Coach Scruggs’ 5 Takeaways From Week 4
This summer, we posed the question: Is Warren Central on the path to regaining its former glory in Indiana high school football? Through four games, the answer seems clear. The Warriors have shut out every opponent, outscoring them 109-0. Their elite defensive line, spearheaded by LSU recruit Damien Shanklin, Louisville commit Tyrone Burrus, and rising sophomore star JJ Finch has been relentless. With 11 sacks and 11 takeaways, Warren Central dominates the line of scrimmage and controls the game on both sides of the ball.
1. Is Evansville Memorial Top 25 Material?
After their commanding 41-13 victory over rival Mater Dei, many are wondering if Evansville Memorial deserves a spot in the Top 25. While this was their 8th consecutive win over Mater Dei, this win felt particularly decisive. The defense has been consistently stout, allowing more than 14 points just once this season. Senior linebacker Alex Broshears is the heart of this unit, averaging 14 tackles per game. Circle October 4 on your calendar—Evansville Memorial will host their long-time nemesis, the Evansville Reitz Panthers.
2. Can Greenfield-Central Conquer the Hoosier Heritage?
Greenfield-Central is emerging as a legitimate threat in the Hoosier Heritage Conference, but can they dethrone powerhouse New Palestine? The Cougars finished 9-2 last season, with both losses coming at the hands of New Palestine. They haven’t beaten the Dragons since 2007, but their confidence is growing. New Palestine, 3-0 this season, remains the favorite to win Class 4A, but all eyes will be on their inevitable showdown.
3. Columbus North’s Defense Paving the Way
Starting 4-0 for the first time since 2018, Columbus North has leaned on its stifling defense. They’ve recorded two shutouts and given up just 29 points all season. Their defensive front has been a nightmare for opponents, with 17 sacks through four games. Adding to their defensive prowess, they’ve caused seven turnovers. Senior linebacker Jose Ramirez is a tackling machine, averaging 14 per game, while Kent State commit Garrett Long disrupts the backfield with 6.5 tackles for loss and impacts the passing game as well.
4. Offensive Shootout: Brebeuf Jesuit vs. Guerin Catholic
Fans were treated to an offensive explosion in Brebeuf Jesuit’s 69-62 win over Guerin Catholic. The teams combined for over 1,600 yards of offense in a game that had fireworks from the start. Brebeuf led 35-14 after the first quarter, but Guerin’s quarterback Malcolm Houze nearly orchestrated a miraculous comeback, throwing for 638 yards and eight touchdowns in the loss. Despite the result, Guerin Catholic’s resilience showcased their offensive potential in one of the wildest games of the year.
5. Martinsville’s Comeback Stuns Decatur Central
Finally, in one of the most thrilling finishes of the week, Martinsville erased a 31-point deficit to shock Class 5A favorite Decatur Central, 39-38. This victory has thrown the Mid-State Conference race wide open. After this heart-stopping performance, the question remains: Who should be considered the favorite to win the conference?
With each week, more questions emerge, but one thing is certain—this season is shaping up to be one for the books. Week 4’s performances prove that Indiana high school football is as unpredictable as ever, and the race to the top is only just beginning.