TERRE HAUTE, IN – A classic matchup of early-season opposites is set to unfold under the Friday night lights. The undefeated and high-powered Bloomington South Panthers (2-0) travel north to face the winless Terre Haute North Vigo Patriots (0-2) in a pivotal conference showdown. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM at Terre Haute North Vigo High School.

The statistical narrative paints a stark picture of two teams on vastly different trajectories. Bloomington South enters the contest boasting a perfect record, having outscored their first two opponents by a combined 80-34. Their offense has been nothing short of explosive, averaging a staggering 472.0 total yards per game. In stark contrast, the Patriots have found the going tough, managing only 15 total points while conceding 90, with their offense sputtering to a mere 69.0 total yards per contest.

What: Indiana High School Football
Who: Bloomington South vs Terre Haute North Vigo
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Panthers’ Offense: A Multi-Headed Monster

The engine of Bloomington South’s formidable attack is a balanced and dynamic unit that has overwhelmed defenses. The ground game, led by the electric #6 Braylen Townsend, has been dominant. Townsend is averaging a remarkable 173.0 rushing yards per game, consistently moving the chains and punishing would-be tacklers.

But the Panthers are far from one-dimensional. Quarterback #2 Duncan Combs has been surgical through the air, averaging 173.5 passing yards per game. His favorite target, #18 Jonathan Winstead, provides a big-play threat, hauling in passes for an average of 84.0 receiving yards. Combs’s dual-threat capability is underscored by his team-leading 192.5 total yards per game, making him the focal point of an offense that can strike from anywhere on the field.

“We’re executing at a high level right now, but we know every conference game is a battle,” Combs noted after a practice this week. “The focus is on us and maintaining our discipline for all four quarters.”

Defensively, the Panthers swarm to the ball. Led by #19 Ian Quick’s 10.5 tackles per game, the unit flies around the field, making life difficult for opposing offenses. Their ability to generate pressure, with #23 Ross Ogden leading the team in sacks, has been key to their early success.

Patriots Seek Answers and a Spark

For the Terre Haute North Vigo Patriots, the young season has been a challenge. The team searches for its first win and, more urgently, a way to jump-start an offense that has struggled to find consistency. Quarterback #16 Jarrett Cottrell has shown flashes, accounting for a team-high 92.0 total yards per game, but the Patriots need more sustained production from their entire unit.

The running game, anchored by #25 Jaiden Loftson (40.0 rushing yards per game), will look to establish itself early against a tough Panthers front. Loftson is also the team’s leading scorer with 6 total points. Through the air, #1 Traishun Brown is the primary weapon, averaging 40.0 receiving yards.

The Patriots’ defense, led by the relentless tackling of #33 Jackson McDonald (13.0 tackles per game), faces its toughest test yet. McDonald has also been a bright spot in the pass rush, notching the team’s sole sack this season. Containing the Panthers’ multifaceted attack will require a monumental effort from the entire defensive unit.

“We’ve had a great week of practice. The boys are focused and ready to respond,” said a Terre Haute North Vigo coach. “Bloomington South is a very good team, but we’re prepared to compete and show what we’re made of in front of our home crowd.”

Keys to the Game

For Bloomington South:

1. Start Fast: The Panthers have outscored opponents 21-0 in the first quarter. Establishing an early lead could force the Patriots away from their game plan.

2. Balance is Key: Continue to leverage the potent run-pass balance to keep the Patriots’ defense guessing and on its heels.

3. Avoid Complacency: On paper, they are the heavy favorites. They must match Terre Haute North’s intensity and avoid any mental mistakes that could give the home team life.

For Terre Haute North Vigo:

1. Control the Clock: The best defense against a powerful offense is to keep it off the field. Sustaining long, methodical drives with the run game is crucial.

2. Win the Turnover Battle: Creating a couple of early takeaways could provide the spark and short-field opportunities needed to build confidence and put points on the board.

3. Home Field Advantage: The Patriots must harness the energy of their home crowd to fuel a passionate and physical performance from the opening whistle.

The Bottom Line

This matchup presents a classic “on paper” mismatch. Bloomington South has firepower, depth, and momentum. Terre Haute North Vigo is searching for an identity and its first victory. However, the unpredictability of high school football, especially in a conference rivalry, means nothing is guaranteed.

The Panthers will look to their star players—Townsend, Combs, and Winstead—to execute their high-octane offense and overwhelm the Patriots. If they play to their potential, their undefeated record should remain intact.

For the Patriots, hope lies in a perfect, fundamentally sound game. They must tackle relentlessly, capitalize on any South mistakes, and find a way to manufacture points. A upset victory would require a heroic effort and would completely shift the narrative of their season.

Fans across Indiana won’t want to miss the outcome of this conference clash. For continued coverage of this game and all Indiana High School Football events, follow the action at HS Football Insider.

Kickoff is set for Friday, September 5th, at 7:30 PM in Terre Haute. Will the Panthers continue their march toward a special season, or will the Patriots rally at home to pull off a stunning upset? The answer awaits under the lights.