SCOUTING TONIGHT’S MATCHUPS
Franklin (3-0) at Whiteland (3-0)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Live video: ihsaatv.org/MidState/WhitelandCommunity
Radio: KORN Country (100.3)
Recent history: The Grizzly Cubs’ 35-21 home win last year was its second in three tries after the Warriors had taken 22 in a row from 2004-18.
Sagarin ratings: Franklin 87.99 (13th in Indiana), Whiteland 87.75 (14th)
Players to watch: Franklin — QB Clay Pinnick, RB/LB John Shepard, WR Luke Bechert, OL/DL Reece Byerly, DB Beau Baker; Whiteland — QB Kevin Denham, RB Peyton Emberton, RB/LB Jakarrey Oliver, RB/DB Nyrius Moore-Smith, WR/DB Brady Stanifer
What to look for: The stakes have likely never been higher, at least in the regular season, in this series. The Warriors are ranked No. 1 in Class 5A for the first time and see themselves as a legitimate threat to go all the way; the No. 4 Grizzly Cubs, who already have as many wins as they did a year ago, view this as another chance to stick it to their longtime rivals while likewise establishing themselves as a bona fide contender. Both defenses have been tough to crack and have shown a penchant for big plays, but tonight might offer the toughest challenge of the season for both units. Pinnick, a much improved passer, has flexed his dual-threat capabilities in different ways each week; Moore-Smith is emerging as a big-time playmaker on both sides of the ball for the Warriors. Who will step up as the hero in this one?
Center Grove (2-1) at Ben Davis (2-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Live video: ihsaatv.org/CGSportsNetwork
Recent history: The Trojans have taken the last seven meetings between the two state powers, most recently a 45-6 shellacking in last year’s Class 6A semistate.
Sagarin ratings: Center Grove 92.76 (eighth), Ben Davis 103.75 (second)
Players to watch: Center Grove — QB Tyler Cherry, RB Micah Coyle, WR Noah Coy, LB Owen Bright, DB Parker Doyle; Ben Davis — QB Thomas Gotkowski, RB Alijah Price, WR Marques Reese, DL Chris Green, LB Nylan Brown
What to look for: The Giants haven’t had much success against the Trojans in recent years, but they’ve got to be about as confident going into this one as they’ve been in a while — and not just because Center Grove finally showed signs of mortality with its 30-game win streak coming to an end in Louisville last week. Ben Davis opened the season with a close five-point loss against new No. 1 Brownsburg and followed up with lopsided road wins over Avon (44-13) and Pike (38-0). With playmakers on both sides of the ball, this Giants team is capable of pulling out a win; will the Trojans have enough in the tank to survive the last stop on the always-brutal gauntlet that is Weeks 1-4?
Greenwood (1-2) at Mooresville (3-0)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Live video: ihsaatv.org/MidState/Mooresville
Recent history: The Pioneers have won five in a row over the Woodmen, including a 70-14 romp in Greenwood last fall.
Sagarin ratings: Greenwood 61.23 (94th), Mooresville 87.35 (15th)
Players to watch: Greenwood — QB Brock Riddle, TE Carter Campbell, WR Ethan Pringle, LB Scott Raker, DB Joshua Amburgy; Mooresville — QB Nick Patterson, WR Hogan Denny, WR Levi Dorn, LB Landon Clements, LB Kellen Copeland
What to look for: The same explosive Pioneer offense we’ve seen the past few years. Patterson, perhaps the state’s top quarterback, leads a group that has scored exactly 38 points in each of its first three games. Greenwood’s defense has fared reasonably well in its first three games, but this will be its toughest challenge to date. Offensively, the Woodmen would prefer to keep the ball on the ground and out of Patterson’s hands, but if they fall behind that becomes a tall order. Riddle did show some promise last week connecting with Pringle and Campbell through the air when needed.
Brown County (0-3) at Indian Creek (2-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: The Braves pulled out a 13-12 road win in the closing seconds last September, extending their series win streak to 19 games.
Sagarin ratings: Brown County 6.73 (294th), Indian Creek 65.56 (80th)
Players to watch: Brown County — QB/DB Ethan Spiece, RB/LB Ben Wagler; Indian Creek — QB Arjun Lothe, RB/DB Jalen Sauer, RB/DB Malachi Mink, WR Jaxon Ramey, OL/DL Daniel Foster
What to look for: The Eagles have gotten progressively more competitive, at least in terms of score, with each passing game, but the 77-7 Week 1 loss to Owen Valley might be the most accurate indicator of what to expect tonight. Brown County had a great chance to end its drought in this series last season; that might be as close as they come in the foreseeable future. The Braves’ explosive spread offense — Lothe threw for 416 yards last week — should be far too much for the visitors to overcome, and Indian Creek should have an energetic crowd behind it as it christens its new artificial turf field.
Edinburgh (3-0) at Switzerland County (2-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: The Lancers rolled to a 49-14 home win in 2020, snapping a run of four consecutive victories by the Pacers.
Sagarin ratings: Edinburgh 16.48 (270th), Switzerland County 21.84 (252nd)
Players to watch: Edinburgh — QB/LB Caleb Murphy, RB/LB Jarrett Turner, WR/DB Braylon Bryant, WR/DB Caleb Dewey, WR/DE Keegan Smith; Switzerland County — QB/DB Matt Davis, RB/LB Gavin Reese, RB/LB Gabe Rose, WR/DB Tyler Hoskins
What to look for: The Lancers are trying to start 4-0 for the first time since 1961, long before any of the current players’ parents were born. Despite the miniscule Sagarin spread, DeSpain is confident that his squad will be up for the challenge. Turner, coming off of a career-best 183 yards rushing last week, gives Edinburgh the most offensive balance it’s had in several years. His presence in the backfield could start opening things up more for Murphy, Dewey, Bryant and friends in the passing game.
Roncalli (3-0) at Columbus North (2-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Radio: CBS Sports 1430, roncallimedianetwork.com
Recent history: The Royals have won the last two meetings, including a 45-12 victory on their home field last season.
Sagarin ratings: Roncalli 88.52 (12th), Columbus North 76.30 (42nd)
Players to watch: Roncalli — QB Arik Moyers, RB Luke Hansen, OL Trevor Lauck, OL/DL Brady Neu, DB Andrew Baugh; Columbus North — QB Zac Horn, RB Tyler Blythe, WR Cooper Horn, OL/DL Savion Miles, LB Ian Calvert
What to look for: A lot of Hansen. The Royals have handed off to their workhorse back 110 times in the first three weeks, including an absurd 47 carries last week against Bishop Chatard. It’s working so far — Hansen averages 250 yards on the ground. If he can continue to withstand such a heavy load, Roncalli should be difficult to stop. The Bull Dogs have had strong offensive showings the last two weeks (39 and 47 points), but those have come against much lighter competition. To at least come close to that tonight, they’ll need to prevent Hansen and the Royals’ huge offensive line from controlling possession. Good luck.
