IHSAA football Week 1 predictions: Who wins tournament rematches, out-of-state slugfests?

A new season of high school football predictions! Enjoy. All of these Central Indiana games are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday unless noted:

Carroll (Fort Wayne) at Hamilton Southeastern: This could be one of the best games of the weekend and certainly one of the most intriguing. Carroll was the team that kept HSE from making it to the Class 6A state finals last season, knocking off the Royals 21-15 in the semistate. HSE goes into this season ranked No. 4 in the preseason Class 6A Indiana Football Coaches Association poll, one spot ahead of fifth-ranked Carroll. HSE returns a lot of talent from last year’s 12-1 squad, though it will debut a new quarterback in talent junior Chandler Weston. Likewise, Carroll has a lot coming back, too, including junior quarterback Jimmy Sullivan, who passed for 2,203 yards and 27 TDs last season, and top two rushers, junior Nathan Starks (1,134 yards, seven TDs) and senior Braden Steely (482 yards, 13 TDs). HSE 27, Carroll 20.

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New Palestine at Westfield: This is potentially the best matchup of the night. Class 6A seventh-ranked Westfield started last season with a 42-28 loss to New Palestine, but rebounded to finish 8-4 and win a sectional title for the third consecutive year. Sophomore running back Kendall Garnett is poised for a big season and there are several playmakers on the defensive side. New Palestine is ranked No. 2 in 4A, but is young in some areas. But the Dragons are also very talented in some other areas, including offensive tackle (Ohio State recruit Ian Moore) and defensive tackle (Division I prospect Michael Thacker). New Palestine 28, Westfield 27.

Ben Davis at Cincinnati Moeller: What to expect here? The Giants are tied for second in the preseason IFCA poll in 6A, but are also coming off a 6-4 season that ended with a disappointing 28-point loss to Brownsburg in the sectional. This roster is loaded with talent, however, including experience at quarterback, running back and receiver. Moeller is coming off a 13-2 season and is ranked No. 54 in the country in the High School Football America 100. Michigan recruit Jordan Marshall returns at running back and cornerback Karson Hobbs is a Notre Dame recruit. Moeller 28, Ben Davis 21.

Center Grove vs. St. Edward (Ohio), at Canton, Ohio, noon Saturday: St. Edward is the two-time defending Division I state champion in Ohio and a six-time champion since 2010. Yikes. There is probably not a tougher way for the three-time defending 6A champion Trojans to start outside of scheduling Ohio State. St. Edward, located in suburban Cleveland, is absolutely loaded with talent on the lines with offensive linemen Deontae and Devontae Armstrong (both Ohio State recruits) and Michigan recruit Ben Roebuck at offensive tackle. How will Center Grove handle the challenge up front against a program ranked No. 13 in the country by High School Football America 100? Can the line give Duke recruit Tyler Cherry time to throw? Can Noah Coy find some openings in the secondary? Can Center Grove run the ball consistently. Can the defense hold up? So many questions. We’ll find some answers early Saturday afternoon. St. Edward 28, Center Grove 21.

Brebeuf Jesuit at Bishop Chatard: Interesting opener as usual. Chatard is the 3A defending state champion and the unanimous No. 1 in the preseason IFCA poll. That ranking seems on point as Trojans return a lot of talent on both sides of the ball for coach Rob Doyle. Brebeuf, ranked No. 10 in 4A, has an inexperienced defense, but does have an offense that could test Chatard with quarterback Maverick Geske and several skill positions and lineman returning. Brebeuf beat Chatard two years ago on its way to the 3A state finals. Chatard 31, Brebeuf Jesuit 23.

Noblesville vs. Mt. Vernon, at Lucas Oil Stadium, 8:30 p.m.: This game has produced some fireworks the past two seasons (a 57-36 Noblesville win in 2021 and 43-35 Noblesville win in 2022). The Millers bring back a lot of talent on both sides of the ball and might be a little more diverse this season with the offensive attack, which has been primarily run-based since coach Dave Sharpe took over in 2020. Mt. Vernon is a fast team with a sophomore quarterback, Luke Ertel, who can take advantage. But I think the Millers, with top rusher Logan Shoffner coming back, among others, are the pick. Noblesville 38, Mt. Vernon 27.

Lafayette Jeff vs. Cathedral, at Lucas Oil Stadium, 6 p.m.: The Class 6A second-ranked Irish will kick off the season an hour before the rest of the state at the site where they hope to finish the season. Cathedral looked the part last week in the scrimmage against Franklin Central, though there are some questions marks on both sides of the ball. Lafayette Jeff was 9-3 last season, but one of those losses was a 43-12 setback to Cathedral in the opener. Cathedral quarterback Danny O’Neil will go into the season as one of the frontrunners for IndyStar Mr. Football. Cathedral 33, Lafayette Jeff 16.

Fort Wayne Snider at Warren Central: These teams last met in the 2004 Class 5A state championship, a 35-23 Warren Central victory that marked the second of the program’s four consecutive state championships. Snider, ranked second in 5A, has the talent to give Warren Central trouble. But I like the upside up the 6A sixth-ranked Warriors, who should be strong along both lines. Junior quarterback Keith Jackson is a dynamic player. Warren Central 34, Fort Wayne Snider 26.

Brownsburg at Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger: I’m a little surprised Brownsburg was ranked No. 9 in the preseason 6A poll (expected a few rungs higher), but there are questions at some key spots due to inexperience, including quarterback. But an offense with weapons like Corey Smith and Cayden Olinger at receiver and running backs Garrett Sherrell and Ariyan Ballance and standout lineman like Josh Thoman seems poised for success. Dwenger is coming off a 6-4 season and not ranked in the 5A preseason top-10, though there is some talent returning, including senior receiver Carter Minix and new quarterback Ethan Springer, a transfer from Carroll. Brownsburg 31, Bishop Dwenger 21.

Lawrence North at Avon: Lawrence North has started the past three seasons with wins over Avon, though the 2021 game (26-22) and last year (32-25) were both close, competitive games. Can the Orioles break through and win this year in Rob Gibson’s first game as coach? I’ll take quarterback Mason Reynolds and Avon in a slight upset. Avon 34, Lawrence North 31.

Carmel at Homestead: Class 6A eighth-ranked Carmel could use a win here before a brutal three-week stretch of St. Louis CBC, Detroit King and at Louisville Trinity. Sophomore quarterback Anthony Coellner will be a good player for the Greyhounds, but will need some time to grow. Homestead was 5-5 last season, losing 35-0 to Hamilton Southeastern in the sectional. Carmel 24, Homestead 14.

North Central at Fishers: North Central opens a new era with Derek Hart, a state champion quarterback at Warren Central, taking over as coach. Fishers has rolled to back-to-back series wins over the Panthers, including a 34-0 shutout in last year’s opener. Senior Bennett Gorak takes over as quarterback for the 6A No. 10 Tigers and leading rusher Khobie Martin, a Miami of Ohio commit, is coming off a 1,000-yard season. Fishers 31, North Central 14.

Pike at Zionsville, 7:30 p.m.: These programs have met every year in the opener since 2016 with Zionsville winning five of the seven games, including a 31-24 victory last year. The Eagles went on to finish 4-6 while Pike went 1-9 in Mike Brevard’s first season as coach. The Red Devils will be extremely young this year, while Zionsville has a bit more experience with receivers Eugene Hilton and Wrigley Bumgardner in that group. Zionsville 29, Pike 22.

Franklin Central at Perry Meridian: Franklin Central rolled to a 37-7 win over Perry Meridian in last year’s opener, a win that looked better in hindsight after the Falcons finished 4-7 and knocked off Decatur Central late in the season. Franklin Central is a better team than last year’s 3-7 version. Junior quarterback Nevan Tutterow has a lot of talented weapons at receiver, especially senior Jayon Harvey. The Flashes could use this game as a catapult into next week’s big game vs. Roncalli. Franklin Central 33, Perry Meridian 12.

Lebanon at Pendleton Heights, 7:30 p.m.: Lebanon, a 26-12 winner over Pendleton Heights last season, could have the experience and talent aligned to make this is a special year for coach Jeff Smock. Eli Bridges, a senior lineman, is a two-way standout for the Tigers, who are coming off a 6-4 season. Pendleton Heights, a 5-5 team the past two seasons, should also be improved. Lebanon 28, Pendleton Heights 20.

Decatur Central at Columbus North: Decatur Central seems like a strong candidate for a bounce-back season from last year’s 4-7 mark. The Hawks did defeat Columbus North 26-12 last season. The Bull Dogs graduated their quarterback, leading rusher and top four receivers. Decatur Central 24, Columbus North 16.

Southport at Roncalli: Class 4A third-ranked Roncalli turns over the roster a bit going into Eric Quintana’s second season as coach, but the Royals will still be tough. I think Southport will get into the win column for the first time since 2020 this season, but not here. Roncalli 41, Southport 14.

Lapel at Hamilton Heights: These are both teams that might be flying a bit under the radar going into the season, but should be capable of putting together memorable years. Lapel is a defending sectional champion in Class 2A and returns a lot of talent, including sophomore quarterback Devin Craig. Hamilton Heights is coming off an 8-3 season and returns quarterback Bodie Derrer and receiver Tyler Champion, among several others. The Huskies won last year’s meeting 34-7. Hamilton Heights 32, Lapel 20.

Beech Grove at Lutheran: Class A defending champion Lutheran takes a 30-game winning streak into the season and has knocked off the Hornets four years in a row. Beech Grove will put significant speed on the field with quarterback Jaymar Davis moving from receiver to quarterback, Jeremiah Lee at running back and Lacy Stephens and Jarron Murry Jr. at receiver, but Lutheran should still have an advantage up front with players like Gavin Mimms and Taurean Lansgton. The Saints have plenty of speed, too. Lutheran 41, Beech Grove 23.

Mooresville at Bloomington North: Mooresville without Nick Patterson at quarterback? It has been a while since that has happened. But senior Hogan Denny is an athlete who can fill that role at quarterback and top receiver Levi Dorn also returns for coach Mike Gillin for the 4A ninth-ranked Pioneers. Bloomington North lost 38-13 to open last season, but should be better than last year’s 6-5 team with Marshall recruit Aiden Steinfeldt and other returning. Mooresville 28, Bloomington North 26.

Guerin Catholic at McCutcheon: Guerin, ranked sixth in 3A, has won four consecutive openers vs. McCutcheon, including a 45-21 win last year as Ryan Zimmerman passed for 363 yards and two TDs. This has the potential for a special year if the Golden Eagles can put it all together. Guerin Catholic 34, McCutcheon 21.

Lawrence Central vs. Tech, at UIndy: Lawrence Central gets a tune-up before a big Week 2 game at home vs. Westfield. Tech will be rebuilding under first-year coach Jerdson Gamble. Lawrence Central 42, Tech 7.

Fort Wayne Concordia vs. Scecina, at Beech Grove: Class 2A eighth-ranked Scecina lost a lot of seniors from last year’s 10-2 team that dropped a 10-7 heartbreaker to Triton Central in the sectional championship. Despite the lack of experience, you can always count on coach Ott Hurrle to have his teams ready to go. Fort Wayne Concordia was just 4-7 last season but the 3A Cadets always play a schedule filled with larger schools in Fort Wayne. Concordia won a 3A state title in 2016. Scecina 23, Concordia 21.

Triton Central at Cascade: Class 2A second-ranked Triton Central has big — and attainable — goals this season. It starts here for the Tigers with a visit to a Cascade team that has some momentum after posting a 6-5 season under coach Connor Simmons. That was the first winning season for the Cadets since 2013. Triton Central 37, Cascade 22.

Covenant Christian at Speedway: Speedway cruised to a surprisingly-lopsided 41-0 win over Covenant Christian in last year’s opener. The Sparkplugs have some different skill positions in place this season, including sophomore Connor Moreland at quarterback and sophomore Jazz Coleman at running back. Covenant Christian bounced back from the loss last year to finish 8-4. Speedway 33, Covenant Christian 23.

Whiteland at Jeffersonville: It was a special season last year for 5A third-ranked Whiteland, which made it to the state finals and finished 12-2 under coach Darrin Fisher. Can the Warriors do it again? Jeffersonville, a 6A program, won just one game last season. Whiteland 42, Jeffersonville 12.

Cardinal Ritter at Monrovia: Expect first-year Ritter coach Levar Johnson to build the program, though it make take some time. Sophomore quarterback Santana Allen will be a player to build around this year and in the future. Monrovia is coming off a 6-8 season, but also came one game away from the 3A state championship. The Bulldogs, who averaged 230 yards rushing per game last season, will look to grind it out on the ground. Monrovia 35, Cardinal Ritter 20.

Indian Creek at Batesville: This is a rematch of a heartbreaker for Indian Creek in last year’s 3A sectional, a 35-34 loss at Batesville. That came after the Braves won the season opener 37-25 against Batesville at home. Casey Gillin’s team will count on senior Jalen Sauer at quarterback and junior Malachi Mink at running back. Almost all of Batesville’s top skill position guys last year were sophomores. Batesville 35, Indian Creek 31.

Sheridan at Western Boone: Class 3A ninth-ranked Western Boone graduated 17 seniors from last year’s 9-2 team and will have some key players going both ways. Bud Wright’s 58^th team at Sheridan has some big goals, but this opener has been a tough assignment for the Blackhawks the past two seasons. Western Boone 33, Sheridan 23.

New Albany at Franklin, 7:30 p.m.: I’m a little surprised unranked Franklin did not get a little more love in the IFCA 5A preseason poll coming off last year’s 8-3 season, but time will tell. After a 9-4 season and 5A regional title in 2021, New Albany dropped to 2-8 last year. Franklin has a tough Week 2 assignment at Mt. Vernon. Franklin 30, New Albany 17.

Bedford North Lawrence at Martinsville: Martinsville has dominated this series, including a pair of wins last year (28-14 and 42-14) over the Stars. Look for senior Brayden Shrake (1,245 rushing yards, 12 TDs) to carry the load for the Artesians, a young but talented team. BNL senior quarterback Memphis Louden is a talented player. Martinsville 27, BNL 23.

Madison at Greenfield-Central, 8 p.m.: Greenfield-Central is looking to build off back-to-back 7-4 seasons under coach Travis Nolting and returns quite a bit of talent, including Georgia Tech recruit Lane Wadle at tight end. Madison, a 3A program, is coming off a 4-6 season. Greenfield-Central 38, Madison 14.

Greenwood at Seymour: A new era at Greenwood officially starts as Justin Boser coaches his first game for the Woodmen. Boser expects the growing pains of last year’s 1-9 season to pay dividends. Seymour went 6-4 last year but was also the only team to lose to Greenwood. Greenwood 26, Seymour 14.

Danville at Greencastle: I’m a little higher on Danville than the preseason IFCA poll (which did not rank the Warriors in the 3A top-10). Much tougher tests await in Week 2 (Mooresville) and Week 3 (Lebanon) for Danville. Greencastle, a 2A program, was 4-6 last season and has a new coach in Dave Stephens. Danville 42, Greencastle 13.

Western at Tri-West: Tri-West, which goes into the season ranked No. 8 in Class 3A in the preseason IFCA poll, knocked off Western 20-14 in last year’s opener. The Panthers, a 4A program that has posted winning seasons in all of Alex Stewart’s previous six seasons, returns a pair of 800-yard rushers in senior Deaglan Pleak and junior Kyler Norman. Tri-West’s defense should be — will be — legit. Tri-West 21, Western 13.

Plainfield at Terre Haute South: This the first game for Plainfield coach Tyler Bless and the Quakers will be riding some momentum after last year’s sectional title run. Returning from that team are talented players like quarterback Hunter Newell, receivers Isaiah Miller and Caden Vanderbush and Air Force commit Landon Drennan on the defensive line. This is not an easy matchup against a Terre Haute South program that improved from 1-9 in 2021 to 6-4 last season. Plainfield 35, Terre Haute South 31.

Heritage Christian at Crawfordsville: Heritage Christian, a 7-4 team a year ago, has some holes to fill going into Kyle Ray’s eighth season as coach, but sophomore running back Elijah Pimental has promise and senior defensive end Collin Jones is a playmaker on defense. Crawfordsville, coming off a 3-7 season, has not posted a winning season since 2007. Heritage Christian 30, Crawfordsville 13.

Crispus Attucks at Fort Wayne Wayne: It is difficult to know what to expect from Attucks, which has Isaiah Bryant in place as interim coach. Darrell Taylor, a sophomore, could be a valuable player as the starting running back. Wayne is coming off a 2-8 season. Fort Wayne Wayne 32, Attucks 12.

Eastern Hancock at Frankton: Pat Echeverria’s Eastern Hancock team was 5-6 last year, but has high hopes with so many young players coming back, including sophomore quarterback Elijah Edon (1,525 passing yards, 19 TDs). Franklin, a 3-7 team last season, is looking for its first winning season since 2017. Eastern Hancock 37, Frankton 28.

Shelbyville at Greensburg: First-year coach Scott Fitzgerald takes over a Shelbyville program that has struggled to get it going in recent years and is coming off a 1-9 season. Greensburg, a 4-7 team last year, is coached by former New Palestine assistant Wes Anderson. Greensburg 32, Shelbyville 20.

Greenwood Christian at Park Tudor: Park Tudor is ranked No. 9 in Class A and has one of the best quarterbacks in the area in Harvard recruit D.J. Gordon and an outstanding senior linebacker in William Harris. The questions about the Panthers will be more about the depth and talent around those two. Greenwood Christian is not yet sectional-eligible, but the program is playing a full schedule. Park Tudor 38, Greenwood Christian 22.

Washington at Providence: Washington makes the long trip to Southern Indiana to play a Class A program coming off a 9-3 season. Providence 42, Washington 12.

Shortridge vs. Purdue Poly, at Howe: Purdue Poly knocked off Shortridge last year, 18-6, in Week 3. Junior quarterback Solomon Livingston is a player to watch for coach Chris Chang’s team. Purdue Poly 22, Shortridge 14.

Tindley at Edinburgh: Senior quarterback Deon Richmond will provide some excitement for Tindley. The past four games between these teams have been decided by a touchdown or less – each team winning twice. Tindley 15, Edinburgh 14.

Noblesville Homeschool at Christel House Manual: The Noblesville Lions have been a consistently strong program over the years and knocked off Christel House Manual each of the past two seasons. Noblesville Homeschool 27, Christel House Manual 16.

Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana high school football: Week 1 predictions, schedule