Top High School Football Teams and Players to Watch

Merrillville and Valparaiso have joined Class 6A alongside the top-ranked Crown Point team, while Andrean, the defending 2A state champion, will compete in 3A. Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 teams in the region:

1. Crown Point (10-1)

The Bulldogs, under the leadership of coach Craig Buzea, continue to dominate. They have achieved four consecutive undefeated regular seasons and secured titles in the Duneland Athletic Conference. Their strong offensive line includes seniors Tony Brooks, Zach Clark, and Connor Cavalcante. Skill positions are filled by talents such as senior quarterback Tyce Custy (Lindenwood) and running backs Brayden Schutt and Max Gurnic. Senior tight ends Anderson Keller (Central Michigan) and Cooper Malaski provide more options. On defense, senior Jashua Daniels, and linebackers Ben Clark, Garrett Ortiz, and AJ Summers are key players. Senior Oliver Brewer stands out as a top kicker and punter. Crown Point remains the team to beat.

2. Merrillville (11-3)

Last season, the Pirates reached the Class 5A state championship game for the first time since 1976. This year, reclassified to 6A, they aim for continued success. Senior quarterback Michael Hill Jr. returns after recovering from a collarbone injury sustained in the championship game. Senior running back Cameron Jordan is a significant asset. Defensive leaders include senior linebacker A’marie Eller and senior lineman Josiah Horton.

3. Andrean (13-1)

As last year’s Class 2A state champions, Andrean aims for success in 3A. Senior linebacker and running back Ethan Reyna (Purdue) leads this talented squad. Junior linebacker and running back Javier McCoy and junior linebacker Vinny Zsuppon return. Junior wide receiver Tyler Vo and junior quarterback Dylan Gore are expected to excel. Senior defensive end Landen Murray adds to their strong lineup.

4. Valparaiso (2-8)

Despite a challenging previous season, the Vikings aim to return to form in 6A. Junior Rigby Gora anchors the offensive line, while senior Jimmy Parisi offers receiving prowess. Nine defensive starters return, including co-captains Brody Wheeler and Evan Courtney, and defensive backs Nicolas Fry, JQ Varnado, and Anwar Banks. Sophomore Cooper Gear steps in as quarterback.

5. Michigan City (8-4)

Under new coach Charles Salary, Michigan City looks to build on last season’s success. Their roster features Indiana recruit Jeremiah Jones, linemen Dezmon Howard, and Jack Soller. Wide receiver Meek Laurent adds value, while former Hobart quarterback Aleks Tatum provides valuable experience.

6. Hobart (10-3)

The Brickies focus on repeating their recent sectional title win. Senior quarterback Aleks Tatum leads the way, supported by wide receiver and cornerback Bryce Tolliver (Northern Illinois) and defensive end and tight end Aiden Kasch. The returning squad includes linebacker Vontrell Jones and lineman Brenton Thompson.

7. Lowell (9-3)

Under coach Casey McKim, Lowell aims to grow further. Junior running back Tymothy James is a standout player. Senior Beau Ison and Gage Wimberly anchor the secondary. The return of quarterback Gavin Gutierrez offers offensive potential.

8. Chesterton (5-5)

The Trojans aim for their first sectional win. Senior Zane Westerlund leads the defense, with Bradley Robinson expected to excel at both wide receiver and cornerback. Coach Mark Peterson has confidence in junior quarterback Hunter Boyd’s growth.

9. Griffith (9-2)

The Panthers aim high, defending their Greater South Shore Conference South title. A strong offensive line, led by Gavin Edwards (Northern Illinois), backs senior quarterback Ryan Bullion, who has a record for passing yardage. Jason Quillin is his main target.

10. Morton (6-4)

The defending Great Lakes Athletic Conference champions boast young talent. Junior wide receiver Corderro Bennett Jr. leads with significant college interest. Sophomore quarterback Amari Price returns after an impressive first year. Michael Walker Jr. could be the breakout star in the backfield.

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