Week 1 Preview: Rivalries and Rematches
The opening week of Central Indiana high school football brings together a slate of games that blend historic rivalries with fresh storylines. Top‑ranked Brownsburg, still riding back‑to‑back state titles, opens against a Lawrence North squad that fell just short in a 2022 regional thriller, setting the stage for another tight contest.
Among the most anticipated rematches is the Class 4A showdown between Roncalli and Fort Wayne Dwenger, who met in last year’s state championship game that Dwenger won 36‑29. This time around, Roncalli’s senior running back Xavier Dangerfield returns to the fold, adding a dynamic weapon to an offense that will be looking to reverse the previous result.
A second marquee rematch pits Bishop Chatard against Lafayette Jeff, a game that last season ended 35‑28 in favor of Chatard. City Player of the Year Danny Adams is slated to lead the Chatard attack, bringing his experience and playmaking ability to a team that hopes to capitalize on its early‑season momentum.
Key Predictions and Upset Alerts
Predictions point to a sleeper clash in Class 3A between Indian Creek and Western, while Hamilton Southeastern, ranked No. 10 in Class 6A, is expected to challenge Fort Wayne Carroll in a battle of top‑10 programs. Meanwhile, Westfield, the second‑ranked team in Class 6A, will look to extend its dominant start after a 35‑0 shutout of Homestead a year ago.
Other storylines include a rematch between Warren Central and Center Grove, both returning key starters from last year’s regional contest, and a matchup featuring Franklin Central’s dual‑threat quarterbacks Bryce Sebanc and Zander Nattam against Plainfield. North Central, which snapped a 31‑game losing streak with a 31‑13 victory over Brebeuf Jesuit last season, will aim to build on that momentum. Hamilton Heights, now under new head coach Caleb Small, returns key talent and opened the season with a 23‑7 win over Lapel.