Two of the best stories in Indiana high school football over the last two seasons collide Friday in a matchup worthy of a championship atmosphere. Northridge (10-0) travels to Saint Joseph (9-1) in the Class 4A Sectional 18 semifinals in our Sports Michiana Game of the Week, with a trip to the sectional championship on the line.

Northridge is ranked 7th in 4A, capping one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Indiana high school football. In 2025, the Raiders went 2-7 in the regular season and finished 3-8 overall in 2025. Now, under 1st year coach Luke Amstutz, they’ve surged to 10-0 in 2026 — the biggest improvement in the state across all classes. The Raiders captured the Northern Lakes Conference Championship behind their high octane offense.

Saint Joseph has its own remarkable story. The Huskies emerged as the feel good story of 2025, coming out of nowhere to reach Semi-State a year ago. Now, at 9-1 and ranked 9th in 4A, they’re looking to make another deep postseason run as the Northern Indiana Conference runner-up.

The matchup features a fascinating clash between an explosive offense and an elite defense. Northridge is averaging 46.4 points per game, ranking 14th in the state across all classes in scoring offense. The Raiders have scored at least 35 points in nine of their 10 games, with their lowest output being 28 points.

Saint Joseph, meanwhile, ranks 10th in Indiana in scoring defense, allowing just 8.9 points per game. Outside of a 38-7 loss to Class 6A powerhouse Penn, the Huskies have not surrendered more than 14 points in any game this season.

Adding to the intrigue, Saint Joseph handed Northridge its most recent loss in this very game a year ago.  Saint Joseph won 14-7 in last year’s Class 4A sectional semis, 364 days ago.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for the rematch. The winner advances to the Sectional 18 championship game against either NorthWood or Culver Academies. The loser’s season comes to an end.

The Sports Michiana Game of the Week kicks off Friday at 7 p.m., with pregame coverage beginning at 6:45 p.m.

Important viewing information: Per IHSAA guidelines, postseason broadcasts are no longer available on YouTube or Facebook. Friday’s Northridge at Saint Joseph sectional semifinal will stream exclusively on the Sports Michiana page at IHSAATV.

Visit sportsmichiana.com/watch to go directly to our IHSAATV broadcast page and catch every moment of this huge postseason showdown.