Countdown to KICKOFF

With the 2008 football season just a mere days away, we've got the scoop on what you need to know about this week.

PRESEASON RANKINGS
The preseason rankings are out, and several Central Indiana teams occupy spots on the first IFCA Coaches' Poll.

In Class A, Sheridan (No. 1) and Ritter (No. 3) are both preseason top 5 teams, while Scecina ranks No. 8.

In 2A, 2007 state finalist Heritage Christian ranks No. 2 to open the season.

Class 3A finds Chatard No. 1 and the Trojans earn much respect as the defending Class 3A state champs.

In 4A, Cathedral is preseason No. 1, but find Whiteland (No. 6), Shelbyville (No. 7) and Plainfield (No. 8) on its heels.

Class 5A No. 1 Carmel is in a familiar spot - the Greyhounds are the defending state champions in 5A. Ben Davis ranks third, Pike fourth and Center Grove fifth. 2003-06 state champion Warren Central ranks No. 6 to open the season and Avon (No. 10) rounds out the top 10.

For more rankings, click on the rankings tab at the top of the page.

THURSDAY, AUG. 21
Carmel quarterback Morgan Newton, one of the most sought-after recruits in the state, will make his college choice public at 10:30 a.m. at the school community room on Thursday. Newton, a 6-foot-4, 205-lb. quarterback, guided the Greyhounds to the Class 5A state title last fall and threw for 1,883 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2007, while rushing for 750 yards and 11 TDs. He had garnered interest from Indiana, Purdue, Clemson, Florida and Kentucky.

FRIDAY, AUG. 22
Lucas Oil Stadium has its field stepped on for the first-time ever, as four local schools are set to compete in the PeyBack Classic. In the first game, Fishers meets Noblesville at 6 p.m. In the second game, Class 4A No. 6 Whiteland meets New Palestine at 8 p.m. Tickets are available now through the school for $10, or you can call Ticketmaster at (317) 239-5151. Be sure to check out this historic event.

Be sure to tune in to WNDE 1260-AM at 4:10 p.m. for Managing Editor Brian Moore as a guest on "The Drive w/ JMV." High school football will certainly rule the airwaves for 10-15 minutes.

In other games for opening night, here are some of the bigger match-ups around the area:

Class 5A
No. 6 Warren Central vs. No. 2 Merrillville
No. 3 Ben Davis vs. Perry Meridian
No. 4 Pike @ North Central
No. 5 Center Grove vs. Dayton Carroll (Ohio)

Class 4A
No. 8 Plainfield vs. Danville
Mooresville @ Lebanon

Class 3A
No. 1 Chatard @ Broad Ripple

Class 2A
Triton Central vs. Eastern Hancock

Class A
No. 1 Sheridan vs. Western Boone

SATURDAY, AUG. 23
In the second set of games at Lucas Oil Stadium, it will be an all-day affair for the Marsh Indiana Invitational. VYPE will also be presenting, with co-sponsor Sallie Mae, "Academic Athletes" Awards to a member of each team following the games.

Another loaded lineup at the Luke, as Class 2A No. 2 Heritage Christian meets Elwood at 11 a.m. In the second game, it will be Class 4A No. 8 Shelbyville against Greensburg at 1:45 p.m. The Hoosier Crossroads Conference then takes over. At 4:30 p.m., Lafayette Jeff will take on Class 4A No. 12 Zionsville. At 7:15 p.m., Class 5A No. 11 Hamilton Southeastern squares off against No. 10 Avon in a sensational showdown to cap the Marsh sponsored event. You can purchase tickets at any of the Central Indiana Marsh locations.

But its not over yet...

At noon on Saturday, Class 5A No. 1 Carmel hosts Class 4A No. 1 Cathedral in what has become the best opening weekend rivalry in the state. The winner of this game has won the state title in their class each of the past two seasons. Adding to the drama, ESPN will broadcast the game on national television - LIVE. VYPE will be on hand with our tailgate, as well as presenting two MVP awards - a winner to each school - at the game's conclusion.

Just one question...are you ready for some football?