SCOUTING TONIGHT’S SECTIONAL SEMIFINALS
Class 6A
Center Grove (7-2) at Franklin Central (3-6)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Live video: ihsaatv.org/CGSportsNetwork
Recent history: The Trojans’ 35-7 sectional victory last fall was
Sagarin ratings: Center Grove 99.98 (third in Indiana/third in Class 6A), Franklin Central 78.02 (31st/15th)
Players to watch: Center Grove — QB Tyler Cherry, RB Micah Coyle, RB Jalen Thomeson, WR Noah Coy, LB Owen Bright; Franklin Central — QB Nevan Tutterow, RB Braylen Gillard, WR/DB Jayon Harvey, DE Julius Parker, LB Eli Cox
What to look for: A change in momentum for somebody who needs it. The Flashes have played a demanding schedule but come in on a three-game losing streak; the Trojans, meanwhile, will be trying to erase memories of a stunning fourth-quarter collapse in a Week 9 home loss to Cathedral. That defeat might have been a blessing in disguise for Center Grove, though — it should refocus the group as it begins pursuit of its 12th consecutive sectional title and perhaps a third straight state championship, something no one has accomplished in 6A and no large-school team has done since Warren Central claimed four in a row from 2003-06.
Class 5A
Franklin (7-2) at Terre Haute South (6-3)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Live video:
Recent history: This will be the first meeting between the two schools.
Sagarin ratings: Franklin 80.59 (26th/fourth in 5A), Terre Haute South 71.11 (61st/12th)
Players to watch: Franklin — QB Clay Pinnick, RB/LB John Shepard, WR Max Clark, RB/DB Beau Baker, DB Zach Reese; Terre Haute South — QB Brady Wilson, RB Josh Cottee, WR Deshaun Lowe, WR Nas McNeil, LB Alex Rose
What to look for: An intriguing matchup between a balanced Braves offense that has scored 42 or more five different times and a Grizzly Cubs defense that ranks as the fifth-stingiest (14.56 points allowed) in Class 5A. Terre Haute South has struggled against tougher defenses before, getting shut out by Bloomington South and Brebeuf Jesuit. Can Franklin cause them similar difficulties? If not, this could turn into a shootout — which might not necessarily work to the benefit of the Grizzly Cubs. Either way, Franklin must resist any temptation to look ahead to a possible Whiteland rematch; tonight’s game is far from a gimme.
Terre Haute North (2-7) at Whiteland (8-1)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Live video: ihsaatv.org/MidState/WhitelandCommunity
Recent history: This will be the first meeting between the two schools.
Sagarin ratings: Terre Haute North 47.70 (157th/24th in 5A), Whiteland 83.74 (21st/second)
Players to watch: Terre Haute North — QB Bryson Carpenter, WR Will Blundell, WR Jaden Wayt, LB Jesiah Richardson; Whiteland — QB Kevin Denham, RB Peyton Emberton, RB/DB Nyrius Moore-Smith, WR/DB Brady Stanifer, OL/DL Tayton Schakel
What to look for: In all likelihood, a running clock at some point. The Patriots were already having a rough season before losing top rusher Damon Sturm to injury in Week 7; they haven’t scored a point since. That doesn’t bode well against the powerful Warriors, who have put up at least 42 in each of their last three contests. Whiteland will need to effectively block Richardson (18 tackles for loss), but there shouldn’t be any other real speed bumps of note in this contest.
Class 4A
Crispus Attucks (6-3) at Roncalli (9-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Live audio: athletics.roncalli.org/roncalli-media-network
Recent history: The Royals rolled to a 52-6 triumph over the Tigers in a 2020 sectional contest.
Sagarin ratings: Attucks 20.57 (262nd/58th in 4A), Roncalli 89.94 (11th/second)
Players to watch: Attucks — QB/LB Diego Pettiford, RB Kerry Joseph, WR Keeshum Cox, TE/DE Shakyran Davis, LB Tony Wooden; Roncalli — QB Arik Moyers, RB Luke Hansen, OL Trevor Lauck, DL Luke Swartz, DB Judson Lawrie
What to look for: Another quick kill. The Royals wasted little time taking care of Shortridge last week and shouldn’t have much more difficulty here. The Tigers have some dynamic playmakers, but even if they’re able to hit on a handful of big plays they’re unlikely to withstand the bigger, stronger Roncalli squad in the trenches. Look for a running clock and a lot of second-half rest for the Royals’ first string.
Class 3A
Indian Creek (7-3) at Batesville (5-5)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: The Braves opened the season with a 37-25 home win on Aug. 19; the Bulldogs were a 35-13 winner on their own field last year.
Sagarin ratings: Indian Creek 48.67 (152nd/32nd in 3A), Batesville 46.48 (162nd/35th)
Players to watch: Indian Creek — QB Arjun Lothe, RB/LB Levi Pappas, WR/DB Lance Butler, WR/DB Gerson Coroa, WR/DB Jaxon Ramey; Batesville — QB/DB Will Jaisle, RB Gage Pohlman, WR Bryson Bonelli, WR/LB Cade Kaiser, LB Trenton Roell
What to look for: The Bulldogs have been inconsistent offensively, but their defense has kept them afloat over the back half of the season, yielding under 12 points per game as the team has won three of its last four. How will that unit fare against a Braves team that averages 35 a week? Indian Creek has gotten into shootouts the last three weeks, with mixed results; it’ll likely need to be a little more stingy than it has been over that stretch (48.3 points allowed) in order to survive its third consecutive road game and earn a chance to play on its home field for the chance at its first sectional title since 2011.
