LAFAYETTE — An exciting week of high school football lies ahead as Class 5A and 6A teams gear up for playoff action. Notable matchups include Harrison taking on Westfield, McCutcheon squaring off against Kokomo, and Lafayette Jeff facing South Bend Adams.
Additionally, Central Catholic will put its undefeated record on the line in the 2A semifinals against Western Boone. This team is coached by Justin Pelley, who guided them to three consecutive state championships from 2018 to 2020.
Below are updated power rankings along with forecasts for this Friday’s contests.
1. Lafayette Jeff (9-0)
The No. 3-ranked Lafayette Jeff prepares to travel north for their semifinal bout with South Bend Adams in the IHSAA Class 5A playoffs, boasting an impressive average of 6.7 yards per carry from their offense. The dynamic junior backfield duo of Marquis Adkins and Antwoine Richmond has combined for a staggering total of 1,324 rushing yards this season, while standout senior quarterback Keyen Crowder orchestrates the passing game with exceptional stats: amassing 2,191 yards with a remarkable completion rate of 71%, alongside tallying up an impressive total of 29 touchdowns versus just seven interceptions. Crowder benefits from a talented receiving corps featuring speedy senior Andre Fancher (67 catches for 861 yards and ten TDs), towering junior Omar Williams Jr. (39 receptions totaling nearly five hundred yards and nine touchdowns), and breakout sophomore Bryce Vanostran (50 catches yielding about six hundred forty-three yards along with nine touchdown receptions).
Defensively, the Bronchos exhibit depth with a formidable secondary that has forced opponents into throwing sixteen interceptions while recovering seven fumbles throughout the season so far. Leading this defensive effort is sophomore safety Kavion Campbell showcasing his prowess through a staggering total of131 tackles; he is complemented by defensive lineman Ayden Aytch who stands at six feet five inches tall possessing five sacks on season.
Next match: vs South Bend Adams (2-7), kickoff at 7 p.m., Friday.
Prediction: Expect Lafayette Jeff’s relentless pressure on their opponent Andre Gubi as they cruise towards securing their spot in the IHSAA Class 5A sectional finale against either Kokomo or McCutcheon with expected victory margin—Lafayette Jeff wins 52-14.
2. Harrison (6-3)
The Harrison Raiders prepare themselves for an intense clash in the IHSAA Class 6A semifinals against Westfield after recently clinching victory over Kokomo with a nail-biting scoreline finalizing at 29-28 last week.. Junior sensation Jack Gonzalez shines bright across both sides often recognized as one best all-around players—recording rushing efforts encompassing119-yards alongside scoring touchdown events whilst amassing six tackles defensively during his outings thus far presenting himself onto stage shouldering much importance into exciting challenges awaitingHis teammate senior linebacker Jackson Mills made notable contributions logging records indicating23 tackles going forward preparation must continue intensifying before ermine shamrocks step lively onto turf below
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