PREDICTION: Eastern Looks to Build on Conference Championship in 2026
The high school football season is fast approaching, and there’s no better time to start predicting regular-season records for teams across the county.
Every game matters during the regular season, and one result can change the outlook for an entire year. Throughout this series, we’ll break down each Howard County team’s schedule, predict the outcome of every matchup and project where each team could finish in 2026.
Eastern (Greentown) enters the 2026 season looking to build on a successful 2025 campaign that included a Hoosier Heartland Conference championship and a trip to the sectional championship game. Can the Comets build on that success and contend for another conference title? We take a closer look at the schedule and project where Eastern could finish when the regular season comes to an end.
Eastern High School (Greentown)
Head coach: Josh Edwards (entering 20th season at Eastern; 106-95 at Eastern, 122-159 in 28th season
Eastern returns a strong core from last season’s team, including its top three tacklers and several key seniors on both sides of the ball. The Comets enter 2026 ranked No. 7 in Class 2A in the Indiana Football Coaches Association’s preseason poll and will look to use that experience to meet the expectations that come with the ranking.
Senior Gibson Eagle returns for his third season as Eastern’s starting quarterback and will be a key piece of the offense. Eagle threw for 2,261 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2025 while completing 59.8% of his passes. He also rushed for 465 yards and five touchdowns. On defense, Eagle finished third on the team with 97 tackles and added four tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries.
Senior Abe Edwards returns for his fourth season as a two-way starter and will be another key leader for the Comets. Edwards moved to tight end as a sophomore but has made his biggest impact defensively. His 2025 season was cut short by injury after eight games, but he still led Eastern with 120 tackles and 12 tackles for loss. He also recorded two sacks, two interceptions, a fumble recovery and two forced fumbles.
With experienced players on both sides of the ball, Eastern has the foundation to build on last season’s 10-2 record and Hoosier Heartland Conference championship while competing for another strong finish in 2026.
Eastern 2026 Football Schedule (Predicted Results)
Aug. 21 — at Oak Hill
Prediction: Eastern
Aug. 28 — vs. Northwestern
Prediction: Eastern
Sept. 4 — vs. Delphi
Prediction: Eastern
Sept. 11 — at Taylor
Prediction: Eastern
Sept. 18 — at Carroll (Flora)
Prediction: Carroll
Sept. 25 — vs. Clinton Central
Prediction: Eastern
Oct. 2 — at Linton-Stockton
Prediction: Linton-Stockton
Oct. 9 — at Sheridan
Prediction: Eastern
Oct. 16 — vs. Clinton Prairie
Prediction: Eastern
Predicted regular-season record: 7-2
With an experienced roster, a strong returning core and high expectations entering the season, Eastern heads into 2026 looking to build on last year’s conference championship and sectional championship appearance. The Comets will have plenty of opportunities to prove they belong among the area’s top teams.
Next up, we’ll wrap up our prediction series with a look at the Taylor Titans as we continue projecting regular-season records for Howard County football teams ahead of the 2026 season.
