entire duration of each play from point A to point B. We must celebrate sudden change. Crazy things have happened in this series, so we need to respond positively.” – NorthWood’s Nate Andrews.
“Our goals to success are very simple: We have to tackle well, specifically in the open field. We cannot turn the ball over which was an issue last week. They are incredibly talented on offense, so we cannot give them free possessions.” – Concord’s Craig Koehler.
PENN (2-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS CATHEDRAL (1-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Arlington Field.
COACHES: Cory Yeoman, 200-54 in 21st season at Penn. Bill Peebles, 53-14 in sixth season at Cathedral, 127-79 in 19th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Penn beat Mishawaka, 28-7. Cathedral lost to Brownsburg, 45-31.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Cathedral, 35-21, on September 2, 2022.
UP NEXT: Penn entertains Hammond Morton. Cathedral hosts Indianapolis Bishop Chatard.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jake Balis raced 15 times for 86 yards with a touchdown for the No. 8 (Class 6A) Kingsmen against No. 10 (Class 5A) Mishawaka. Keith Long caught six passes for 123 yards with two touchdowns for the No. 6 (Class 6A) Irish against No. 2 (Class 6A) Brownsburg.
COACHES’ CORNER: “Penn and Cathedral are two great programs with a lot of tradition. Defensively, we will have to find a way to slow down their offense. Their quarterback (Danny O’Neil) is a three-year starter that has a great arm and legs. Their offensive line is big and athletic, and their running backs are threats both running and receiving the ball. Their receivers go get the ball and their defense runs to the ball and are great tacklers. We must find ways to move the sticks.” – Penn’s Cory Yeoman.
“We are facing another talented and well-coached team this weekend. Coach Yeoman is a hall-of-fame coach and we congratulate him on his 200th victory last week. For us to have success, we will need to play solid fundamental football and limit our mistakes. Defensively, we will have to stop the run against big and talented offensive line and we will have to establish the run on the other side of the ball.” – Cathedral’s Bill Peebles.
TRITON CENTRAL (2-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Meyer Field.
COACHES: Tim Able, 92-35 in 11th season at Triton Central, 217-133 in 30th season overall. Dave Pasch, 140-53 in 16th season at Lutheran, 205-110 in 27th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Triton Central beat New Castle, 36-7. Lutheran beat Indianapolis Ritter, 49-12.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Lutheran, 54-41, on September 2, 2022.
UP NEXT: Triton Central hosts Monrovia. Indianapolis Lutheran travels to Lapel.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jace Stuckey was 16-of-24 for 202 yards with two touchdowns and ran for another score for the No. 1 (Class 2A) Tigers against New Castle. Braydon Hall found the end zone twice for the top-ranked and two-time defending Class 1A state champion Saints against Cardinal Ritter.
COACHES’ CORNER: “We must control the elite offensive attack of the Lutheran Saints. It’s difficult to stop them, but it’s important that we take away some of the bread and butter so that they have to go to less practiced plays. We must win the kicking game. That is a huge factor in our success on Friday nights. Offensively, we must mix up the run and pass and keep them off-balance. Coach Pasch has produced a juggernaut that will be tough to break.” – Triton Central’s Tim Able.
WESTFIELD (2-0) AT ZIONSVILLE (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Zionsville Field.
COACHES: Jake Gilbert, 94-52 in 13th season at Westfield, 124-88 in 19th season overall. Scott Turnquist, 27-25 in fifth season at Zionsville.
LAST CONTEST: Westfield beat Lawrence Central, 59-58 (OT). Zionsville beat Lebanon, 31-3.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Westfield, 23-16, on September 2, 2022.
UP NEXT: Zionsville hosts Noblesville. Zionsville travels to Franklin Central.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jackson Gilbert went 21-of-31 for 270 yards with three touchdowns and carried the ball 19 times for 43 yards and four scores for the No. 5 (Class 6A) Shamrocks against Lawrence Central. Luke Murphy was 15-of-18 for 192 yards with three touchdowns and ran four times for 45 yards with another score for the Eagles against Lebanon.
COACHES’ CORNER: “The HCC (Hoosier Crossroads Conference) is here, and it will be as tough as ever. We will have to play much better defensively this week. They have great wide receivers, and we will have to keep them in front of us. I like their offensive line and the quarterback (Luke Murphy) is doing a good job. They will be tough to stop. Our offense will have to stay hot. Zionsville is disciplined and well-coached and their safety play is a problem for teams because they are so active. (Luke) Penola is also a really good linebacker. Their special teams are really good with excellent specialists. The kicker, punter, and snapper are all good. (Eugene) Hilton ran a kick back for a touchdown, so we have to cover him well because he had a great punt return against us last year.” – Westfield’s Jake Gilbert.
“We have to eliminate our turnovers. They have plagued us so far this season and that has not allowed us to be who we should be offensively and has put our defense in difficult positions. We have overcome those things to this point, but Westfield is a team that will capitalize on mistakes and turnovers, and we cannot give them extra possessions and momentum. We have to be sound in our preparation and execution. Westfield is very good at using a variety of schemes in every phase of the game and they are sound in all of them. They do a great job of challenging you to prepare for multiple looks while not compromising their performance. We have to tackle well on defense and special teams. If you don’t tackle well, Westfield has athletes and tough players that can make you pay for that. We have to be in great position and then make plays when they come our way. Westfield is an excellent team, and we know it will be a great challenge. We are looking forward to a great week of practice and a great opportunity to test ourselves this week.” – Zionsville’s Scott Turnquist.
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