Center Grove had a pretty fair defense last year when it won the Class 5A state title. But that team was better-known for its explosive offense, led by quarterback Jordan Luallen (now playing for Georgia Tech) and running back Luke Swift (now at Miami of Ohio).

But this season, with the absence of that kind of big-play potential, coach Eric Moore is putting more responsibility on the Trojans’ defense.

“There may be nights where they can’t perform like they did last Friday,‘’ Moore said in reference to a 9-7 victory at Lawrence North last Friday. "But I do know this: They’re going to give us a chance to win every game by giving (the Center Grove offense) a short field and keeping the game going downhill for us.’’

This Friday’s task is a difficult one. The Class 5A No. 5 Trojans host No. 8 Ben Davis.

“We’re going to have to score more points to beat Ben Davis,‘’ Moore said. "But I do know that if we play physical, the score again will be low. It’s tough for anyone to score points on us if we keep that mentality.’’

Ben Davis (4-2, 3-1 Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference) at Center Grove (5-1, 3-1), 7 p.m.

Last season: Center Grove won 44-21 during the regular season and 49-21 in a Class 5A semistate game.

Last 10 seasons: Ben Davis leads 8-5 (including postseason).

Ben Davis’ top players: RB Phillip Dudley (61-367, 6.1 avg., 7 TDs; 12 rec.-133 yards, 2 TDs).

Center Grove’s top players: RB Jimmy Daggett (78-449, 4.8 avg., 7 TDs); LB Patrick Mennel (30.5 tackles, including 11 for loss and two sacks).

The skinny: Center Grove’s defense must continue its brilliant play because points figure to be hard to come by against the Giants. Winner takes a big step toward at least a share of the MIC title.

Mooresville (4-2, 3-1 Mid-State Conference) at Whiteland (3-3, 2-1), 7 p.m.

Last season: Whiteland won 27-3.

Last 10 seasons: Mooresville leads 7-5 (includes postseason).

Mooresville’s top players: Aric Bigham (23-176, 3 TDs in a 40-32 loss to Martinsville last week).

Whiteland’s top players: RB Cody Phillips (79-679, 8.6 avg., 11 TDs); RB/DB Brandon Gieseking (37-229, 6.2 avg., 6 rec.104 yards, 1 TD; 4 interceptions on defense).

The skinny: Whiteland opened the season with three consecutive losses. Now, the Warriors can put themselves squarely in the hunt for the Mid-State title.

Franklin (1-5, 0-3 Mid-State) at Plainfield (4-2, 2-1), 7 p.m.

Last season: Plainfield won 24-13.

Last 10 seasons: Plainfield leads 10-0.

Franklin’s top players: QB Jake Hemrick (12-25-3, 150 yards, 1 TD, 1 rushing TD in the loss to Whiteland).

Plainfield’s top players: DL Manuel Espino (blocked an extra point in overtime of a 21-20 victory over Decatur Central last week).

The skinny: Grizzly Cubs haven’t beaten the Quakers since 1996 — also the last year Franklin finished with a winning record.

Decatur Central (3-3, 2-2 Mid-State) at Greenwood (1-5, 0-3), 7 p.m.

Last season: Decatur Central won 34-6.

Last 10 seasons: Decatur Central leads 3-0.

Decatur Central’s top players: QB Brandon Ledford (7-13-0, 104 yards, 1 TD; 19-99, 1 rushing TD in loss to Plainfield).

Greenwood’s top players: RB R.J. Majors (73-309, 4.2 avg., 1 TD).

The skinny: Woodmen got a much-needed victory last week over Guerin Catholic, but it’s back to the Mid-State grindstone against a 5A school in Decatur Central.

North Decatur (2-4, 1-2 Mid-Indiana Football Conference) at Indian Creek (6-0, 2-0), 7 p.m.

Last season: Indian Creek won 40-7.

Last 10 seasons: Indian Creek leads 9-1.

Indian Creek’s top players: QB Trey Reese (69-118-0, 1,217 yards, 15 TDs).

The skinny: Host Braves appear headed for a regular season-ending showdown against Triton Central to decide conference title.

Edinburgh (0-6) at Indiana Deaf (0-5), 7 p.m.

Last season: Indiana Deaf won 32-15.

Last 10 seasons: Indiana Deaf leads 5-3 (includes postseason).

The skinny: Is Friday the night Edinburgh’s state-longest 52-game losing streak ends? Looks like the Lancers have a pretty good chance at a victory.