BEN DAVIS (4-2) AT CARMEL (3-3)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Greyhound Stadium.
COACHES: Mike Kirschner, 76-34 in 10th season at Ben Davis, 90-60 in 14th season overall. John Hebert, 13-6 in second season at Carmel.
LAST CONTEST: Ben Davis beat Lawrence North, 41-14. Carmel beat North Central (Indianapolis), 48-22.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Carmel, 35-21, October 2, 2015.
UP NEXT: Ben Davis hosts Lawrence Central and Carmel travels to Warren Central.
COACHES CORNER: "We must find a way to play tough on the road. They are very disciplined and rarely turn the ball over. We are going to have to control the tempo of the game and keep the ball from them." - Ben Davis coach Mike Kirschner.
BREBEUF JESUIT (3-3) AT GUERIN CATHOLIC (5-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Guerin Catholic Field.
COACHES: Mic Roessler, 26-16 in fourth season at Brebeuf Jesuit. Tom Dilley, 22-8 in third season at Guerin Catholic, 102-85 in 17th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Brebeuf Jesuit lost to Indianapolis Roncalli, 14-6. Guerin Catholic beat Greenwood, 42-27.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Brebeuf Jesuit, 21-16, October 2, 2015.
UP NEXT: Brebeuf Jesuit hosts Indianapolis Cathedral and Guerin Catholic plays at Indianapolis Bishop Chatard.
COACHES CORNER: "In order for us to beat Guerin Catholic, we need to play aggressively sound defense and execute our blocking schemes on offense. Our special teams need to remain solid and score or set up a score." – Brebeuf Jesuit coach Mic Roessler.
"To be successful this Friday against Brebeuf, we need to play our best game of the year. They are well-coached, disciplined, and athletic. Brebeuf presents many challenges in every level of their defense as well as the offensive trenches and skill positions. We must be able to sustain drives on offense and win third downs on defense. Typical of most games, ball security is a priority, and we must win the line of scrimmage. Tackling in space will be critical." – Guerin Catholic coach Tom Dilley.
CARROLL (FORT WAYNE) (5-1) AT HOMESTEAD (4-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Walters Stadium.
COACHES: Doug Dinan, 55-22 in seventh season at Carroll (Fort Wayne). Chad Zolman, 105-34 in 13th season at Homestead.
LAST CONTEST: Carroll (Fort Wayne) beat Fort Wayne South, 62-28. Homestead beat Fort Wayne North, 48-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Homestead, 35-26, October 30, 2015, Class 6A sectional.
UP NEXT: Carroll hosts Fort Wayne Concordia and Homestead travels to Fort Wayne Wayne.
COACHES CORNER: "Week seven of the Summit Athletic Conference is 'Rivalry Week' for all schools. Our week seven opponent and close rival is the Homestead Spartans. Coach Zolman and his staff do a tremendous job of preparing their team throughout the season. This will be an exciting game. For us to be successful, we will have to continue with the same defensive intensity that we have seen the past several weeks. We must again be efficient offensively running and passing the ball." – Carroll coach Doug Dinan.
"Carroll is a very good football team. They are opportunistic on special teams. They fly around on defense and they are efficient on offense. We need to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball to be successful." – Homestead coach Chad Zolman.
EVANSVILLE MEMORIAL (4-2) AT EVANSVILLE CENTRAL (5-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. CDT, Central Stadium.
COACHES: John Hurley, 54-50 in ninth season at Evansville Memorial. Andy Owen, 63-42 in 10th season at Evansville Central.
LAST CONTEST: Evansville Memorial lost to Evansville Reitz, 43-12. Evansville Central beat Evansville Harrison, 49-28.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Evansville Central, 41-14, October 2, 2015.
UP NEXT: Evansville Memorial plays at Evansville Harrison and Evansville Central travels to Evansville Mater Dei.
COACHES CORNER: "(Evansville) Central is a big play ball club and we will need to limit their touches. Time of possession will also be a key this week. So far, our two losses have been to ranked opponents (Class 4A No. 4 Evansville Reitz and Class 2A No. 3 Evansville Mater Dei)." – Evansville Memorial coach John Hurley.
"We have to continue to play well in all phases of the game. We will need to keep their offense from making the big play." – Evansville Central coach Andy Owen.
FORT WAYNE BISHOP DWENGER (4-2) AT FORT WAYNE BISHOP LUERS (3-3)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Luers Field.
COACHES: Chris Svarczkopf, 135-43 in 14th season at Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger. Kyle Lindsay, 24-21 in fourth season at Fort Wayne Bishop Luers.
LAST CONTEST: Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger lost to Fort Wayne Concordia, 28-21. Fort Wayne Bishop Luers beat Fort Wayne Northrop, 63-49.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Fort Wayne Bishop Luers, 28-15, August 21, 2015.
UP NEXT: Bishop Dwenger hosts Fort Wayne Snider and Bishop Luers hosts Fort Wayne South.
COACHES CORNER:
"To beat Dwenger, we will have to play a heck of a lot better defense than we have at any point this year. We must take care of the ball and limit the mental mistakes (such as penalties). Dwenger does not beat themselves, so we have to be fundamentally sharp for 48 minutes. If we can continue to run the ball well, I think this could be a very good game." – Bishop Luers coach Kyle Lindsay.
HOBART (4-2) AT MUNSTER (3-3)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. CDT, Mustang Field.
COACHES: Ryan Turley, 28-30 in sixth season at Hobart. Leroy Marsh, 221-157 in 38th season at Munster.
LAST CONTEST: Hobart beat Lowell, 18-12. Munster lost to Griffith, 24-21.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Hobart, 34-0, October 2, 2015.
UP NEXT: Hobart hosts Hammond Morton and Munster travels to Lowell.
COACHES CORNER: "In order for the Bricks to win on Friday night, we will need to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Munster is big up front and this will be a challenge all night. We will also need to be aware of No. 18 (Jaylan Scott) and No. 34 (Danny Stanley) and where they are at all times. These are (quarterback Andrew) Jumonville's favorite go-to guys on offense." – Hobart coach Ryan Turley.
"We need to improve defensively to stop the run vs. Hobart to have a chance to win. We also have to stop the big play on the pass." – Munster coach Leroy Marsh.
LAFAYETTE CENTRAL CATHOLIC (6-0) AT WEST LAFAYETTE (5-1)
KICKOFF: 7:30 p.m. EDT, Straley Field.
COACHES: Kevin O'Shea, 108-9 in ninth season at Lafayette Central Catholic, 208-72 in 24th season overall. Shane Fry, 37-8 in fourth season at West Lafayette.
LAST CONTEST: Lafayette Central Catholic beat Twin Lakes, 48-0. West Lafayette beat Benton Central, 62-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Lafayette Central Catholic, 38-20, October 16, 2015.
UP NEXT: Lafayette Central Catholic hosts Rensselaer Central and West Lafayette plays at Twin Lakes.
COACHES CORNER: "They have an outstanding offense and a stingy defense, so we'll need to play a perfect game to knock off the Class 3A No. 2 Red Devils." – Lafayette Central Catholic coach Kevin O'Shea.
"We need to take care of the ball on offense. We cannot afford to turn the ball over multiple times. Defensively, we have to limit their big plays." – West Lafayette coach Shane Fry.
MCCUTCHEON (5-1) AT HARRISON (WEST LAFAYETTE) (4-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Richard Field.
COACHES: Ken Frauhiger, 35-65 in 10th season at McCutcheon. Terry Peebles, 15-12 in third season at Harrison (West Lafayette).
LAST CONTEST: McCutcheon beat Indianapolis Tech, 17-14. Harrison (West Lafayette) beat Muncie Central, 20-15.
PREVIOUS MEETING: McCutcheon, 31-3, October 2, 2015.
UP NEXT: McCutcheon hosts Muncie Central and Harrison plays at Kokomo.
COACHES CORNER: "McCutcheon will have to continue to play aggressively defensively and error-free offensively to win against a solid Harrison football team." – McCutcheon coach Ken Frauhiger.
"I believe that the key to this week's game will be mistakes. Who will make mistakes, and who will capitalize on mistakes. McCutcheon has not turned the ball over or committed many penalties in their previous NCC games, so we have to be efficient when opportunities arise. It is sure to be a very physical game. If we can hold our own up front on the offensive and defensive lines and capitalize on our opponents' mistakes, it should be a very competitive game." – Harrison coach Terry Peebles.
MICHIGAN CITY (5-1) AT PORTAGE (4-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. CDT, The Warpath.
COACHES: Phil Mason, 5-1 in first season at Michigan City, 118-62 in 16th season overall. Darren Rodriguez, 4-2 in first season at Portage, 41-50 in ninth season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Michigan City beat Lake Central, 46-42. Portage beat Chesterton, 22-13.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Michigan City, 27-26, October 2, 2015.
UP NEXT: Michigan City hosts LaPorte and Portage travels to Valparaiso.
COACHES CORNER: "Portage has done a nice job getting their offense back on track. The biggest challenge will be stopping the quarterback (Anthony Maceo) in their option offense. He is doing an outstanding job and is a great athlete." – Michigan City coach Phil Mason.
"We are going to have to execute on both sides of the ball. It will be very important for us to limit our mistakes. The offense will have to adjust to Michigan City's fast and aggressive defense, while our defense will have to try and contain a very high-powered Michigan City offense." – Portage coach Darren Rodriguez.
MISHAWAKA MARIAN (6-0) AT NEW PRAIRIE (5-1)
KICKOFF: 6:30 p.m. CDT, Amzie Miller Field.
COACHES: Reggie Glon, 151-96 in 23rd season at Mishawaka Marian. Russ Radtke, 45-10 in fifth season at New Prairie, 335-130 in 40th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Mishawaka Marian beat Bremen, 31-14. New Prairie beat South Bend Riley, 70-14.
PREVIOUS MEETING: New Prairie, 28-21, October 2, 2015.
UP NEXT: Marian plays at Mishawaka and New Prairie travels to John Glenn.
COACHES CORNER: "This will be our third ranked opponent in the last three weeks. This is a big game for both teams because the winner will be in the driver's seat for a NIC South Division championship. This game has become a great rivalry game and we expect nothing but another intense hard fought battle this Friday. New Prairie is a well-coached and disciplined team who will play hard for 48 minutes. We will have to bring our best game of the season to stay with them. We must have a great week of practice on the little things. We must prepare for the obstacles what will come up during the game. We must win the battle up front, be sound in the kicking game, and play hard for 48 minutes to come out with a win on Friday night." – Marian coach Reggie Glon.
"I believe we have two teams with a lot of similarities that remain unbeaten in the NIC South. For the Cougars to come out on top offensively, we must continue to get ourselves into the right play, protect the football, and not put ourselves in bad positions with penalties. Defensively, Mishawaka Marian has many weapons that we will need to defend perfectly. The backfield and receiving corps are among the best that we have seen on film. Friday night will be an outstanding game between two outstanding programs." – New Prairie assistant coach Bill Gumm.
NEW PALESTINE (6-0) AT SHELBYVILLE (6-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, McKeand Field.
COACHES: Kyle Ralph, 47-2 in fourth season at New Palestine. Patrick Parks, 118-114 in 22nd season at Shelbyville.
LAST CONTEST: New Palestine beat Greenfield-Central, 84-21. Shelbyville beat Yorktown, 35-21.
PREVIOUS MEETING: New Palestine, 45-0, October 2, 2015.
UP NEXT: New Palestine plays at New Castle and Shelbyville hosts Mount Vernon (Fortville).
COACHES CORNER: "We need to have a tremendous week of preparation. Shelbyville brings a lot of weapons to the table on both offense and defense and we need to be able to manage and handle those. It starts with our focus and preparation during the week. The key then is to take a great week of practice and be able to execute it Friday night against a well-coached and skilled opponent. It is going to be a tremendous challenge." – New Palestine coach Kyle Ralph.
"We must play a clean game, tackle well, allow no big plays, and score every chance we get." – Shelbyville coach Pat Parks.
OAK HILL (4-2) AT MISSISSINEWA (6-0)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Fisher Field.
COACHES: Bud Ozmun, 118-71 in 18th season at Oak Hill. Curt Funk, 42-28 in seventh season at Mississinewa.
LAST CONTEST: Oak Hill lost to Eastbrook, 49-14. Mississinewa beat Madison-Grant, 40-13.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Mississinewa, 34-14, October 9, 2015.
UP NEXT: Oak Hill travels to Madison-Grant and Mississinewa plays at Frankton.
COACHES CORNER: "We have to play mistake free football Friday vs. a talented Oak Hill football team to win the game. We can't turn the ball over and must be sound in our defensive assignments. Great blocking and tackling will have to be points of emphasis this week in practice." – Mississinewa coach Curt Funk.
PIONEER (6-0) AT KNOX (5-1)
KICKOFF: 6:30 p.m. CDT, Community Field.
COACHES: Adam Berry, 6-0 in first season at Pioneer. John Hendryx, 11-7 in second season at Knox, 186-83 in 24th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Pioneer beat LaVille, 42-14. Knox beat Culver, 24-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Pioneer, 49-6, October 2, 2015.
UP NEXT: Pioneer hosts Culver and Knox travels to Triton.
COACHES CORNER: "To win against Pioneer Friday, we have to play a perfect game. We can't have penalties, turnovers, and give up big plays. They don't have any weaknesses. Their offense, defense, and special teams all play with extreme discipline and quickness. If we play perfect and they make some mistakes, then hopefully we'll be able to compete. It will be a huge challenge for us." – Knox coach John Hendryx.
THE INDIANA FOOTBALL DIGEST'S BEST OF THE REST – WEEK SEVEN
ATTICA (4-2) AT COVINGTON (4-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Trojan Complex.
COACHES: Ryan Good, 61-33 in ninth season at Attica. Travis Brown, 19-28 in fifth season at Covington.
LAST CONTEST: Attica lost to North Vermillion, 23-21. Covington beat Indiana Deaf, 14-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Attica, 35-20, October 23, 2015, Class 1A sectional.
UP NEXT: Attica hosts Clinton Central and Covington travels to Turkey Run.
AVON (3-3) AT WESTFIELD (4-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Stanley Stadium.
COACHES: Mark Bless, 53-24 in seventh season at Avon, 202-91 in 27th season overall. Jake Gilbert, 38-27 in sixth season at Westfield, 68-63 in 12th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Avon beat Fishers, 38-3. Westfield lost to Brownsburg, 29-28, overtime.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Avon, 35-20, October 2, 2015.
UP NEXT: Avon entertains Zionsville and Westfield travels to Fishers.
EASTERN HANCOCK (4-2) AT MONROE CENTRAL (6-0)
KICKOFF: 7 pm EDT, Monroe Central Field.
COACHES: Jim O'Hara, 24-6 in third season at Eastern Hancock, 111-54 in 15th season overall. John Hochstetler, 29-21 in fifth season at Monroe Central, 116-104 in 20th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Eastern Hancock beat North Decatur, 41-8. Monroe Central beat Wes-Del, 39-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Eastern Hancock, 35-18, October 31, 2014, Class 1A sectional.
UP NEXT: Eastern Hancock plays Shenandoah at Lucas Oil Stadium and Monroe Central hosts Anderson Prep Academy.
EVANSVILLE HARRISON (4-2) AT CASTLE (4-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. CDT, John Lidy Field.
COACHES: Cory Brunson, 18-20 in fourth season at Evansville Harrison. Doug Hurt, 82-41 in 11th season at Castle.
LAST CONTEST: Evansville Harrison lost to Evansville Central, 49-28. Castle lost to Evansville Mater Dei, 44-42.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Evansville Harrison, 39-38, October 2, 2015.
UP NEXT: Evansville Harrison hosts Evansville Memorial and Castle plays at Evansville North.
FRANKTON (5-1) AT EASTBROOK (5-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Freck Field.
COACHES: Randy England, 10-16 in third season at Frankton. Jeff Adamson, 234-82 in 28th season at Eastbrook.
LAST CONTEST: Frankton beat Elwood, 33-7. Eastbrook beat Oak Hill, 49-14.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Eastbrook, 87-18, October 9, 2015.
UP NEXT: Frankton hosts Mississinewa and Eastbrook travels to Alexandria.
GREENWOOD (4-2) AT DECATUR CENTRAL (5-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Devere Stadium.
COACHES: Mike Campbell, 54-62 in 11th season at Greenwood. Kyle Enright, 5-1 in first season at Decatur Central.
LAST CONTEST: Greenwood lost to Guerin Catholic, 42-27. Decatur Central beat Plainfield, 48-7.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Decatur Central, 28-0, October 2, 2015.
UP NEXT: Greenwood hosts Franklin and Decatur Central travels to Indianapolis Roncalli.
HERITAGE HILLS (5-1) AT SOUTHRIDGE (6-0)
KICKOFF: 8 p.m. EDT, Raider Field.
COACHES: Todd Wilkerson, 32-18 in fifth season at Heritage Hills. Scott Buening, 31-11 in fourth season at Southridge, 43-39 in eighth season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Heritage Hills lost to Gibson Southern, 38-10. Southridge beat Tell City, 35-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Heritage Hills, 17-7, October 2, 2015.
UP NEXT: Heritage Hills entertains Forest Park and Southridge plays at Pike Central.
MARION (4-2) AT MUNCIE CENTRAL (5-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Ball Recreational Field.
COACHES: Craig Chambers, 4-2 in first season at Marion, 27-15 in fourth season overall. Adam Morris, 10-6 in second season at Muncie Central.
LAST CONTEST: Marion lost to Lafayette Jeff, 28-20. Muncie Central lost to Harrison (West Lafayette), 20-15.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Muncie Central, 68-27, October 2, 2015.
UP NEXT: Marion hosts Indianapolis Tech and Muncie Central travels to McCutcheon.
PERU (5-1) AT SOUTHWOOD (4-2)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Wagoner Field.
COACHES: Bob Prescott, 40-47 in ninth season at Peru, 101-125 in 22nd season overall. Dave Snyder, 30-31 in sixth season at Southwood.
LAST CONTEST: Peru beat Wabash, 41-19. Southwood beat Whitko, 52-35.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Peru, 52-19, October 2, 2015.
UP NEXT: Peru hosts North Miami and Southwood plays at Maconaquah.
PLYMOUTH (4-2) AT CONCORD (3-3)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Jake Field.
COACHES: John Barron, 102-39 in 13th season at Plymouth. Craig Koehler, 11-6 in second season at Concord.
LAST CONTEST: Plymouth beat Wawasee, 33-16. Concord lost to Jimtown, 37-36.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Concord, 35-6, October 2, 2015.
UP NEXT: Plymouth plays at Goshen and Concord travels to Northridge.
SOUTH CENTRAL (UNION MILLS) (5-1) AT NORTH NEWTON (5-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. CDT, Gilbert Field.
COACHES: Eric Stephens, 10-6 in second season at South Central (Union Mills). Jeff Bean, 9-8 in second season at North Newton, 33-65 in 10th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: South Central (Union Mills) beat Wheeler, 8-0. North Newton beat Boone Grove, 46-6.
PREVIOUS MEETING: North Newton, 22-14, October 2, 2015.
UP NEXT: South Central hosts Hanover Central and North Newton travels to Lake Station.
TRITON CENTRAL (4-2) AT INDIANAPOLIS SCECINA (5-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, University of Indianapolis.
COACHES: Tim Able, 31-12 in fourth season at Triton Central, 156-110 in 24th season overall. Ott Hurrle, 166-125 in 25th season at Indianapolis Scecina, 167-134 in 27th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Triton Central lost to Indianapolis Ritter, 25-14. Indianapolis Scecina beat Indianapolis Lutheran, 20-13.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Triton Central, 24-20, October 2, 2015.
UP NEXT: Triton Central hosts Beech Grove and Scecina plays at Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter.
WINCHESTER (4-2) AT SHENANDOAH (5-1)
KICKOFF: 7 p.m. EDT, Shenandoah Field.
COACHES: Mike Jones, 37-16 in fifth season at Winchester. Scott Widner, 78-21 in ninth season at Shenandoah, 78-31 in 10th season overall.
LAST CONTEST: Winchester beat Union City, 62-14. Shenandoah beat Knightstown, 26-0.
PREVIOUS MEETING: Shenandoah, 28-14, October 2, 2015.
UP NEXT: Winchester travels to Tri and Shenandoah plays Eastern Hancock at Lucas Oil Stadium.
