New Palestine (8-0, 6-0)
vs. Delta (6-2, 5-1)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Recent history: Delta leads the all-time series 15-10. New Palestine has won five straight matchups, including last year’s 55-7 win at Delta.
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Last week: The Dragons kept rolling, topping New Castle 56-14. Delta needed a big fourth quarter to complete a comeback win against Greenfield-Central, winning 45-14 after trailing by two scores.
Sagarin ratings: New Palestine 105.37 (second), Delta 75.30 (51st)
Players to watch: New Palestine — QB Zach Neligh, RB Charlie Spegal, OL/DL Kyle King, LB Luke Ely, DB Luke Canfield, WR/DB Maxen Hook, DB Ryker Large; Delta — QB Brady Hunt, RB/S Wesley Woodin, RB/S Zach Garner, WR/CB Cameron Levers, DE Nate Southerland, CB Tyler Gilland
What to look for: With sole ownership of the Hoosier Heritage Conference title on the line for New Palestine, expect the Dragons to come out on fire. Delta will be fired up itself, looking to gain a share of the title while trying to stop their former teammate, Charlie Spegal. Expect the Eagles to put up a fight early but for the Dragons to pull away, as the running tandem of Spegal and Zach Neligh should prove too much for Delta to handle. The big challenge for the game will be how well the Dragons can stop Delta’s running attack — despite losing Spegal, the Eagles have a half dozen runners contributing to over 2,000 rush yards as a team this season.
Mt. Vernon (5-3, 4-2)
at Yorktown (4-4, 2-4)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Recent history: Mt. Vernon leads the all-time series 24-22. The Marauders are on a three-game winning streak against Yorktown, including last year’s 10-6 win.
Last week: Mt. Vernon cruised to a big win against Shelbyville, a team they will face to open the sectional next week, 62-7. Yorktown lost a big conference game against Pendleton Heights, 35-14.
Sagarin ratings: Mt. Vernon 65.46 (77th), Yorktown 55.76 (118th)
Players to watch: Mt. Vernon — QB Tyson Harley, RB/DB Rylan Cole, WR Braxton Trittipo, WR DaRell Jackson, TE/DE Max Burhenn, DE P.J. Sterrett; Yorktown — QB Reid Neal, WR/S Austin Hill, WR MiLon McCowan, WR/DB Jared Harris, DE J.J. Evans
What to look for: Mt. Vernon’s defense has been on a huge roll the past three weeks, leading to big wins against Pendleton Heights, New Castle and Shelbyville. After a 9.5 sack performance against the Arabians, the defense switched gears and had 5 interceptions against the Trojans. Last week they accounted for 4.5 sacks and 2 INTs. The Marauders should be riding a wave of confidence against a pass-heavy Yorktown team. Look for the defense to have another big night, while emergent running back Rylan Cole continues his strong season with another big game on the ground.
Greenfield-Central
(0-8, 0-6) vs. New Castle
(4-4, 2-4)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Recent history: Greenfield-Central leads the all-time series 16-5. New Castle won last year, 24-14, while the Cougars had won the nine previous meetings.
Last week: Greenfield-Central jumped out to a 14-0 lead against Delta before falling 45-14. New Castle lost to New Palestine 56-14.
Sagarin ratings: Greenfield-Central 36.24 (205th), New Castle 53.48 (130th)
Players to watch: Greenfield-Central — QB Gehrig Slunaker, WR J.P. Fuchs, WR/FS Jake Vance, OL/DL Tate Helm, OLB Tyler Antic; CB/WR/RB Jaden Brown, RB/FS Emmet Houser; New Castle — QB Drew Barber, RB/LB Gage Burk, WR Luke Bumbalough, WR Triston Chesher, DE Trenton Williams
What to look for: Greenfield-Central jumped out to a surprising two-score lead against Delta last week and only trailed 17-14 heading into the fourth quarter before the wheels fell off. The Cougars, still in search of their first win, run into a New Castle team that has three blowout losses in a row and has seen its offense struggle. Both teams need a win heading into sectional play — whoever limits mistakes more should get it. The Cougars will need to find a more sustained running game and will need freshman quarterback Gehrig Slunaker to protect the football, limiting interceptions. New Castle should be favored here, but this could be one of Greenfield-Central’s closest games this season and a win isn’t unrealistic.
Eastern Hancock
(3-5, 1-2) vs. Lapel (4-4, 0-0)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: Eastern Hancock leads the all-time series 29-9. Lapel won a close game last year, 21-19.
Last week: Eastern Hancock fell to ranked Shenandoah 47-8. Lapel beat Heritage Christian 35-14.
Sagarin ratings: Eastern Hancock 25.97 (240th), Lapel 43.54 (173rd)
Players to watch: Eastern Hancock — QB Houston Swan, RB/DB Victor Olivo, RB/LB Garrett Friesen, OL/DL Alexander Burton, OL/DL Brady Stephens, OL/DL Tyler Vandervliet, WR/DB Cole Rainbolt; Lapel — QB Cole Alexander, RB/SS Sparky Manis, RB/CB Josiah Scott, WR/CB Justin Engle, WR/FS Connor Gill
What to look for: Eastern Hancock started slow last week before finding a rhythm, looking to make it a game before a 90-yard pick-six killed momentum. The Royals showed flashes, especially on offense, against Shenandoah. The focus will need to be on the secondary, as Lapel has a strong passing attack, with Cole Alexander throwing for 20 TDs, 10 of them to Justin Engle. The Royals run game is a question mark, as Victor Olivo has been hurt but could return, and second-leading rusher Jacob Johnson is likely out with a collarbone injury. Eastern Hancock will want to establish the run to keep the ball out of Lapel’s hands as much as possible. If they get the run going, an upset is possible.