The Lawrence Central Bears (IN) varsity football team is set to play a home non-conference game against Lawrence North Wildcats (IN) on Friday, August 22, at 7:00 PM.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: Indiana High School Football
Who: Lawrence Central Bears (IN) vs Lawrence North Wildcats (IN)
When: Friday, August 22, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network
A Tale of Two Lawrences: The 2025-26 Season Preview
As the 2025-26 high school football season kicks off, all eyes are on two rival teams from Indianapolis, Indiana: the Lawrence Central Bears and the Lawrence North Wildcats. While both teams start with a clean slate, their preseason rankings and recent histories suggest two very different trajectories for the upcoming season.
Lawrence North’s High Hopes
The Lawrence North Wildcats enter the season with significant expectations. Their impressive rankings—142nd nationally, 3rd in Indiana, and 3rd in their class—are a testament to their strong performance in the previous season, which saw them finish with an 11-1 record. This strong foundation, combined with a history of success under coach Patrick Mallory, suggests that the Wildcats are not just looking for a winning season but are aiming for a deep playoff run. The Wildcats will face a challenging schedule, including tough conference matchups against teams like Center Grove and Ben Davis.
Lawrence Central’s Quest for Redemption
In contrast, the Lawrence Central Bears are focused on building momentum and securing a winning record. While they come into the season with a national ranking of 603 and an Indiana ranking of 18, their recent history has been a mixed bag. The Bears will be looking to turn the tide against their cross-town rivals, especially after falling to them twice last season, including a 40-9 loss in the sectional playoffs. The Bears’ schedule includes common opponents with Lawrence North, such as Warren Central and Pike, offering a clear opportunity to measure their progress against a top-tier team.
Head-to-Head & Common Opponents
The most anticipated game of the season will undoubtedly be their head-to-head matchup. While both teams have a 0-0 record to start, the Wildcats will be looking to extend their dominance, while the Bears will be fighting for redemption. The shared schedule against common opponents will provide an excellent benchmark to see how both teams stack up against similar competition. As both teams navigate their challenging schedules, every game will be a stepping stone toward their ultimate goals—for Lawrence North, a championship, and for Lawrence Central, a return to prominence.
