ANDREAN (1-1) AT NEW PRAIRIE (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. CDT, Amzie Miller Field.
COACHES: Chris Skinner, 24-13 in fourth season at Andrean. Russ Radtke, 69-18 in eighth season at New Prairie, 359-138 in 43rd season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Andrean beat Hanover Central, 44-23. New Prairie beat South Bend Clay, 62-7.
TOP PERFORMERS: Ryan Walsh accounted for 302 yards rushing and five touchdowns for the No. 9 (Class 2A) 59ers against Hanover Central. Michael Rodriguez ran 15 times for 74 yards and two scores for the No. 3 (Class 4A) Cougars against Clay.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Andrean, 44-28, on August 31, 2018.
CHALK TALK: "New Prairie has both size and skill to compete at a high level. They run an extremely efficient offense that can exploit a defense in a variety of ways. It will be important for us to be disciplined and play as a unit for four quarters. Keeping their quarterback, Chase Ketterer, contained will be a challenge, but if we can limit his explosive plays, it'll give us a better chance. We're continuing to find our identity as an offense. We have a healthy rotation of players on the offensive line and at the skill-positions. We must meet New Prairie's physicality in the trenches if we are to have success moving the ball. As always, we're hoping our all-state kicker-punter JJ Wadas can give us an advantage in the field position battle and on special teams." – Andrean's Chris Skinner.
"We believe that this will be our biggest test of the season. The New Prairie-Andrean game has been a lot of fun over the last few years. We know how well the 59ers are coached and we know how hard they will play. For the Cougars to come away with the win, we must play sound defense and limit our mistakes. Andrean will mix it up on you and have a good balance of run vs. pass. Our defense continues to get better each week and this will need to be their best. Offensively, we must control the ball, be satisfied with sustained drives, and not rely on the big plays. Special teams will need to be special. This is a game where field position and extra points can make you or break you." – New Prairie associate head coach Bill Gumm.
FRANKLIN CENTRAL (2-0) AT BROWNSBURG (1-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Roard Stadium.
COACHES: Grant Lewis, 20-23 in fifth season at Franklin Central. John Hart, 27-7 in fourth season at Brownsburg, 295-89 in 35th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Franklin Central beat Indianapolis Roncalli, 31-19. Brownsburg lost to Cincinnati St. Xavier (Ohio), 38-17.
TOP PERFORMERS: Peyton Viewegh was 6-of-16 for 79 yards and two touchdowns for the Flashes against Roncalli. Ben Easters went 13-of-28 for 237 yards and two scores for the No. 5 (Class 6A) Bulldogs against Cincinnati St. Xavier.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Brownsburg, 37-7, on August 31, 2018.
CHALK TALK: "We are looking forward to the game on Friday. The Flashes are focused on going 1-0 this week. In order to do that, we have to continue to start fast, limit mistakes, and play as a team for four quarters. Brownsburg is very talented in all phases of the game, so we have to ensure that our team is prepared both mentally and physically in order to be successful." – Franklin Central's Grant Lewis.
"We have five starters out, so our depth will be challenged. We made numerous unforced errors that caused us to lose to a very good St. Xavier team. An offense fumble resulting in a scoop and score and a blocked punt for scoop and score cost us the ball game. Franklin Central is vastly improved, so we will be tested." - Brownsburg's John Hart.
GUERIN CATHOLIC (2-0) AT HERITAGE CHRISTIAN (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Heritage Christian Field.
COACHES: Tom Dilley, 38-19 in sixth season at Guerin, 118-96 in 20th season overall. Kyle Ray, 18-14 in fourth season at Heritage Christian.
LAST CONTEST: Guerin beat Lafayette Central Catholic, 50-28. Heritage Christian beat Shenandoah, 48-7.
TOP PERFORMERS: Gus Baumgartner rambled 37 times for 229 yards and five touchdowns for the No. 5 (Class 3A) Golden Eagles against Lafayette Central Catholic. Colton Brown had 26 carries for 117 yards and three scores for the No. 10 (Class 2A) Eagles against Shenandoah.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Guerin, 48-7, on August 31, 2018.
CKALK TALK: "Heritage Christian is a very well-coached and talented team. They have an explosive, productive offense and a very aggressive and stingy defense. We are looking forward to a great atmosphere in their stadium Friday night. We will need to execute at a high level, play well in the trenches on both sides, take care of the football, and limit their big play capabilities. Special teams will also play a very critical role in Friday's game." – Guerin Catholic's Tom Dilley.
"We have to play very physical and execute at a high level in all three phases to have success against Guerin. We need to be able to have a good balance on offense and be great tacklers on defense. We must play with passion, discipline, and compete every single play. Guerin is the best team on our schedule and they have dominated us the last three years, so we are excited for the challenge." - Heritage Christian's Kyle Ray.
HOMEWOOD-FLOSSMOOR (ILL.) (1-0) AT PENN (1-1)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, TCU Freed Field.
COACHES: Craig Buzea, 88-23 in 10th season at Homewood-Flossmoor, 287-86 in 26th season overall. Cory Yeoman, 175-36 in 17th season at Penn.
LAST CONTEST: Homewood-Flossmoor beat Thornton Fractional North, 54-20. Penn beat LaPorte, 33-6.
TOP PERFORMERS: Donovan Doolittle returned a punt 91 yards for a score for the Vikings against Thornton Fractional North. Patrick Maclin recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for a score for the Kingsmen against LaPorte.
PREVIOUS MEETING: None
CHALK TALK: "They are one of the top programs in Illinois, so we will definitely be challenged on Friday. We have to avoid mistakes, penalties, and concentrate on executing in all three phases of the game." – Penn's Cory Yeoman.
MONROE CENTRAL (2-0) AT ADAMS CENTRAL (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Minnich Field.
COACHES: John Hochstetler, 58-27 in eighth season at Monroe Central, 145-110 in 23rd season overall. Michael Mosser, 82-40 in 11th season at Adams Central.
LAST CONTEST: Monroe Central beat Union City, 36-7. Adams Central beat Eastside, 21-14.
TOP PERFORMERS: Sam Feola raced for 92 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries for the No. 5 (Class 1A) Golden Bears against Union City. Blake Heyerly scampered 20 times for 115 yards with a score for the No. 3 (Class 1A) Flying Jets against Eastside.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Adams Central, 38-12, on November 9, 2018 in Class 1A regional final.
CHALK TALK: "Adams Central is one of the state's perennial Class 1A programs. Their coaches are very good and their players just seem to reload each year. We have a big challenge going to their place, a location that has not been good to us. We will have to control those things that we can control. Penalties and turnovers are always big in games like this." – Monroe Central's John Hochstetler.
"We are going to play very clean if we want to win. We have to avoid senseless penalties and mistakes. Monroe Central is well-coached, disciplined, and tough. We have to be able to match that kind of play with them if we are going to win. They are big, strong, and skilled, so we have to play smart on defense, play our responsibilities, and move the ball on offense. If we can't move the ball or stop their run and pass, Monroe Central will win big." – Adams Central's Michael Mosser.
NORTH CENTRAL (INDIANAPOLIS) (1-1) AT WARREN CENTRAL (1-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Warriors Stadium.
COACHES: Kevin O'Shea, 13-11 in third season at North Central, 227-84 in 27th season overall. Jayson West, 60-17 in seventh season at Warren Central, 112-29 in 12th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: North Central beat Hamilton Southeastern, 17-16. Warren Central lost to Louisville Trinity (Ky.), 17-14.
TOP PERFOMRERS: Scott Hoeg converted a 32-yard field goal for the Panthers against Hamilton Southeastern. Eli Price hauled in an 81-yard touchdown pass for the No. 2 (Class 6A) Warriors against Louisville Trinity.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Warren Central, 42-32, on November 9, 2018 in Class 6A regional final.
CHALK TALK: "Defensively, we'll need to overcome the loss of our two best defensive players, who are both three-year starters, to have a chance to slow down Warren. Offensively, we'll need to get a lot more consistent because we're still trying to find our rhythm." – North Central's Kevin O'Shea.
"We have to improve on offensive opportunities against a very good North Central defense and our defense has to capitalize on a young North Central offense. It should be a great game." – Warren Central's Jayson West.
NORTHWOOD (1-1) AT CONCORD (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Jake Field.
COACHES: Nate Andrews, 47-16 in sixth season at NorthWood, 87-55 in 13th season overall. Craig Koehler, 32-15 in fifth season at Concord.
LAST CONTEST: NorthWood lost to Indianapolis Bishop Chatard, 48-21. Concord beat Elkhart Memorial, 31-18.
TOP PERFORMERS: Jake Lone recorded six tackles for the No. 9 (Class 4A) Panthers against Bishop Chatard. Jamyris Rice ran six times for 75 yards for the No. 5 (Class 5A) Minutemen against Elkhart Memorial.
PREVIOUS MEETING: NorthWood, 29-20, on August 31, 2018.
CHALK TALK: "To be successful, we will need to play loose for four quarters. Defensively, we must be disruptive to their offensive and tackle extremely well. Offensively, we must run the ball with effectiveness, but also be opportunistic in the passing game. In the kicking game, we will have to limit their explosives." – NorthWood's Nate Andrews.
"We are going to have to be able to hold up against their run game both physically and mentally. Their objective on offense is to keep coming at you in hopes that you will eventually break. Offensively, we will need to be able to sort out what they are doing with their front six. Coach (Dave) Wilson does a great job of giving you multiple looks which can be very difficult on a high school offense. Hopefully, special teams can be an advantage. Ariel (De La Paz) has continued to kick the ball well which is a real weapon in high school football." – Concord's Craig Koehler.
PLAINFIELD (2-0) AT MOORESVILLE (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Mooresville Field.
COACHES: Brian Woodard, 80-63 in 14th season at Plainfield. Mike Gillin, 16-11 in third season at Mooresville, 321-128 in 41st season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Plainfield beat Tri-West, 28-13. Mooresville beat Danville, 27-20.
TOP PERFORMERS: Rickey Alsum carried the ball 25 times for 139 yards and two touchdowns for the No. 9 (Class 5A) Quakers against Tri-West. Breken Greene had 24 rushes for 107 yards and a score for the No. 1 (Class 4A) Pioneers against Danville.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Mooresville, 52-42, on August 31, 2018.
CHALK TALK: "It's very important for us to get off to a good start. We have to eliminate the mental mistakes and penalties that we had in week two. They have some dudes that we don't have in terms of athleticism and size, so we have to hope that by playing hard we can cover up some of our issues that we have physically." – Plainfield's Brian Woodard.
"Plainfield is a very potent offensive team. We will have to defend the run and pass effectively to be successful. We also will need to win the special teams matchup as well. It could be a shootout, so we will have to put points on the board. We also have to cut back on penalties because we had 15 (penalties) last week." – Mooresville's Mike Gillin.
RENSSELAER CENTRAL (2-0) AT WESTERN (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Panthers Field.
COACHES: Chris Meeks, 161-82 in 21st season at Rensselaer. Alex Stewart, 16-8 in third season at Western, 26-18 in fifth season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Rensselaer beat North Newton, 40-15. Western beat Western Boone, 42-41.
TOP PERFORMERS: Eli Hickman racked up nine tackles for the No. 5 (Class 2A) Bombers against North Newton. Jerry Padgett ran 25 times for 133 yards and a score for the Panthers against Western Boone.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Western, 42-14, on September 1, 2018.
CHALK TALK: "Western is a very talented team. For us to be successful against Western, we will need to find a way to defend their multi-dimensional offense. They do a great job of running the football, but are equally as dangerous throwing it. Offensively, we will need to control the ball and finish out drives with points." – Rensselaer Central's Chris Meeks.
"Rensselaer Central is an outstanding football team. Coach Meeks has built a great program. They are big, strong, and physical. They do a great job of executing on the offensive side of the football and they really pursue well on the defensive side of the ball. We are excited to have another high caliber program coming to Western to play this Friday night." – Western's Alex Stewart.
SOUTHPORT (2-0) AT COLUMBUS NORTH (1-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Andress Field.
COACHES: Brandon Winters, 20-13 in fourth season at Southport. Tim Bless, 131-84 in 20th season at Columbus North, 143-93 in 22nd season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Southport beat Perry Meridian, 49-21. Columbus North beat Columbus East, 42-31.
TOP PERFORMERS: Lemarco Yates had 16 carries for 98 yards for the Cardinals against Perry Meridian. Royce Lofton registered 13 tackles for the Bulldogs against Columbus East.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Columbus North, 41-36, on August 31, 2018.
CHALK TALK: "We expect this game to be won or lost at the line of scrimmage. Both teams will want to run the ball. The team that controls the battle up front and limits turnovers and penalties will come out on top. Offensively, we have to limit penalties. We have had too many the last few weeks. Defensively, we need to stop the run and keep them in front of us against play action with deep routes. On special teams, we want to try to win the field position battle by covering well and setting up good returns." – Southport's Brandon Winters.
"Our schedule has been a great challenge thus far. It is our objective to be a better team in week three than we were in week two, which will be achieved or failed based upon our week of practice. If we have a productive week of preparation, we'll have a good chance vs. the Cardinals. If we're satisfied with our progress, this Friday could be a long night." – Columbus North's Tim Bless.
TRITON CENTRAL (2-0) AT INDIANAPOLIS LUTHERAN (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Lutheran Field.
COACHES: Tim Able, 54-21 in seventh season at Triton Central, 179-119 in 27th season overall. Dave Pasch, 88-50 in 12th season at Lutheran, 153-107 in 23rd season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Triton Central beat Greensburg, 37-13. Lutheran beat Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter, 35-14.
TOP PERFORMERS: Trent Walters caught a 61-yard touchdown pass for the No. 4 (Class 2A) Tigers against Greensburg. Blake White went 13-of-25 for 113 yards and two touchdowns for the top-ranked (Class 1A) Saints against Cardinal Ritter.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Triton Central, 31-0, on August 31, 2018.
CHALK TALK: "Lutheran presents many problems at all the phases are better than any team we have faced. Their run game and passing is a scary combo. Their attacking defense will also be tough to crack. We must execute well with a superior discipline and toughness to match theirs. Coach Pasch always has them well-prepared." – Triton Central's Tim Able.
WESTFIELD (2-0) AT ZIONSVILLE (2-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, St. Vincent Stadium.
COACHES: Jake Gilbert, 56-39 in ninth season at Westfield, 86-75 in 15th season overall. Scott Turnquist, 2-0 in first season at Zionsville.
LAST CONTEST: Westfield beat Decatur Central, 36-14. Zionsville beat Lebanon, 47-33.
TOP PERFORMERS: Eli Patchett had 10 carries for 69 yards and two touchdowns for the No. 10 (Class 6A) Shamrocks against Decatur Central. Cole Wiseman tossed for 215 yards and two scores for the Eagles against Lebanon.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Westfield, 41-28, on August 31, 2018.
CHALK TALK: "For us to have success, we will have to stop the run. They are huge on the offensive line and their running back (Colin Price) is excellent. Their quarterback (Cole Wiseman) is more than capable of making plays with his feet, so we have to tackle well and play low against that offensive line. We need to prevent the big play because their running back can take it to the house. Their wide receivers are tall and can go up and get the football, so it will be tough. We need to be patient offensively. We have had a ton of explosive plays on offense and we are second in Class 6A in scoring, but this defense is very sound and they are playing hard. It won't be as easy this Friday." – Westfield's Jake Gilbert.
"We have to have a great week of preparation. In order to prepare for a team that is not only capable of doing a wide variety of things schematically but can execute those things at a high level, you have to prepare with great focus and attention to detail. We have had a great start to that process and hope that it will carry over to Friday night. We have to do a great job of possessing the ball and finishing drives. We have to value each possession and not turn the ball over. We also have to be great in situational football so that we can get the ball back and score in the red zone. A turnover or two for our defense would be great as well. We have to be the aggressor. We have to start fast and play with confidence knowing that we have put in the time and preparation to compete against a well-coached, talented, aggressive football team." – Zionsville's Scott Turnquist.
