Advertisement

Courier & Press staff predictions for Week 1 of high school football in SW Indiana

kyle sokeland, treasure washington and anthony kristensen, evansville courier & press
·5 min read

EVANSVILLE — Finally, the Friday night lights will be upon us.

The high school football season begins tonight across Southwestern Indiana. The Week 1 schedule is ripe with several quality matchups, plus a bonus game on Saturday involving one of the top programs in the area and a defending state champion.

We've previewed this slate and most teams in the area over the past month. It's now time to put that knowledge to the test with the return of our weekly staff predictions. Kyle Sokeland won last year by three full games. Perhaps, another member of our staff will take home the top spot this fall.

Onto the picks...

High school football: Here are the Courier & Press preseason power rankings

North at Castle

Kyle Sokeland: The hope is North becomes more diversified on offense this season because the roster has talent. So does Castle. I liked what I saw in the scrimmage for the brief time its starters were on the field. Castle 27, North 20.

Treasure Washington: I'm picking Castle, but North made things interesting in the second half of last year's matchup. There could be a close finish again as the Huskies look to avenge a season sweep. Castle 30, North 27.

Anthony Kristensen: I like the look of both teams this offseason. Both are returning key pieces that made last season successful. That being said, I think Castle’s overall roster is just a bit stronger. Castle 24, North 21.

The Memorial Tigers celebrate their victory over the Jasper Wildcats in the Class 4A sectional semifinal game at Enlow Field in Evansville, Ind., Friday, Oct. 28, 2022.
The Memorial Tigers celebrate their victory over the Jasper Wildcats in the Class 4A sectional semifinal game at Enlow Field in Evansville, Ind., Friday, Oct. 28, 2022.

Jasper at Memorial

KS: This is usually a tight game, last year's season opener notwithstanding. The Tigers have the potential to remain a SIAC contender, but it may take time for their young and inexperienced lines. Jasper isn't the ideal starting opponent. Jasper 24, Memorial 17.

TW: Memorial looks to defeat Jasper at home for the first time since 2018. I'm predicting another close game, but I think the Tigers can pull out the victory, especially with the pieces they have on offense. Memorial 34, Jasper 30.

AK: This should be another fun game. I think both of these teams have what it takes to challenge at the top of the SIAC. I think Jasper’s experience wins the day over a younger Memorial team. Jasper 27, Memorial 24.

The Reitz Panthers scrimmage with the Mater Dei Wildcats at the Reitz Bowl in Evansville, Ind., Friday, Aug. 11, 2023.
The Reitz Panthers scrimmage with the Mater Dei Wildcats at the Reitz Bowl in Evansville, Ind., Friday, Aug. 11, 2023.

Reitz at Harrison

KS: I think the Warriors will continue to improve in year four under Moe Sutton. This just might be too big of a challenge out of the gate against a Reitz team projected to be very good. Reitz 42, Harrison 13.

TW: In my first week last year picking games, I decided to be bold out of the gate by picking Harrison over Reitz. My pick as to who will win this game coming up is different. Reitz 49, Harrison 14.

AK: I think Harrison will be better than expected and I indicated as much in our preseason predictions story. However, this Reitz team is a tough matchup for Week 1. Reitz 42, Harrison 21.

North Posey’s Kolton Gardner (31) carries the ball for a touchdown as the North Posey Vikings play the Mount Vernon Wildcats Friday evening, Oct. 7, 2022.
North Posey’s Kolton Gardner (31) carries the ball for a touchdown as the North Posey Vikings play the Mount Vernon Wildcats Friday evening, Oct. 7, 2022.

North Posey at Mount Vernon

KS: I like Mount Vernon's returning experience. At time same time, this is pretty much the same North Posey team. If there's ever a time for a truly great season, it's now. North Posey 31, Mount Vernon 21.

TW: North Posey ran for almost 300 yards as a team in its last meeting with Mount Vernon, and Jed Galvin did not even play. I have a strong feeling the Vikings will take care of the Wildcats again. North Posey 31, Mount Vernon 24.

AK: I like both of these teams and think they both will have good seasons. That being said, I think North Posey’s offensive duo of Liam Stone and Jed Galvin will be too strong for Mount Vernon this time around. North Posey 34, Mount Vernon 27.

Southridge's Hudson Allen (5) looks for a pass as the Southridge Raiders play the Gibson Southern Titans at Southridge High School in Huntingburg, Ind., Friday evening, Sept. 16, 2022.
Southridge's Hudson Allen (5) looks for a pass as the Southridge Raiders play the Gibson Southern Titans at Southridge High School in Huntingburg, Ind., Friday evening, Sept. 16, 2022.

Southridge at Heritage Hills

KS: I'd love to see the reaction from traditionalists when the Patriots roll out their new offense. Southridge is just a machine at this point though. Give me Scott Buening, but it's a close game. Southridge 30, Heritage Hills 27.

TW: Catch me at "The Jungle" this week. It should be exciting seeing Heritage Hills' spread offense up close, but Southridge still has an excellent defense. That's why I'm giving the Raiders the advantage. Southridge 27, Heritage Hills 20.

AK: I’m intrigued to see who Southridge starts in the backfield. I think Hudson Allen has an argument to be one of the top quarterbacks in the area regardless of who lines up behind him, though, and I think that wins it for the Raiders. Southridge 35, Heritage Hills 28.

Gibson Southern’s Sean DeLong (2) runs for a touchdown against Boonville during their game at Bennett Field in Boonville, Ind., Friday evening, Oct. 14, 2022.
Gibson Southern’s Sean DeLong (2) runs for a touchdown against Boonville during their game at Bennett Field in Boonville, Ind., Friday evening, Oct. 14, 2022.

Boyle County (KY) vs. Gibson Southern (at Western Kentucky)

KS: I really do like the potential of this Gibson Southern team. A lot of returning experience. They'll learn quite a bit with this game regardless of the outcome. Because by all accounts, Boyle County is really good. Boyle County 31, Gibson Southern 27.

TW: It's hard to go against Nick Hart and the Titans. But at the same time, they are going up a three-time defending Kentucky state champion that has lost only three games in that span. I'm going with the Rebels here. Boyle County 42, Gibson Southern 36.

AK: I’m a big fan of teams going out of their comfort zone in non-conference games, and Gibson Southern has done this for a while. I picked against the Titans in a similar game last year, so I'm gonna switch it up here. Gibson Southern 35, Boyle County 33.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: IHSAA football: Courier & Press staff predictions Week 1 2023