Lafayette area high school football power rankings entering Week 6

This story has been updated to reflect Central Catholic's win over West Lafayette.

LAFAYETTE — Lafayette Jeff continued its dominance over the North Central Conference while Central Catholic picked up another major win against West Lafayette and Harrison stormed through McCutcheon in the Battle of the Sword.

Here's a look at the top five teams in the Lafayette area heading into week six.

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1. Lafayette Jeff (5-0)

Class: 5A

State ranking: No. 5 in 5A

Key wins: Avon, Michigan City

The Bronchos had a hiccup in the first half going down 10-0 to Kokomo at halftime. But Lafayette Jeff answered the challenge with senior quarterback Keyen Crowder throwing four touchdowns in the second and Keyon Burns returned a fumble return for a touchdown. Lafayette Jeff sophomore Kevion Campbell led the defense with 28 tackles.

Next game: Richmond (0-5)

2. Harrison (3-2)

Class: 6A

State ranking: Unranked

Key wins: West Lafayette, McCutcheon

Being tested against Brebeuf Jesuit and Plainfield proved to be a massive dividend heading into its Battle of the Sword matchup at home against McCutcheon. The run game came to life, pounding the Mavericks for 195 yards led by three touchdown carries by Jack Gonzalez. Junior defensive lineman Evan Walker made six tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss for a team that seems to be turning a corner for the better.

Next game: Marion (3-2)

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3. Central Catholic (4-0)

Class: 2A

State ranking: No. 1 in 2A

Key wins: West Lafayette, Seeger and Logansport.

The Knights didn't need a masterful performance from senior quarterback Bobby Metzger last Friday. The win against West Lafayette showed Central Catholic that it could use its will, conditioning and blocking to outmaneuver and overpower a quality opponent like the Red Devils. Even with the impressive domination it showed against Seeger and grit in beating Logansport, neither program was a sectional champion. West Lafayette was and Central Catholic beat them on their turf. Senior offensive linemen Will Spencer and Gabe Cabrera were dominant helping junior running back Mason Meister drive the ball downfield while senior Ryan Delgatto ended West Lafayette's final offensive drive. Central Catholic is not only red hot, it's taking down quality opponents from higher class sizes.

Next game: Rensselaer Central (1-4)

4. West Lafayette (3-2)

Class: 3A

State ranking: Unranked

Key wins: McCutcheon

West Lafayette had its confidence roughed up after struggling to gain yards against Central Catholic. Senior Benny Speaker was held to 78 yards passing. Senior Dawson Martin rushed for 131 yards but the Red Devils couldn't finish their drives consistently because of two drive-changing penalties including a 69-yard touchdown pass from Kojo Steffey that was negated. West Lafayette struggled to make the key blocks and had its seven-season run ended against the Knights last Friday.

Next game: Western (0-5)

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5. McCutcheon (2-3)

Class: 5A

State ranking: Unranked

Key wins: Marion, Hamilton Heights

McCutcheon's two successive weeks of football were derailed last Friday against Harrison. Two plays in a 16-second span swung momentum in Harrison's favor and the Mavericks trailed 21-0 at halftime. McCutcheon finds itself in a familiar position of being 2-3 after five weeks just like last season. The difference is what lies in front of McCutcheon, having to face a vastly improved Lafayette Jeff in week nine. But the Mavericks are improved as well. McCutcheon senior defensive back Broderick Arnold has played at an elite level while sophomore running back Tyler Brigham has brought power and quickness to the backfield.

Next game: Anderson (0-5)

Ethan Hanson is the sports reporter for the Journal & Courier in Lafayette. He can be reached at ehanson@jconline.com , on Twitter at EthanAHanson and Instagram at ethan_a_hanson .

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Lafayette area high school football power rankings entering Week 6