Featured image for SISN’s Week 5 coverage of Southern Indiana high school football — highlighting big rivalries, top-ranked teams, and standout players.
Friday night lights are burning brighter than ever as Week 5 of Southern Indiana football kicks off. Conference races are heating up, rivalries are renewing, and some of the state’s best players are coming out of our backyard. From Sagarin top-five East Central to up-and-coming programs like Scottsburg, there’s no shortage of storylines.
Here’s a look at the Games of the Week and the players making noise across Southern Indiana.
East Central (3–1) at Batesville (3–1)
If you want a heavyweight showdown, this is it. East Central sits near the top of the Sagarin ratings and has steamrolled through opponents with its physical play. Running back Colton Bellman is a load to bring down, already piling up 549 yards. Defensively, DB Mitchell Karaus has been a ballhawk with two interceptions.
But don’t sleep on Batesville. The Bulldogs are 3–1, have a balanced offense, and kicker Brady Wonnell is as steady as they come. This EIAC battle is more than just another Friday night — it could set the tone for the rest of the season.
Gibson Southern (3–1) at Southridge (1–3)
When Gibson Southern and Southridge meet, records don’t always matter. The Titans bring one of the most efficient passers in the state, QB Zach Foster (733 yards, 11 touchdowns), into Raider country. Southridge, though off to a 1–3 start, has faced one of the toughest schedules in the PAC. A win here would flip the script on their season.
Lawrenceburg (3–1) vs. Franklin County (3–1)
One of the fiercest rivalries in the EIAC takes center stage. Lawrenceburg is led by do-it-all senior Isaiah Williams, who turned in 213 all-purpose yards and a pick-six just last week. On the other sideline, Franklin County’s Wyatt Bowling is as dangerous a quarterback as you’ll find, with 692 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns through four games.
This one feels like it could be decided in the final minutes, with bragging rights on the line for another year.
Bloomington South (4–0) at Terre Haute South (3–1)
Few teams are hotter than Bloomington South. The Panthers are unbeaten and have a touchdown machine in Braylen Townsend, who’s already found the end zone 12 times. Terre Haute South has been a pleasant surprise at 3–1 and would love nothing more than to knock off one of the state’s best. Circle this one — it could be the upset special of Week 5.
Castle (3–1) at Vincennes Lincoln (2–2)
The SIAC always delivers, and this matchup is no different. Castle brings its usual depth and balance, but Vincennes Lincoln has a star defender in LB Carson Sanders, who’s racked up 48 tackles already. If the Alices can slow Castle’s offense, this game could come down to the wire.
Boonville (3–1) at Linton-Stockton (2–2)
This one just feels like Southern Indiana football. Boonville’s Grant Davis has been a workhorse with 513 rushing yards and six scores, while Linton-Stockton is looking to reclaim its small-school dominance. Expect a packed house and a physical, old-school battle.
Washington (2–2) at Heritage Hills (4–0)
Heritage Hills is off to a flying start, sitting at 4–0 and inside the state’s top 40 in Sagarin. DB Peyton Gray leads the defense with four interceptions, making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. Washington, though, has its own defensive standout in Jordan Emmick, who’s already piled up 49 tackles. If you love defense, this one’s for you.
Silver Creek (1–3) at Scottsburg (4–0)
Scottsburg has been one of the best stories in Southern Indiana this fall. The Braves are unbeaten at 4–0, thanks in large part to LB Garrett Boling, who leads the entire state with 66 tackles and 10 tackles for loss. Silver Creek may be struggling, but rivalry games have a way of flipping the script. Don’t be shocked if this one is closer than expected.
West Washington (2–2) at Paoli (2–2)
The PLAC rivalry is alive and well. Both teams come in at .500, both have plenty to prove, and both would love to take control of the conference race. Small-town football at its finest.
Floyd Central (3–1) at Jeffersonville (2–2)
Few duos are as explosive as Floyd Central’s Sebastion Robertson (590 rushing yards, 11 TDs) and WR Jaxon Stone (410 receiving yards). Jeffersonville will have its hands full at home, but this is a chance for the Red Devils to make a statement in the Hoosier Hills.
Southern Indiana Top Players to Watch
It’s not just about the teams — Southern Indiana has players rewriting the stat sheets.
Passing
- Dayson Kirby (Bedford North Lawrence) – 1,437 yards, 13 TDs
- Christian Grayson (Charlestown) – 1,175 yards, 13 TDs
- Carter Schickel (North Posey) – 940 yards, 9 TDs
- Jack Mull (Floyd Central) – 854 yards, 6 TDs
- Nathan Byrd (Scottsburg) – 731 yards, 11 TDs
Rushing
- Sebastion Robertson (Floyd Central) – 590 yards, 11 TDs
- Bryce Fessel (North Harrison) – 587 yards, 4 TDs
- Braylen Townsend (Bloomington South) – 569 yards, 12 TDs
- Colton Bellman (East Central) – 549 yards, 4 TDs
- Grant Davis (Boonville) – 513 yards, 6 TDs
Receiving
- Noah Phillips (Charlestown) – 464 yards, 3 TDs
- Slone Roberts (Charlestown) – 400 yards, 3 TDs
- Jaxon Stone (Floyd Central) – 410 yards, 2 TDs
- Cam Gates (Bedford North Lawrence) – 332 yards, 2 TDs
- Malakai Goodman (Bedford North Lawrence) – 326 yards, 1 TD
Tackles
- Garrett Boling (Scottsburg) – 66 tackles, 10 TFLs
- Gunnar Perry (Edgewood) – 51 tackles
- Jordan Emmick (Washington) – 49 tackles
- Noah Ferree (Bloomington North) – 49 tackles
- Carson Sanders (Vincennes Lincoln) – 48 tackles
Sacks
- Anderson Aiman (North Daviess) – 6.5 sacks
- Lincoln Getts (Edgewood) – 6 sacks
- Jordan Knepp (North Daviess) – 5.5 sacks
- Gibson Crane (Bedford North Lawrence) – 5 sacks
- Devin Stewart (Evansville Central) – 5 sacks
Interceptions
- Peyton Gray (Heritage Hills) – 4 INTs
- Zane Scales (Northview) – 4 INTs
- Slade Fell (Northview) – 3 INTs
- Donavon Taylor (Floyd Central) – 3 INTs
- Mitchell Karaus (East Central) – 2 INTs
Kicking
- Ethan Ashby (North Posey) – 4/4 FGs (long 41)
- Brady Wonnell (Batesville) – 3/3 FGs (long 44)
- Owen Gerlach (Floyd Central) – 3/4 FGs (long 29)
- Sam Stolberg (Bloomington South) – 2/3 FGs (long 36)
- Isaiah Goodge (Castle) – 2/3 FGs (long 34)
Final Word
From East Central’s power to Scottsburg’s rise, Southern Indiana football in Week 5 has it all: rivalry games, conference races, and players stacking up stats with the best in the state. No matter where you’re headed Friday night, you’re in for a show.
Stay with Southern Indiana Sports Network (SISN) for full coverage, photos, and highlights from the biggest games under the lights.
Also, send us nominations for Player of the Week for Week 5!
