Bloomington High School North and Bloomington High School South football take on Terre Haute North Vigo High School and Terre Haute South Vigo High School, respectively, in the sectional semifinals.
Bloomington North hosts Terre Haute North at 7 p.m. Friday. Bloomington South hosts Terre Haute South at 7 p.m. Friday.
If both Bloomington schools win their sectional semifinal matchups, the crosstown rivals will play each other for the Class 5A Indiana High School Athletic Association Football State Tournament sectional championship title.
The Bloomington and Terre Haute schools played earlier in the season, both games going Bloomington's way. Bloomington North steamrolled Terre Haute North 56-0 on Sept.19 at home, while Bloomington South carved up Terre Haute South for a 49-14 road victory the same day.
Bloomington South, which holds an 8-1 overall record with a 5-0 conference record, played Center Grove High School on Oct. 17 and lost 33-12.
Last season, the Panthers exited the postseason after a 27-13 loss to Decatur Central High School in the semi-state championship round.
Bloomington North flattened Southport High School 57-0 in its final conference game of the season Oct. 17 to finish with a 6-3 overall record and a 3-2 conference record. The Cougars started the season with a 1-3 record, but a five-game win streak means Bloomington North is entering the playoffs while hot.
Standout performers
Braylen Townsend (South) - The senior running back racked up 885 yards and 16 touchdowns through eight games.
Shaun Cooper (South) - Splitting the backfield with Townsend, Cooper rushed for 922 yards and 15 touchdowns with an average of 7.1 yards per carry.
John Bargen (North) - The senior quarterback flourished with the Cougars, throwing 1,686 yards and 18 touchdowns with just three interceptions.
Lucas Rice (North) - The standout senior defensive end continued to produce this season, leading the team on defense with 22 tackles for loss as well as six sacks.
Jalen Williams (South) - The three-star University of South Florida commit recorded 38 receptions for 716 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. The senior tight end averaged 18.8 yards per catch.
