Lawrence Central (2-3) at Center Grove (2-3)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Webcast: centergrovefootball.com
Recent history: The Trojans had won four straight meetings before the Bears claimed a 14-12 squeaker last year.
Last week: Lawrence Central beat Pike, 34-7; Center Grove lost to North Central, 26-14
Sagarin ratings: Lawrence Central 86.74 (16th), Center Grove 98.98 (sixth)
Players to watch: Lawrence Central — QB John Lewis, WR Donivan Wright, WR Kirk Pinkston, DL DeZaun Brooks, DB Trevon Booker; Center Grove — QB Jackson Moore, RB Carson Steele, RB/KR Charlie Ogega, DL Lucas Hunter, LB Gabe Boyd
What to look for: The Trojans’ defense faces yet another stern test in the form of the Bears’ vaunted aerial attack. So far, though, Center Grove’s nemesis has largely been itself; if the team can avoid the mistakes that crippled it early last week against North Central, then it should again be in position to come out on top.
Franklin (2-3) at Mooresville (4-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Radio: KORN Country (100.3 FM)
Recent history: The Pioneers had won three in a row before being crushed by the Grizzly Cubs last fall, 52-14.
Last week: Franklin lost to Martinsville, 30-7; Mooresville lost to Decatur Central, 38-28
Sagarin ratings: Franklin 50.69 (132nd), Mooresville 77.67 (36th)
Players to watch: Franklin — QB Drew Byerly, WR/RB Noah Crow, WR Cory Richards, LB Clayton Coll, DB/KR Tyce Miller; Mooresville — QB Karson Goodman, RB James Mabry, WR Jon Eineman, WR Brayden Evans, DB Gavin Evans
What to look for: This game last year marked a turning point for the Pioneers; Goodman took over at quarterback midway through the blowout loss, and the team has won seven of its last nine games. The outcome in this one could well be decided by whichever defense can get a well-timed stop or takeaway; there don’t figure to be many with these two potent offenses going at it.
Perry Meridian (0-5) at Greenwood (1-4)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: The Woodmen have won three of the last five years, including matching 34-7 victories in 2016 and 2017.
Last week: Perry Meridian lost at Whiteland, 52-17; Greenwood lost to Plainfield, 35-21
Sagarin ratings: Perry Meridian 39.03 (181st), Greenwood 55.86 (118th)
Players to watch: Perry Meridian — QB Brooks Davis, RB Franklin Hammond, WR/KR Brandin Green; Greenwood — QB Oliver Rau, RB Nick Willham, WR Luke Raker, LB Dillon Cloyd, LB Bryce Taylor
What to look for: Two struggling teams in desperate need of a win; somebody’s got to come away with one. The Woodmen should have at least some confidence after playing Plainfield to a draw for the first 46-plus minutes; they should be able to build on that against a Falcons defense that’s allowing 49 points a game.
Whiteland (4-1) at Martinsville (5-0)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: The Artesians snapped a run of four lopsided defeats to the Warriors by pulling out a 43-33 victory last season.
Last week: Whiteland beat Perry Meridian, 52-17; Martinsville beat Franklin, 30-7
Sagarin ratings: Whiteland 71.62 (53rd), Martinsville 86.47 (18th)
Players to watch: Whiteland — QB Austin Kirkman, RB Jake Perry, RB Melvin Taylor, LB Jacob Schultz, DB Trevor Larence; Martinsville — QB Travis Griffey, RB Isaac Osborne, WR Andy Myers, LB Ben Balcerak, DB Westyn Pemberton
What to look for: It’s strength against strength, as a Whiteland ground attack averaging more than 350 yards a game and almost nine yards per carry faces an Artesians defense that has yielded just 30 points in three conference games. If the Warriors can keep the ball moving and their defense can keep the versatile Griffey in check, they can create a logjam at the top of the Mid-State standings.
Indian Creek (2-3) at Edgewood (4-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: The Braves own two convincing wins over the Mustangs since joining the WIC in 2016, including a 56-21 victory a year ago.
Last week: Indian Creek lost at Triton Central, 35-14; Edgewood beat South Putnam, 40-16
Sagarin ratings: Indian Creek 54.42 (121st), Edgewood 58.49 (102nd)
Players to watch: Indian Creek — QB/DB Isaiah Lacey, RB Avery Welch, OL/DL Kenny Edwards, LB Tony Hall, LB Bryce Smith; Edgewood — QB Schuyler Curtis, RB Levon Bellemy, DL Zaric Priest, LB Jacob Waldon, DB David Brown
What to look for: The Braves’ string of lopsided victories against WIC East teams could be tested tonight on the red turf of Edgewood, where an improved Mustangs team forcing two turnovers per game awaits. Indian Creek will need to get another strong performance on the ground and avoid mistakes to take control of the game and the division race.
Milan (3-2) at Edinburgh (0-5)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: The Indians have dominated the Lancers of late, winning 75-0 last year and 72-0 in 2016.
Last week: Milan beat North Decatur, 9-0; Edinburgh lost to South Decatur, 20-18
Sagarin ratings: Milan 43.62 (165th), Edinburgh minus-5.04 (312th)
Players to watch: Milan — QB David Carpenter, RB Tyler Smith, TE/DE Orrin Schmidt, OL/DL Dakota Sams, OL/DL Dakota Kneuven; Edinburgh — QB Tyson Sackman, RB/LB Bryce Burton, WR/LB Austin Streeval, WR/DB Hunter Dean, OL/DL Ethan Armel
What to look for: Victory has been tantalizingly close for the Lancers the last two weeks, but it now faces the two toughest teams on its schedule this week and next. Milan has shut out both of the Class A teams it’s faced; perhaps Edinburgh can build on its recent momentum and buck that trend.
Roncalli (1-4) vs. Brebeuf (3-2)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Webcast: rebelmedianetwork.com
Recent history: The Rebels have won 18 of the last 20 meetings and two in a row, including a 45-18 triumph last season.
Last week: Roncalli beat Scecina, 38-28; Brebeuf beat Culver Academy, 17-7
Sagarin ratings: Roncalli 72.64 (52nd), Brebeuf 73.68 (48th)
Players to watch: Roncalli — QB Aidan Leffler, RB Elijah Mahan, WR Luke Dill, DL John Harris, DB Jacob Denney; Brebeuf — QB Drake Hagerman, WR Gabe Wright, OL/DL Tyler Miller, LB Simon Banks, DB Anthony Annee
What to look for: The Rebels and Braves have had fairly similar seasons thus far, with strong, opportunistic defenses leading the way and inconsistent performances on offense. Don’t be surprised if a turnover or two end up determining the outcome.
