As we move into the heart of playoff season, the field narrows in each classification, bringing us closer to the final showdown at Lucas Oil Stadium. With more intense matchups each week, teams with championship aspirations are rising to the occasion.

Scoreboard Watchin’

Despite closer games, several teams still produced dominant wins last week, including Center Grove’s 72-7 rout over Jeffersonville, the largest point total and margin of victory across the state. The Trojans took a commanding 66-0 halftime lead, with senior quarterback Gabe McWilliams throwing three touchdown passes on just 10 attempts. Running back Austin Hennessy and defensive back Luke Barrett each scored twice, with Barrett adding an interception return and a fumble recovery for touchdowns.

The highest combined score came from 2A Sectional 34, where North Montgomery edged out Lewis Cass 48-47 in a thrilling victory. Junior quarterback Jack Warren led the Chargers, amassing 280 passing yards, three touchdowns, and adding 80 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground. Warren’s top target, senior receiver Kelby Harwood, contributed 10 receptions for 175 yards and three touchdowns, while also making 10 tackles and throwing a touchdown pass himself.

Pre-Tournament Picks Check-In

After week seven, I predicted champions in each class: Providence, Lutheran, Evansville Memorial, New Palestine, Decatur Central, and Lawrence North. Here’s how they’re faring:

  • 1A: Providence remains undefeated after a 35-20 win over Springs Valley and a 31-3 victory over Forest Park. North Judson San Pierre, another strong contender, has been impressive, but Providence’s tough matchups may give them the edge if they meet at Lucas Oil.
  • 2A: Lutheran looks poised to achieve a historic four-peat. With back-to-back 49-7 wins over Heritage Christian and Cardinal Ritter, the Saints are the favorites heading into their sectional championship against Monrovia.
  • 3A: Evansville Memorial continues to shine, going 10-0 and setting up a big showdown with 10-1 Heritage Hills. Memorial’s road to Lucas Oil looks tough in a highly competitive 3A field, but they remain among the top contenders.
  • 4A: New Palestine is unbeaten, following a 28-14 win over Mt. Vernon and a 41-7 victory over Yorktown. With a defense giving up just under eight points per game, they remain favorites despite challenges from teams like Martinsville, East Noble, and Hanover Central.
  • 5A: Decatur Central narrowly defeated Whiteland 28-14 in their playoff opener and faces Plainfield next. The 5A field is stacked, with the Concord vs. Warsaw winner likely to compete for the title. Reigning 4A champions East Central and Lafayette Jefferson also remain formidable.
  • 6A: Lawrence North continued its dominance with a 40-9 win over rival Lawrence Central. They now face a strong Cathedral team in the sectional championship. With Center Grove, Westfield, Crown Point, Carroll, and Warren Central also advancing, 6A remains highly competitive.

Stats Leaders Update

  • Passing: Maverick Geske (Brebeuf) ended his season with 4,039 passing yards, the fifth-best in Indiana state history. Jake Schiff’s record of 4,468 remains untouched.
  • Rushing: Myles McLaughlin (Knox) leads with 2,180 yards.
  • Receiving: Taylor Clark (Brebeuf) racked up 1,599 receiving yards, the 11th-best in state history, finishing third nationally.
  • Total Touchdowns: Myles McLaughlin (Knox), Kole Wilcox (North Judson), and Estil Pruitt (West Noble) each have 33 touchdowns.
  • Tackles: Abe Edwards (Eastern) ranks fourth nationally with 183 total tackles, averaging nearly 17 per game.
  • Interceptions: Madden Beriault (Warren Central) has 10 interceptions, tied for fifth-best nationally.
  • Sacks: Kimar Nelson (Wayne) leads with 14.5 sacks.

Favorite Sectional Championship Picks

  • 1A: North Decatur (10-1) vs. Milan (7-4)
  • 2A: Lutheran (10-1) vs. Monrovia (9-2)
  • 3A: West Noble (10-1) vs. Garrett (11-0)
  • 4A: Lebanon (9-2) vs. Huntington North (8-3)
  • 5A: Concord (10-0) vs. Warsaw (7-3)
  • 6A: Lawrence North (10-0) vs. Cathedral (6-3)

As we enter this pivotal week, expect fierce competition and thrilling moments as Indiana’s top teams push toward the ultimate prize: a championship at Lucas Oil Stadium.