A handful of first-time meetings and a renewed county rivalry headline the SIAC football non-conference games this fall.
EVANSVILLE — Is it too early to discuss high school football?
Some of you are screaming absolutely not, even though the calendar says spring. The first official practice isn't until August 3, but teams can and will be outside immediately following Memorial Day. The 2026 season is also significant for the Southern Indiana Athletic Conference with Vincennes Lincoln leaving as a member following the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year.
It leaves a schedule opening for the remaining nine schools. Here's a brief look ahead at which opponents every SIAC school picked up for non-conference games. Just don't ask me who will be good until at least July.
Week 1: Boonville at Bosse
Boonville will be a recurring name on this list after securing games with three SIAC teams. These programs met yearly between 1941-66, in addition to four postseason meetings since 2015 (the most memorable being the Pioneers' 42-35 comeback victory in 2018).
This will be the debut for Bosse coach Johnte Hawkins, who was hired in December. The Bulldogs have lost 21 straight dating to Oct. 13, 2023. Boonville was 4-6 in Jonathan Batts' first season with quarterback Jaxon McKain passing for 1,041 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Week 2: Reitz: vs. Tri-West
The first meeting in series history is part of the United Fidelity Bank Bowl at Gibson Southern.
Reitz finished 7-4 with a loss in the Class 4A sectional semifinal. Juice Wilford was first among all freshman in Indiana with 1,474 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Tri-West was also 7-4 last season behind Wisconsin commit Jack Sorgi (2,911 passing yards and 31 touchdowns). Gibson Southern plays St. Pius (Mo.) in the second game on Saturday, August 29.
Week 3: Mater Dei vs. TBD
This is the only unknown. The Wildcats currently don't have an opponent, but a possible game remains in the works. Mater Dei went 6-6 under first-year coach Cody Hess and lost in the Class 3A sectional championship.
Week 4: Boonville at Central
It's surprising these two don't meet more often in the tournament. Only two matchups since 2008, with Central winning both in the 4A sectional (2018, 2020). The Bears were 1-9 in Brandon Artis' third season with their quarterback and top two tacklers returning.
Week 5: Castle at Boonville
Why is this significant? The Warrick County rivals haven't met on the gridiron since 2002.
The Knights went 6-4 last fall and replace key spots, including quarterback, wide receiver and most of the defense. Among the top returners will be linebacker Brodie Farmer (130 total tackles). Castle won the last 11 games in the series before Boonville was removed from the schedule. The last Pioneers' victory was in 1991.
Week 6: Harrison at Providence
The only previous meeting was way back in 1963, a 14-13 victory for Harrison. The Warriors were 3-6, advancing to the 4A sectional semifinal, in Mo Sutton's fifth season. Providence has been among the top small-school programs in Southern Indiana with four sectional championships since 2022, including the Class 1A state title two years ago.
The Pioneers were 9-3 last fall and lost in the regional championship. The returning lineup includes the quarterback, top rusher and top tackler.
Week 7: Vincennes Lincoln at North
A continuation despite the Alices leaving for Western Indiana Conference. North went 8-3 in Zac Nero's first season and advanced to the 5A sectional championship. It was the Huskies' most regular season victories since 2007 and best record for a first-year coach in program history. Among their key returners include running back Hunter McKinney (1,009 yards and nine touchdowns).
Vincennes was 3-7 in Levi Salters' ninth season with linebacker Carson Sanders (team-high 127 total tackles) returning.
Week 8: Memorial at Floyd Central
This will be the first meeting between the Tigers and Highlanders.
Memorial is coming off another undefeated regular season and SIAC championship. The Tigers finished 9-1 with the lone loss coming in the 3A sectional semifinal. Memorial returns quarterback Luke Brown (1,905 yards and 21 touchdowns) and linebacker Grayson Carter (105 total tackles). Floyd Central won 10 games for the first time since 2003 and beat North in the sectional championship.
Week 9: Jasper at Columbus North
This is also a first-time meeting between the Wildcats and Bull Dogs.
Jasper went 9-3 in Derek Hart's first season in Dubois County, most for the program since 2021, and advanced to the 4A sectional championship. Among the top returners is All-State quarterback Jaylen Maners. Columbus North was 4-6 last season. Logan Haston stepped down in April to take a coaching position at Franklin College.
Kyle Sokeland is a sports reporter for the Courier & Press. Follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @kylesokeland or email at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: A look at each SIAC football nonconference game in 2026 season
Category: General Sports
