The high school football season is underway, with Merrillville and Valparaiso joining the No. 1 ranked Crown Point in Class 6A. As defending 2A state champion, Andrean aims for victory in 3A.
Top 10 Teams
1. Crown Point (10-1)
Under Coach Craig Buzea, the Bulldogs maintain their dominance with four unbeaten regular seasons and conference titles. The offensive line, featuring seniors Tony Brooks, Zach Clark, and Connor Cavalcante, leads the charge. Senior quarterback Tyce Custy drives their offense. The team boasts a dynamic running back duo, Brayden Schutt and Max Gurnic, and skilled tight ends Anderson Keller and Cooper Malaski. Defensive linemen Jashua Daniels and linebackers Ben Clark, Garrett Ortiz, and AJ Summers strengthen the defense. Oliver Brewer excels as a kicker/punter.
2. Merrillville (11-3)
The Pirates aim for another successful season in 6A after their last year’s state championship appearance. Senior quarterback Michael Hill Jr. aims for a comeback following an injury. Cameron Jordan leads their running game, while A’marie Eller and Josiah Horton head the defense.
3. Andrean (13-1)
After a 2A state championship, Andrean tackles 3A challenges. The team includes Ethan Reyna, a dual-threat linebacker/running back, and top prospects like Javier McCoy and Tyler Vo. Dylan Gore leads the offense at quarterback, while Landen Murray and Brady Stovall are key defensive players.
4. Valparaiso (2-8)
Reclassified to 6A, the Vikings aim to bounce back. Rigby Gora strengthens the offensive line, with Jimmy Parisi providing offense at wide receiver. The defense remains solid with co-captains Brody Wheeler and Evan Courtney, alongside other returning starters.
5. Michigan City (8-4)
The Wolves aim to build on their sectional title. Senior lineman Jeremiah Jones is a standout, alongside Dezmon Howard and Meek Laurent. Charles Salary heads this renewed team effort.
6. Hobart (10-3)
Sustaining their momentum, Hobart’s charge is led by senior quarterback Aleks Tatum. Key players like Bryce Tolliver and Aiden Kasch add strength on both offense and defense.
7. Lowell (9-3)
With a focus on growth, the Red Devils feature junior running back Tymothy James as a key player. Gavin Gutierrez returns to quarterback, supported by Beau Ison and Gavin Sodo.
8. Chesterton (5-5)
Despite seeking a sectional title, Chesterton has a solid lineup featuring linebacker Zane Westerlund and wideout Bradley Robinson. Hunter Boyd’s development at quarterback is crucial.
9. Griffith (9-2)
The Panthers, conference champions, have set their sights on a sectional title. Veteran lineman Gavin Edwards and record-setting quarterback Ryan Bullion are pivotal players.
10. Morton (6-4)
Morton’s roster showcases junior receiver Corderro Bennett Jr. and sophomore quarterback Amari Price. Speedy Michael Walker Jr. stands out as a promising running back.
25 Players to Watch
- Corderro Bennett Jr., Morton, Junior, Wide Receiver
- Tyce Custy, Crown Point, Senior, Quarterback
- Gavin Edwards, Griffith, Senior, Offensive Lineman
- Quentavious Fly, Bowman, Junior, Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
- Rigby Gora, Valparaiso, Senior, Offensive Lineman
- Dylan Gore, Andrean, Junior, Quarterback
- Jace Harris, Highland, Senior, Defensive Lineman
- Michael Hill Jr., Merrillville, Senior, Quarterback
- Tymothy James, Lowell, Junior, Running Back
- Jeremiah Jones, Michigan City, Senior, Offensive Lineman
- Cameron Jordan, Merrillville, Senior, Running Back
- Anderson Keller, Crown Point, Senior, Tight End
- Anthony Layman, Hanover Central, Senior, Tight End/Linebacker
- Javier McCoy, Andrean, Junior, Linebacker/Running Back
- Sal Montes, Boone Grove, Junior, Quarterback/Defensive Back
- Landen Murray, Andrean, Senior, Defensive Lineman
- Brody Ramirez, Lake Central, Senior, Linebacker
- Reed Raymond, LaPorte, Senior, Running Back
- Ethan Reyna, Andrean, Senior, Linebacker/Running Back
- AJ Summers, Crown Point, Sophomore, Linebacker
- Aleks Tatum, Hobart, Senior, Quarterback
- Bryce Tolliver, Hobart, Senior, Defensive Back/Wide Receiver
- Tyler Vo, Andrean, Junior, Wide Receiver
- Conner Welch, Wheeler, Senior, Linebacker/Tight End
- Zane Westerlund, Chesterton, Senior, Linebacker