IHSAA football Week 6 predictions: Several big conference games will shape title chases

It is a week for big conference showdowns in the Hoosier Crossroads, Metropolitan Interscholastic, Hoosier Heritage and others. How will they come out? I was 30-10 on predictions in last week to move to 165-48 (77.5%) on the season. Here is a look at all of the Central Indiana predictions for Week 6:

Brownsburg (5-0) at Westfield (5-0): Class 6A fourth-ranked Westfield has mastered the art of winning close games, including a 30-28 win Friday over previously-unbeaten Hamilton Southeastern on the final play of the game. It figures Westfield can put some points up on the top-ranked Bulldogs, but can the Shamrocks’ defense that allows 29.6 points per game stop the Brownsburg offense? Garrett Sherrell is already over 1,000 yards for the season on the ground (1,049 yards, 13 TDs) and Corey Smith (21 catches, 443 yards, seven TDs) and Cayden Olinger (25 catches, 418 yards, three TDs) are big-play threats for quarterback Jake Dunn. The Bulldogs have put up at least 35 points in every game and are averaging 45.2 points. Brownsburg 38, Westfield 35.

Week 6 power rankings: Coin flip in 6A; Plainfield, Greenfield-Central top

He carried his baby sister's casket. Then Martinsville senior played the game of his life.

Bishop Chatard (5-0) at Guerin Catholic (4-1): Guerin Catholic’s 35-21 loss to Roncalli last week took a bit of shine off a game that would have matched the two top-ranked teams in Class 3A and a potential Sectional 28 showdown. Fourth-ranked Guerin had trouble stopping the Roncalli ground game, allowing 365 rushing yards. That will be the test against a top-ranked Chatard program that has run it well for decades and can put it in the air with quarterback Aidan Arteaga and receiver Colin Guy. Chatard shut down Cathedral’s offense in the second half two weeks ago and did the same last week in a 28-3 win over Columbus North. Guerin has lost eight in a row in this series, though last year’s regular season meeting was 31-30. Bishop Chatard 30, Guerin Catholic 22.

Ben Davis (4-1) at Lawrence North (4-1): Lawrence North was close to taking an unbeaten record into this game, but were unable to close out Carmel in a 17-14 loss, though freshman Izayveon Moore did have another 100-yard rushing game. The Wildcats will need to have success running the ball against the 6A third-ranked Giants, who are coming off a 31-28 win over Warren Central. Mark Zackery caught 10 passes for 132 yards in that game and should have been more if a long touchdown was not called back for a penalty. These are the only two remaining undefeated teams in the MIC. The past three games between these programs have been decided by a combined 11 points. Ben Davis 33, Lawrence North 26.

New Palestine (3-2) at Greenfield-Central (5-0): New Palestine senior Grayson Thomas is 29 rushing yards away from becoming the first player in program history to run for 1,000 yards in four straight seasons. Thomas will likely get there, but how much farther he gets beyond 1,000 will probably dictate if 4A fifth-ranked Greenfield-Central is able to snap a 13-game losing streak to its Hoosier Heritage Conference rival. The Cougars are 5-0 for the first time since they went undefeated in 1973 and won the Class 2A state championship. Quarterback Dallas Freeman is a threat passing (736 yards, 12 TDs) and rushing (368 yards, six TDs). The 4A No. 10 Dragons have forced three turnovers in each of the past three games. New Palestine 21, Greenfield-Central 20.

Brebeuf Jesuit (2-2) at Roncalli (3-2): Class 4A eighth-ranked Roncalli is probably coming off its best performance of the season with a 35-21 victory at previously-undefeated Guerin Catholic as Ben Brandenburg (152 rushing yards) posted his second consecutive 100-yard game. Brebeuf Jesuit is coming off a bye week so the Braves should be rested. Maverick Geske has 1,112 passing yards and 13 passing TDs through four games. Roncalli has won three in a row in this series. Roncalli 24, Brebeuf Jesuit 20.

Hamilton Southeastern (4-1) at Zionsville (3-2): Hamilton Southeastern dropped to No. 6 in the 6A poll after a tough 30-28 loss to Westfield on the last play of the game Friday. Donovan Hamilton (seven catches for 145 yards and a TD) had another big game for the Royals, who have lost to Zionsville only once (in 2017) in the past 18 years. Zionsville accounted for just 205 yards of total offense in a 24-7 loss to Noblesville last week. HSE 31, Zionsville 20.

Scecina (4-1) at Lutheran (5-0): This would have been No. 1 vs. No. 1, but Scecina’s 35-21 loss to Heritage Christian dropped the Crusaders to No. 7 in Class 2A. Scecina’s is allowing 25.2 points per game, but the offense is averaging 473 yards and 37.2 points. Class A top-ranked Lutheran has not played a game closer than 30 points. The Saints closest game last year was a 28-19 win over Scecina. Lutheran 41, Scecina 21.

Center Grove (4-1) at Lawrence Central (2-3): Class 6A second-ranked Center Grove finally plays its first in-state opponent. This game last season was a 63-41 shootout won by the Trojans. Lawrence Central is struggling with some key injuries, though, and was able to survive last week’s game against Pike, a 28-20 win, despite not scoring any points in the second half. Center Grove receiver Noah Coy, who committed to Notre Dame baseball this week, looks to be on his way to a second 1,000-yard receiving season (39 catches, 590 yards, six TDs). Center Grove 35, Lawrence Central 21.

Cathedral (3-2) at Frederick Douglass (Ky.) (2-2): Class 6A No. 8 Cathedral hits the road for Lexington to take on a program that won the Class 5A state championship last season — its first. Cathedral has four receivers with at least 12 receptions and three TDs, led by senior Keith Long (29 catches for 336 yards and four TDs). Frederick Douglass lost 45-6 to Archbishop Hoban out of Ohio in Week 1, knocked off Louisville Trinity 17-14 in Week 2 and lost 6-0 to Corbin last week. Cathedral 28, Frederick Douglass 24.

Noblesville (3-2) at Franklin Central (3-2): One of these HCC teams will be 4-2 going into the final three weeks of the season, which represents a major step forward. The Millers knocked off Zionsville 24-7 last week, shutting out the Eagles in the second half. Franklin Central scored late to beat Avon, 31-28. Jayon Harvey has 22 catches for 456 yards and three TDs for the Flashes. Noblesville 24, Franklin Central 23.

Plainfield (5-0) at Decatur Central (3-2): Class 5A No. 4 Plainfield knocked off Decatur Central twice last season, including a victory in the sectional championship that clinched the Quakers’ first sectional title in 22 years. Plainfield has been balanced on offense with the passing game of Hunter Newell (639 passing yards, six TDs) and running of Luke Starnes (644 rushing yards, eight TDs). Decatur Central knocked off Mooresville 27-21 last week behind 331 rushing yards. Halbert Aguirre ran for 76 yards, caught a touchdown pass and made 12 tackles. Plainfield 24, Decatur Central 21.

Pike (1-4) at Warren Central (2-3): It will be interesting to see if Warren Central can navigate the injury to quarterback Keith Jackson. Freshman Anthony Dennison showed some promise in last week’s 31-28 loss to Ben Davis. If the Warriors can lean on the running game and defense, the Warriors have a chance to do some damage. Warren Central 30, Pike 14.

Perry Meridian (2-3) at Greenwood (3-2): Perry Meridian notched a huge win last week, 28-13, over Whiteland. Junior linebacker Andy Warren had 18 tackles and the Falcons forced four turnovers in the win. Greenwood was locked in a close game with Plainfield last week before letting it get away in the second half in a 46-20 loss. Brock Riddle (140 yards, one TD) and Jackson Haessig (104 yards, one TD) both ran for over 100 yards last week for the Woodmen. Perry Meridian 28, Greenwood 22.

Pendleton Heights (3-2) at Mt. Vernon (2-3): Both of these teams lost to HHC rivals New Palestine and Greenfield-Central. Mt. Vernon has won eight in a row in this series. The Marauders have an explosive offense, led by sophomore quarterback Luke Ertel (1,057 passing yards, 10 TDs) and junior Joliba Brogan (669 rushing yards, eight TDs). Mt. Vernon 35, Pendleton Heights 28.

Martinsville (3-2) at Whiteland (2-3): After a disappointing loss to Greenwood, Martinsville rebounded with big wins over Decatur Central and Franklin and now is just a game behind Plainfield for the Mid-State lead. The Artesians got a big emotional lift last week from Brandon Kent, who intercepted two passes and returned one for a touchdown against Franklin. Whiteland is looking to snap a two-game skid after losses to Franklin and Perry Meridian. Martinsville 24, Whiteland 23.

Southmont (4-1) at Danville (3-2): Danville is without starting quarterback Conner Soper, but expect to get him back by the end of the season. Freshman Carter Ward got the start in last week’s 21-0 loss to Tri-West and played well, going 16-for-28 passing for 129 yards. Danville rushed for only 49 yards, however. Southmont’s Wyatt Woodall has rushed for 608 yards and 13 TDs. Danville lost to Southmont last season, 28-14. Danville 24, Southmont 22.

Avon (0-5) at Fishers (3-2): Class 6A seventh-ranked Fishers looks to snap a two-game losing streak after losses to Hamilton Southeastern and Brownsburg, the latter by a 42-28 count last week. Avon led Franklin Central in the final seconds before falling 31-28. Mason Reynolds did throw for 197 yards and two TDs and the Orioles rushed for 142 yards total. Avon is going to get somebody before the season is over. Maybe it’s here. Fishers 31, Avon 21.

Heritage Christian (4-1) vs. Covenant Christian (3-2), at Zionsville West: Class 2A No. 6 Heritage Christian produced one of the more eyebrow-raising scores of the night last week with a 35-21 win over previously 2A top-ranked Scecina. Sophomore Elijah Pimental ran for 218 yards and two TDs on 30 carries in the win. Covenant Christian sophomore quarterback Connor Cruz (1,192 passing yards, 15 TDs) has been putting up big numbers. Heritage Christian 42, Covenant Christian 28.

Cardinal Ritter (3-2) at Triton Central (4-1): Class 2A fourth-ranked Triton Central won a shootout, 49-35, over Indian Creek last week as quarterback Jace Stuckey was 18-for-22 passing for 265 yards and two TDs and rushed for 188 yards and three TDs on 15 carries. Cardinal Ritter is getting it turned around under first-year coach Levar Johnson, but this will be a tough assignment. Triton Central 49, Cardinal Ritter 26.

Eastern Hancock (3-2) at Milan (3-2): This series has produced exciting games the past two years — a 26-24 Eastern Hancock win in 2021 and a 36-35 Milan overtime win last season. Eastern Hancock’s Caiden Willis has three interceptions and a caused fumble. Eastern Hancock 32, Milan 24.

North Central (0-5) at Carmel (3-2): Class 6A No. 10 Carmel posted a big win last week, 17-14 over Lawrence North. The Greyhounds have a young quarterback gaining confidence in sophomore Anthony Coellner (43-for-69 passing for 379 yards and four TDs). These programs have met every year since 1966 and will continue to play in the foreseeable future in Week 6. Carmel 31, North Central 7.

Beech Grove (2-3) at Monrovia (4-1): This series has featured some high-scoring games, including a 44-32 Beech Grove win last season. The Hornets have been getting big games from Jeremiah Lee, who has 706 rushing yards and 10 rushing TDs. A crazy stat: Monrovia has completed two passes this season and attempted eight. The Bulldogs are averaging 394 rushing yards, though. Monrovia 34, Beech Grove 32.

Mooresville (2-3) at Franklin (3-2): Another interesting Mid-State game as both teams are coming off losses. Mooresville senior Levi Dorn has 28 receptions for 411 yards and four TDs. Franklin’s Alex Leugers (716 rushing yards, eight TDs) has rushed for at least 120 yards in every game this season. Mooresville 27, Franklin 23.

Twin Lakes (4-1) at Hamilton Heights (5-0), 7:30 p.m.: Class 3A seventh-ranked Hamilton Heights has not allowed a point in three September games. That streak is probably in jeopardy this week against a Twin Lakes program revived by coach Kevin O’Shea. The Indians have already won more games than the two previous seasons combined. Hamilton Heights 26, Twin Lakes 14.

Lebanon (2-3) at Tri-West (4-1): This could be a tricky game for 3A eighth-ranked Tri-West, which is coming off a big rivalry win over Danville. Lebanon won last year’s game, 21-14, and is coming off wins over North Montgomery and Frankfort. Tri-West 26, Lebanon 20.

Yorktown (3-2) at Shelbyville (3-2), 7:30 p.m.: Shelbyville ran into trouble last week in a 47-0 loss to Greenfield-Central, accounting for just 86 yards of total offense. Yorktown is coming off a 34-28 win over New Castle, a team Shelbyville defeated by 20. Shelbyville 22, Yorktown 20.

Park Tudor (5-0) at Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian (0-5): Class A fifth-ranked Park Tudor has a good chance to finish the regular season undefeated. D.J. Gordon was 13-for-15 passing for 220 yards and four TDs last week in a 47-7 win over Shenandoah. He also ran for 175 yards and two TDs. Park Tudor 48, Blackhawk Christian 7.

Christel House Manual (2-3) at Shortridge (2-3): Shortridge rallied and took the lead twice last week in a wild second half against Cardinal Ritter, but the Blue Devils were unable to hold on in a 37-28 loss. Quarterback James Edmondson passed for 121 yards and two TDs and ran for 85 yards on 11 carries. Shortridge 36, Christel House Manual 16.

Cascade (3-2) at North Putnam (1-4): Cascade ran into the Lutheran buzzsaw Friday, falling 49-13 and running for just 108 yards. North Putnam, averaging 28 points per game, is led by sophomore quarterback Christian Kramer (933 passing yards, six TDs; 543 rushing yards, eight TDs). Cascade 42, North Putnam 26.

Frankfort (1-4) at Western Boone (3-2): Western Boone could not hold on to a fourth-quarter lead last week in a 20-17 loss to North Montgomery, though Cannon Brunes continued his outstanding season with 142 rushing yards and a touchdown on 22 carries and 10 tackles. Western Boone 42, Frankfort 12.

Sheridan (4-1) at Taylor (1-4): Bud Wright won his 450^th game at Sheridan (451^st overall) as Sheridan defeated Clinton Prairie 44-34 Saturday in celebration of the 100^th anniversary of its first homecoming. Sheridan 44, Taylor 13.

Anderson (1-4) at Tech (0-5): Tech is coming off a 19-0 loss to Richmond. That does not bode well for the Titans considering Anderson’s lone victory was a 26-3 win over Richmond. Anderson 28, Tech 7.

Lapel (2-3) at Heritage (4-1): Devin Craig was 16-for-26 passing last week for 312 yards and five TDs in Lapel’s 42-7 win over North Decatur. Heritage’s only loss came last week to Class A second-ranked Adams Central, 38-0. The Patriots are led by quarterback Kobe Meyer (710 passing yards, 12 TDs; 688 rushing yards, seven TDs). Lapel 35, Heritage 33.

Speedway (1-4) at Connersville (2-3): Speedway is coming off a 45-35 loss to Monrovia, but sophomore quarterback Connor Moreland passed 296 yards and two TDs. Connersville is an improving program. Speedway 33, Connersville 23.

Phalen Academy (1-3) vs. Crispus Attucks (4-1), at Arlington: Crispus Attucks has a realistic chance to finish the regular season 8-1. Sophomore running back Darrell Taylor (955 rushing yards, 14 TDs) is closing in on 1,000 yards. Crispus Attucks 48, Phalen Academy 13.

Edgewood (1-4) at Indian Creek (2-3): Indian Creek put a scare into 2A fourth-ranked Triton Central before falling, 49-35. Jalen Sauer had 213 passing yards and a TD and ran for 103 yards and three TDs in the game. Indian Creek 47, Edgewood 12.

Southport (0-5) at Bloomington South (4-1): Class 5A fifth-ranked Bloomington South rolled to a 41-14 win over Terre Haute South last week as Jarrin Alley passed for 271 yards and three TDs and D’Andre Black caught six passes for 115 yards and a score. Bloomington South 42, Southport 10.

Tindley (2-3) vs. Purdue Poly (2-3), at Howe: This figures to be a close, exciting game. Purdue Poly edged Tindley 27-26 last season. Junior quarterback Solomon Livingston leads Purdue Poly with 441 passing yards and four TDs and has 196 rushing yards and six TDs. Tindley’s Deon Richmond has 782 passing yards and five TDs. Purdue Poly 30, Tindley 26.

North Central (Farmersburg) (1-4) at Greenwood Christian (2-3), 7:30 p.m.: Greenwood Christian lost its first home game, 49-6, to Milan last week. Greenwood Christian 34, North Central 30.

Switzerland County (3-2) at Edinburgh (0-5): Junior Jackson Hartwell has been a bright spot for Edinburgh with 61 tackles. Switzerland County 20, Edinburgh 14.

Southside Homeschool (1-4) at Washington (2-3): Washington looks to get back in the win column after a 46-6 loss to South Bend Riley. Washington 34, Southside Homeschool 12.

Providence (5-0) at Irvington Prep (0-5): Providence is ranked No. 4 in Class A and allowing just 7.6 points per game. Providence 48, Irvington Prep 6.

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

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana high school football predictions: Week 6 Indy-area games