Fiacre Kelleher leaves Colchester United for League of Ireland side
FIACRE Kelleher has left Colchester United and joined League of Ireland premier division side Cork City on a long-term contract.
The 29-year-old centre-back, who was born in Cork, was due to see his existing contract at Colchester expire this summer.
Advertisement
He had been one of several players in discussions with the club over a new deal but has decided to move on, after two and a half seasons with the U's.
Kelleher, who made 65 league and cup appearances for Colchester, will officially join the Rebel Army on July 1 after the Irish side confirmed his signature.
Kelleher told CorkCityFC.ie said: 'It's been a few weeks in the pipeline, so it's nice to get something sorted, and it's something to look forward to come the first of July!
'I've known Ger (City boss Gerard Nash) since I was first on trial in Ipswich years ago, so the minute he phoned me and we had a conversation, I was really excited and keen to get something done."
Advertisement
League Two quartet face new preliminary round in Carabao Cup
Kelleher clocked up more than 50 league games for the U's after joining them from Bradford City in January, 2023.
The popular defender played a big part in helping them keep a 21st century club record 21 clean sheets in the 2024-25 season, under Danny Cowley.
Kelleher formed a solid partnership with skipper Tom Flanagan at the heart of the Colchester defence, in the second half of the campaign.
In total, the former Celtic youngster has made almost 300 career appearances.
(Image: STEVE BRADING)
Cork boss Gerard Nash said: 'We're getting a very good, experienced player in Fiacre.
Advertisement
'He's played a lot of football at a good level across the water. What's really important is type of man that we're getting.
'I've known Fiacre for a long time. He's had offers and opportunities from clubs in England, but he's desperate to be here, and to play for Cork City.
'He's really passionate about the club. He's given up a lot to come to us, and we're delighted to have him. He walks into the dressing room as someone who cares passionately about the club.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Newcastle hint at Alexander Isak decision in response to striker's bombshell statement
Newcastle United have rejected Alexander Isak's claim that he was told he could leave this summer and hinted at no future deal for an exit materialising in the closing stages of the transfer window. The saga turned ugly on Tuesday evening with the Swedish striker accusing the club of 'broken promises' and maintaining that 'trust is lost' between the parties. But the Carabao Cup winners hit back with their own strongly-worded statement, hitting Isak's hopes of a move to Liverpool, who had a £110m bid rejected earlier this summer, by underlining that they 'do not foresee those conditions [of a sale] being met]' before the deadline. A club statement read: 'We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening. We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer. 'We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views. 'As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired. We do not foresee those conditions being met. 'This is a proud football club with proud traditions and we strive to retain our family feel. Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates.' Isak has not played for Newcastle in pre-season or in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa, missing their tour of Asia with what was attributed as a minor thigh injury, and was training separately from the rest of the team. But he blamed Newcastle for the breakdown in their relationship, writing on Instagram: "I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn't reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors. 'The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading. 'When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue. That's where things are for me right now - and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself.' Isak claimed his Newcastle teammates have given him their backing during a summer transfer saga. Manager Eddie Howe has said Isak's future is out of his hands but called on Saturday for a resolution, saying the 25-year-old could end the current impasse. Newcastle, meanwhile, began the season without a striker with Isak out of the picture and after failing in their attempts to sign Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Bryan Mbeumo. Isak scored 23 Premier League goals last season to be voted a member of the PFA team of the season but opted to miss Tuesday's awards. He explained: 'I'm proud to be recognised by my fellow professionals. First and foremost I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who has supported me along the way. I'm not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn't feel right to be there.' Newcastle host Liverpool on Monday while Arne Slot has said he wants to add one more attacker to his squad this summer.
Washington Post
4 hours ago
- Washington Post
Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman is using past lessons to propel No. 6 Irish forward in 2025
Marcus Freeman used some of the tough lessons he learned his first two years as Notre Dame's coach to help him navigate the longest season in the FBS' modern era. It's prepared him for what's next — taking the same script and rewriting the ending. Seven months after losing the national championship game to his alma mater, Ohio State, the 39-year-old Freeman returns for his fourth season trying to balance the usually lofty expectations for No. 6 Notre Dame with the reality that the Fighting Irish must start fresh. 'There's valuable lessons we learned last year, but I continue to remind them that 2024 has nothing to do with this 2025 team,' Freeman said when summer camp opened. 'So let's utilize those lessons, some of those good and bad things we learned last year. But they understand we've stopped talking about 2024.' A quick glance at the roster and coaching staff reinforces Freeman's point. He hired longtime defensive coordinator Chris Ash, the former Rutgers coach, when Al Golden left for the NFL. He found two key receivers, Malachi Fields and Will Pauling, in the transfer portal. And with quarterback Riley Leonard now playing for the Indianapolis Colts, Freeman chose CJ Carr — who made one appearance for the Fighting Irish during last season's run to the national championship game but has not thrown a college pass — to be the starting quarterback over Kenny Minchey. In other spots, things look comfortingly familiar. Preseason All-American running back Jeremiyah Love is running behind a big offensive line with two returning starters and many more experienced players. Defensively, five starters from the championship game return, three in the secondary. That means Notre Dame's players and coaches can put that knowledge to use, even as Freeman turns the page on his most successful season with the Irish. 'There's a lot of guys on this roster, in this program — coaches and players — that weren't here last year,' Freeman said. 'This is about the 2025 team and the journey to reach our full potential.' Fields was a third team all-ACC selection at Virginia while Pauling was a key cog as a 10-game starter at Wisconsin last season Freeman also found other help in the portal. Former Arkansas tight end Ty Washington could see more action than expected because of injuries. Former Alabama cornerback DeVonta Smith is expected to start in the secondary, former Southern California defensive lineman Elijah Hughes could be a rotational player and former North Carolina kicker Noah Burnette could solidify one of last season's worst field goal units. Promising pass rusher Boubacar Traore looks like he'll be ready for the Aug. 31 opener at No. 10 Miami. He missed most of last year with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Freeman expects two other players — offensive lineman Charles Jagusah and tight end Cooper Flanagan — to come back this season, too. Flanagan suffered an Achilles tendon injury in the CFP quarterfinal victory over Georgia. Jagusah was supposed to start at right guard or left tackle after missing most of 2024 with a torn pectoral muscle. But he fractured the humerus bone in his left arm in a July utility task vehicle accident in Wyoming. Sullivan Absher has taken Jagusah's place in camp. Notre Dame lists 22 defensive lineman on its roster. ... Tight end Eli Raridon returns for his senior season as a married man. ... Sixth-year tight end Kevin Bauman announced his career is over after suffering a season-ending knee injury. Notre Dame's big tests come early. In addition to the Sunday night opener against the 'Canes, Notre Dame hosts No. 19 Texas A&M in another prime-time game following a Week 2 bye. The Irish also visit Arkansas on Sept. 27 and host No. 25 Boise State on Oct. 4 and have a bevy of rivalry games with Purdue, Southern Cal and Navy. ___ Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: and
Indianapolis Star
5 hours ago
- Indianapolis Star
IHSAA football Week 1 predictions: Kyle picks winners for every Central Indiana game
It's go time. Week 1 of the high school football season is upon us and with it, of course, are the Central Indiana predictions for all of the games. There is no shortage of great matchups, including Center Grove-Warren Central, a top-50 national game at Brownsburg, Ben Davis-Cathedral, Carmel-Fishers and more. Predictions below. All kickoffs set for 7 p.m. on Friday unless noted: Center Grove at Warren Central: Class 6A third-ranked Center Grove was close to making a state finals appearance last year, falling 31-27 to Brownsburg in the semistate. This year's team, ranked No. 3 in 6A going into the season, might be better than last year's edition. Sophomore quarterback Oscar Sloan is a first-time starter but has a lot of experienced players around him, including an offensive line that is led by Indiana recruit C.J. Scifres and Ball State recruit Brady Weber. The Trojans have won eight consecutive games in this series, including five of those in regional matchups. Warren Central has a lot of question marks going into the season with 18 new starters for first-year coach J.T. Whitaker. This team could look a lot different when — and if — these teams meet in the regional again down the road. Center Grove 27, Warren Central 17. Ben Davis vs. Cathedral, at Butler: Cathedral dominated last year's opener at Ben Davis, 24-6, the first game after the Giants' won the Class 6A state title in 2023. The Class 5A second-ranked Irish hope to do it again with an experienced team coming back, including senior quarterback Cameron Koers (1,528 passing yards, 11 TDs). The best Cathedral teams have been strong running teams. This one looks to have that ability with a lot of experience up front and a running back who ran for more than 1,000 yards last year in Xavier Dangerfield. There is some unknown coming into the season for 6A No. 10 Ben Davis with several newcomers and underclassmen in key spots. But seniors like Rob Reddick (Kansas) and Caleb Scott (Army) are players who could help the Giants on both sides of the ball. Great matchup in a great venue to start the season. Cathedral 24, Ben Davis 21. Carmel at Fishers: An intriguing opener here as Class 6A No. 8 Fishers looks to start its season on the right foot after last year's 7-5 mark and sectional title. On the other side, Carmel is starting a new era under coach Kevin Wright with a group that looks capable of being competitive with the best teams in 6A. Strangely, these teams have not played since the 2016 sectional. Carmel leads the all-time series, 6-1. Fishers will play at Carmel to open next season. Carmel 27, Fishers 24. Decatur Central at Avon: Can Decatur Central, last year's Class 5A state champion, successfully navigate the jump to 6A? That is one of the most interesting storylines of the season. While we won't have an answer to that until the end of October/November, Friday will at least provide a sneak preview. The Hawks do have a lot of returning talent on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Bo Polston and receiver Kasmir Hicks. Avon is motivated to improve on last year's 3-7 mark and has the personnel to make a significant improvement. Avon 31, Decatur Central 28. Archbishop Spalding (Md.) at Brownsburg: Class 6A No. 1 and defending champion Brownsburg gets a visit from a national power. Archbishop Spalding was 12-0 last year and won its third consecutive Class A state championship in Maryland, ranking No. 10 in the country in the On3 composite rankings, which takes into account several national rankings. That same list has Archbishop Spalding ranked No. 37 going into this season. Brownsburg is No. 39. High School Football America has the teams ranked No. 34 and No. 49, respectively. While rankings do not really matter, I point these out just to show the challenge the Bulldogs have ahead of them on Friday night. Junior receiver Myles McAfee is a four-star junior receiver, sophomore Bryce Smalls is a four-star offensive lineman, senior cornerback Sean Johnson is a Florida State commit and sophomore athlete Kam Miller has offers from Maryland, Penn State and others. Brownsburg's offense should be ready to go. The Bulldogs have plenty of returners back from last year's title team, including junior quarterback Oscar Frye and receivers Avin Robinson and Branden Sharpe. Good opportunity here against a national opponent. Archbishop Spalding 31, Brownsburg 24. Lafayette Jeff at Bishop Chatard, 7:30 p.m.: Interesting game here. Coach Pat Shanley's Jeff team is ranked No. 7 in 5A and coming off an 11-1 sectional championship season. The Bronchos beat Avon and Michigan City to open last season. Several of Jeff's top players graduated from that group, including 3,000-yard passer Keyen Crowder. But 800-yard rusher Marquis Adkins is among the returners. Bishop Chatard is ranked No. 1 in 4A with experience at a lot of key spots, including quarterback Jack Harrington, running back Danny Adams and defensive lineman Thad Lawrence, among others. Bishop Chatard 30, Lafayette Jeff 22. Carroll (Fort Wayne) at Hamilton Southeastern: There is a lot to like about Class 6A seventh-ranked Hamilton Southeastern, though the Royals do have a relatively inexperienced offensive line. But the skill positions look promising with Duke commit Terry Walker III at quarterback, Carter Reed at running back and Kendrick Pennybaker at receiver. Carroll has lost the opener to HSE the past two seasons after knocking off the Royals in the 2022 semistate. This Chargers' team will be different without Jimmy Sullivan at quarterback, but senior Jaidon Vanpelt is one of the most talented receivers in the state. HSE 26, Carroll 16. Homestead at Westfield: Class 6A second-ranked Westfield has not lost a regular season game to a team other than Brownsburg since 2022. In fact, the Bulldogs were the only team to knock off the Shamrocks last season, including a 22-17 game in the state finals. Can Westfield make it back to Lucas Oil Stadium? I think so. Homestead senior quarterback Michael White is a talented player who passed for 1,439 yards and 12 TDs last season for the 5-5 Spartans. Westfield 31, Homestead 14. Tri-West at Western Boone: Both of these teams are just outside the top 10 going into the season (Tri-West in 3A and Western Boone in 2A). Weird that this is no longer a conference game. Tri-West is in its first year in the Hoosier Legends Conference and Western Boone in the Monon Conference. The past four games between these teams have been decided by a total of 26 points. Tri-West 28, Western Boone 23. Lawrence Central at Lawrence North: Can fourth-ranked Lawrence North recapture the magic of last year's 11-1 season? New team. But the returning Wildcats should have plenty of confidence and take some momentum into 2025. And just as important: Lawrence North still has talented skill position players, namely running back Izayveon Moore and receiver Monshun Sales. Lawrence Central played Lawrence North close in last year's opener, a 33-26 loss, but the Wildcats pulled away and dominated the rematch in the sectional, 40-9, as the Bears finished 4-6. Lawrence North 34, Lawrence Central 20. Pike at Zionsville: Can Pike make another jump? The Red Devils have improved from 1-9 to 3-8 to 5-5 in coach Mike Brevard's three seasons. There are some holes to fill on defense but there is talent there, too, including outside linebacker Dammy Adeoba and defensive back Jaylen Griffin. The skill positions look strong on offense. Zionsville, which lost 31-20 to Pike in last year's opener, also has a lot to be excited about. Pike 27, Zionsville 24. Whiteland at Columbus North: Another intriguing matchup here between teams that have not met in 13 years. Whiteland slipped under .500 last year at 4-5. Columbus North went 8-2. Whiteland 27, Columbus North 24. Danville at Gibson Southern, 7:30 p.m.: With Heritage Hills moving up to Class 4A, 3A third-ranked Gibson Southern has a little bit easier sectional route (though No. 1 Evansville Memorial is still in the field) and an experienced roster returning for coach Nick Hart. Senior quarterback Zach Foster threw for more than 2,000 yards and 20 TDs last season. Danville is ranked No. 10 in 4A after last year's 8-2 season and controversial 50-49 overtime loss to Brebeuf Jesuit in the sectional. Coach Jayme Comer has a group with a lot of experience, too. Gibson Southern rallied last year to beat Danville 21-14 in the opener. This should be one of the best games of the night. Gibson Southern 27, Danville 23. Brebeuf Jesuit at North Central: This is another new game on the schedule between two teams with a lot of question marks but a high level of excitement for both. I don't know if Brebeuf's season could be any more exciting than last year, when the Braves averaged 46.4 points and allowed 43.5. We may never see a season like that again. North Central, under first-year coach Collin Coffer, does have some young talent at the skill positions and veterans up front on the line. The Panthers have lost 32 consecutive games. North Central 31, Brebeuf Jesuit 30. Franklin Central at Perry Meridian: The Flashes, coming off a 6-4 season for the program's first winning mark in eight years, have won seven in a row over Perry Meridian going back to the 2016 season. Franklin Central has a good group of returners on both sides of the ball, including junior defensive end Jayce Brewer. Connor Moreland enters the picture at quarterback after passing for 1,652 yards and 17 TDs and rushing for 265 yards and two TDs at Speedway last season. This is the first game for Perry Meridian coach Kevin Miller. Junior quarterback Jackson Schoch is a promising player for the Falcons. Franklin Central 34, Perry Meridian 14. Noblesville at Mt. Vernon: Former Carmel coach John Hebert coaches his first game for the Millers. Noblesville has defeated Mt. Vernon in each of the past four openers, scoring at least 43 points in all of those games. Noblesville 37, Mt. Vernon 26. Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger at Roncalli: These teams last met in the 2002 Class 4A state championship when Roncalli rallied with two fourth-quarter touchdowns for a 24-21 win over Dwenger, avenging a 22-21 loss to Dwenger in the 1983 3A state title game. Roncalli was a 6-5 team last year in Sam Otley's first season as coach. The Class 4A sixth-ranked Royals return a significant amount of talent and experience on both sides of the ball. Dwenger, ranked No. 9 in 4A, was 6-6 last season. The Saints will be strong at the skill positions, including senior Gus Tippmann (744 rushing yards, four TDs). Roncalli 28, Dwenger 21. Bedford North Lawrence at Martinsville: Class 4A fifth-ranked Martinsville has defeated Bedford North Lawrence eight times since the 2018 season. Most of those were close. Last year's was not — a 50-7 Artesians' victory. That was the start of a memorable 12-2 regional championship season for Martinsville. Will be fun to see what junior quarterback Chase Davis does this season. Martinsville 35, BNL 13. New Palestine at Kokomo: Class 5A No. 1 New Palestine is loaded. Enough said. Caleb Small is the new coach at Kokomo after a 9-2 season at Northwestern. The Dragons will play at Decatur Central next week. New Palestine 42, Kokomo 16. Monrovia at Cascade: Class 3A No. 9 Cascade has big goals for this season and should come out of the gate ready to go after last year's 10-1 season. Coach Connor Simmons has a lot of returning experience, especially at the skill positions. Monrovia is a little bit on the other end of the spectrum with only three returning starters on offense and lot of newcomers on defense. But coach Andy Olson's Monrovia teams always seem to find a way to be tough to beat. Cascade 41, Monrovia 23. Speedway at Heritage Christian: Heritage Christian has a new coach in Caleb Brink, who will look to an offense that returns quarterback Eli Nix and receivers Aiden Lyon and Andrew Sloan and running back Elijah Pimental. Speedway has a lot of inexperience, but coach Shane Clampitt likes the potential of this group. Heritage Christian 28, Speedway 18. Beech Grove at Greenfield-Central: Class 4A No. 8 Greenfield-Central defeated Beech Grove twice last year by a combined score of 106-8. The Cougars graduated some key players, including quarterback Dallas Freeman, but nine starters return on offense. This program has really turned around under Travis Nolting, who is 31-13 in his last four seasons. Greenfield-Central 38, Beech Grove 16. Lebanon at Pendleton Heights: Lebanon won a wild one last year, 48-40, in the opener over Pendleton Heights. This one should also be competitive. Lebanon has a new coach in Josh Yoder, who likes his senior class. Quarterback Chris Hill will be a player to watch for the Tigers. Pendleton Heights, coming off a 6-6 season, has a new starting quarterback in Brandt Gray and an experienced offensive line and defense. These teams have split four meetings since 2017. Pendleton Heights 27, Lebanon 26. Fort Wayne Concordia vs. Scecina, at Beech Grove: Concordia won last year's meeting, 20-14, one of just two wins for the Cadets on the season against a schedule filled with larger schools. Scecina looks to get off to a good start in Dan Harris' second season as coach. The Crusaders finished 3-7 last year but should hit the ground running with talent at the skill positions and returning players on the lines. Quarterback Bryce McDonald and receivers Tristan Brown and Bryce Mathis are players to watch on offense. Scecina 26, Fort Wayne Concordia 21. Plainfield at Terre Haute South: Plainfield is ranked No. 9 in 5A going into the season. The Quakers were tested last year with a 31-27 win over Terre Haute South. The Braves have a new coach in Greg Barrett, who had a successful run at South Vermillion. Plainfield 30, Terre Haute South 24. Crispus Attucks at Lutheran: Class 2A second-ranked Lutheran loses a lot of experience, including three-year starting quarterback Jackson Willis. But the Saints should again be in the mix to make a run to Lucas Oil Stadium. Attucks running back Darrell Taylor will test the Lutheran defense. Lutheran 34, Crispus Attucks 18. Guerin Catholic at McCutcheon: Guerin has won six consecutive openers against McCutcheon, including a 36-17 victory last season. The Golden Eagles should be a factor in Class 3A with a strong group of skill position players, including junior receiver Aidan Horn (34 catches, 512 yards, eight TDs). Guerin Catholic 32, McCutcheon 22. Mooresville at Bloomington North: Mooresville had trouble stopping teams last year, allowing 32.1 points per game. But the Pioneers should be stronger on that side of the ball for coach Mike Gillin and just as dynamic on offense with senior quarterback Connor Cruz returning with several quality skill position players and a good offensive line. Bloomington North has a new look with former Perry Meridian coach Brett Cooper taking over and senior John Bargen, a transfer from Dunlap (Ill.), playing quarterback. Mooresville 31, Bloomington North 28. Lapel at Hamilton Heights: Class 2A No. 7 Lapel is looking to build on last year's 9-4 season and 2A sectional title. The offense, after averaging 26.2 points per game last year against a tough schedule, should be even better with senior quarterback Devin Craig and others returning. Hamilton Heights has a strong secondary and good defense overall that will test the Bulldogs. Huskies junior quarterback Drew Woodruff passed for 931 yards last year in seven games. Lapel 27, Hamilton Heights 17. Southport at Franklin: These programs have not played since 2007. Franklin, coming off a 4-7 season, could be a team that enjoys a bounce back season, though this will be a young group in several areas for coach Chris Coll. Defensive lineman Blake Smythe, an Indiana commit, should have a big season. Franklin 33, Southport 12. Cardinal Ritter at Tech: Tech coach Jerdson Gamble goes into his third season at Tech with a team that he expects to be able to build on last year's improvement with quarterback Tremael Lowery and receiver Brian Nichols leading the offense. Cardinal Ritter has some turnover but also a lot of experience coming back going into coach Levar Johnson's third year. The Raiders were 3-7 last year but one of those wins was a 36-0 victory over Tech in the opener. Cardinal Ritter 36, Tech 14. Washington at Gary West Side: First-year Washington coach Ramon Stallings has a young team with new systems on both sides of the ball but talented players at quarterback in Anthony Burts and receiver with Kyven Smith. Gary West Side defeated the Continentals 38-0 last season. Gary West 36, Washington 14. Greenwood at Seymour: This series has produced competitive games the past two seasons. Greenwood won 51-49 at Seymour two years ago. Seymour returned the favor last year at Greenwood, 23-20. The Woodmen have senior running back Gunner Ruppert (1,660 rushing yards, 19 TDs), senior quarterback Ayden Houseman (921 passing yards, nine TDs; 285 rushing yards, seven TDs) and junior receiver Benjamin Hommell (14 catches, 365 yards, four TDs) returning. Greenwood 33, Seymour 30. Triton Central at Batesville: Class 2A No. 9 Triton Central has a tough challenge here against a Batesville team that finished 9-4 last year and won a 3A regional title. Batesville won last year's meeting, 21-14. Triton Central 21, Batesville 14. Indian Creek at Western: Former Kokomo coach Austin Colby takes over at Western, which was 0-10 last season. How quickly can Colby energize the Panthers? Indian Creek has high hopes under second-year coach Max Goodin. The Braves have a lot of returners, including sophomore quarterback Evan Clark (1,476 passing yards, 20 TDs; 190 rushing yards, five TDs last season). Indian Creek 28, Western 18. Eastern Hancock at Greencastle: Another new game on the schedule. Eastern Hancock has an outstanding senior class returning for new coach Josh Holden. The Royals averaged 33.2 points per game last season and brings back a lot from that offense, including senior quarterback Elijah Edon and senior running back Mark Kube. Greencastle junior Cole Stephens passed for 2,812 yards and 29 TDs last season, so this could be one of the highest-scoring games of the night. Greencastle was a 5-7 team last year but took state finalist Linton-Stockton to the wire in the sectional championship, losing 42-39. Eastern Hancock 35, Greencastle 33. Sheridan vs. Greenwood Christian, at Beech Grove Middle School: This is a new game on the schedule and could be interesting. It is certainly notable as the first game coached by Jake Chesney, who replaced all-time wins leader Bud Wright at Sheridan. Greenwood Christian has a big senior class and depth on the line. Quarterback Trey Dobson is a player. This should be a competitive game. Sheridan 22, Greenwood Christian 20. Park Tudor at Covenant Christian, at Zionsville West Middle School: It is a reset for Covenant Christian after last year's 0-10 season. New coach Luke Scifres will depend on players to go both ways, including Noah Sebree, Henry Schafer, Caleb Jankowski and Tyson Hall. Park Tudor was 6-4 last season with a young team that should benefit from the experience. Coach Spencer Summerville led Park Tudor to sectional titles in 2022 and '23. Park Tudor 32, Covenant Christian 24. Shelbyville at Greensburg: Shelbyville coach Scott Fitzgerald believes he has a physically stronger team than last year's group that finished 1-9. Depth is still a concern for the Golden Bears. Greensburg has a new coach in Isaac Sliger, who comes over from Rushville. Shelbyville 33, Greensburg 16. Shortridge vs. Purdue Poly, at Howe: New coaches on both sides. Former Heritage Christian and Anderson coach Ron Qualls is in his first year at Shortridge and former Ben Davis assistant (and Howe/Marshall coach) Tony Henderson is at Purdue Poly. Shortridge senior running back Thomas Campbell ran for almost 1,100 yards last season. Shortridge 29, Purdue Poly 12. Tindley at Edinburgh: These teams have met in every opener since 2019, most of those in competitive, one-score games. Tindley is going for a third consecutive win in the series. Tindley 27, Edinburgh 20. Bowman Academy at Christel House, 7:30 p.m.: Difficult to know what to expect here. New Christel House coach Brent Ash expects sophomore quarterback Mariano Hardman and freshman receiver Colman Mayfield to be leaders on offense. Bowman Academy was 0-10 last year. Christel House 22, Bowman Academy 16. Faith Christian vs. Irvington Prep, at Arlington: Faith Christian won last year's game, 25-6. Faith Christian 28, Irvington Prep 13.
