Mt. Vernon (6-3, 5-2) vs. Shelbyville (1-8, 1-6)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: Mt. Vernon leads the all-time series 13-10. The Marauders topped Shelbyville just two weeks ago, 62-7.
Last week: Mt. Vernon picked up its fourth straight win, topping Yorktown 41-33. Shelbyville lost 62-8 to Pendleton Heights.
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Sagarin ratings: Mt. Vernon 65.44 (75th), Shelbyville 21.63 (257th)
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; Shelbyville — QB Riley Stevens, RB Matthew Merritt, WR Dom Willman, S Elijah Simms
What to look for: Mt. Vernon couldn’t have asked for a better draw here, getting to play at home against a team they rolled over just two weeks ago. The result should be similar here. Look for a steady dose of Rylan Cole, while the passing game should have a big day as well. The Marauders should advance to the second round with a big win.
Eastern Hancock (3-6, 1-2) vs. Heritage Christian (5-4, 0-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: These teams played for the first time ever in Week 4, with Heritage Christian winning 33-6.
Last week: Eastern Hancock lost to Lapel, 27-12. Heritage Christian beat Sheridan 27-14.
Sagarin ratings: Eastern Hancock 25.04 (243rd), Heritage Christian 37.41 (198th)
Players to watch: Eastern Hancock — QB Houston Swan, RB/DB Victor Olivo, RB/LB Garrett Friesen, RB/LB Jacob Johnson, OL/DL Alexander Burton, OL/DL Brady Stephens, OL/DL Tyler Vandervliet, WR/DB Cole Rainbolt; Heritage Christian — QB Sam Azbell, RB/S Colton Brown, RB/DE Aidan Craig, WR/DB Harrison Eckel, OLB Ethan Lowry
What to look for: A rematch from a first-ever meeting between the teams, this one should be much closer than the 33-6 result from early September. The Royals were killed by turnovers in that game, with Houston Swan throwing two interceptions and the team fumbling six times, losing five of them, in that game. The Royals have found their standout running back, now, in Victor Olivo. Expect him to have a big workload and the emphasis this week to be on protecting the football. Eastern Hancock still has a tough road to top Heritage Christian, but if they hold onto the ball they have the potential to advance.
