Heading into Week 2 of sectional play, several teams will face major obstacles in their quest to become sectional champions.

Dave McConnell and the HSSTM crew will be at Class 5A No. 3 Center Grove vs. No. 6 Columbus North. I’m sure the Mind of McConnell will preview that game tomorrow, as well as on ESPN 950 tomorrow night between 6-6:45p.m.

Here’s a couple more matchups that should have Central Indiana high school football fans ready to throw on a raincoat, grab a blanket and head out tomorrow night for some gridiron action:

No. 1 Pike (10-0) at No. 12 Ben Davis (7-3) in Class 5A, Sectional 6

Lots of sub-stories in this one. Pike’s resurgence under coach Derrick Moyers. Ben Davis’ storied history in the state tournament. The resurgence of MarQueis Gray, making the Giants a threat to Pike’s undefeated season (its first since 1944). And the fact that this game is at Ben Davis makes it even more interesting. Will No. 1 go down? This is the state’s toughest sectional – in my opinion.

No. 7 Carmel (8-2) at Noblesville (5-5) in Class 5A Sectional 4

These two Hamilton County teams are rivals in so many other sports that the Millers would enjoy nothing more than ending Carmel’s quest to return to the RCA Dome. Experts are giving the Greyhounds a big advantage against everyone else in this sectional. Weather could be a factor – as well as the pro-Noblesville crowd – but Carmel has the big guys in the trenches who can get it done in a game like this.

No. 2 Bishop Chatard (7-3) at Batesville (8-2)

If the Trojans are to repeat, they’ll need to win road games like this against good teams throughout the next few weeks.

No. 5 Triton Central (10-0) at No. 11 Heritage Christian

Talked a little bit about this earlier in the week; one of the state tournament’s best football games could take place at Heritage tomorrow night. Two explosive offenses. Defenses that step up in big spots. Great coaching. All the elements are there. With 19 combined wins and one loss, it would be a great matchup no matter who’s playing – yet factor in that Heritage’s only loss came at Triton in Week 2 and it just got a whole lot more interesting. Keith Jackson should call this game – there’s a dandy brewin’ here.

Moore Musings:

• If you’re up for it, head over to Terre Haute on Saturday for the girls and boys cross country state finals. Lots of local teams have their eyes on a state title – including No. 1 Westfield’s girls and Fishers top-ranked boys.

• Volleyball regionals get underway on Saturday as well – with Avon vs. Cathedral starting at 11 a.m. at Perry Meridian H.S., followed by Carmel vs. Perry at 1 p.m. The championship match begins at 7 p.m. that night.

• Boys and girls soccer regionals also take place Saturday at Kuntz Stadium (16^th and Michigan Rd, just across from the old Bush Stadium near downtown). At 10 a.m., North Central and Chesterton meet in the boys semifinal; at noon, Cathedral and Center Grove meet in a girls semifinal. The boys title game begins at 6 p.m. and the girls at 8 p.m.