KENDALLVILLE, IN – Under the bright Friday night lights of East Noble High School, a classic Indiana high school football matchup unfolds tonight as the undefeated East Noble Knights (2-0) prepare to host the Huntington North Vikings (0-2) in a critical Week 3 conference battle. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM, and the contrasting trajectories of these two teams set the stage for a compelling narrative of dominance versus desperation.
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What: Indiana High School Football
Who: Huntington North vs East Noble
When: Friday, September 5, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
The Knights enter this contest riding a wave of momentum, having dismantled their first two opponents by a combined score of 71-7. Their defense looks impregnable, and their offense operates with ruthless efficiency. Meanwhile, the Vikings are searching for answers after a tough start to the 2025 campaign, showing flashes of offensive potential but struggling to secure a complete four-quarter performance.
A Tale of Two Seasons
The stark difference in these teams’ early fortunes is evident in the numbers. East Noble’s national ranking of 855th and their impressive #25 spot in Indiana underscore a program firing on all cylinders. They average a formidable 35.5 points per game while their defense has been nothing short of spectacular, surrendering a mere 3.5 points per contest on average.
Conversely, Huntington North finds itself in a challenging rebuild phase. With an 0-2 record, they have been outscored 52-43. Their national ranking (7,541st) and state ranking (184th) reflect the early-season struggles. However, their 21.5 points-per-game average suggests an offense capable of putting points on the board, a fact that likely has the attention of the East Noble coaching staff.
East Noble Knights: A Well-Oiled Machine
The Knights’ success is no accident. It is the product of a balanced offensive attack and a smothering, aggressive defense.
Offensive Firepower: The engine of the Knights’ offense is junior quarterback Rylee Biddle. A true dual-threat, Biddle averages 149.5 passing yards per game and has accumulated 196.5 total yards per contest, making him the team’s leader in total offense. He effectively distributes the ball, with his primary target being the dynamic wide receiver Alex Scott. Scott is a big-play threat, averaging 96.5 receiving yards and scoring a team-high 9.0 points per game.
But East Noble is far from one-dimensional. The ground game is anchored by the powerful running of Ian Ramey, who grinds out 84.0 rushing yards per game. This balanced attack keeps defenses guessing and has been a recipe for success through the first two weeks.
Defensive Dominance: Where East Noble truly separates itself is on the defensive side of the ball. Averaging a staggering 55.5 tackles per game, this unit flies to the football and swarms ball carriers. The defensive leader is, remarkably, the same man running the offense: Rylee Biddle. From his defensive back position, Biddle leads the team with 8.0 tackles per game, showcasing his incredible athleticism and field awareness.
The pass rush is equally fearsome, led by Koen Quake, who has notched 1.5 sacks already this season. This relentless defensive pressure has consistently stifled opposing offenses, creating short fields for their own potent attack.
Huntington North Vikings: Searching for a Breakthrough
Despite their record, the Vikings are not a team to be taken lightly. They possess several individual talents who can change the game in an instant.
Offensive Sparks: The Vikings’ offense runs through quarterback Lathen Janes. A versatile playmaker, Janes is responsible for 166.5 total yards per game, throwing for 142.0 and adding value on the ground. His favorite target is the explosive James Linker, who has been a bright spot for Huntington North. Linker hauls in 114.5 receiving yards per game and leads the team in scoring with 6.0 points per contest.
The ground game features Christian Jemison, a hard-nosed runner who averages 79.0 yards per game. When the Vikings’ offense is clicking, they can move the ball effectively, as evidenced by their 327.5 total yards-per-game average, which is not far off from East Noble’s 385.0.
Defensive Questions: The primary concern for Huntington North has been on defense. Giving up 52 points in two games, the unit averages only 29.5 tackles per game, indicating potential struggles with pursuit and getting off the field. Charles Close leads the effort with 3.5 tackles per game, but they will need a collective, elevated performance to slow down East Noble’s multifaceted offense. Wyatt Shearer has provided a spark with 1.0 sacks per game, and his ability to pressure Rylee Biddle will be crucial.
Key Matchups to Watch
The outcome of this game will likely be decided in a few critical individual battles.
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East Noble’s WR Alex Scott vs. Huntington North’s Secondary: Can the Vikings’ defensive backs contain the Knights’ top receiver? If Scott gets loose for big plays early, it could be a long night for Huntington North.
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Huntington North’s WR James Linker vs. East Noble’s DB Rylee Biddle: This is the marquee matchup. The Vikings’ best offensive weapon versus the Knights’ best defensive player. When Linker lines up, expect Biddle to be shadowing him. Winning this individual battle is paramount for Huntington North’s passing game.
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The Trenches: East Noble’s offensive line, which has paved the way for 235.5 rushing yards per game, against a Huntington North defensive line that must find a way to disrupt the Knights’ rhythm. If the Vikings can’t stop the run or pressure Biddle, their chances diminish significantly.
The Intangibles and Prediction
Beyond the stats, this game is a classic contrast in momentum. East Noble is playing with supreme confidence at home. Huntington North is hungry for a season-defining win that could turn their year around. The pressure is entirely on the Knights to maintain their perfect record and defend their home turf.
For Huntington North to pull off the upset, they must play a near-perfect game. They need to limit turnovers, sustain long drives to keep East Noble’s offense off the field, and find a way to generate stops on critical third and fourth downs. Their offense has the weapons to score; the question is whether their defense can get the necessary stops.
East Noble, however, has shown no weaknesses. Their formula is simple: dominate on defense, control the clock with a balanced offense, and capitalize on opponents’ mistakes. They are the definitive favorites for a reason.
Final Prediction: While Huntington North’s offense will likely find some success and put points on the board, the sheer depth and defensive prowess of East Noble will be too much to overcome. Expect the Knights to establish the run early, open up the play-action pass, and their defense to create a key turnover or two.
Final Score: East Noble 38, Huntington North 17
What’s Next?
Following this conference clash, both teams continue their march through the Indiana high school football season. Huntington North will look to regroup and find their first win, while East Noble will aim to continue their dominant run and solidify their status as a top-tier team in the state.
Every game matters in the quest for a conference title and playoff positioning. This matchup is more than just a game; it’s a statement opportunity for both squads. Will East Noble cement their elite status, or will Huntington North shock the conference and announce their arrival?
Be sure to follow all the exciting developments and more from this game and across the Hoosier state right here at HS Football Insider.
