Franklin (2-7) at Whiteland (7-2)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Radio: KORN Country (100.3 FM)
Recent history: The Warriors won on their home field, 44-20, on Sept. 7 to extend their series winning streak to 21 games.
Last week: Franklin lost at Decatur Central, 42-15; Whiteland beat Greenwood, 40-0
Sagarin ratings: Franklin 54.94 (119th), Whiteland 80.27 (31st)
Players to watch: Franklin — QB Drew Byerly,WR Cory Richards, WR Peyton Ruble, LB/RB Clayton Coll, DB/KR Tyce Miller; Whiteland — QB Austin Kirkman, RB Jake Perry, DL Alex Reed, LB Jacob Schultz, DB Trevor Larence
What to look for: When these teams met last month, Franklin was able to move the ball offensively but struggled to finish drives off. If the Grizzly Cubs can turn those long possessions into points, they’ve got a chance to pull off a big upset — but if the Warriors’ defense can tighten up again inside the red zone, this game could be over quickly. Stopping Whiteland’s ground game has proven to be a chore for just about everybody.
Greenwood (2-7) at New Castle (5-4)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: None. The teams have not faced off since the Woodmen collected a 35-8 victory in 1991.
Last week: Greenwood lost at Whiteland, 40-0; New Castle beat Greenfield-Central, 28-0
Sagarin ratings: Greenwood 52.94 (129th), New Castle 55.45 (117th)
Players to watch: Greenwood — RB Nick Willham, RB Anthony Williams, WR Luke Raker, LB Dillon Cloyd, LB Bryce Taylor; New Castle — QB Drew Barber, RB/WR Luke Bumbalough, WR Triston Chesher, WR/DB Nicholas Grieser, LB Stephen Spears
What to look for: Offensively, the Trojans lean heavily on Bumbalough (5 TD rushing, 9 receiving) — but a defense led by Grieser (111 tackles, 3 INT) showed some pretty sizable cracks during a three-game losing streak late in the season. If the Woodmen can keep it close early, they may be able to wear New Castle down in the second half with the rugged combo of Willham and Williams.
Indian Creek (5-4) vs. Crispus Attucks (6-3)
Kickoff: 7 p.m. (at Arsenal Technical HS)
Recent history: This will be the first-ever meeting between the two schools.
Last week: Indian Creek lost to Northview, 32-22, in WIC championship; Crispus Attucks beat Gary Roosevelt, 20-8
Sagarin ratings: Indian Creek 53.75 (124th), Crispus Attucks 11.25 (277th)
Players to watch: Indian Creek — QB/DB Isaiah Lacey, RB Avery Welch, OL/DL Kenny Edwards, LB Tony Hall, LB Bryce Smith; Crispus Attucks — QB Chris Patterson, RB Ben Crain, WR Johnathan Luster, DL Damon Pryor, LB Noah Brimmage
What to look for: The Tigers have some promising young athletes, led by freshmen Patterson and Crain, but they’ve excelled against one of the state’s weakest schedules and might not be ready for a more experienced and battle-tested group of Braves. Indian Creek played tough at Class 4A No. 9 Northview last week and should be able to take care of business against weaker competition tonight.
Edinburgh (0-8) at Cambridge City Lincoln (0-9)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Recent history: None. The teams have not played since 1982, when a seven-year series was discontinued after the Golden Eagles won four straight.
Last week: Edinburgh did not play; Cambridge City Lincoln lost at South Decatur, 32-14
Sagarin ratings: Edinburgh minus-10.68 (318th), Cambridge City Lincoln minus-0.87 (307th)
Players to watch: Edinburgh — QB Tyson Sackman, RB/LB Bryce Burton, WR/LB Austin Streeval, WR/DB Hunter Dean, OL/DL Ethan Armel; Cambridge City Lincoln — QB Jacob Ervin, RB Jeremiah Holder, RB/DB Alex Hokey, OL/DL Nick Anderson, DL Blaine Cowan
What to look for: The unexpected bye week gave the Lancers an extra week to prepare for the Golden Eagles — and perhaps more importantly, it also gave them a chance to heal up a team that has had as few as 14 players available for some games. With those advantages in pocket and another winless team in front of it, Edinburgh couldn’t have asked for a much better situation tonight. Can it take advantage and earn its first tournament win since 2013?
