SCOUTING THIS WEEK’S MATCHUPS
Whiteland (2-1) at Franklin (2-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m. today
Radio: KORN Country (100.3 FM)
Recent history: The Warriors won both of last year’s showdowns via shutout, with a 21-0 victory in Week 4 and a 24-0 sectional triumph.
Sagarin ratings: Whiteland 77.13 (35th in Indiana), Franklin 75.65 (45th)
Players to watch: Whiteland — RB Slate Valentine, WB Gunnar Hicks, DL Scott Harden, LB Jordan Palmer, DB Andrian Kolleigbo; Franklin — QB Greyson Betts, RB Alex Leugers, RB Kaleb Owens, DL Blake Smythe, LB Lance Jones
What to look for: The Warriors got a big bounce-back win last week against Decatur Central, but questions remain about their offensive potency beyond top rusher Valentine, especially with two-way standout Maalik Perkins hobbled. Franklin has made the two-QB system work so far with Betts and Clay Pinnick rotating, and Leugers is a big reason why, but can it bang with a Whiteland team that’s going to be more physical than the opposition it’s faced so far? This game should offer us some more clarity on both teams’ potential.
Greenwood Christian (1-2) at Edinburgh (0-3)
Kickoff: 7 p.m. today
Recent history: The Cougars won the inaugural meeting between the two, 22-7, last season in Edinburgh.
Sagarin ratings: GCA 15.45 (289th), Edinburgh 6.76 (303rd)
Players to watch: GCA — QB/DB Trey Dobson, RB/DB Nathan Goins, RB/LB Evan McIntire, OL/DL Luke Chitty; Edinburgh — QB Caleb Murphy, RB/DB Connor Ramey, WR/DB Jackson Hartwell, WR/DB Gabe Bennett, OL/DL Dakota Graw
What to look for: The Cougars got into the win column in style last week, using two fourth-quarter touchdowns to rally for a 29-26 victory at Wes-Del. They’ll look to carry that momentum into Edinburgh, where they picked up a surprise win a year ago that defined their debut season. The version of the Lancers that they face tonight has struggled mightily thus far and really needs to generate some forward momentum if it’s going to salvage the season. Can they control the clock and keep the ball away from a GCA club that has shown a penchant for big plays?
Cincinnati Moeller (1-2) at Center Grove (2-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m. today
Recent history: This is the first meeting between the two traditional powerhouses. The Trojans are 2-1 against Ohio teams under Eric Moore, with the loss coming earlier this season to nationally ranked St. Edward.
Sagarin ratings: Center Grove 102.57 (first)
Players to watch: Moeller — QB Matt Ponatoski, RB Jordan Marshall, WR Preston Smith, LB Kyler Paul, DB Karson Hobbs; Center Grove — QB Tyler Cherry, WR Noah Coy, TE T.J. Williams, LB Owen Bright, LB Kaden McConnell
What to look for: The Crusaders are pretty familiar with Indiana competition already, having beaten Fort Wayne Dwenger in between losses to Ben Davis and East Central, so tonight might offer the best barometer so far for gauging where the Trojans stack up relative to in-state teams. Michigan recruit Marshall is one of the nation’s top running backs, which should present a challenge for Center Grove’s front seven defensively. Going the other way, a one-on-one showdown between Coy and Notre Dame commit Hobbs should be fun to watch.
Mooresville (1-2) at Greenwood (3-0)
Kickoff: 7 p.m. today
Recent history: The Pioneers’ 42-12 victory last season was their fifth straight in the series dating back to Greenwood’s sectional final win in 2017.
Sagarin ratings: Mooresville 67.71 (72nd), Greenwood 65.90 (80th)
Players to watch: Mooresville — QB Hogan Denny, RB/DB Landon Clements, WR Levi Dorn, DL Elijah Phillips, DB Kaden Bruhn; Greenwood — QB Brock Riddle, RB Alan Burnett, WR/DB Tanner Crouch, WR Amare Middleton, LB Cole Basey
What to look for: Can the Woodmen keep the feel-good tour going through tonight’s home opener? The Pioneers have dominated the series recently, but Mike Gillin’s squad hasn’t been quite as potent offensively as it has been and Greenwood has undergone a resurgence under first-year coach Justin Boser. The key will be the effectiveness of the quarterbacks — Riddle has been enjoying a breakthrough year for the Woodmen, while Denny is at least as dangerous with his legs as he is with his arm. Which defense can slow someone down?
Columbus North (2-1) at Roncalli (1-2)
Kickoff: 7 p.m. today
Recent history: The Royals have taken the last three meetings, including a 38-17 road win last season.
Sagarin ratings: Columbus North 71.51 (56th), Roncalli 78.11 (32nd)
Players to watch: Columbus North — QB Asher Ratliff, RB Gino Prescott, WR Braylon Thoman, LB Luke Russell, DB Sam Perry; Roncalli — QB Collin Ash, RB Henry Adams, RB/LB Ben Brandenburg, WR Christian Swiezy, LB J.J. Prendergast
What to look for: The Bull Dogs have dominated a pair of big-school bottom dwellers in Columbus East and Southport the last two weeks, but they’ll likely face a tougher test against the Royals, who hung tough with Class 3A No. 1 Bishop Chatard last week in a 14-7 loss. Roncalli has struggled offensively, totaling just 13 points in the last two games, but it will need to come up with more than that to get back in the win column. Can Ash, Adams and company keep the chains moving?
Galesburg (Ill.) (1-1) at Indian Creek (1-2)
Kickoff: 2 p.m. Saturday
Recent history: This will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools.
Sagarin ratings: Indian Creek 55.61 (132nd)
Players to watch: Galesburg — QB/DB Gino Williams, RB/DB Amarie Richardson, RB/DB Jamar Range, WR/DB Markis Lewis; Indian Creek — QB Jalen Sauer, RB/DB Malachi Mink, WR Bobby Emberton, WR/DB Levi Pappas, LB Carson Volz
What to look for: The Silver Streaks were dominant on the ground last week in a 41-7 rout of Bartonville, with Richardson gaining 201 of the team’s 364 yards. They’ve also managed a kick return touchdown in each of their games thus far, so special teams coverage should be a point of emphasis. The Braves got a much-needed confidence boost from last week’s 38-0 smackdown of Owen Valley, but they’ll need to limit Galesburg’s big-play ability if they’re going to come close to pitching another shutout.
