SCOUTING TONIGHT’S SECTIONAL MATCHUPS
Greenwood (4-5) at Connersville (2-7)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: The schools haven’t faced off since 2010, when the Woodmen cruised to a 48-8 sectional victory.
Sagarin ratings: Greenwood 61.06 (97th in Indiana, 25th in Class 4A), Connersville 28.79 (230th, 57th in 4A)
Players to watch: Greenwood — QB Brock Riddle, RB/LB Alan Burnett, WR/LB Tanner Crouch, WR/DB Amare Middleton, LB Cole Basey; Connersville — QB Kaleb Caldwell, RB Micah Buchanan, RB/LB Draiden Perez, WR Trot Davidson, DB Brayden Keller
What to look for: In all likelihood, a bounce-back for the Woodmen after a gut-punch home loss to Whiteland in Week 9. The Spartans have lost their last six games, and the two teams they’ve beaten have a combined 1-17 record. Each of Connersville’s last three opponents have put up at least 52 points, so expect Riddle and his receiving corps to feast early and rest late. This should be a running-clock game that allows Justin Boser’s team to get its groove back but also rest up a little bit for what’s still ahead.
Shortridge (3-5) at Roncalli (3-6)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: The Royals were a 57-0 winner in last year’s sectional quarterfinal matchup, the first between the teams.
Sagarin ratings: Shortridge 35.77 (204th in Indiana, 52nd in Class 4A), Roncalli 69.87 (61st, 14th in 4A)
Players to watch: Shortridge — QB James Edmondson, RB/LB Ronald Graham Jr., WR/DB Ke’Marri Moore, WR/DB DeShean Davis, LB Demetrius Davis; Roncalli — QB Collin Ash, RB Zach Dozier, RB/LB Ben Brandenburg, WR Christian Swiezy, LB J.J. Prendergast
What to look for: This could be a tougher game than it was a year ago for the Royals, who haven’t been able to overpower teams like they did in 2022. The Blue Devils have shown some explosiveness while playing close against the likes of Park Tudor and Cardinal Ritter; will it translate at Roncalli, which is looking to find itself after being outscored by a combined 126-7 margin against a brutal closing schedule the last three weeks? This is the type of game the Royals need to win convincingly to build momentum with a possible semifinal at Mooresville looming.
Class 3A
Greensburg (0-9) at Indian Creek (6-3)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: This will be the first meeting between the two squads since 2012, when the Pirates won a sectional championship with a 27-19 home win over the Braves.
Sagarin ratings: Greensburg 14.78 (262nd in Indiana, 57th in Class 3A), Indian Creek 58.12 (112th, 24th in 3A)
Players to watch: Greensburg — QB Bryson Abplanalp, RB/DB Austin Cruz, RB/LB Brayden Rankin, OL/DL Elliott Weber, OL/DL Reed Hungerford; Indian Creek — QB Jalen Sauer, RB/DB Malachi Mink, WR Bobby Emberton, WR/DB Levi Pappas, OL/DL Curtis Gault
What to look for: The Pirates have not had a particularly fun season, giving up at least 39 points in every game and getting outscored by an aggregate of 457-48. They’ve been shut out five times and not scored more than twice in any contest. Asking them to come in and suddenly keep pace with the Braves, who enter the postseason as a conference champion that’s won six of its last seven, is a fairly tall order. Indian Creek should be able to take care of this one early and rest up for a sectional that promises to get progressively tougher.
