New Palestine vs. Kokomo
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Recent history: The Dragons and Wildkats have never met previously. New Palestine finished 10-1 last year and Kokomo finished 9-5 and as state runners-up.
Sagarin ratings (2017): New Palestine 82.40 (25th), Kokomo 75.08 (41st)
Players to watch: New Palestine — QB Zach Neligh, RB Charlie Spegal, RB/CB Luke Canfield, WR Colby Jenkins, OL/DL Austin Keele, LB Luke Ely, DB Ryker Large, DB Maxen Hook; Kokomo — QB Levi Hrabos, RB Dashawn Winston, WR Steven Edwards, WR Kohl Beard, DT Javias Gray, LB Jabrian Adams, DB Noah Cameron
What to look for: New Palestine comes into the opener riding a 45-game regular-season winning streak, while Kokomo is fresh off a state finals defeat after finishing the regular season just 5-4. The Dragons return 17 starters and bring in one of the state’s top running backs in Charlie Spegal, while Kokomo lost several key pieces and brings a new coach, new offense — they’ve switched to a spread offense from a double wing — and an overall new look. The Wildkats defense has several impact players that look to slow the Dragons prolific rushing attack, including all-state selection Javias Gray and linebacker Jabrian Adams, who had 98 tackles last season.
Mt. Vernon at Hamilton Heights
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: This is the fourth year in a row these two teams open against one another. Mt. Vernon beat Hamilton Heights 17-13 in last year’s season opener. Hamilton Heights won 34-27 in 2016 and 21-6 in 2015.
Sagarin ratings (2017): Mt. Vernon 46.42 (159th), Hamilton Heights 41.20 (182nd)
Players to watch: Mt. Vernon — QB Tyson Harley, WR Braxton Trittipo, DE Max Burhenn, DE PJ Sterrett, OLB/RB Dylan Cole, FS/RB Rylan Cole; Hamilton Heights — QB Carter Campassi, RB Blake Webel, WR/DB Camron Knott, LB Kray Leininger, OL/DL Brady Hill, DB Brent Pennington
What to look for: With two new coaches squaring off for the first time, both Mt. Vernon and Hamilton Heights could look a bit different than 2017. Mt. Vernon struggled running the ball last year, something new coach Mike Kirschner said has to change for this season. Look for several running backs to get meaningful carries for Mt. Vernon. Mt. Vernon senior quarterback Tyson Harley faces a pair of playmaking defensive backs in Hamilton Heights’ Camron Knott and Brent Pennington, who combined for seven interceptions last year.
Eastern Hancock vs. Northwestern
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: The Royals haven’t played Northwestern in the past decade. Eastern Hancock is coming off a 6-5 season in 2017, while Northwestern was 4-6.
Sagarin ratings (2017): Eastern Hancock 42.97 (171st), 34.72 (212th)
Players to watch: Eastern Hancock — QB Houston Swan, WR/DB Blayze Sarber, RB/LB Gabe Lawler, OL/DL Alexander Burton, OL/DL Brady Stephens; Northwestern — WR/LB Evan Shaw, WR/CB Noah Cavazos, RB/LB Skyler Longfellow
What to look for: Eastern Hancock comes into this game with a freshman quarterback and new faces all over the field in head coach Doug Armstrong’s debut with the team. Both teams have a lot of question marks, but this looks like a favorable matchup for the Royals. Northwestern’s likely starting quarterback transferred to Kokomo, and all of their top offensive weapons and defensive standouts have graduated.
Greenfield-Central vs. Evansville Central
Kickoff: 8 p.m.
Recent history: The Cougars have not faced Evansville Central this decade. Greenfield-Central is coming off a disappointing 3-8 season, while Evansville Central finished 11-2 and lost in the regional championship last season.
Sagarin ratings (2017): Greenfield-Central 47.00 (155th), Evansville Central 84.76 (23rd)
Players to watch: Greenfield-Central — QB/WR Gehrig Slunaker, QB/WR J.P. Fuchs, OL/DL Tate Helm, LB Turk Faitele, CB/WR/RB Jaden Brown, S Gavin Rose, RB/FS Emmet Houser; Evansville Central — QB Brennon Harper, RB Brennon Schutte, RB Clayton Groves, DE Rayzel Joiner, OL/DL Dalton Mills
What to look for: Greenfield-Central will have a new quarterback under center, either Gehrig Slunaker or J.P. Fuchs, and some new, younger players sprinkled throughout the lineup. Evansville Central comes in a favorite after an extremely successful 2017 year and a preseason No. 11 ranking in Class 4A, but they’ve lost their coach and all of their top runners from last year, including running back Tor’Jon Evans, who set a conference rushing record with 2,610 yards last year. Evans and his brother transferred, leaving the Bears with major holes to fill on offense. New coach Troy Burgess should be a familiar name to Cougars fan — he was Greenfield-Central’s coach for several seasons early in his career.