Howard County Football Week 9 Preview and Predictions
The regular season comes down to one final week as Howard County football teams prepare for their Week 9 matchups. With the postseason approaching, teams will look to close the regular season on a high note and build momentum heading into the playoffs. Last week, I correctly predicted four of the five games, bringing another strong week of picks to the table.
With one week remaining, the focus shifts to finishing the regular season strong. Which teams will close out the regular season with a win and carry momentum into the playoffs? Here’s a look at this week’s Howard County matchups, along with predictions for every game.
Rankings are from the USA TODAY Network Indiana high school football poll.
Kokomo (3-5) vs Richmond (3-5)
Kokomo looks to snap a two-game losing streak after falling 30-24 to Muncie Central last week. Richmond has won two straight, including a 63-0 victory over Anderson. Both teams have recorded three-game winning streaks this season, showing they are capable of building momentum.
Kokomo’s two-quarterback system gives the offense added versatility, with each player bringing a different skill set. The Wildkats also showed they can perform on long road trips with a strong outing at Jeffersonville. That experience could help them finish the regular season with a win.
Winner: Kokomo
Western (3-5) vs Tipton (4-4)
Western looks to build on its 28-21 win over Lafayette Central Catholic when it visits Tipton. The Blue Devils have lost four of their last five games, including a 49-13 defeat at West Lafayette last week. Tipton has allowed 168 points during a three-game losing streak, while injuries at key positions, including quarterback, have hurt the team on both sides of the ball.
Western has rushed for more than 300 yards in two of its last three games, but the Panthers have yet to win on the road this season. Their improving ground game should help them overcome that hurdle against a Tipton team struggling late in the season.
Winner: Western
Northfield (5-3) vs Northwestern (4-4)
Northwestern looks to snap a three-game losing streak in its regular-season finale after falling 30-22 at Rochester last week. Northfield also is coming off a loss, dropping a 35-32 decision at Peru. The Norsemen pose a challenge on the ground, with five running backs recording at least 300 rushing yards this season. Northfield has totaled 2,015 rushing yards as a team.
Injuries have plagued Northwestern since the offseason, adding to the challenge of slowing Northfield’s rushing attack. However, Senior Night could give the Tigers an emotional boost as they look to end their losing streak and send their seniors out with a win.
Winner: Northwestern
Clinton Prairie (5-3) vs Class 2A No. 7 Eastern (Greentown) (8-0)
Class 2A No. 7 Eastern looks to finish the regular season strong after beating Sheridan 34-22 last week to secure the Hoosier Heritage Conference championship. Clinton Prairie is coming off a 21-6 loss to Carroll (Flora), but the Gophers have maintained a consistent offense, averaging 23.9 points per game.
Eastern’s offense is led by senior Gibson Eagle, who has totaled 2,533 all-purpose yards and 37 touchdowns this season. Senior Richard Bickel has also emerged as a threat out of the backfield, rushing for 150 yards and two touchdowns last week. With the Comets celebrating Senior Night at home, their offensive firepower should give them the edge over Clinton Prairie.
Winner: Eastern
Delphi (3-5) vs Taylor (1-7)
Taylor looks to build on its first win of the season, a 46-19 victory over Tri-Central last week, when it hosts Delphi in the regular-season finale. The Oracles also enter the matchup coming off a win, defeating Clinton Central 30-24. Taylor freshman Treyvant Powe accounted for three touchdowns last week, scoring twice on the ground and once through the air.
Delphi junior quarterback Weston Brown is coming off a strong performance, throwing for 292 yards and four touchdowns against Clinton Central. Although last week’s win should give Taylor a confidence boost, the Titans could struggle to contain Delphi’s passing attack.
Winner: Delphi
As the regular season comes to a close, the focus shifts to the postseason and the opportunities ahead for Howard County’s football teams. Week 9 is the final chance to fine-tune things before the playoffs begin, making it an important night for teams looking to carry momentum into the next stage of the season.
The Kokomo Post Sports team will be at Eastern as the Comets host Clinton Prairie for their final game of the regular season. Eastern will celebrate Senior Night as it looks to close the regular season with a win on its home field.
Jay’s Stats
Last week: 4-1
2026-27 sports season: 30-8 (78%)
