HCC/MIC Week #1

[temptation]

Gonna do a combined thread and continue to include Carmel and Center Grove.

Ben Davis @ Cathedral (at Butler):  Don't really know what to expect from this one as both teams are capable of competing for the title in their respective classes.  A lot of rumors over the summer about a mass exodus at Cathedral but I will wait and see.  Ben Davis improved steadily last year after a slow start, only to blow a huge lead over eventual state champion in Brownsburg.  I really see this as a coin flip game, but I will go with Cathedral, 27-23.

Brebeuf Jesuit @ North Central:  The aforementioned "mass exodus" at Cathedral could be the gain of these two programs.  North Central has been an annual basement dweller in the MIC after showing promise pre-covid.  This will be a nice test for the Panters as the Braves are no slouch.  Call it a hunch, but I'll call for what could be considered a mild upset here.  Gimme NC 20-17.

Carmel @ Fishers:  The Kevin Wright era wastes no time as they travel to county rival Fishers, right off the bat.  Fishers, will be replacing Mr. Everything Jon Anthony Hall but has plenty of talent remaining.  I think Wright gives the 'Hounds fans some optimism with a road one week win.  Carmel 24-21.

Carroll (Fort Wayne) @ Hamilton Southeastern:  Kudos to the Chargers for scheduling this one and traveling down I-69.  They will be better off in October for having played this game.  HSE is just too much however.  Royals win 31-14.

Center Grove @ Warren Central:  Speaking of a new era getting underway, the JT Whitaker era does not ease in as they host Eric Moore's Trojans in what I expect to be the first of two meetings between the squads this year.  CG has owned this series as of late and will once again compete for the 6A title.  Warren lost a lot on defense but still has a pair of studs...and their offense can't possibly be any worse than it was last year.  Still, I think CG gets this one 28-13.

Decatur Central @ Avon:  The Hawks kickoff their premier season at the 6A level with a trip to Avon.  Remember, DC started slowly last year before finishing like gang busters en route to the 5A state title.  Avon has slowly shown improvement under their new regime and I am picking them for the upset.  Orioles win 27-20.

Franklin Central @ Perry Meridian:  Feel like this is a broken record, but is 2025 the year that FC breaks into the top half of the HCC and knocks off CG in the tournament?  This game won't tell us much however as the revolving door continues at Perry, who is stuck in 6A purgatory.  Flashes roll 38-7.

Homestead @ Westfield:  Like Carroll, kudos to the Spartans for beefing up the non-conference slate with a trip to Westfield.  It won't end well, but is admirable.  'Rocks win 34-14.

Lawrence Central @ Lawrence North:  The battle for the bell kicks off the season once again as LN is coming off of its best season in program history and has great talent returning.  LC, like Avon has the potential to sneak up on some folks this season, but not this week.  Wildcats win 31-14.

Noblesville @ Mt. Vernon (Fortville):  Honestly have no idea on this one.  Noblesville starts over at head coach with Carmel's John Hebert.  The pressure to win at Noblesville is probably not as big as it is at Carmel, but with the new stadium renovations and outpouring of community support, folks won't wait long.  Noblesville has never had much trouble with August contests, its the conference slate that has upended their seasons.  They'll win this one.  Millers win 30-10.

Pike @ Zionsville:  Pike has been the darling of the summer dog days on the GID as they just don't get talked about.  They are overshadowed by their county counterparts yet can sneak up on anyone (just ask Fishers last season).  Zionsville will be a good test.  I see this one as a close game.  Pike wins 23-20.

Spalding (MD) @ Brownsburg:  A top 100 matchup of nationally ranked teams as Brownsburg hosts Maryland's #2 outfit.  Won't pretend to know much about the opponent, though DMV football is always the real deal.  I think Brownsburg is absolutely capable of repeating but I am going to go with my gut and pick the road team.  Spalding wins 31-17.

What say you?

Edited August 20, 2025 by temptation