The Class 5A state tournament is set to begin this week, bringing exciting matchups and many questions across the state.

Let’s dive into Indiana Preps’ “Four Downs” to break down the Class 5A tournament.

1st Down: Is there a better opening-round matchup than Whiteland vs. Decatur Central?

No. These Mid-State Conference rivals are poised to put on a show this Friday night when they meet in the sectional opener.

Decatur Central took the regular season game with a 42-29 win. While the Warriors enter the postseason at 4-4, head coach Darrin Fisher thrives in underdog situations, relishing the chance to lead his team to wins in challenging environments. That said, if Whiteland wants to knock off Decatur Central, they’ll need more than just Slate Valentine’s efforts. The Hawks boast talent on both sides of the ball, with plenty of offensive weapons should the Warriors turn this game into a shootout.

With rivalry, familiarity, and football prowess, this is the game to watch in Class 5A this weekend.

2nd Down: Which teams are capable of making a run to Lucas Oil Stadium?

East Central is a strong contender. After going back-to-back in Class 4A, the Trojans moved up to Class 5A this year and continued stacking wins. Despite a 6-3 record, two of those losses were to Ohio teams, and the third was to a solid Roncalli team.

Evansville Castle, with a 7-2 record, is another legitimate contender. The Knights boast a balanced offense and a defense surrendering just 17 points per game.

At 8-1, Plainfield has proven itself a formidable contender as well. Tyler Bless has the Quakers playing confident, well-rounded football. Key to playoff success, Plainfield has a solid run game led by Luke Starnes, who averages over 150 rushing yards per game, and a strong defense led by Tyler Simek, averaging nearly nine tackles per game. Don’t be surprised if Plainfield makes a deep run at Lucas Oil.

3rd Down: Who is a player to keep an eye on?

Bloomington North quarterback Dash King. King, who was introduced to football by his father, has become a standout over the past two seasons and will look to lead the Cougars to a sectional title. With a powerful arm and the ability to break down defenses with his legs, King has the tools to guide Bloomington North deep into the postseason. After previous sectional eliminations by rival Bloomington South, King is motivated to make his senior season memorable.

4th Down: Who is a sleeper team to watch?

Columbus East. Despite starting the season 0-2 and struggling offensively, the Olympians have turned things around, entering the postseason with a 6-3 record. Eddie Vogel’s team is now averaging 32.3 points per game while allowing just 18 points on defense. Columbus East has momentum and playmakers who can quickly shift a game’s dynamic. They face a tough test from Franklin Community in a sectional that also includes East Central, but if the Olympians keep their momentum, they could shake up the southern half of the bracket.