Howard County Week 1 Football Preview: Predictions for All Five Schools
The long wait for football to return is almost over. Across the state, fields will be lit as football fever fills the air.
The buildup to Week 1 is at an all-time high. Every school in Howard County is loaded with talent and ready to showcase its offseason work under the Friday night lights. With three county programs breaking in new head coaches and players stepping into key roles at all five schools, the 2025 season has the makings of one to remember.
Each week we’ll break down the slate of games and predict the winners. We’ll also track our record throughout the 2025-26 athletic calendar to see how accurate the picks turn out to be. Feel free to make your own predictions and see if you can top mine.
Now, let’s dive into this week’s matchups.
5A No. 1 New Palestine vs 5A No. 14 Kokomo
Records: New Palestine 0-0 | Kokomo 0-0
Kokomo begins a new era under head coach Caleb Small with a major test. The Wildkats will need their best effort to withstand the force and firepower New Palestine brings to Walter Cross Field.
Fans will get their first look at Kokomo’s revamped offense after years of a run-heavy attack, a style that could bring fireworks under the lights.
New Palestine enters riding a 14-game winning streak and aiming to launch its push for back-to-back state titles. Kokomo’s home-field edge may not be enough to pull off a Week 1 upset.
Winner: New Palestine
Indian Creek vs Western
Records: Indian Creek 0-0 | Western 0-0
Excitement is building around Western’s 2025 football season. The Panthers have generated plenty of buzz, but all that talk will be tested as they open against a strong Indian Creek squad.
Like Kokomo, Western begins a new era Friday night with a new head coach. Austin Colby takes over the program and brings an offensive system similar to the one that fueled the Panthers’ past success, something that could help them find rhythm early in the season.
Home-field advantage doesn’t guarantee anything in a season opener, but it looms large here. With Colby’s scheme and a return to a familiar identity, Western is expected to snap its 12-game losing streak and start the year with a win over the Braves.
Winner: Western
Manchester vs Northwestern
Records: Manchester 0-0 | Northwestern 0-0
Northwestern’s season opener against Manchester has the potential to be a competitive matchup. Both teams have young head coaches, adding extra drive to get their squads ready for battle.
Northwestern is another county school starting a new era under Shane Turnipseed, the former offensive coordinator at Lafayette Jefferson. Reports from offseason workouts and practices suggest the team is bought in and responding well to Turnipseed’s system.
The two programs enter the season at different stages. Northwestern lost several key players from last year’s 9-2 squad, while Manchester returns numerous contributors eager to improve on a .500 season. Despite the turnover, Northwestern’s offense is expected to build on its previous success and guide the team to victory.
Winner: Northwestern
Oak Hill vs 2A No. 11 Eastern
Records: Oak Hill 0-0 | Eastern 0-0
It’s been five years since Eastern defeated Oak Hill in the season opener, and the rivalry between these schools, just 15 miles apart, promises another four-quarter battle.
Eastern hopes to build on last year’s postseason success and capture the program’s first sectional championship—a moment every player and coach dreams of.
But in recent matchups, Oak Hill has held the upper hand, and that trend isn’t expected to change. While Eastern’s home-field advantage is strong, it may not be enough to stop Oak Hill on Friday night.
Winner: Oak Hill
1A No. 15 Taylor vs North White
Records: Taylor 0-0 | North White 0-0
Expectations for Taylor’s football program are at an all-time high. Head coach Rob Patchett has transformed the culture, instilling a winning mindset that makes their Week 1 matchup against North White one to watch.
Patchett’s growth during his first year leading the Titans was evident late last season. His ability to adjust game plans helped the team pull off several upsets and capture the program’s first sectional title. That mindset, combined with a roster full of electric talent, positions Taylor to open the season with a big road win over North White.
Winner: Taylor
Howard County football kicks off this Friday with plenty of storylines, from new coaches to revamped offenses and teams looking to build on last year’s successes. The Kokomo Post Sports team will be on the sidelines at Walter Cross Field for the New Palestine vs. Kokomo matchup, bringing live updates, highlights, and in-depth coverage from one of the most anticipated games of the season. Stay tuned as we follow all five county schools throughout the 2025 season.
