Howard County Football Preview: Opening Round of the IHSAA Tournament
The first round of sectional play in the IHSAA Football State Tournament kicks off Friday, with Howard County teams facing win-or-go-home matchups. All rankings referenced in this preview are from the latest AP poll. Every game carries high stakes, as a loss ends the season while a win moves a team one step closer to the state title.
Howard County squads will look to make an immediate impact, relying on strong performances on both sides of the ball as they aim to advance through the tournament.
Let’s dive into the action.
West Lafayette (3-6) vs Western (6-3)
Western enters sectional play aiming to continue its rapid rebuild under coach Austin Colby. The Panthers have dropped two of their last three games, but that hasn’t shaken the team’s confidence heading into Sectional 27’s first-round matchup against West Lafayette.
This marks the second meeting between the teams. The squads faced off on Sept. 26, with Western coming away with a 34-20 victory. Since that game, the Panthers have shifted players around, setting the stage for a potential strategic chess match between the coaches. West Lafayette has struggled to contain strong rushing attacks at multiple points this season, which could prove decisive in Friday’s matchup.
Winner: Western
Northwestern (4-5) vs Peru (2-7)
Northwestern enters sectional play eager to shake off the disappointment of losing its final two regular-season games. Head coach Shane Turnipseed leads a team that has developed steadily over the season and looks to carry that growth into its first-round matchup against Peru.
This game is a rematch of the Sept. 12 contest, which Northwestern won 39-30 at Peru. Several storylines surround Friday’s matchup. Not only was the first game played at Peru, but Northwestern has also maintained a winning record on the road, while Peru has struggled at home. The lessons learned over the course of the season, combined with Northwestern’s ability to perform away from home, could play a pivotal role in this game.
Winner: Northwestern
2A No. 12 Eastern (Greentown) (8-1) vs Blackford (0-9)
Eastern enters sectional play riding a five-game winning streak and playing some of its best football of the season. The Comets’ defense has been particularly strong late in the season, setting the team up for postseason success as it travels to face a winless Blackford squad in the first round.
Blackford has struggled throughout the season, with difficulties on both sides of the ball. The Bruins have been shut out twice and have allowed at least 40 points in every game. With Eastern performing well offensively and defensively, the Comets are expected to dictate the pace and play their style of football from start to finish.
Winner: Eastern
North White (2-7) vs Taylor (5-3)
Taylor kicks off sectional play against North White, the same team it crushed 64-0 to start the season. Friday’s rematch comes to Taylor Memorial Field, giving fans a chance to see a dominant team at home.
North White enters on a four-game losing streak, with an offense that has struggled all season, including two shutouts. Taylor’s defense has held four opponents to single digits, giving the Titans a blueprint for controlling the game under the Friday night lights.
Winner: Taylor
Sectional play kicks off Friday, and Howard County teams are ready to begin their win-or-go-home postseason runs. Every play matters as squads look to advance and make a statement in the tournament.
The Kokomo Post Sports team will be on site Friday night for West Lafayette vs. Western, bringing full coverage, highlights, and postgame reaction.
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