Howard County Football Week 7 Preview and Predictions
The 2026 high school football season reaches Week 7 Friday night with another important slate of games for Howard County teams. With the regular season entering its final weeks, teams are looking to build momentum, strengthen their conference position and make a push toward the postseason.
After going 5-0 with my picks in each of the past two weeks, I’ll look to keep that streak going in Week 7. Here’s a closer look at this week’s matchups, the key storylines and my 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 (3-3) vs Class 5A No. 7 Lafayette Jefferson (4-2)
Kokomo enters Friday night’s matchup with Class 5A No. 7 Lafayette Jefferson riding a three-game winning streak after defeating Marion 53-6 last week. The Bronchos have won four straight, including a 76-0 victory over Anderson. Kokomo and Lafayette Jefferson are part of a three-way tie for first place in the North Central Conference standings, making Friday’s matchup even more important.
Lafayette Jefferson presents one of the most explosive offenses Kokomo has faced this season, averaging 45 points per game, the second-highest scoring average in Class 5A. Kokomo’s defense has been one of its biggest strengths, allowing just 13 points per game this season. However, the Bronchos’ balanced offense and ability to consistently score could be too much for the Wildkats to contain.
Winner: Lafayette Jeff
Western (2-4) vs Class 4A No. 12 Logansport (6-0)
Western enters Friday night’s matchup with Class 4A No. 12 Logansport having won two of its last three games, including a 49-6 victory over Benton Central last week. Logansport has been one of the top teams in Class 4A all season and enters after a 48-7 win over Tipton. The matchup also features an interesting coaching storyline, as Western head coach Austin Colby has a perfect record against Logansport dating back to his time at Kokomo.
Logansport averages 45.3 points and more than 330 rushing yards per game, while allowing just 11.3 points per game. Western’s offense had its best game of the season last week, rushing for 462 yards and six touchdowns, but the Panthers will face a much tougher challenge against Logansport. Western has yet to defeat a ranked opponent this season, and that trend should continue Friday night.
Winner: Logansport
Oak Hill (3-3) vs Northwestern (4-2)
Northwestern will look to bounce back Friday night after its three-game winning streak was snapped by Class 3A No. 7 Maconaquah in a 77-35 loss last week. Oak Hill enters with three straight wins, including a 42-0 victory at Blackford. The matchup also marks the first football meeting between the schools since 1980.
Northwestern’s passing attack remains a major threat, led by a quarterback who ranks among Indiana’s top 10 in passing yards with 1,575. Oak Hill’s offense has found its rhythm during its winning streak, averaging 39.7 points per game. The Golden Eagles already lost to Howard County opponent Eastern (Greentown) in Week 1, but their recent play has been strong enough to earn a road victory over Northwestern in this rare late-season nonconference matchup.
Winner: Oak Hill
Class 2A No. 6 Eastern (Greentown) (6-0) vs Linton (0-6)
Class 2A No. 6 Eastern enters Friday night’s matchup with Linton undefeated after a 57-18 win over Clinton Central last week. Linton, meanwhile, is still searching for its first win after falling 28-6 at North Decatur. What was expected to be a major Class 2A matchup during the preseason now features two teams heading in very different directions.
Linton’s struggles are one of the more surprising stories in the state. The Miners were Class 2A state runner-up in 2024 and won a sectional championship last season, but their young roster has struggled this year. Linton’s quarterback and leading rusher are both sophomores, while Eastern is led by a senior-heavy roster. Gibson Eagle is coming off a seven-touchdown passing performance, and Eastern’s experience and physicality should allow the Comets to pull away in the second half and remain undefeated.
Winner: Eastern
Taylor (0-6) vs Clinton Prairie (4-2)
Taylor is still searching for its first win after falling 42-0 at Sheridan last week. The Titans have been shut out in two of their last three games and are allowing 43.3 points per game. Taylor also managed just minus-14 rushing yards last week, highlighting the struggles that have defined its season.
Clinton Prairie enters with momentum after a 21-14 win at Delphi last week. The Gophers have scored at least 21 points in every game this season except one, led by senior Gaige Kuzmicz and sophomore Alex King, who combined for 164 rushing yards last week. Clinton Prairie’s offense should continue that production Friday night, with the Gophers expected to earn another conference win.
Winner: Clinton Prairie
Week 7 features several important matchups for Howard County teams as the regular season enters its final stretch. With conference standings tightening and the postseason approaching, each team will look to make the most of its remaining opportunities and build momentum heading into the final weeks.
The Kokomo Post Sports team will be at Northwestern on Friday night for the Tigers’ matchup with Oak Hill. Follow along for coverage from the first meeting between the schools since 1980. We’ll have more coverage from around Howard County as Week 7 action unfolds.
Jay’s Stats
Last week: 5-0
2026-27 sports season: 21-7 (75.0%)
