Tonight’s prep football capsules

South Putnam (3-4, 0-4) at Northview (4-3, 2-2)

Game time: 7 p.m.

Media coverage: WGRE-FM 91.5 will broadcast the game.

The coaches: Nathan Aker is in his third year at South Putnam. Mark Raetz is in his fourth year at Northview.

Last week: South Putnam lost 42-7 at Sullivan, while Northview lost 14-0 to Greencastle.

History: Northview won 59-0 at South Putnam last year in what is believed to be the only meeting between the schools.

WIC impact: Northview can move up to a three-way tie for second place in the West Division with a win if North Putnam defeats Greencastle. South Putnam will finish sixth in the West Division.

Key players: South Putnam’s Kyle Shaffer is 10th in the state with 172.1 rushing yards per game, and is 28th in the state with 15 touchdowns.

Northview running backs M.J. Shelton (573 yards) and Dylan Hyatt (557 yards) form a 1-2 running duo.

Coach Aker on his team: “Our focus has been on continued improvement. Offensively it is blocking through the whistle and taking care of the football. If we do those things, scoring drives will take care of themselves. Defensively, the focus is on defending the off tackle power play and gang tackling. Last week we were very close to scoring on special teams. That’s a continued focus for us, to make a big play/score in the kicking game.”

Coach Aker on Northview: “Northview is a well-coached and talented football team. They do some similar things offensively to what we are doing in terms of running the football. They’ve got three really good running backs and some good size up front. Look for both teams to try to control the ball and keep the clock running.”

Greencastle (6-1, 3-1) at North Putnam (5-2, 2-2)

Game time: 7 p.m.

Media coverage: WREB-FM 94.3 will broadcast the game.

The coaches: Mike Meyer is in his seventh year at Greencastle. Greg Barrett is in his eighth year at North Putnam.

Last week: Greencastle defeated Northview 14-0, while North Putnam beat West Vigo 35-7.

History: North Putnam won 28-7 at Greencastle in the opening week last year to snap a three-game losing streak. Since the 1994 season, North Putnam holds a 16-8 record in the series.

WIC impact: Greencastle would clinch second place in the West Division with a win, and North Putnam would move into a tie for second place with a win.

Key players: Devin Clar is 14th in the state in rushing yards per game with 159.6 and has scored 13 touchdowns. Fellow senior Derek Ummel averages 55 yards per game.

Elijah Williams paces the Tiger Cub defense with 60 tackles, while Cade Winslow has 50. Sophmore Gavin Bollman has 4.5 sacks, while Winslow has 4.0 and Williams has 3.5.

Bollman has four fumble recoveries

Running back Solomon Gross had four touchdowns for North Putnam in last week’s win over West Vigo.

Coach Meyer on his team: “Last week’s game showed our kids were able to bounce back, and we’re a better football team than we played against Sullivan. Our guys completed their assignments, we got pressure on them with front four and our linebackers were able to flow and make some plays. It was a great team effort. We have to be sound in all parts of the game like we have been. We’re confident it’s going to be a good ballgame. We’ve had a good week of practice and are focused. All the games are big from here on, but our kids know the significance of this one.”

Coach Meyer on North Putnam: “The big key is you know it’s going to be a good football team. [Tight end Max] Haste and Gross are strong players. Their QB [Hayden Rudes] does a good job of getting the ball to his guys. They are well coached.”

Coach Barrett on his team: “We did do some good things last week. Hopefully we can do that again [tonight]. Starting off fast is definitely a must. We have to do that again. A balanced attack is critical. We have to bring our ‘A’ game and control the tempo. It will come down to turnovers and whoever makes the least amount of mistakes. There is obviously a lot at stake. Any time you get two teams together for a county championship is pretty exciting. We need to loosen the box a little bit. Hayden played pretty well on Friday night. He did that last year for us. Have to keep us in the rhythm. Control the offense and move the chains and give ourselves a chance to compete. And be turnover free.

Coach Barrett on Greencastle: “Greencastle is a good team. Their defense front seven is pretty good. They fly around to the ball, and are physical. They have a good running back and line up front. Their QB [Nick Costin] throws pretty well also. He does a good job of moving around in pocket and not taking sacks. He’s pretty elusive back there, and he does a good job of controlling the offense. He has good receivers. They are senior dominant and a talented team. They have put the work in and might be one of best teams on our schedule. Our guys are confident. We don’t have to do a lot of motivation this week. Should be a great turnout and a great night for Friday night football.”

Cloverdale (3-4, 3-1) at Indian Creek (4-3, 4-0)

Game time: 7 p.m.

Media coverage: The coaches: Tony Meyer is in his second year at Cloverdale. Mike Gillin is in his 16th year at Indian Creek. Gillin is the third-leading active coach in wins with 303 (eighth winningest all-time).

Last week: Cloverdale lost 17-0 to Owen Valley, while Indian Creek defeated Cascade 41-16.

History: This is believed to be the first-ever game between the two schools.

WIC impact: Indian Creek can clinch the East Division title with a win tonight. Cloverdale could force a three-way tie for first with a win.

Key players: The Braves have a good passing attack, as junior quarterback Taylor Voris has thrown for 1,323 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.

Senior Bryce Hogue has caught 28 passes for 416 yards and five touchdowns, while junior Brad Trietsch has caught 19 passes for 317 yards and four scores.

Coach Meyer on his team: “We’ve had several players out this week with injury and illness. We are going to see what we can do and hopefully it works out. We’re going to try to establish our running game, depending on personnel. Our kids play as hard as anybody in the conference, and I will put our heart and effort against anybody. It’s a pleasure showing up every day with them, and they do it in practice and in the games. Across the board, I couldn’t be more proud of a group of kids.”

Coach Meyer on Indian Creek: “They run the ball a lot, depending on who they’re going against. Against Edgewood, they threw early. Their QB is a good athlete. They have some decent size at receiver. They are a lot like OV. They are probably one of top four teams in the conference.”