SCOUTING THIS WEEK’S MATCHUPS
Franklin (2-1) at Whiteland (1-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: The two county rivals have split their last six, with Franklin pulling out a 22-21 squeaker in 2023.
Sagarin ratings: Franklin 69.98 (72nd in Indiana), Whiteland 62.09 (110th)
Players to watch: Franklin — QB Greyson Betts, RB Alex Leugers, OL/DL Blake Smythe, LB Isaac Broughton, DB Landen Basey; Whiteland — QB Oliver Taylor, RB Slate Valentine, FB/LB Jordan Palmer, OL Jonah McIntosh, DL Ayden Shaffer
What to look for: Two angry and highly motivated teams coming off of Week 3 conference losses, both eager to take their frustrations out on a bitter county rival. Fans will also get to see two of the state’s premier running backs in Leugers and Valentine — and the outcome may well hinge on which team can do a better job of giving its go-to guy more room to operate. The traveling trophy for this game is a work boot for a reason. Get ready for a slugfest.
Edinburgh (0-3) vs. Greenwood Christian (2-1)
(at Beech Grove MS)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: The Cougars have won both previous meetings, including a 35-6 triumph last season in Edinburgh.
Sagarin ratings: Edinburgh 5.14 (310th), GCA 40.16 (218th)
Players to watch: Edinburgh — QB Caleb Murphy, RB/DL Milas Burkman, WR/DB Jared Myers, WR/DB Samson Parkhurst, OL/DL Cooper Cordray; GCA — QB/DB Trey Dobson, RB/DB Danny Honeycutt, RB/LB Evan McIntire, WR/DB Zach Haynes, OL/DL Eli Jackson
What to look for: These two teams are riding completely different waves right now — the Cougars are fresh off of a pair of convincing wins, while the Lancers have dropped 17 of 18 and been outscored 104-0 over the last two weeks. If Edinburgh is going to have any chance of reversing course, it has to contain the dynamic Dobson, who has been a killer with both his arm and his legs. If he’s not bottled up, the last 24 minutes will likely be played with a running clock.
Center Grove (2-1) at Ben Davis (1-2)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: The Trojans’ eight-game series win streak was snapped when the Giants took a 37-34 overtime victory in last year’s Class 6A semistate.
Sagarin ratings: Center Grove 84.59 (12th), Ben Davis 87.34 (eighth)
Players to watch: Center Grove — QB Gabe McWilliams, RB Austin Hennessy, WR Drake McClurg, LB Lincoln Bright, DB Luke Barrett; Ben Davis — QB Isaiah Rogers, RB Alijah Price, WR/DB Mark Zackery, DL Isaiah White, LB Andre Spells Jr.
What to look for: No strangers to one another, the former MIC rivals renew their regular-season rivalry after a one-year hiatus. The last two meetings have both been instant classics, with the Trojans claiming a 35-34 win in 2022 and the Giants getting sweet revenge last November on the way to a state title. Center Grove’s hopes may depend on not letting the Notre Dame-bound Zackery make big plays; he’s already got a 58-yard TD catch and a 100-yard pick-six this fall.
Greenwood (1-2) at Mooresville (1-2)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: The Pioneers have won seven straight against the Woodmen, including a 59-22 rout last fall.
Sagarin ratings: Greenwood 58.53 (133rd), Mooresville 61.14 (116th)
Players to watch: Greenwood — QB Aiden Houseman, RB/DB Gunner Ruppert, RB Anthony Scaramazzo, WR/DB Davion Jones, OL/DL Carter Swain; Mooresville — QB Connor Cruz, RB Tyler Denny, WR/DB Kaden Bruhn, OL/DL Chase Hudson
What to look for: The Pioneers aren’t quite as potent as they’ve been in recent years under Mike Gillin, and they’re coming off of a shutout loss at Plainfield last week. Will the Woodmen defense be able to keep them under wraps? If so, Justin Boser’s crew has to like its chances, because the offense has been running pretty smoothly the last two weeks with Houseman and Ruppert leading the way. If Greenwood’s going to end its skid in this series, tonight’s the night to do it.
Lapel (3-0) at Indian Creek (1-2)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: This will be the first time that the two schools have faced off on the gridiron.
Sagarin ratings: Lapel 63.36 (103rd), Indian Creek 53.56 (155th)
Players to watch: Lapel — QB Devin Craig, RB Jack Miller, WR/DB Rylie Hudson, LB Isaiah Young, DB Jayden Lindsey; Indian Creek — QB Evan Clark, RB Malachi Mink, WR Bobby Emberton, WR/DB Levi Pappas, WR/DB Jaxon Ramey
What to look for: The Class 2A No. 9 Bulldogs have been explosive offensively in the early going, hanging more than 35 points per game on opponents thanks to a prolific passing game led by Craig (859 yards, 9 TDs) and Hudson (21 catches, 408 yards). If Indian Creek wants to avoid a track meet, it’ll keep the ball on the ground with Mink and try to shorten the game — but regardless of pace, Lapel is going to provide the Braves’ defense with its toughest test to date.
Roncalli (1-1) at Columbus North (3-0)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: The Royals have won the last four meetings, including a 38-10 home win last season.
Sagarin ratings: Roncalli 78.00 (29th), Columbus North 82.26 (18th)
Players to watch: Roncalli — QB Jayden Buchanan, RB Zach Dozier, WR Drew Nelson, DL Sam Neu, LB Carson Keller; Columbus North — QB Asher Ratliff, TE/LB Garrett Long, OL Bryce Harriman, LB Jose Ramirez, DB Jackson Haston
What to look for: The Royals have owned this series of late, but if a Week 1 rout of Decatur Central is any indication, this may be the best Bull Dogs team in several years. Roncalli hung tough in a meat-grinder game with Bishop Chatard last week, but tonight might require the offense to keep pace with a Columbus North squad that has topped 40 points in each game so far. Can Buchanan and company supply enough fireworks?
