Howard County Week 7 Football Preview: Predictions for All Five Schools
Week 7 is here, and the finish line is in sight. With only three games left in the regular season, every snap takes on added weight. Teams are fighting for conference position, sharpening their identities, and pushing to build momentum for the postseason.
This week, we’ll break down the biggest matchups, spotlight players to watch, and make our picks as the road to the playoffs gets even tighter.
Let’s get into the action for Week 7.
5A No. 4 Lafayette Jefferson (5-1) vs Kokomo (2-4)
Kokomo enters Week 7 riding a historic stretch. The Wildkats have scored 50+ points in back-to-back weeks for the first time since 2020. Along the way, they notched the program’s 1,000th win, gave head coach Caleb Small his first victory at the helm, and broke multiple program records. There’s plenty to celebrate, but Kokomo will need to stay hot to upset the No. 4 team in Class 5A.
Lafayette Jefferson comes in as one of the hottest teams in the state. The Bronchos have won five straight, scoring 41 or more points in every victory. While Kokomo’s offense has found its rhythm, the Wildkats’ defense will need to step up to pull off the upset. Both teams are tied atop the North Central Conference, and Friday’s matchup could ultimately decide the league champion.
Winner: Lafayette Jeff
3A No. 11 Western (5-1) vs Tippecanoe Valley (4-2)
Western’s turnaround stayed on track last week with a big road win over West Lafayette. The Panthers now sit atop the Hoosier Conference Big Division and look like the team to beat. While this week’s matchup at Tippecanoe Valley isn’t a conference game, it still carries plenty of weight.
The Vikings enter on a two-game win streak but have been inconsistent defensively, either shutting opponents down or giving up big numbers. Their one-dimensional offense could also be a problem against a Western team that has been strong on both sides of the ball.
With five straight wins, the Panthers look every bit like a team built to keep their run going Friday night.
Winner: Western
Northwestern (3-3) vs Wabash (1-5)
Northwestern’s bid for a big upset of Maconaquah fell just short in a home field thriller. Even in defeat, the Tigers showed heart and fight, something head coach Shane Turnipseed praised, and they appear to be using that performance as fuel heading into this week’s Three Rivers Conference matchup with Wabash.
The Apaches have struggled all season, with their only win coming by just eight points. Offensive consistency has been a major issue, and their lack of balance could make it difficult to challenge Northwestern. The Tigers, meanwhile, are playing their best football at the right time of year, and that momentum is not expected to slow down this week.
Winner: Northwestern
Phalen Leadership Academy vs Eastern (Greentown) (5-1)
For the second time this season, Eastern has put together back-to-back wins. Both victories came in conference play, keeping the Comets in the hunt for the Hoosier Heartland Conference crown. While this week’s matchup with Phalen Leadership Academy is not a conference game, it still carries plenty of importance.
Phalen Academy has endured a rough season. The Falcons opened with four straight losses before finally picking up their first win last week against Grand Valley Christian out of Michigan. Offensive struggles have been the biggest issue, as the Falcons were shut out in each of their first four games. Add in the long road trip to Greentown against a Comets team playing solid football, and the advantage looks to be in Eastern’s favor to secure another win in front of their home fans.
Winner: Eastern
Clinton Prairie (3-2) vs Taylor (4-2)
Taylor is coming off a 22-13 loss that likely takes them out of the running for the Hoosier Heartland crown. Despite the setback, the Titans showed earlier this season they can respond well after a loss, and they will look to do the same during Friday’s Pink Out game against Clinton Prairie.
The Gophers have done a good job winning the games they are expected to win, including last week’s shutout of Delphi. Their offense has scored at least 32 points in every victory, but that could be tougher to accomplish against Taylor. The Titans’ struggles last week are expected to serve as motivation as they aim to slow down Clinton Prairie’s rushing attack and grab another conference win.
Winner: Taylor
That wraps up our look at Week 7. With conference races tightening and the postseason just around the corner, there’s plenty of excitement building across Howard County.
The Kokomo Post sports team will be on site Friday night at Phalen Leadership Academy vs. Eastern to bring you coverage and updates from the field. Be sure to follow along for highlights, scores, and postgame reaction as Week 7 unfolds.
Jay’s stats
Last week: 3-2
2025-2026 sports season: 18-9 (62.1%)
