Week four of the Indiana high school football season arrives with rivalries intensifying and conference races starting to take shape. Southern Indiana is home to several ranked teams and some of the state’s most explosive playmakers. This week offers fans a slate of matchups that combine tradition, talent, and high stakes, with star players looking to carry their teams forward.
Top Southern Indiana Stat Leaders
Before diving into the biggest games of the week, here are the Southern Indiana players who rank among the very best in the state so far this season:
- Dayson Kirby, QB, Bedford North Lawrence (2–1) – State leader in passing yards with 1,260 and 11 touchdowns.
- Garrett Boling, LB, Scottsburg (2–1) – State leader in tackles with 50, including nine for loss and two sacks.
- Braylen Townsend, RB, Bloomington South (3–0) – Already 490 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in just three games.
- Karwin Pope, RB, Princeton (2–1) – Ranks top 10 statewide with 494 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
- Nolan Schickel, WR, Evansville Memorial (3–0) – 300 receiving yards and four scores, a favorite target for Luke Brown.
- Tre Martin, LB, Jeffersonville (1–2) – 48 tackles, one of the top defenders in the state.
- Carter Schickel, QB, North Posey (2–1) – 734 passing yards, leading the Vikings into a key PAC matchup this week.
- Jaxon Stone, WR, Floyd Central (1–2) – 387 receiving yards, averaging more than 120 per game.
- Peyton Gray, DB, Heritage Hills (3–0) – Three interceptions in just two games, one of the state’s top ballhawks.
- Sebastion Robertson, RB, Floyd Central (1–2) – 378 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.
These names will shape the Friday night storylines, many of them taking the field in marquee games.
Evansville Mater Dei (2–1) at Evansville Memorial (3–0)
Two of Evansville’s premier programs clash in a city rivalry that always brings drama. Memorial quarterback Luke Brown has thrown for more than 550 yards, while receiver Nolan Schickel has already hauled in four touchdowns. Mater Dei will rely on its defense to slow a Tigers attack that can score in bunches. Memorial’s balance and home field advantage make them the narrow favorite.
Bloomington North (1–2) at Bloomington South (3–0)
Bloomington’s city showdown is always emotional. South has leaned on running back Braylen Townsend, who has racked up 490 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. North has the speed to keep it close, but if Townsend gets rolling, the Panthers are tough to stop. Expect South’s defense to help preserve their perfect start.
New Albany (1–2) at Bedford North Lawrence (2–1)
BNL boasts the most prolific passer in Indiana in Dayson Kirby, who has 1,260 yards and 11 touchdowns already. He has three reliable receivers in Malakai Goodman, Jaden Gilbert, and Parker Kern, each among the top 50 in the state. New Albany will need its best defensive performance to contain that air attack, but at home the Stars have the firepower to keep winning.
Evansville North (2–1) at Evansville Reitz (2–1)
This Evansville rivalry promises physical football. North has been steady on defense, while Reitz looks to control the line of scrimmage. Both teams come in with identical 2–1 records, and this contest could be decided by turnovers or special teams. Expect a close battle into the fourth quarter, with Reitz holding a slight edge.
Southridge (2–1) at Heritage Hills (3–0)
The PAC rivalry between Southridge and Heritage Hills rarely disappoints. Patriots defensive back Peyton Gray has intercepted three passes in just two games, while Southridge linebacker Alex Hendrix has 35 tackles. Heritage Hills remains undefeated and will lean on its opportunistic defense. Southridge brings toughness but will need to create turnovers to hand the Patriots their first loss.
Salem (2–1) at Brownstown Central (3–0)
Brownstown Central continues to prove its status as a top 40 team statewide. Salem brings playmakers of its own with defensive backs Payton Schocke and Waylon Foster, who have two interceptions each. The Braves’ depth and home advantage may carry them through, but Salem’s defense could keep the game closer than expected.
Tell City (3–0) at North Posey (2–1)
Tell City is off to a perfect start but faces a big test in North Posey. Vikings quarterback Carter Schickel has already topped 700 passing yards, with receiver Brody Fehn adding 271 yards. The Marksmen have momentum, but the Vikings’ home field and offensive balance make them a tough opponent.
Paoli (2–1) at Perry Central (1–2)
This rivalry between small-school programs in Southern Indiana is known for its toughness. Paoli has the stronger line play, but Perry Central will fight to the end. Expect a hard-fought, low-scoring contest where turnovers may be the difference.
Southern Indiana Players to Watch
Beyond this week’s spotlight games, several Southern Indiana players continue to shine statewide:
- Braxton Carpenter, Edgewood (2–1) – 465 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
- Gunnar Perry, Edgewood (2–1) – 40 tackles through three games.
- Tre Martin, Jeffersonville (1–2) – Anchoring the Red Devils defense with 48 tackles.
These players highlight the depth of talent across the region, proving that Southern Indiana is producing some of the best football in the state this fall.
Closing
Week four delivers one of the most exciting slates of the season in Southern Indiana. From Evansville to Bloomington to the small-school rivalries, fans have plenty to look forward to. The combination of ranked teams, undefeated records, and statewide stat leaders ensures that Friday night lights will once again shine brightest in the south.
