ADAMS CENTRAL (2-0) AT LAPEL (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, The Boneyard.
COACHES: Michael Mosser, 69-39 in 10th season at Adams Central. Tim Miller, 34-37 in seventh season at Lapel.
LAST CONTEST: Adams Central beat Eastside, 35-9. Lapel beat Frankton, 35-20.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Lapel, 34-33 (2OT), on September 1, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Logan Macklin ran 11 times for 135 yards and a touchdown for the Flying Jets against Eastside. Justin Engle caught four passes for 79 yards and four scores for the Bulldogs against Frankton.
CHALK TALK: "Lapel is a very solid football team with good athletes and are well coached. So, to beat them on their field, we must bring our best. Lapel is big up front which is going to be a huge challenge for us on both offense and defense since we are smaller this year than we have been. We are going to have to use our skill and speed effectively to counter theirs. On defense, we have to get to their quarterback (Cole Alexander) and not give him time to throw. He is very good and accurate and likes to throw it long, so we are going to have to guard against that. Offensively, we are going to take advantage of what Lapel is doing and try to call plays accordingly. I think it will be a very good game." – Adams Central's Michael Mosser.
"Adams Central is a very good team on offense, defense, and special teams. They are ranked where they are for good reason. We have played two close games with them the last two years. We are a much younger team than we have been during those two meetings. Offensively, we have to execute in the passing game and complete passes and run the ball enough to keep them honest. Defensively, we have to stop their run and not get fooled by misdirection. The biggest key for us being young and inexperienced is understanding that the game is four quarters and not to dwell on bad plays or series." – Lapel's Tim Miller.
BROWNSBURG (2-0) AT FRANKLIN CENTRAL (1-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Flashes Stadium.
COACHES: John Hart, 18-5 in third season at Brownsburg, 286-87 in 34th season overall. Grant Lewis, 16-16 in fourth season at Franklin Central.
LAST CONTEST: Brownsburg beat Indianapolis Cathedral, 37-26. Franklin Central beat Indianapolis Roncalli, 14-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Brownsburg, 21-18, on October 24, 2008 in in Class 4A sectional.
TOP PERFORMERS: Bryce Kirtz hauled in four receptions for 33 yards and a score for the Bulldogs against Cathedral. Peyton McClendon rushed 18 times for 132 yards with a touchdown for the Flashers against Roncalli.
CHALK TALK: "In order for us to have success against Brownsburg, our team will have to have a great week of practice where we focus on the details and limit and mental mistakes so that we are prepared for Friday night. Brownsburg is a great football team that is coached well and will play hard till the final seconds on the clock. We will focus on performing to the best of our ability while controlling the clock and winning the field position battle." – Franklin Central's Grant Lewis.
CARMEL (2-0) AT CENTER GROVE (0-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Ray Skillman Stadium
COACHES: John Hebert, 30-12 in fourth season at Carmel. Eric Moore, 179-64 in 20th season at Center Grove, 227-69 in 24th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Carmel beat Noblesville, 34-7. Center Grove lost to New Palestine, 31-9.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Center Grove, 31-10, on September 1, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Tyler Trent tossed a pair of touchdown passes for the Greyhounds against Noblesville. Jackson Moore completed 10-of-13 for 73 yards for the Trojans against New Palestine.
CHALK TALK: ""Playing our assignments on defense and tackling No. 30 (Carson Steele) well will be very important. We also need to be able to consistently run the football on offense." – Carmel's John Hebert.
"As I approach this battle for the 'Copper Kettle' game, there is a lot to be thankful for. It's my 20th appearance in this fantastic high school series (9-10 is my record) and I'm thankful to be healthy enough to compete in 20 of these series games. It is the National American Great Rivalry game series matchup. Only 30 games in the nation this football season is advertised as a national rivalry game. We are that game for the United States this Friday. It's also the 10th anniversary of our first-ever state champions football team. (Yes, we beat Carmel in one of the most exciting games in state finals history). We are playing to win our fourth 'Copper Kettle', so for a storybook ending, the Trojans are going to have to play the perfect game. We will be improved on our sub-level special teams play, but we must quit getting penalties on key third downs and stopping drives. We must get more physical on the line of scrimmage, period. We have to begin to play the physical style of football we have played for the last 20 years. We must limit Carmel's big play ability, and we must try to create turnovers somewhere in the game. Again, I can't begin to tell you how proud I am to have served as the head coach in this series for 20 years. I would also like to give my condolences for the loss this year of the great Carmel football coach and one of my friends, Keith Fiedler. I will miss his conversation in the pregame for over the last 20 years. A great man, coach, and leader. God bless him." – Center Grove's Eric Moore.
CASTLE (1-1) AT EVANSVILLE REITZ (1-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. CDT, Reitz Bowl.
COACHES: Doug Hurt, 92-49 in 13th season at Castle. Andy Hape, 48-13 in sixth season at Evansville Reitz.
LAST CONTEST: Castle lost to New Albany, 27-20. Evansville Reitz lost to Owensboro (Ky.), 35-34.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Evansville Reitz, 44-33, on September 1, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Nathan Harpenau went 19-of-26 for 191 yards for the Knights against New Albany. Andrew Word had seven catches for 131 yards and a touchdown for the Panthers against Owensboro.
CHALK TALK: "This week's Castle game is the beginning of our SIAC (Southern Indiana Athletic Conference) play and we have a really good opponent coming to the (Reitz) Bowl. We are going to have to continue getting better fundamentally. Coach Hurt does a great job coaching his team and we anticipate a great ball game this Friday. This is will be a good test for our team." – Evansville Reitz's Andy Hape.
COLUMBUS NORTH (2-0) AT SOUTHPORT (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Cardinals Stadium.
COACHES: Tim Bless, 124-81 in 19th season at Columbus North, 136-90 in 21st season overall. Brandon Winters, 13-10 in third season at Southport.
LAST CONTEST: Columbus North beat Columbus East, 17-16. Southport beat Perry Meridian, 49-21.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Columbus North, 28-14, on October 13, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Blake Huffman rushed 22 times for 101 yards for the Bulldogs against defending Class 5A state champion Columbus East. Lucas Willoughby recorded seven catches for 120 yards and a score for the Cardinals against Perry Meridian.
CHALK TALK: "To be successful Friday against Southport, we must continue to build upon our strengths, offensive efficiency and solid defense. We must also take our points of emphasis from the practice field this week, improved special teams and fewer penalties, into the football game." – Columbus North's Tim Bless.
"Columbus North is a very well-coached and strong football team. We will need to be good in all three phases of the game to beat them. Turnovers and penalties will also play a huge role in the outcome of this game." – Southport's Brandon Winters.
CONCORD (1-1) AT NORTHWOOD (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Andrews Field.
COACHES: Craig Koehler, 25-10 in fourth season at Concord. Nate Andrews, 37-14 in fifth season at NorthWood, 77-53 in 12th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Concord beat Elkhart Memorial, 31-27. NorthWood beat Fairfield, 71-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Concord, 15-12, on September 1, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Peyton Stevens recorded three quarterback sacks for the Minutemen against Elkhart Memorial. Nate Newcomer ran for 120 yards and two scores for the Panthers against Fairfield.
CHALK TALK: "We must win the special teams' battle. We have to protect our quarterback (Ethan Cain) and our defense has to match their offense's physicality." – Concord's Craig Koehler.
"We have to have an unbelievable week of preparation. It will be crucial that we be creative and find a way to simulate their speed and the intensity of the game. We must establish our running game, limit their explosives, demonstrate unmatched effort in the kicking game, and respond to sudden change." – NorthWood's Nate Andrews.
FOUNTAIN CENTRAL (2-0) AT EASTERN HANCOCK (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Knarr Field.
COACHES: Ryan Hall, 2-0 in first season at Fountain Central, 37-30 in seventh season overall. Doug Armstrong, 2-0 in first season at Eastern Hancock, 99-79 in 17th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Fountain Central beat Riverton Parke, 41-6. Eastern Hancock beat Wes-Del, 14-8.
PREVIOUS MEETING: None.
TOP PERFORMERS: Nathaniel Butts completed 7-of-15 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown for the Mustangs against Riverton Parke. Jacob Johnson scampered 19 times for 95 yards and a score for the Royals against Wes-Del.
CHALK TALK: "For us to win this Friday night against Eastern Hancock, we must be able to stop the run on defense and fly to the football. Offensively, we must be able to block their guys up front, protect our quarterback, and get the ball to our playmakers. Eastern Hancock is very physical, so we must play well as a team this Friday." – Fountain Central's Ryan Hall.
"For us to be successful against Fountain Central, we need to keep our running game going. Therefore, we can control the clock which will help us against their explosive offense. We need to focus on special teams and field position as well to be successful." – Eastern Hancock's Doug Armstrong.
FORT WAYNE CONCORDIA (1-1) AT FORT WAYNE SNIDER (1-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Spuller Stadium.
COACHES: Tim Mannigel, 42-51 in ninth season at Fort Wayne Concordia. Kurt Tippmann, 98-22 in 10th season at Fort Wayne Snider.
LAST CONTEST: Fort Wayne Concordia lost to Homestead, 29-27. Fort Wayne Snider lost to Carroll (Fort Wayne), 38-14.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Fort Wayne Snider, 24-7, on September 1, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Tyler Grossman racked up three catches for 62 yards and a touchdown for the Cadets against Homestead. Alonzo Derrick returned a punt for a score for the Panthers against Carroll (Fort Wayne).
CHALK TALK: "Snider is one of the top teams in the state and is coming off a performance that I'm sure they regret. We will have their full attention for sure. Our ability to play turnover-free football through the first two weeks has been huge. Defensively, we've played pretty well, but need to lock down a bit more when the situation calls for a big play. Our mentality has to match what we perceive our ability to be. We're excited to play Snider and see, once again, how our team matches up with one of the best." – F.W. Concordia's Tim Mannigel.
"For us to win on Friday night, we have to play much better and every position. We are a young team and have to learn how to play hard, and be focused on our individual responsibilities in the scheme of the offense, defense and, special teams. We have talented players, but guys with little experience. Concordia is a very good offensive team that has a very talented quarterback (Jake Byrd) and they have a special wide receiver (Kamari Anderson-Drew) and the combo is a dangerous proposition for each defense. We will have to get good pressure on the quarterback and cover their wide receiver. On offense, our offensive line must play better and control the line of scrimmage. Our quarterbacks have turned the ball over six times in the last two weeks, so this must improve for us to have a chance to be successful on Friday night." – F.W. Snider's Kurt Tippmann.
INDIANAPOLIS BISHOP CHATARD (2-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS RONCALLI (0-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Roncalli Field.
COACHES: Rob Doyle, 9-6 in second season at Bishop Chatard. Scott Marsh, 8-4 in second season at Roncalli, 35-59 in 10th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Bishop Chatard beat Lawrence Central, 34-20. Roncalli lost to Franklin Central, 14-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Roncalli, 21-7, on September 1, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jack Kassenbrock had eight catches for 97 yards and a score for the Trojans against Lawrence Central. Luke Dill caught 11 passes for 77 yards with a touchdown for the Rebels against Franklin Central.
CHALK TALK: "Roncalli is a tough well-coached team, and but for a few turnovers, they would be 2-0 against (Class) 6A teams. We will need to match Roncalli's physical style of play for four quarters in order to prevail on Friday night." – Bishop Chatard's Rob Doyle.
LAFAYETTE JEFF (1-1) AT MCCUTCHEON (1-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Ellison Stadium.
COACHES: Pat Shanley, 17-6 in third season at Lafayette Jeff. Ken Frauhiger, 46-72 in 12th season at McCutcheon.
LAST CONTEST: Lafayette Jeff beat Western, 54-14. McCutcheon lost to West Lafayette, 34-20.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Lafayette Jeff, 28-10, on September 1, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Marquis Munoz rambled 21 times for 175 yards and two touchdowns for the Bronchos against Western. Payton Williams threw for 82 yards for the Mavericks against West Lafayette.
CHALK TALK: "We need to be able to slow down their rushing attack., so how will our defense stand up against their physical play. We have to keep (wide receiver Bryson) McGhee from getting behind us and can't let (quarterback Peyton) Williams beat us with his feet. We must take care of the ball offensively and must also be sound on special teams." – Lafayette Jeff's Pat Shanley.
There are several things we have to do to beat Jeff. We have to continue to improve up front offensively and we have to complete a higher percentage of our passes. Defensively, we have to start breaking on the ball better in secondary and tackle Jeff's skilled athletes without letting them get loose." – McCutcheon's Ken Frauhiger.
MISHAWAKA MARIAN (2-0) AT SOUTH BEND SAINT JOSEPH (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Father Bly Field.
COACHES: Mike Davidson, 2-0 in first season at Marian. Bryon Whitten, 9-15 in third season at Saint Joseph.
LAST CONTEST: Marian beat John Glenn, 28-7. Saint Joseph beat Northridge, 10-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Marian, 14-13, on September 1, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Tyler DeBoe found the end zone twice for the Knights against John Glenn. Teddy Maginn tallied an interception and fumble recovery for the Indians against Northridge.
CHALK TALK: "In order to beat St. Joe. it comes down to a few things. We must take care of the football. We've had some bad turnovers that have turned into points and given short fields the first two weeks. We won't be able to overcome that against St. Joe. We must contain No. 2 (John Driscoll) in the run game and eliminate the big plays in the pass game. We must play a full game. We haven't had to yet, so it will be a great test to play a full 48 minutes against a stout St. Joe team." – Marian's Mike Davidson.
"To win this Friday against Marian, we need to have precise execution in all facets of the game while minimizing our mistakes." – Saint Joseph's Bryon Whitten.
PENDLETON HEIGHTS (2-0) AT NEW CASTLE (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Huffman Field.
COACHES: Jed Richman, 12-12 in third season at Pendleton Heights, 47-42 in ninth season overall. Kyle York, 8-5 in second season at New Castle.
LAST CONTEST: Pendleton Heights beat Anderson, 51-13. New Castle beat Rushville, 35-14.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Pendleton Heights, 34-31, on September 1, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Kamden Early scampered 15 times for 119 yards and a score for the Arabians against Anderson. Luke Bumbalough racked up nine receptions for 95 yards and two touchdowns for the Trojans against Rushville.
CHALK TALK: "We are excited for the game Friday against Pendleton Heights. They are an incredibly talented football team that plays hard every snap. We will have to set the tone with our intensity and energy Friday night on both sides of the football." – New Castle's Kyle York.
SULLIVAN (2-0) AT NORTHVIEW (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Knights Stadium.
COACHES: Blaine Powell, 11-2 in second season at Sullivan. Mark Raetz, 40-14 in sixth season at Northview, 55-59 in 12th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Sullivan beat Linton-Stockton, 42-14. Northview beat Edgewood, 42-14.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Sullivan, 29-28, on September 1, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jackson Shake caught three passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns for the Golden Arrows against Linton-Stockton. M.J. Shelton carried the ball 12 times for 111 yards and two scores for the Knights against Edgewood.
CHALK TALK: "For us to beat Northview on Friday, we have to win the physical battle and keep their offense from making the big play." – Sullivan's Blaine Powell.
WARREN CENTRAL (2-0) AT NORTH CENTRAL (INDIANAPOLIS) (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Panther Stadium.
COACHES: Jayson West, 47-16 in sixth season at Warren Central, 99-28 in 11th season overall. Kevin O'Shea, 5-7 in second season at North Central, 219-80 in 26th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Warren Central beat Louisville Trinity (Ky.), 42-41. North Central beat Hamilton Southeastern, 31-13.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Warren Central, 42-21, on September 1, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: David Bell recorded five catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns for the Warriors against Louisville Trinity. Alex Tarver scampered 31 times for 127 yards for the Panthers against Hamilton Southeastern.
CHALK TALK: "We have to play much better and get healthy. Defensively, we cannot give up big plays and we must be cleaner on special teams and offense to have a chance to win." –Warren Central's Jayson West.
"Warren Central is an outstanding team. They have so many weapons offensively, a great offensive line, and a fast flying defense. We'll need to play a near-perfect game to have a chance to be successful." – North Central's Kevin O'Shea.
WHITELAND (2-0) AT DECATUR CENTRAL (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Devere Stadium.
COACHES: Darrin Fisher, 91-58 in 14th season at Whiteland, 152-130 in 28th season overall. Kyle Enright, 19-5 in third season at Decatur Central.
LAST CONTEST: Whiteland beat Greenfield-Central, 35-7. Decatur Central beat Westfield, 35-21.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Decatur Central, 55-28, on September 1, 2017.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jake Perry ran 15 times for 202 yards and three touchdowns for the Warriors against Greenfield-Central. Parker Harrington accounted for a score for the Hawks against Westfield.
CHALK TALK: "We have to play mistake-free football and be the best hitting team. Defensively, we must contain their running game and scrambling effectiveness of their quarterback (Parker Harrington). Offensively, we have to run the ball effectively and be able to make a big play on special teams." – Whiteland's Darrin Fisher.
"Our keys to success against Whiteland are very simple. Do not turn the ball over offensively, force Whiteland to drive the football by not allowing any big plays defensively, and win the field position battle in the kicking game. Whiteland is a very good team which is coming off a huge win against defending Class 5A state champ Columbus East, and a dominating win over Greenfield-Central. They are well-coached and run a unique offense that forces you to play assignment football defensively. They are big up front and have backs that can take it the distance on any given play. Whiteland also has a new defensive coordinator and a new scheme. They play sound and have physical kids on the defensive side of the ball. We look forward to hosting Coach Fisher and the Warriors for both teams' Mid-State conference opener." – Decatur Central's Kyle Enright.
