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Warsaw (2-0, 0-0 NLC) at NorthWood (1-1, 0-0 NLC)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Andrews Field, Nappanee.
Series (last 40 years): NorthWood, 25-15.
John Harrell’s prediction: Warsaw, 35-28.
Last meeting: Oct. 10, 2025, Warsaw, 28-7.
About Warsaw: Bart Curtis’ Indiana Football Coaches Association 5A No. 4 Tigers edged visiting Fort Wayne Northrop 29-28 in Week 2 … Warsaw took leads of 21-14 and 21-20 into halftime and the fourth quarter, respectively … Of 398 rushing yards, Michael Schenk had 235 on 31 carries with two touchdowns … Tucker Reed gained 92 yards and three totes with one TD … Brady Sauer picked up 55 yards on nine carries … Mason Silveus had three carries for eight yards and one TD … Total tackle point leaders are Matthew Flores-Ortega (30), Nathan Villa (27), Jack Bradford (19), Mark Haynes (16) Ty Martin (16) and Andrew Robertson (16) … The Tigers have committed one turnover … Warsaw is 1-5 in its last six trips to NorthWood.
About NorthWood: Nate Andrews’ 4A Panthers beat visiting New Prairie 37-13 in Week 2 … Gage Lechlitner has completed 17-of-33 passes for 273 yards, three TD’s and one interception in two games … Brandt Sark had three receptions for 110 yards and two TD’s and Benjamin Yoder seven catches for 91 yards and one TD … Rushing leaders are Brady Weaver with 10 carries for 65 yards and Spencer Elliott 46 attempts for 46 yards and one TD … Total tackle leaders are Elliott (15), Ethan Miller (12), Sade Yoder (11) and Micah Persing (8) … Elliott has one interception and Miller one fumble recovery.
Per Coach Bart Curtis:
On NorthWood — We need to identify and defend their different concepts offensively. They give you a lot of different looks. They’ll throw bubble and crash screens and they can run the ball … They’re a big-play team … We’ve got to tackle better to have a shot Friday night … We’ve shown some improvement in some areas. We need to make sure we continue to do that.
Offensive line/secondary — It was better than (Week 1) and better than (the preseason scrimmage) … (Senior captain and two-year starter at tackle) Owen Corbin and (junior guard) Rock Lambert stand out a little bit … Our corner play was pretty decent. Senior cornerback Andrew Robertson had his best high school football game. He’s turned into a really solid tackler.
On Northrop game — We knew it was going to be that type of game — very physical. Defensively, they were an issue. Offensively, they were a nightmare to defend … (Both teams) had the ball six times and scored four times (with Warsaw taking a knee to end the game) ... We feel very fortunate to come out on top.
Adams Central (1-1) at Tippecanoe Valley
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Smith-Bibler Memorial Field, Akron
Series: First Meeting
Last Outing: Adams Central lost to Eastside 21-14, Tippecanoe Valley defeated Rochester 30-0
John Harrell’s prediction: Adams Central 21-20
About Adams Central: If you were puzzled by the sight of Adams Central falling to Eastside last week, don’t beat yourself up too badly. It was the Jets’ first regular season loss in five years, also coming to Eastside. The team’s success under head coach Michael Mosser speaks for itself: Four straight trips to the state title game from 2021 to 2024, two in 1A, two in 2A and culminating with a state title in 2024. Now up in 3A, the Jets will look to continue a long stretch of postseason success. But first, they’ve got their eyes on avoiding a second loss in a row. The Vikings and Jets will meet for the first time on Friday night, and could meet later this fall in either the regional or semi-state rounds. No statistics were available for the team’s loss last week.
About Tippecanoe Valley: The Vikings picked up their second win in as many tries last Friday, dominating their rivals from Rochester to the tune of a 30-0 victory. Just about everything that could have gone right for Valley last week did, as both the offensive and defensive lines dictated the game on each side of the ball. Giving up just one first down in the second half, the Vikings had no difficulty moving the ball themselves. The team ran for 233 yards while holding the Zebras to just 94. Quarterback Hunter Randall led the way with 8-0 yards and a pair of scores, while Hunter Paxton also picked up 71 on the ground to go with a TD. Colter Blackburn came up with a sack and blocked a punt, which led to the first score of the game. Ty Kiser was fantastic in his return to the lineup, making 24 tackles.
Tippecanoe Valley head coach Steve Moriarty:
On last week - While I think there’s always room to improve, I do think we played a great game last week. We wanted to get rid of the penalties and we did that. I think our defense was phenomenal, special teams did a great job, especially on that blocked punt. If we can keep improving, I’m really happy with what I’m seeing.
On getting the passing game going - We definitely want to establish the passing game a bit more, especially as the season moves on. We tried to throw the ball a bit last week but they had some good coverage. It turned into some scrambles for Hunter and that’s not the end of the world. As we move forward I’d like to see some more consistency.
On Adams Central - I mean what else is there to say about a team losing [in the regular season] for the first time in five years? They’re fundamentally sound. They don’t make mistakes. They’re extremely well coached. They’ve still got kids on the roster from that 2024 state title team, and that kind of experience is invaluable. These are the types of games that prepare you for the tournament.
Concord (1-1, 0-0 NLC) at Wawasee (0-2, 0-0 NLC)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Warrior Stadium, Syracuse.
Series (last 40 years): Concord, 40-6.
John Harrell’s prediction: Concord, 42-17.
Last meeting: Oct. 10, 2025, Concord, 49-21.
About Concord: Craig Koehler’s IFCA 5A No. 6 Minutemen won 48-13 at Jimtown in Week 2 … Braylon Monroe has completed 26-of-39 passes for 335 yards and six touchdowns in two games … 26 P LaRoche has seven receptions for 145 yards and three TD’s, JJ Lee seven catches for 65 yards and Jaydon Yoder one reception for 29 yards and one TD … Monroe has 24 carries for 155 yards and one TD and Lee 13 carries for 104 yards and one TD … Total tackle leaders are Eli Castaneda (16), Caleb Koehler (15), Zack Myers (14), Riley Parsons (11), Fernando Elenes (10) and Dilan Cantarero (10) … Koehler has one fumble recovery … Concord has beaten Wawasee in the last 24 straight meetings
About Wawasee: Mark Osmialowski’s 4A Warriors lost 26-16 to visiting West Noble in Week 2 … Johnny Zachary has completed 21-of-41 passes for 423 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in two games … Jaylen Lowery has nine receptions for 227 yards and one TD, Kaden Andrew three catches for 69 yards and one TD and Luke Nettrouer two receptions for 61 yards … Mason McKibben has 14 carries for 60 yards, J’Ceon Evans nine totes for 55 yards and Andrew six carries for 48 yards and one TD … Lowery caught a TD pass, Brown ran for a TD and Cash Walter kicked a field goal against West Noble … Total tackle leaders are McKibben (26), Westen Haab (26), Jaxon Brown (13), Max Pena (11), Aidan Beer (11) and Luke Lehman (10). Lowery has two fumble recoveries … Mason Hatfield has one interception … The Warriors have six turnovers.
Per Coach Mark Osmialowski:
On Concord — It is always a team that is physical and fast. If we can come out and set the tone, show them that we’re going to be the most physical team on the field, we’ll shell-shock them a little bit … We haven’t beaten Concord in 22 years. The last time we beat them was ’04 when we went to State. That’s what I’m starting the team meeting off with (to begin the week). That’s going to be the goal this week: Rewrite history.
Improvement — Our defensive backs played a lot faster. They weren’t thinking as much … The game seemed to slow down for (QB Johnny Zachary). He was able to get some passes out in some tight spots and have his eyes downfield … Jaylen (Lowery) really came on this week. He has some speed that can threaten teams vertically. He’s also good at running underneath routes. We can utilize that to our advantage.
On West Noble game — We played a lot cleaner football. We didn’t turn the ball over as much … We couldn’t get the run established after the first drive. We were able to throw the ball. Once we marry up the running game with the passing game, we’re going to look a lot better offensively … Defensively, we played a lot cleaner game. We forced them to earn it. It was four plays that really got away from us.
Benton Central (0-2) vs. Manchester (0-2)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m., Apache Field, Wabash
Series: First Meeting
Last Outing: Benton Central lost 45-0 to Seeger, Manchester lost 49-18 to Tipton
John Harrell’s prediction: Manchester 42-14
About Benton Central: This was originally supposed to be a conference game for the Squires, but with Wabash competing in 8-man football, Manchester had to pivot and find a new opponent. The game will still be at Wabash, but it will be Benton Central competing in the Apaches' place. The Bison, like the Squires, are still searching for their first win of the season after falling 45-0 to Seeger last week. Quarterback Max Strawsma completed just five passes for 26 yards in the loss. Tanner Pitstick managed just 26 yards on the ground to lead the team. With the Bison totalling -1 yards rushing, the team had just 25 total yards in the game.
About Manchester: The Squires had a tough showing last week, beginning the campaign at 0-2 after falling 49-18 to Tipton at home. Now, instead of resuming Three Rivers Conference play, Manchester turns its attention to Benton Central. Looking back at the previous game, Maddux Greer led the team in rushing once again with 98 yards on the ground and a score. Quarterback Cody Carroll threw for 30 yards and ran for 37 more, including a touchdown. Defensively, the team gave up two touchdowns in three of the four quarters played Lincoln Young made four tackles on defense, with three of them going for a loss.
Manchester head coach Brian Enyeart:
On last week - I think it was a closer game than what the final score indicated. We did some things right, and we scored on a couple of good looking drives. But we missed 44 tackles and committed some momentum killing fumbles. I don’t really know how to say it other than I don't think we’re doing a good job retaining what we’re being coached during the week. We’re not executing with consistency.
On figuring things out - I think the kids are thinking too much instead of playing football. They’re overcomplicating things. This week we’re mixing things up a bit in practice to try and get some urgency out of them, because when they take the field, it's not there. We’ve had more than a few delay of game penalties so far this season. I could call a timeout, but if I had to call one every time we took the field not looking as ready as we should, I’d be using timeouts from next year’s games.
On Benton Central - They’ve got a first year coach, so they’re still learning his system week to week. Their records in recent years haven’t been that good but they play good teams. They’re definitely a better team than they’ve shown. We can’t go out there and expect to get a win. We’ve got to go out and earn it.
Whitko (0-2, 0-1 Three Rivers Conference) at Rochester (1-1, 1-0 TRC)
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Barnhart Field
Series last 40 years: Rochester 28-11
Last meeting: Rochester 47-0, Sept. 5, 2025
John Harrell prediction: Rochester 45-7
About Whitko: After its starting quarterback left the team to pursue other sports interests, the Wildcats had to get new starter, converted sophomore wide receiver Chase Miller, ready in two regular practices and the traditional day-before-game light practice. Head coach Thomas Tyree said he’s been pleased with how quickly Miller has picked up on his new position. In last week’s loss to Peru, Miller went 6-for-14 for 40 yards with a limited playbook. The setback to Peru was Whitko’s 11th consecutive loss. The longest current losing streak in Indiana high school football belongs to Bellmont at 44 games.
About Rochester: The Zebras run the ball far more often than not. Junior quarterback Mitchell Clark has thrown just 10 passes in two games, completing half his attempts for 60 overall yards and a touchdown. A pair of seniors lead Rochester’s running attach; Kale Shotts has 108 yards on 27 carries and a touchdown, while Trenton Meadows has 90 yards on 15 carries and a pair of TD’s. A total of 14 players have at least one rushing attempt for the Zebras, compared to Whitko’s 27 players on its roster.
Head Coach Thomas Tyree:
On the Peru game: “Our defense played well. I know (the scoreboard) doesn't necessarily say that, but on our 1st drive, it took them 15 plays to score. Then we threw a pick-6 so that didn't help. But I thought our defense actually showed out and play well. It's just we have to move the ball and score, and that helps our defense as well. So that's kind of what we're going to focus on this week: trying to help our defense out and go from there.”
On the new quarterback: “I would say (Miller) did the little things right. He knew where to go. He just was slow with the delivery. His footwork was good. His release went well. I think he only messed up one run and play. So like all of those things like really matter a lot when you're trying to build a program. I think he did a great job, and I told him that, considering the hand he was dealt. I'm looking forward to seeing him do it this week and. I think he's going to get better each week. He's a really smart kid. He knows what to do. (We) are on the same page. He hates to lose, like me. So he's like, ‘coach, I got you. I hate to lose.’ So we're the same way, so we're wired the same way, so that helps. Not saying the last kid wasn't, but I just think it matters a little bit more.”
On Rochester: “Rochester is big and physical. It's kind of what they're known for. They do what they do and they dare you to stop them. That's really all it boils down to at the end of the day. I wish it was more than that. I wish it was something different, but just the reality is, it's just all about lining up and stopping them. If we line up and stop them we would be all right.”
Culver Community (0-2, 0-0 HNAC) at Triton (0-2, 0-0 HNAC)
When: Friday, 7 p.m., Trojan Field, Bourbon.
Series (last 40 years): Culver, 24-21.
John Harrell’s prediction: Triton, 35-14.
Last meeting: Sept. 5, 2025, Triton, 48-8.
About Culver Community: Austin Foust’s 1A Cavaliers lost 36-0 to visiting West Central in Week 2 … Brayen Bush has 26 carries for 101 yards in two games … John Carr has 53 yards on 10 carries and Braylon Jackson 40 yards on 22 totes with one TD … Zac Zehner is 0-of-13 passing … Drake Zorich (5) is the total tackle leader … Isaiah Milam has one fumble recovery.
About Triton: Coach Andy Barker’s 1A Trojans lost 62-0 at Bremen in Week 2 … Cayden Bradley gained 36 yards one five carries and Ryder Gayheart 35 on 17 totes … Total tackle leaders were Lukas Nicely (4), Bradley (3), Gayheart (3), Christian McIntosh (3), Levi Mondy (3) and Noah Mondy (3) … Triton has beaten Culver Community in the last seven straight meetings.
Per Coach Andy Barker:
On Culver Community — We went through a gauntlet (in the first two weeks). I think LaVille is going to end up being decently-strong this year. I know Bremen’s going to be good this year … It’s not that we can now take a breath because I have no doubt Culver has us circled as well. But Culver isn’t going to hit like Bremen. They’re not going to have the speed or size of Bremen … (Our players) feel like we can win … It looks like (Culver) is more of a wing-T (running) team, but they’ve got the spread in their DNA.
Improvement — Improvements come from the leadership and understanding they didn’t know what they didn’t know. Now that they understand what they didn’t know, they’re much more engaged … You see that you’ve got some stuff to learn and that’s how you get yourself into becoming an expert in something. It’s really just the leadership … It’s truly about time-on-target and understanding that there is a certain violence and speed within the game that — quite frankly — we weren’t prepared for. Now they’ve had some experience with it.
On Bremen game — For us it was kind of a character-building thing. We probably learned we need to be a little tougher and that’s OK.
