CLASS 6A SECTIONAL
Center Grove (4-5) at Franklin Central (8-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Webcast: centergrove football.com
Radio: KORN Country 100.3
Recent history: This will be the first time the Trojans have faced the Flashes during the 19-year tenure of head coach Eric Moore.
Sagarin ratings: Center Grove 102.83 (fifth), Franklin Central 89.35 (17th)
Players to watch: Center Grove — QB Jackson Moore, RB Carson Steele, WR Jacob Keith, DL Austin Daming, CB Tyler Watson; Franklin Central — QB Dylan Bishop, RB Michael Pitz, WR Malieki Parks, LB Mario Coles, LB Nate Talhelm
What to look for: The Flashes have had a breakthrough year, posting early-season wins against Decatur Central and Columbus North, but they haven’t really been tested since early September. Will Center Grove, which lost three close games down the stretch, have the answers against a balanced and dangerous Franklin Central offense? This sectional used to be a cakewalk for the Trojans; it may not be this time around.
CLASS 5A SECTIONALS
Franklin (1-8) at Martinsville (5-4)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: The Grizzly Cubs have won two of the last three, but the Artesians were a 35-14 victor this year when the teams met in Martinsville on Sept. 15.
Sagarin ratings: Franklin 59.64 (97th), Martinsville 66.22 (71st)
Players to watch: Franklin — QB Drew Byerly, RB Tyler Fromer, WR Riley McCann, LB Manny Cheam, S Clayton Coll; Martinsville — QB Travis Griffey, WR Darius Stillman, CB Seth Galyan
What to look for: The Grizzly Cubs have shown signs of improvement throughout the year, but few teams in Indiana have made as much of a leap as the Artesians have in recent weeks. Martinsville has won five in a row after an 0-4 start, with Franklin the first victory in that run. Can the Grizzly Cubs even the score when it matters most?
Roncalli (8-1) vs. Cathedral (4-5) at Arsenal Tech
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Webcast: rebelmedia network.com
Radio: CBS Sports-1430 AM
Recent history: The teams last faced one another in a 2012 sectional, with the Fighting Irish rolling to a 34-7 win.
Cathedral has won the past 10 meetings.
Sagarin ratings: Roncalli 95.77 (10th), Cathedral 103.99 (third)
Players to watch: Roncalli — QB Conner Gore, RB Elijah Mahan, WR Jacob Luedeman, LB Jones Asher, LB Cade Morgan; Cathedral — QB Roman Purcell, RB Chon’Dre Cissell, WR Derrick Hall, LB Jackson Barrow, DB Dylan Stewart
What to look for: This is probably the most anticipated game in the state this week, and for good reason. The Rebels should have plenty of incentive, having not beaten the Fighting Irish since 2006, and they’re certainly capable of doing so. As is the case any time two closely-matched teams face off, the turnover battle will be a key.
CLASS 4A SECTIONAL
Mt. Vernon (Fortville) (4-6) at Greenwood (8-2)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: This is the first meeting between the schools since at least 1994.
Sagarin ratings: Mt. Vernon 49.68 (140th), Greenwood 79.63 (32nd)
Players to watch: Mt. Vernon — QB Tyson Harley, WR Braxton Trittipo, WR/RB Cole Van Slyke, DT Max Burhenn, S Rylan Cole; Greenwood — QB Seth Gallman, RB Nick Willham, TE Conner Battinau, DE Jake Patton, LB Bryce Taylor
What to look for: The Marauders operate almost exclusively through the air; four different players have at least 24 catches, led by Trittipo’s 56. Good defenses, though, have been able to shut that passing game down, and Greenwood has a pretty good defense. This should be a pretty comfortable win for the Woodmen if they don’t get caught looking ahead to next week.
CLASS 3A SECTIONAL
Indian Creek (7-3) vs. Cardinal Ritter (8-2) at Marian University
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: This will be the first meeting between the two programs since at least 1994.
Sagarin ratings: Indian Creek 51.53 (131st), Cardinal Ritter 65.52 (74th)
Players to watch: Indian Creek — QB Taylor Voris, RB Michael Perkins, WR/S Isaiah Lacey, WR/CB Brad Trietsch, LB Grant Goforth; Cardinal Ritter — QB Diomoni Small, WR Ben Egonolf, WR Kyle Price, DT Bryce Giebel, LB Trey Hunt
What to look for: The Raiders, much like the Braves, have the ability to pick teams apart through the air. Indian Creek’s defense will have to shut down the pass but also contain Small, who is a threat with his legs as well. This is a winnable game for the Braves if they can avoid turning the ball over.
— Compiled by Ryan O’Leary
