HS football predictions: Who does Kyle have in Center Grove-Carmel?

Another Friday, another Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference football showdown.

This week, it’s the Copper Kettle Game. Class 6A second-ranked Center Grove (2-0) at fourth-ranked Carmel (1-1) in a rivalry that has produced many thrilling games in recent years.

Since losing to Center Grove in the 2008 state championship, Carmel has won six of seven in the series, including a 21-14 victory last season. While many of the names have changed from those teams, both have experienced senior quarterbacks.

Carmel’s Michael Viktrup, an Air Force recruit, has completed 55 percent of his passes (26-for-47) for 251 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 140 yards and three scores. Viktrup nearly engineered a stunning comeback last week as Carmel fell 35-28 to defending Ohio state champion Cincinnati LaSalle after rallying from a 27-0 deficit.

Center Grove’s Joey Siderewicz has been perfect in wins over Warren Central and Whiteland. Literally perfect. Siderewicz is 14-for-14 for 216 passing yards and three touchdowns in the Trojans’ wing-T offense.

Prediction: This is the home opener for Carmel and first-year coach John Hebert after games at Hamilton Southeastern and LaSalle. Carmel 24, Center Grove 21.

It was another solid week for me on predictions as I was 34-12 (73.9 percent). The season record is now 67-21 (76.1 percent). Check out the Preps Insider blog Friday morning for predictions on all of this week’s area games. All games 7 p.m. Friday unless noted:

Fishers (2-0) at Noblesville (2-0): The Fishers’ defense was strong in a 20-8 win over Pike last week. The Tigers have four interceptions and five sacks through two games. Jeremy Chinn (180 yards, 6.0 yards per carry) has done the bulk of the work at running back for Fishers and Keyshawn Burrell (nine catches, 157 yards) has emerged as a threat at receiver. Noblesville, with wins over Lawrence North and Hamilton Heights, takes a step up in competition. Jarel Youree has rushed for 339 yards and four TDs. Fishers 34, Noblesville 24.

Roncalli (1-1) vs. Bishop Chatard (2-0), at Lawrence Central: Roncalli ended a five-game losing streak to its longtime rival in last year’s sectional with a 31-6 blowout win. Chatard has dropped back down to Class 3A, where it is ranked No. 1. Class 4A fifth-ranked Roncalli is averaging nearly 400 yards per game and the defense limited Franklin Central to 2 rushing yards last week in a 34-7 win. Chatard’s John Chavis rushed for 188 yards last week in a 17-10 win over Lawrence Central. Bishop Chatard 17, Roncalli 16.

Westfield (2-0) at Zionsville (2-0): The two Class 5A programs in the Hoosier Crossroads Conference are making some noise through two games. Sixth-ranked Westfield, coming off a dramatic 40-36 win over Southport, is averaging 430 yards of offense. Trevor Liechty has played well in eighth-ranked Zionsville’s wins over McCutcheon and Lebanon, completing 63 percent of his passes for 366 yards and four touchdowns. Westfield 28, Zionsville 27.

Brebeuf Jesuit (1-1) vs. Cardinal Ritter (2-0), at Marian: Brebeuf’s junior connection of quarterback Luke Iffert (419 passing yards) and receiver Max Kucer (16 catches, 236 yards) has paid dividends. Ritter quarterback Alex Downard has passed for 456 yards and five TDs. Brebeuf has won three straight in the series. Brebeuf Jesuit 31, Cardinal Ritter 21.

Mishawaka (2-0) vs. Cathedral (1-1), at Tech, 7:30 p.m.: Cathedral went toe-to-toe with Cincinnati Moeller last week in Ohio, losing 21-19. Mishawaka, which lost 56-29 to Cathedral in the 2012 state championship, is coming off wins over 6A Portage and Crown Point in dominating defensive performances. Cathedral 33, Mishawaka 17.

Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.