Top 10 High School Football Teams

1. Crown Point (10-1)

Crown Point, under the guidance of Coach Craig Buzea, maintains a strong lineup with four consecutive undefeated regular seasons. Their offensive line stands out with seniors Tony Brooks, Zach Clark, and Connor Cavalcante. Senior quarterback Tyce Custy, committed to Lindenwood, leads their offense. The team features two robust running backs: senior Brayden Schutt and junior Max Gurnic. The tight ends, Anderson Keller and Cooper Malaski, committed to Central Michigan, bring additional strength. On defense, standout players include senior Jashua Daniels, senior linebacker Ben Clark, junior Garrett Ortiz, and sophomore AJ Summers. Senior Oliver Brewer excels as a kicker/punter. Crown Point sets the standard in their league.

2. Merrillville (11-3)

Merrillville reached the Class 5A state championship last year for the first time since 1976. Reclassified to 6A this season, the team features a key player, senior quarterback Michael Hill Jr., coming back strong after an injury. Senior running back Cameron Jordan enhances their offense. Defensive leaders include senior linebacker A’marie Eller and lineman Josiah Horton. Merrillville remains a formidable team.

3. Andrean (13-1)

Andrean stands as the defending Class 2A state champion and Northwest Crossroads Conference titleholder. Now playing in 3A, they rely on senior Ethan Reyna, committed to Purdue, leading both as linebacker and running back. Other key players include junior linebacker/running back Javier McCoy, junior linebacker Vinny Zsuppon, and junior quarterback Dylan Gore. Key offensive targets include junior wide receiver Tyler Vo. Senior defensive end Landen Murray, along with other senior players, adds to the team’s depth.

4. Valparaiso (2-8)

Reclassified to 6A, Valparaiso aims to rebound after their first sub-.500 record since 2014. Junior Rigby Gora anchors the offensive line, while senior wide receiver Jimmy Parisi contributes significantly. Key defensive returnees include senior linebackers Brody Wheeler and Evan Courtney and a solid secondary. Sophomore Quarterback Cooper Gear brings potential to lead their offense.

5. Michigan City (8-4)

Michigan City welcomes Coach Charles Salary, formerly of LaPorte. The team boasts senior offensive lineman Jeremiah Jones, an Indiana recruit. Key returnees include senior lineman Dezmon Howard and senior wide receiver/defensive back Meek Laurent. The team reached sectional success last season, aiming to build on it.

6. Hobart (10-3)

Hobart seeks to continue success after winning their first sectional title since 2020. Senior quarterback Aleks Tatum leads a solid team with players like senior wide receiver Bryce Tolliver, committed to Northern Illinois, and senior defensive end Aiden Kasch. The team sees many talented players returning for another successful season.

7. Lowell (9-3)

Under Coach Casey McKim, Lowell looks to further their gains. Junior running back Tymothy James makes a name as a playmaker. Key senior players include wide receiver/defensive back Beau Ison and defensive back/wide receiver Gage Wimberly. Senior Dylan Bisacchi handles kicking and punting duties. Senior Gavin Gutierrez is set to return to quarterback.

8. Chesterton (5-5)

Chesterton continues their quest for a sectional title, led by senior linebacker Zane Westerlund. Senior wide receiver Bradley Robinson contributes significantly. Junior quarterback Hunter Boyd aims to develop further under Coach Mark Peterson’s guidance.

9. Griffith (9-2)

Griffith aims for a sectional title with a strong, experienced offensive line, led by senior Gavin Edwards, committed to Northern Illinois. Senior quarterback Ryan Bullion broke the single-season passing record and aims to lead the team again. The team sees many top players return for another title chase.

10. Morton (6-4)

Morton, the reigning Great Lakes Athletic Conference champion, relies on junior wide receiver Corderro Bennett Jr., a highly recruited talent. Sophomore quarterback Amari Price builds on a strong freshman year. Junior running back Michael Walker Jr. offers speed and potential. Morton avoids facing Merrillville as they move to Class 4A, entering a new competition field.

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