Howard County Football Week 6 Preview and Predictions
The 2026 high school football season reaches Week 6 Friday night with another important slate of games for Howard County teams. With the regular season entering its final stretch, teams are looking to build momentum, strengthen their position in the conference standings and continue moving toward the postseason.
Several matchups feature teams looking to make a statement, while others provide an opportunity to bounce back from recent losses. Here’s a closer look at the Week 6 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.
Kokomo (2-3) vs Marion (0-5)
Kokomo enters Friday night’s matchup with Marion after a record-setting 78-0 win over North Central Conference foe Anderson. The Wildkats set school records for points scored in a game and margin of victory, while the defense delivered its second shutout of the season.
That defensive success could continue against a Marion offense that has struggled to produce. The Giants have been shut out in consecutive games, including a 54-0 loss to Muncie Central last week, and average just 5.4 points per game. Kokomo is allowing just 14.4 points per game, making another strong defensive outing likely Friday night.
Winner: Kokomo
Benton Central (0-5) vs Western (1-4)
Western will look to bounce back Friday night after falling 30-7 at Hamilton Heights last week. The Panthers managed just 147 yards of offense in the loss but return home, where they won their most recent game. Benton Central is still searching for its first win after a 69-14 loss to Tipton.
The Bison have struggled to produce offensively this season, averaging 144.8 yards and seven points per game while being shut out twice. With Western looking to rebound from last week’s offensive struggles against a Benton Central team that has had similar issues moving the ball, the Panthers are expected to find more success at home Friday night.
Winner: Western
Northwestern (4-1) vs Class 3A No. 9 Maconaquah (5-0)
Northwestern enters Friday night’s matchup with Class 3A No. 9 Maconaquah after a 59-12 win over Whitko last week. Maconaquah also enters with plenty of momentum after its highest-scoring game of the season, a 63-42 victory over Peru. The matchup carries significant conference implications, with the winner taking sole possession of first place in the Three Rivers Conference standings.
Both teams feature explosive offenses, though Maconaquah has been more consistent throughout the season. Northwestern has held three opponents to fewer than 14 points, while Maconaquah has held two teams below seven points. With both offenses capable of putting up big numbers, home-field advantage could be the deciding factor in what should be a competitive matchup.
Winner: Maconaquah
Clinton Central (1-4) vs Class 2A No. 6 Eastern (Greentown) (5-0)
Class 3A No. 6 Eastern enters Friday night’s matchup with Clinton Central after a 21-6 win over Class 1A No. 14 Carroll (Flora) last week. The Comets are tied for first in the Hoosier Heartland Conference standings and will host their Homecoming game against a Clinton Central team coming off its biggest win of the season, a 44-6 victory over Taylor.
The Bulldogs rely heavily on the run, averaging 182.6 rushing yards per game and scoring nine rushing touchdowns this season. Eastern’s size and physicality should wear down Clinton Central as the game progresses, while the Comets’ offensive weapons should allow them to control the game and pull away for a Homecoming victory.
Winner: Eastern
Taylor (0-5) vs Class 1A No. 12 Sheridan (3-2)
Taylor enters Friday night’s matchup with Class 1A No. 12 Sheridan still searching for its first win after falling to Clinton Central 44-6 last week. Sheridan, meanwhile, has won three straight, including a 12-7 victory over Clinton Prairie, putting the two teams on very different paths heading into the matchup.
Taylor’s young roster has struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball, while Sheridan’s senior-led team continues to push for a Hoosier Heartland Conference title. The Titans’ inability to sustain drives will be difficult to overcome, and Sheridan should control the game from start to finish and earn another conference victory.
Winner: Sheridan
Week 6 provides another opportunity for Howard County teams to make progress as the regular season continues to take shape. With conference races tightening and the postseason approaching, each game becomes increasingly important as teams look to build momentum and finish the regular season strong.
The Kokomo Post Sports team will be at Western on Friday night for the Panthers’ matchup with Benton Central. Follow along throughout the night for updates, photos and coverage from the field as Western looks to get back in the win column. We’ll have more coverage from around Howard County as the Week 6 action unfolds.
Jay’s Stats
Last week: 5-0
2026-27 sports season: 16-7 (69.6%)
