GAME DAY PREVIEWS: High school football, Week 1

No. 20 South Putnam (0-0) at Cloverdale (0-0)

The coaches: Nathan Aker is in his fifth year at South Putnam. Tom Winders is in his second year at Cloverdale.

History: South Putnam won 20-6 last year for its only win of the regular season. The Eagles have won 32 of the past 36 meetings, including the last 11 straight games.

WIC impact: This is a non-conference game.

Key players: Devin Cashion is the quarterback for the Eagles, with veterans Aidan LeBlanc and Dalton Scott serving as running backs. Scott, an all-state linebacker last year, leads the Eagle defense.

For Cloverdale, Parker Watts returns at quarterback with key weapons in receivers Jake Wilkes and Jake Smith and running back Logan Abner. Trey Dickison is a top lineman for the Clovers, along with 400-pound newcomers Parker Stevenson and Jeremy Hess.

John Harrell prediction: South Putnam 24, Cloverdale 21.

Crawfordsville (0-0) at Greencastle (0-0)

The coaches: Sean Gerold is in his fifth year at Crawfordsville, having coached the Athenians from 2009-12 and taking over from Larry Getts over the summer. Mike Meyer is in his ninth year at Greencastle.

History: Greencastle won 10-0 last year, one of four shutouts the team recorded. The Tiger Cubs have won the past two seasons, and have a 2-1 record over the past 30 years.

WIC impact: This is a non-conference game.

Key players: For Crawfordsville, senior running back Steven Latre rushed for 615 yards and five of his team’s 13 touchdowns on the season.

All-state defensive lineman Gavin Bollman leads the Tiger Cubs on defense, while senior running back Damon Moody gained 1,235 yards rushing last year and scored 12 touchdowns. Quarterback Brayden Baxter and receivers Alex Costin and Tanner Sanders also return. Trey Wood and Trever Wood key the line play.

John Harrell prediction: Greencastle 28, Crawfordsville 17.

North Montgomery (0-0) at North Putnam (0-0)

The coaches: Josh Thompson is in his fifth year at North Montgomery. Sam Carnes is in his second year at North Putnam.

History: North Montgomery has won four of the last six meetings between the teams. North Putnam won the most recent meeting 13-6 in the 2006 sectional.

WIC impact: This is a non-conference game.

Key players: Senior Bryce Claycomb rushed for 485 yards and four touchdowns last season for the Chargers.

For North Putnam, Evan Davies takes over at quarterback with Chris Murray and Aidan Baker serving as running backs. Colton Clifford and Scott Proctor will be receivers, while Kolten Thorson and Skyler Warren will be the tight ends. Top linemen include Luke Sanford and Grant Hoke.

John Harrell prediction: North Montgomery 31, North Putnam 28.