FORT WAYNE, IN – Under the bright Friday night lights, two programs hungry for their first victory of the 2025 season will collide in a non-conference showdown. The Carroll Chargers (0-2) make the short trip to face the Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran Cadets (0-2) in a pivotal early-season matchup for both squads. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM on Friday, September 5th.
While both teams enter the game with identical records, their paths to this point have been strikingly different. This contest presents a critical opportunity for one team to right the ship, gain momentum, and alter the trajectory of their season before conference play intensifies.
What: Indiana High School Football
Who: Carroll vs Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
Tale of the Tape: Statistical Duel
A deep dive into the season statistics reveals a classic offensive dichotomy. The Carroll Chargers have leaned heavily on a potent aerial assault, while the Concordia Lutheran Cadets have established their identity on the ground.
Carroll’s offense runs through quarterback Gabe Frisinger. The signal-caller has amassed an impressive 306.5 passing yards per game, placing the Chargers among the state’s most prolific passing attacks. His favorite target, Jaidon Vanpelt, has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging 227.0 receiving yards per contest. This dynamic duo will look to exploit a Cadets secondary that has surrendered an average of 89 points through two games.
However, Carroll’s one-dimensional offense has a glaring weakness: a near-nonexistent rushing attack. Averaging a mere 1.5 yards per game on the ground, the Chargers have become predictable. This lack of balance has put immense pressure on Frisinger and the offense to execute perfectly through the air.
In stark contrast, Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran thrives on controlling the clock and moving the chains with a powerful running game. Spearheaded by dual-threat athlete Eli Trent, the Cadets grind out 206.5 rushing yards per game. Trent is the undisputed engine of the team, leading the way in both rushing (114.5 YPG) and passing (96.0 YPG). His ability to make plays with his legs will be the primary focus of the Carroll defense.
The Cadets’ passing game, while less prolific, is efficient. Receiver Michael Henley serves as the primary downfield threat, averaging 45.0 receiving yards per game.
Defensively, both units have struggled to get stops. Carroll allows an average of 15.5 points per game, but their defense has been on the field extensively due to their quick-strike offense. Linebacker Eli Neuhouser has been a bright spot, flying to the ball for a team-high 14.5 tackles per game.
Concordia’s defense, giving up 21.0 points per game, will need a massive performance from its leader, linebacker Grant Allman (12.0 tackles per game), to disrupt Carroll’s passing rhythm. Applying pressure will be key, a task that falls to defensive standout Luke Hayworth, who leads the team with 0.5 sacks.
Key Matchups to Watch
-
Carroll’s Passing Attack vs. Concordia’s Secondary: This is the game within the game. Can Vanpelt and Frisinger connect for big plays against a vulnerable Cadets defense? If Carroll can protect their quarterback, they have the firepower to score quickly and often.
-
Eli Trent vs. Carroll’s Front Seven: The Chargers must find a way to contain Trent. If he establishes the run early, he will open up play-action opportunities and control the time of possession, keeping Carroll’s high-powered offense watching from the sideline.
-
The Turnover Battle: In a matchup between two teams desperate for a win, mistakes will be magnified. The team that protects the football and capitalizes on opponent errors will likely emerge victorious. Forcing a key fumble or securing a game-changing interception could be the difference.
The Intangibles: More Than Just a Record
Despite the 0-2 records, this is far from a meaningless game. For both programs, this is a season-defining moment.
For Carroll, a loss would send them to a daunting 0-3 start, a deep hole that could shatter team morale. A win, however, would validate their pass-heavy scheme and provide a massive confidence boost before facing a tough schedule ahead. They must prove they can win a gritty game, not just put up impressive yardage totals.
For Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran, defending their home field is paramount. A victory would demonstrate that their physical, run-oriented approach can be effective and would serve as a testament to their resilience after a tough start to the year. It would prove they can finish a close game.
This cross-town matchup also carries inherent bragging rights. While not historic rivals, the proximity of the schools adds an extra layer of intensity. Both teams will play with passion and pride, knowing a win can completely shift the narrative of their season.
Prediction and Outlook
This game shapes up as a compelling battle of contrasting styles. Will Carroll’s explosive passing game prove too much? Or will Concordia Lutheran’s ground-and-pound approach wear down the Chargers’ defense?
The key for Carroll is to find some semblance of a running game to keep the Cadets honest. For Concordia, the formula is to control the clock, limit Carroll’s offensive possessions, and pressure Frisinger into mistakes.
Given the Cadets’ ability to sustain drives and keep the ball away from their opponent, they hold a slight edge, especially at home. Eli Trent’s versatility will be the difference-maker in a hard-fought, back-and-forth contest.
Final Score Prediction: Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran 28, Carroll 24
Both teams will leave everything on the field, but the Cadets’ balanced offensive attack and home-field advantage will help them secure their first win of the season in a thrilling finish.
Fans won’t want to miss this crucial Week 3 Indiana high school football showdown. For continued coverage of this game and all the latest news from across the state, stay locked to our Indiana High School Football section.
