Gridiron Glory Under the Lights: Week 4 Drama Unfolds
As the Indiana sun beat down in the 80s, Week 4 of the IHSAA football season delivered heart-pounding action across Central Indiana. From the electric Mudsock rivalry where Fishers stunned No. 5 Hamilton Southeastern 28-16 before 10,000 roaring fans, to high-scoring shootouts like Brownsburg’s 55-47 nail-biter over Avon, the night was a testament to young athletes’ grit and passion. These games weren’t just scores—they were stories of triumph, resilience, and community spirit, reminding us why Indiana high school football captivates hearts every Friday.
Heroes on the Field: Standout Performances and Rivalries
In the spotlight, Fishers’ Gage Sturgill dazzled with 174 passing yards, two TDs, and a jaw-dropping 56-yard rushing score, while Ryan Thembulembu added 105 rushing yards and two TDs, fueling a 21-0 first-quarter blitz against HSE. The turning point? HSE’s failed fourth-down attempt at the 10-yard line, preserving Fishers’ lead and crushing the Royals’ momentum. For HSE, Carter Reed’s 61 rushing yards offered hope, but the loss stung, especially with QB Terry Walker III sidelined by injury.
Brownsburg’s Garrett Sherrell exploded for 323 passing yards and six TDs, including a 97-yard bomb to Cayden Olinger, in a 55-47 thriller over Avon, where QB Camden Simons threw for 252 yards and five scores in a valiant comeback attempt. Cathedral edged Bishop Chatard 23-20 in a defensive masterclass, with Jalen Bonds’ 119 rushing yards sealing the win amid emotional tributes to fallen teammate Nick Ford.
Other stars shone bright: Center Grove’s Tyler Cherry tossed four TDs in a 63-35 rout of Ben Davis, while Decatur Central’s 75-6 demolition of Martinsville featured Braylon Morris’ 125 rushing yards and three scores. These young warriors, balancing school and dreams, embodied the raw emotion of high school sports—tears of defeat, cheers of victory, and unbreakable bonds.
Facts and Figures: Scores, Stats, and Standouts
Week 4 saw offensive fireworks, with games like Brownsburg-Avon totaling 1,067 yards and 102 points. Key stats:
- Fishers 28, HSE 16: Sturgill: 11/20, 174 yds, 2 TD pass; 9 car, 86 yds, 1 TD rush. Thembulembu: 16 car, 105 yds, 1 TD rush; 1 rec, 15 yds, 1 TD.
- Brownsburg 55, Avon 47: Sherrell: 15/19, 323 yds, 6 TD. Olinger: 6 rec, 170 yds, 3 TD. Simons (Avon): 15/30, 252 yds, 5 TD.
- Cathedral 23, Bishop Chatard 20: Bonds: 23 car, 119 yds, 1 TD. Cathedral defense: 3 INTs.
- Center Grove 63, Ben Davis 35: Cherry: 8/14, 208 yds, 4 TD. Gabe McWilliams: 6 car, 113 yds, 2 TD.
- Decatur Central 75, Martinsville 6: Morris: 3 car, 125 yds, 3 TD. Team built 61-0 halftime lead.
Full Central Indiana scores: Brownsburg 55-47 Avon, Cardinal Ritter 33-29 Greenwood Christian, Cascade 63-26 North Montgomery, Cathedral 23-20 Bishop Chatard, Center Grove 63-35 Ben Davis, Crispus Attucks 46-0 Christel House, Danville 27-24 Hamilton Heights, Decatur Central 75-6 Martinsville, Edinburgh 18-16 Southside HomeSchool, Fishers 28-16 HSE, Franklin Central 20-16 Zionsville, Guerin Catholic 36-25 Brebeuf Jesuit, Heritage Christian 23-13 Covenant Christian, Indian Creek 42-0 Beech Grove, Lapel 42-14 Muncie Central, Lawrence North 55-21 North Central, Lebanon 42-14 Marion, Louisville Trinity 41-28 Carmel, Lutheran 56-10 Scecina, Mooresville 43-21 Greenwood, New Palestine 71-0 Mt. Vernon, Pendleton Heights 43-14 Greenfield-Central, Plainfield 41-6 Perry Meridian, Pike 48-0 Southport, Purdue Poly vs. Noblesville HomeSchool, Roncalli 41-20 Columbus North, Shelbyville 35-21 New Castle, Sheridan 40-0 Clinton Central, Shortridge at Hammond Central, South Putnam 33-19 Eastern Hancock, Tindley at Tech, Tri-West 63-21 Speedway, Triton Central 24-14 Monrovia, Warren Central 31-21 Lawrence Central, Washington at Park Tudor, Western Boone 76-34 Greencastle, Westfield 41-7 Noblesville, Whiteland 21-14 Franklin.
Statewide scores are referenced but not fully listed in detail; the article directs to a newsletter for comprehensive coverage.
Broader Context: Rivalries, Rankings, and Season Shifts
Week 4 amplified storied rivalries like Mudsock and Hendricks County, where underdogs pushed powerhouses to the brink, reflecting Indiana’s competitive landscape. No. 1 Brownsburg (4-0) survived vulnerabilities, while Cathedral’s win over Chatard honored a lost teammate, adding emotional depth. With half the season gone, these results shake rankings: Fishers rises in 6A, Decatur Central dominates mid-state, and losses like Carmel’s to Louisville Trinity highlight interstate challenges. Historically, Indiana football thrives on community pride, but rising temps and injuries test resilience, mirroring national trends in youth sports safety.
What Lies Ahead: Week 5 Showdowns and Momentum Builds
As teams lick wounds and celebrate wins, Week 5 looms with potential rematches and conference deciders. Fishers eyes a Hoosier Crossroads title push, while Brownsburg aims to shore up defense against tougher foes. Players like Sturgill and Sherrell could draw college scouts, inspiring younger athletes. Statewide, expect more upsets as weather cools and playoffs near, with lessons from Week 4 emphasizing preparation and heart.
Conclusion: Indiana High School Football Week 4 Captures the Spirit of the Game
Week 4’s Indiana high school football scores painted a vivid picture of passion and perseverance, from Fishers’ Mudsock mastery to high-octane battles across the state. As young stars like Gage Sturgill etch their names in lore, these games remind us of football’s power to unite and uplift. Here’s to more thrilling Fridays under the lights.
