New Palestine (4-0, 2-0) at Pendleton Heights (4-0, 2-0)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Recent history: New Palestine leads the all-time series 18-13 against the Arabians. The Dragons have won six straight, including a 41-21 victory in 2017.
Last week: New Palestine, ranked No. 1 in Class 5A, is coming off a 64-0 shutout against county rival Mt. Vernon. Pendleton Heights, ranked just outside the Top 10 in Class 4A, beat another Hancock County team, Greenfield-Central, 50-0 last week.
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Sagarin ratings: New Palestine 106.77 (second), Pendleton Heights 75.22 (41st)
Players to watch: New Palestine — QB Zach Neligh, RB Charlie Spegal, WR Colby Jenkins, WR Matt Brown, OL/DL Austin Keele, OL/DL Kyle King, LB Luke Ely, DB Luke Canfield, WR/DB Maxen Hook, DB Brody Luker; Pendleton Heights — QB Christian Conkling, RB Kamden Early, WR/DB Eli Pancol, WR/DB Anakin Allison, OL/DL Tremor Bynum, RB/LB Jarod Miller
What to look for: This is, by far, the biggest game remaining on New Palestine’s schedule. There are two big matchups to keep any an eye — the Arabians defense against Charlie Spegal and the Dragons defense against Eli Pancol. Spegal is leading the state, and nation, in rushing touchdowns, while Pancol is one of the state’s top wide receivers. The Arabians are averaging 105 yards per game rushing allowed, while the Dragons are averaging 313 yards per game on the ground. New Palestine’s defense has five interceptions and 14 passes defensed so far this season. If they can contain Pancol, the Dragons should roll to another conference win on the strength of Spegal and the run game.
Mt. Vernon (2-2, 1-1) at Delta (3-1, 2-0)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Recent history: Delta leads the all-time series 23-15. Mt. Vernon avenged a 2016 sectional loss last year with a 31-26 win against the Eagles. The Marauders have won six of the last 10 meetings between the teams.
Last week: Mt. Vernon was shut out at home by New Palestine, falling 64-0. Delta rolled past Yorktown 48-13.
Sagarin ratings: Mt. Vernon 56.07 (121st), Delta 68.27 (69th)
Players to watch: Mt. Vernon — QB Tyson Harley, RB/OLB Dylan Cole, WR Braxton Trittipo, WR DaRell Jackson, TE/DE Max Burhenn, DE P.J. Sterrett; Delta — QB Brady Hunt, RB/DB Wesley Stitt, RB/DB Wesley Woodin, MLB Brady Pease, DE Nate Southerland
What to look for: A week after giving up 365 yards on the ground to New Palestine, the Marauders face another run-heavy team. Delta averages over 300 yards per game on the ground, with five different runners over 125 yards so far this season. Mt. Vernon will be looking to bounce back from a blowout loss to its county rival, and should have opportunities to do so. Mt. Vernon built some momentum itself on the ground with Dylan Cole rushing for over 100 yards a week ago, but look for Tyson Harley and the passing attack to get back on track, weather permitting.
Greenfield-Central (0-4, 0-2) at Shelbyville (0-4, 0-2)
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m.
Recent history: Shelbyville narrowly leads the all-time series, 24-22, thanks to wins the past two years. The Golden Bears bested the Cougars 41-14 last year and 52-31 in 2016.
Last week: Both teams are coming off tough losses. Greenfield-Central was defeated 50-0 at home by Pendleton Heights. Shelbyville also lost at home, 41-18, to New Castle.
Sagarin ratings: Greenfield-Central 33.76 (225th), Shelbyville 21.50 (274th)
Players to watch: Greenfield-Central — QB Gehrig Slunaker, OL/DL Tate Helm, RB/LB Turk Faitele, OLB Tyler Antic; CB/WR/RB Jaden Brown, RB/FS Emmet Houser; Shelbyville — QB Landon Watson, RB Matthew Merritt, WR Dom Willman, S Elijah Simms
What to look for: Both teams are in search of their first win, and there is no better opportunity for the Cougars to get theirs. With a trip to New Palestine awaiting next week, Greenfield-Central needs to get in the win column here to build some momentum heading toward the back half of the season. The Cougars’ offense, averaging just 7 points per game, should have the chance to make some noise against a Golden Bears defense that has given up 57.5 points per game. Shelbyville has given up 943 rushing yards in the last two games — look for Greenfield-Central’s run game to finally get on track, with Spencer Johnson and Emmet Houser in line to have a strong game.
Eastern Hancock (2-2, 1-0) at Knightstown (3-1, 3-1)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Recent history: Eastern Hancock leads the all-time series 29-25. The Royals have won five straight against the Panthers, with a 28-14 victory last season.
Last week: Eastern Hancock turned the ball over eight times in a 34-6 loss to Heritage Christian. Knightstown won its third straight conference game with a 26-14 win against Union City.
Sagarin ratings: Eastern Hancock 28.04 (248th), Knightstown 41.77 (197th)
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; Knightstown — QB/FS Jose Olivo, RB/LB Nick Walsh, WR/LB Kyler Burchett, OL/DE Liam Orcutt, OL/DL Sam Thomas
What to look for: Protecting the football is key this week for the Royals. Eastern Hancock lost five fumbles and turned the ball over eight total times in a blowout loss last week — look for the running back trio of Victor Olivo, Garrett Friesen and Jacob Johnson to focus on holding on to the ball while grinding out yards against the Panthers. The Panthers have a do-everything QB in Jose Olivo, who has seven passing touchdowns, four rushing touchdowns and three interceptions on defense. He has passed for over 200 yards a game and rushed for just shy of 100. Containing him will be a key for the Royals — if they can do that, they should bounce back from a tough Week 4 loss.
