Through six weeks of the football season, we are at point when dealing with game cancellations due to Covid-19 has become the norm. Administrators are working tirelessly to fulfill openings when opponents cancel midweek. We’ve seen several times this year, teams pick up games with one day to prepare. Again, kudos to all that work to keep everyone safe and the game of football moving forward. With that said, there are some exciting matchups this week featuring top 25 programs facing off and other big games with implications.

Top 5 Games to Watch

No.21 Jasper (5-0) at No.10 Central (5-0)

Prediction: Central 28-24

No.16 Lutheran (5-0) at Northview (4-1)

Prediction: Lutheran 35-17

Kankakee Valley (5-0) at Lowell (4-0)

Prediction: Lowell 17-14

Columbus East (3-2) at No.23 Floyd Central (4-1)

Prediction: Floyd Central 42-38

Southridge (5-0) at Tell City (5-0)

Prediction: Southridge 28-24

GAME OF THE WEEK

No.18 Westfield (4-1) at No.2 (Brownsburg (5-0)

If there’s a team up to challenge the No.1 ranked Center Grove Trojans, many believe it will be the No.2 ranked Brownsburg Bulldogs. Before that dream matchup can happen, the Bulldogs will get all they can handle when No.18 Westfield Rocks come to town. The Rocks come in the game with a loss on their record, but that was week one and against No.3 ranked Cathedral. Since then, Westfield has put together a four-game win streak. Their statement win cam last week in a 14-3 win over a good Hamilton Southeastern team. However, this will be their best opponent since week one. On the other side, Brownsburg has been dominant throughout five weeks. The Bulldogs only test came week two against Ohio power and they came out victorious in double-OT game. Since then, the Bulldogs have outscored their opponents 124 to 45. A prolific offense with division one recruits on the offensive line, and at the skill positions, keeps opposing defensive coordinators awake at night. The Rocks’ offense is not one to sleep on, with the talent at the skill position, they’re capable of scoring at will. Follow that up with a solid defense featuring a power five recruit in Popeye Williams, the Rocks will give the Bulldogs all they can handle on Friday night.

Players to Watch

Westfield: DL Popeye Williams, RB Micah Hauser, WR Mason Piening

Brownsburg: QB Ben Easters, WR Luke Lacey, OL Joshua Sales

Prediction: Brownsburg 35 Westfield 31