Howard County Football Week 5 Preview and Predictions
The 2026 high school football season continues Friday night with another important slate of games for Howard County teams. As the regular season reaches Week 5, teams are looking to build momentum, improve their records and position themselves for the second half of the season.
With conference play underway and each matchup presenting its own challenges, there are several intriguing games to watch across the county. Here’s a closer look at the Week 5 matchups, the key factors that could determine each outcome and our predictions for which Howard County teams will come away with a win.
Rankings are from the USA TODAY Network Indiana high school football poll.
Anderson (0-4) vs Kokomo (1-3)
Kokomo earned its first win of the season a week ago with a 34-0 victory at Jeffersonville. The win was also the first for head coach Grant Foes, who will look to lead the Wildkats to another strong performance Friday night when Anderson visits for Homecoming.
Anderson is still searching for its first win after suffering its third shutout of the season last week. Kokomo, meanwhile, is coming off its best all-around performance, led by senior quarterback Luke Callaway’s 198 passing yards, three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. While Anderson will look to spoil Homecoming, the Wildkats are expected to build on last week’s performance and earn their second consecutive win.
Winner: Kokomo
Western (1-3) vs Hamilton Heights (1-3)
Western and Hamilton Heights will look to build on their first wins of the season Friday night. The Panthers defeated West Lafayette 29-28, while the Huskies beat Tipton 44-29. The matchup also features an interesting coaching storyline, with Western head coach Austin Colby and Hamilton Heights coach Caleb Small being the two most recent head coaches at Kokomo.
Hamilton Heights’ passing attack could be the difference. The Huskies’ sophomore quarterback threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns last week, while Western’s pass defense is allowing 250.75 yards per game. If the Panthers cannot slow down the Huskies through the air, Hamilton Heights could build on last week’s win and leave Western searching for answers on the road.
Winner: Hamilton Heights
Whitko (0-4) vs Northwestern (3-1)
Northwestern enters Friday night’s matchup with Whitko after earning its third Three River Conference win of the season, a 40-26 victory over Peru last week. Whitko, meanwhile, is still searching for its first win after falling to Maconaquah 57-6. The Wildcats have struggled throughout the season, allowing at least 40 points in every game while averaging just 6.5 points per game.
Northwestern’s offense should have another opportunity to produce, led by a quarterback who continues to rank among Indiana’s top passers. His 1,046 passing yards rank 10th in the state, according to MaxPreps. With the Tigers hosting Whitko on Homecoming night, Northwestern is expected to use its offensive firepower to secure another conference victory.
Winner: Northwestern
Class 2A No. 6 Eastern (Greentown) (4-0) vs Class 1A No. 15 Carroll (Flora) (3-1)
Class 2A No. 6 Eastern and Class 1A No. 15 Carroll enter Friday night’s matchup after earning shutout victories last week. The Comets defeated Taylor 48-0, while the Cougars blanked Delphi 24-0. Eastern, Carroll and Sheridan are tied for first place in the Hoosier Heartland Conference. Carroll averages 228 rushing yards per game, presenting a significant challenge for an Eastern defense that has allowed just 76.25 rushing yards per game.
Eastern also has plenty of firepower through the air, led by senior quarterback Gibson Eagle, who ranks ninth in Indiana with 1,065 passing yards, according to MaxPreps. Eagle and senior wide receiver Bentley Hullinger have one of the state’s best quarterback-wide receiver connections. Eastern’s size and physicality will need to hold up against Carroll’s ground game for the Comets to earn a significant road victory.
Winner: Eastern
Taylor (0-4) vs Clinton Central (2-2)
Taylor is still searching for its first win after falling to Class 2A No. 6 Eastern 48-0 last week. The Titans will travel to Clinton Central on Friday night, where the Bulldogs will host their Homecoming game while looking to snap a two-game losing streak after falling to Sheridan 59-14. Taylor has averaged just 9.5 points per game, though senior running back Slater Farmer has been a bright spot with 237 rushing yards this season.
Clinton Central’s rushing attack has scored just one touchdown in Hoosier Heartland Conference play after scoring five in its first two games. The Bulldogs are expected to find more success on the ground as they look to earn a Homecoming victory over Taylor.
Winner: Clinton Central
Week 5 features several important matchups for Howard County teams, with conference standings, Homecoming celebrations and opportunities to build momentum all on the line. From Eastern’s battle with Carroll to Northwestern’s matchup with Whitko, each team will look to make a statement as the regular season continues.
The Kokomo Post Sports team will be at Anderson’s visit to Kokomo on Friday night. Follow along for updates, photos and coverage from the Wildkats’ Homecoming matchup.
Jay’s Stats
Last week: 1-3
2026-27 sports season: 11-7 (61.1%)
