Howard County Week 3 Football Preview: Predictions for All Five Schools
The action doesn’t stop after the first two weeks of the season. Around the state, football fields will be lit once again as teams look to build momentum and make early statements in 2025.
Week 3 brings even more intrigue. Returning starters are stepping into bigger roles, and teams are aiming to rebound or extend winning streaks after a thrilling opening fortnight. With plenty on the line, the Friday night lights are ready to shine bright.
Each week, we’ll break down the matchups, predict winners, and track our record throughout the 2025-26 season. Feel free to make your own picks and see if you can beat mine.
Now, let’s dive into this week’s games.
Kokomo (0-2) vs Monrovia (0-2)
Kokomo’s defensive struggles continued last week in a 36-26 loss to Terre Haute South. Despite a late push in the fourth quarter, the Wildkats couldn’t complete the comeback. They’ll need a more disciplined effort Friday when they hit the road to face Monrovia.
The Bulldogs’ 0-2 record doesn’t reflect their talent. Monrovia opened the year against a high-scoring Cascade team and last season’s Class 2A state runner-up, Linton. Back at home, the Bulldogs are expected to lean on their experience, exploit Kokomo’s defensive lapses, and pick up their first win of the season.
Winner: Monrovia
2A No. 2 Indianapolis Lutheran (2-0) vs Western (1-1)
Western broke out with a touchdown party last week, snapping a 13-game losing streak in dominant fashion. Numerous Panthers stepped up on both sides of the ball, but they’ll need a similar effort Friday to knock off Indianapolis Lutheran.
The Saints, a Class 2A semifinalist last season, have opened 2025 with wins over Class 5A and 4A opponents. They turned in their best defensive showing a week ago, pitching a shutout. Western is beginning to find its rhythm under head coach Austin Colby, but back-to-back wins aren’t expected. Lutheran’s discipline and depth should carry them on the road.
Winner: Lutheran
Northwestern (0-2) vs Southwood (0-2)
Northwestern is hungry for its first win of the season after a 30-point loss to Eastern (Greentown), a game where the Tigers struggled on both sides of the ball. That urgency could fuel them in Friday’s road matchup with Southwood.
The Knights have given up 97 points while being shut out in their first two games, leaving plenty of questions unanswered. Shane Turnipseed’s tempo offense has a prime opportunity to find its rhythm, light up the scoreboard, and deliver Northwestern a much-needed early season win.
Winner: Northwestern
2A No. 11 Eastern (Greentown) (2-0) vs Delphi (1-1)
Eastern has opened the season with two convincing rivalry wins, the latest a 44-14 road victory over county foe Northwestern. The Comets now look to carry that momentum into conference play with a trip to Delphi.
Both teams have balanced offenses, each averaging more than 150 rushing yards and 230 passing yards per game. The difference comes in Eastern’s physicality — a trait that has defined the Comets through the first two weeks.
That edge should carry over Friday, as Eastern is expected to control the trenches and earn its first conference win of the season.
Winner: Eastern
1A No. 8 Taylor (2-0) vs. 1A No. 8 Carroll (Flora) (1-1)
Taylor has started the season with two impressive wins. Led by Javionne Harris, the Titans have scored 127 points in their first two games while giving up just eight. They’ll need that same firepower Friday to break a long-standing trend against Carroll (Flora).
The Panthers have won eight straight meetings with Taylor, including a 35-0 victory last season. While this year’s game is expected to be closer, Carroll’s overall talent is expected to prevail over a feisty Taylor squad.
Winner: Carroll
Week three in Howard County is set to deliver another night of Friday excitement. Teams are looking to extend streaks or pick up their first wins, and every game could have a big impact on the standings. The Kokomo Post Sports team will be at the Indianapolis Lutheran vs. Western matchup to bring live coverage, updates, and highlights. Stay tuned for all the action as the 2025 season continues under the Friday night lights.
Jay’s stats
Last week: 4-0
2025-2026 sports season: 6-3 (66.7%)
