High School Football Rankings Shake Up: New No. 1 Teams Emerge in Indiana

Photo byheraldtimes

INDIANA — The Indiana high school football landscape has shifted dramatically as new top contenders have emerged in the latest rankings. Two teams have risen to the No. 1 spots in their respective classes after a series of intense games and surprising upsets, marking a pivotal moment in the season.

In Class 5A, Plainfield High School (3-0) surged to the top spot, climbing four places to claim the No. 1 ranking. The Quakers delivered a dominant performance with a 42-0 shutout against Mooresville, building on earlier wins over 5A Terre Haute South and 6A Harrison (West Lafayette). This rise to the top showcases the Quakers’ ability to perform under pressure and adapt to increasingly tough competition (Indiana High School Athletic Association, 2024).

Meanwhile, Valparaiso (2-1) narrowly trails Plainfield in the rankings, receiving seven first-place votes—more than any other team in Class 5A—but fell just two points short of the top spot. Despite their strong showing, Valparaiso's close position emphasizes the fierce competition within this category, where five different teams garnered votes for the No. 1 rank. Merrillville (2-1), the former top-ranked team, slipped to third place following a decisive 46-13 defeat by 6A No. 3 Crown Point. This significant loss highlights how competitive balance can shift rapidly in high school sports, driven by strategy, execution, and resilience on the field (Indiana High School Football Poll, 2024).

Another shake-up occurred in Class 2A, where Lafayette Central Catholic (2-0) ascended to the No. 1 position after edging out Logansport in a tight 23-21 victory. This win not only propelled them to the top but also ended the reign of the previous No. 1, Lutheran (2-1), whose 45-game winning streak was abruptly halted in a 16-13 loss to now fourth-ranked Triton Central. Lutheran’s drop to No. 5 in this week’s poll reflects the precarious nature of holding a top spot in high school athletics, where every game counts and every opponent can pose a serious challenge (Indiana High School Football Poll, 2024).

The competitive dynamics in these rankings point to a season filled with unpredictability and high stakes. As teams battle for supremacy, each game is an opportunity to showcase not just athleticism, but also strategic growth and community spirit. The shifting rankings are a testament to the evolving stories of teams rising against adversity, schools uniting behind their athletes, and communities celebrating their local heroes.

The Bendr Daily will continue to follow these thrilling developments, spotlighting the games and moments that define high school football in Indiana. Stay tuned as we dig deeper into the strategies and stories behind the scores.

Top Performers and Rankings (Selected Classes):

Class 6A:

1. Westfield (3-0) - 166 points
2. Brownsburg (3-0) - 142 points
3. Crown Point (3-0) - 140 points

Class 5A:

1. Plainfield (3-0) - 140 points
2. Valparaiso (2-1) - 138 points
3. Merrillville (2-1) - 121 points

Class 2A:

1. Lafayette Central Catholic (2-0) - 155 points
2. North Posey (3-0) - 140 points
3. Brownstown Central (3-0) - 124 points

Class A:

1. North Judson (3-0) - 168 points
2. Providence (3-0) - 151 points
3. Carroll (Flora) (3-0) - 136 points

For a full breakdown of the rankings and to see where your favorite teams stand, visit the official Indiana High School Football Poll.