Howard Count Football Week 2 Preview and Predictions
The first week of the 2026 high school football season is in the books, and Howard County teams are turning their attention to Week 2. The opening week provided the first look at how each team has come together after months of preparation, with several early-season storylines emerging across the county.
Some teams are looking to build on strong season-opening victories, while others are searching for a bounce-back performance after tough losses. With another slate of matchups ahead, here’s a look at the Week 2 games involving Howard County teams and predictions for who will come out on top.
Rankings are from the USA TODAY Network Indiana high school football poll.
Kokomo (0-1) vs Terre Haute South (0-1)
Kokomo’s debut under new head coach Grant Foes did not end as the Wildkats hoped. The 21-12 loss to a rebuilding Mount Vernon (Fortville) team was not the start players or coaches wanted, and now Kokomo faces a long road trip to Terre Haute South in Week 2.
Terre Haute South also opened the season with a narrow loss in a low-scoring game, but the Braves found success on the ground, rushing for nearly 250 yards. That production gives Terre Haute South something to build on early in the season and presents a significant challenge for Kokomo’s defense.
The long trip to Vigo County adds another challenge for the Wildkats, but Kokomo’s defense has reason for confidence after its Week 1 performance. The Wildkats held Mount Vernon to 4.5 yards per play, giving the unit a strong foundation heading into Week 2. Kokomo’s offense, however, will need to improve its ability to stay ahead of the chains if the Wildkats hope to return home with a victory.
Winner: Terre Haute South
North Montgomery (0-1) vs Western (0-1)
Year two under Austin Colby began with a game Western players and coaches would like to forget, as the Panthers suffered a 52-7 loss to Class 3A No. 9 Indian Creek. While the loss stings, Western has an exciting opportunity Friday night when the Panthers debut their new turf field against North Montgomery.
The Chargers also enter Week 2 looking to bounce back after opening the season with a 49-18 loss to Class 3A No. 8 Twin Lakes. North Montgomery struggled to stop the run in its season opener, an issue that could create problems again Friday night against a Western offense capable of taking advantage on the ground.
The new turf field has become a major talking point around Russiaville, with plenty of excitement surrounding its debut. That excitement will be even greater for the players taking the field on it for the first time Friday. With a favorable matchup on the ground, Western could give Panthers fans plenty to celebrate under the lights.
Winner: Western
Northwestern (1-0) vs Class 2A No. 7 Eastern (Greentown) (1-0)
Class 2A No. 7 Eastern (Greentown) opened its season in dramatic fashion with a 28-27 road win over rival Oak Hill. The late-game theatrics and big plays gave the Comets plenty to celebrate, but they’ll need to quickly turn their attention to another rivalry game against Howard County foe Northwestern.
Northwestern also opened the season with a big Three Rivers Conference victory over Manchester. Junior quarterback Colin Cook led the way with 198 passing yards, completing 68% of his passes for three touchdowns while adding another touchdown on the ground. That performance gives Cook and the Tigers momentum heading into a matchup with a talented Eastern team.
The matchup features two of the area’s top quarterbacks in Cook and Eastern senior Gibson Eagle, but the game could ultimately be decided in the trenches. Rivalry games often come down to physicality up front, and Eastern’s size and strength along the offensive and defensive lines could give the Comets the advantage. If the Comets control the line of scrimmage, Eastern could give its fans plenty to celebrate Friday night.
Winner: Eastern
Taylor (0-1) vs North Miami (0-1)
Tim Weeks’ return as Taylor’s head coach did not begin as planned, as the Titans fell to North White in the season opener. Taylor struggled to move the ball offensively, an issue the Titans will look to correct Friday night when they travel to North Miami.
North Miami also opened the season with a loss, falling 28-14 to Northfield. The Warriors found success on the ground, rushing for more than 200 yards and two touchdowns. That production gives North Miami a strong foundation to build on heading into Friday’s matchup.
Working with a young team presents challenges for any coach, and Weeks now has plenty of Week 1 film to use as a teaching tool. Those lessons should help Taylor improve, but the Titans will need significant progress offensively to leave North Miami with their first win of the season.
Winner: North Miami
Week 2 brings another opportunity for Howard County teams to build momentum, bounce back and make an early statement. With several teams facing opponents coming off losses, Friday night should provide plenty of competitive matchups and storylines to follow.
Be sure to get out and support your local teams as they take the field. The Kokomo Post Sports team will be at the highly anticipated Howard County rivalry between Northwestern and Class 2A No. 7 Eastern (Greentown). Follow along for coverage, updates and highlights throughout the night.
Jay’s Stats
Last week: 2-3 (40%)
