Indiana High School Football Practice Begins Monday

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

The talking ends Monday across the Hoosier State as teams will open their fall football camps with those dreaded two-a-days.

The regular season begins August 17th with all eyes on Bishop Luers as it tries to win its fourth straight state crown.  Last year's 2A crown was the 10th state title for Luers, which is the second most all-time in the state behind Bishop Chatard, which won its 11th in 2011.  Chartard will be seeking a three-peat this fall.

Luers head coach Matt Lindsay, who's entering his 26th season, has been around for nine of the titles, and he was joined by other coaches and players from the Fort Wayne area last week for media day that served as the kickoff to the 2012 season in that area.

You can watch video from that media day below.



Lafayette Central Catholic is also chasing a four-peat this season.  After three straight perfect seasons, the Knights are riding the state's longest current win streak with 45 consecutive victories.

In case you wondering, another perfect season for LCC would tie them for the most consecutive wins all-time, which is currently held by Bloomington.  Bloomington won 60 straight from 1967 to 1973.

Cathedral will be going for the three-peat this season.  The Fighting Irish enter 2012 as the state's winningest program with 670 all-time victories.

Evansville Reitz (642) and Sheridan (626) are the only other Indiana schools in the 600 win club.

Closing in on 600 are Elkhart Central (595), Hammond (590), Hobart (586) and Culver Academy (585).

Below are the 2011 champs that area looking to defend titles in 2012

5A - Carmel
4A - Indianapolis Cathedral
3A - Bishop Chatard
2A - Bishop Luers
A - Lafayette Central Catholic

And just a reminder, beginning with the 2013 season, Indiana will be crowning six state champions in football.

IHSAA Adds 6th Classification in High School Football

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

It's official, Indiana will crown six high school football champs beginning with the 2013 season.

The Indiana High School Athletic Association voted 13-5 today in favor of a portion of a proposal by the Indiana Football Coaches Association to expand the playoffs from five to six classifications.  The IHSAA also tweaked the IFCA's proposal for a four-year "tradition factor" that would require a school move-up one class based on tournament performance.  Instead, the IHSAA Executive Committee approved a two-year tournament success factor that will award points by which any school would move-up a class.

According to a  news release on the IHSAA website, schools will earn one point for a sectional championship, two points for a regional championship, three points for a semi-state title and four points for a state title.  Should a school earn six points or more during a specified two-year period – for instance two state championship game appearances – that school would compete in the next higher enrollment class for the ensuing two seasons.

The sixth classification will be created by splitting the current 5A classification in two with the largest 32 schools by enrollment making-up Class 6A.  Schools 33-64 will remain in Class 5A.

“I am extremely encouraged by the vision and valor of our Executive Committee in making these progressive decisions on behalf of student-athletes in the Hoosier state,” said Bobby Cox, IHSAA Commissioner. “It is my belief that these changes significantly address competition issues in football and will prove to enhance the team sport experience across all other disciplines.”

Click here to read the entire news release from the IHSAA.

Portage Moves Closer to Hiring a New Head Football Coach

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

In about a week, Portage should have a new head football coach.

On May 21st, the school board will vote on hiring Wally McCormack to take over the reigns of the program.  McCormack has been a head coach at Hobart and Andrean.

Before resigning from Hobart at the end of the 2010 season, McCormack was 56-37.

The Portage job opened-up last week when Jeromy Flowers resigned after a 9-11 record in two years.

Former ND Standout Named New Head Football Coach in South Bend

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

Jay Johnson, a former wide receiver at Notre Dame, is the new head football coach at Washington.

Johnson, who has been an assistant with the Panthers for the last several years, is the school's 13th head coach.  He takes over for Antwon Jones, who resigned earlier this year to take the head coaching job at Niles.

This past season, Washington lost in the 4A championship game to Indianapolis Cathedral.

South Bend Washington's Antwon Jones Leaves for Niles HS

by Jeff Fisher
High School Football America

After needing only four years to build South Bend Washington into a winner, head coach Antwon Jones is moving-on to his next challenge.

Jones, who led Washington to the Class 4-A title game last year, has been named the new head coach at Niles.  The Vikings, which finished winless last year, hasn't had a winning season since 2003.

In four years at Washington, Jones was 26-21, but that included an 0-11 record in 2010 when the Panthers had to forfeit its seven wins after using an ineligible player.

Washington lost 42-7 to Indianapolis Cathedral in the 2011 4A title game.

2011 Indiana AP All-State Football Teams

Class 5A
OFFENSE
QB—Zachary Terrell, Homestead, 6-2, 215, Sr.
RB—Kyle Bramble, Floyd Central, 5-11, 195, Sr.
RB—Deionte Buckley, Warren Central, 5-10, 210, Sr.
OL—Wesley Rogers, Lawrence Central, 6-5, 275, Sr.
OL—DeAndre Herron, Avon, 6-5, 320, Sr.
C—Johnny Bednar, Valparaiso, 6-3, 220, Sr.
OL—Jake Meador, Whiteland, 6-8, 305, Sr.
OL—Deyshawn Bond, Warren Central, 6-3, 290, Sr.
TE—Dionte Allen, Jeffersonville, 6-4, 193, So.
WR—Gary Harris, Hamilton Southeastern, 6-4, 200, Sr.
WR—Jacob Fleet, Perry Meridian, 6-2, 210, Sr.
K—Connor Fitzgerald, Bloomington North, 6-1, 193, Sr.

DEFENSE
DL---Sheldon Day, Warren Central 6-2, 285, Sr.
DL—Donte Bowen, Fort Wayne Snider, 6-2, 270, Sr.
DL—Shawn Heffern, Carmel, 6-6, 250, Sr.
DL—Langston Newton, Carmel, 6-4, 250, Sr.
LB—Drew Craig, Ben Davis, 6-0, 203, Sr.
LB—Tim Kimbrough, Warren Central, 6-2, 215, Jr.
LB—Ike Spearman, Lake Central, 6-1, 220, Sr.
LB—Iyan Bass, Jennings County, 6-1, 207, Sr.
DB—Kevin Brown, Lawrence Central, 6-1, 200, Sr.
DB—Jimmy Herman, Carmel, 6-4, 215, Sr.
DB—Antonio Allen, Ben Davis, 5-10, 194, Jr.
P—Mark Strbjak, Munster, 6-3, 200, Sr.

Class 4A
OFFENSE
QB--Gunner Kiel, Columbus East, 6-4, 215, Sr.
RB—Te’Vaughn Hurse, New Haven, 5-8, 181, Sr.
RB—David Perkins, South Bend Washington, 6-3, 230, Sr.
RB—Andrew Wilson, Columbus East, 5-10, 205, Sr.
WR—Gehrig Dieter, South Bend Washington, 6-3, 210, Sr.
WR—Brandon Collins, New Palestine, 6-3, 185, Sr.
C—Mickey Roessler, Indianapolis Cathedral, 6-0, 255, Sr.
G—Kyle Neidig, Evansville Central, 6-4, 265, Sr.
G—Tyler Wright, Lowell, 6-4, 243, Sr.
T—Jacob Bailey, Indianapolis Cathedral, 6-4, 275, Sr.
T—Cole Toner, Indianapolis Roncalli, 6-6, 258, Sr.
K—Drew Oehrle, Indianapolis Roncalli, 6-0, 148, Sr.

DEFENSE
DL—Dillon Dittemore, Lebanon, 6-3, 260, Sr.
DL—Maurice McRae, Evansville Reitz, 5-8, 220, Sr.
DL—Ethan Runnebohm, Shelbyville, 6-3, 260, Jr.
DL—Jason Spriggs, Concord, 6-7, 265, Sr.
LB—Coy Brown, NorthWood, 6-0, 220, Sr.
LB—Myikell Payne, Leo, 5-11, 270, Sr.
LB—Jarrett Settles, Concord, 6-1, 215, Sr.
LB—Bryce Werskey, Seymour, 6-1, 220, Sr.
DB—Matt Dickerson, Greenfield, 6-1, 180, Sr.
DB—Josh Penley, New Palestine, 6-4, 190, Sr.
DB—John Turner, Indianapolis Cathedral, 6-2, 200, Sr.
P—Connor Friesner, Fort Wayne Dwenger, 6-0, 217, Sr.

Class 3A
OFFENSE
QB—Aaron Daniel, Charlestown, 5-11, 185, Jr.
RB—Todd Frickey, Garrett, 5-9, 150, Sr.
RB—Josh Anderson, John Glenn, 5-11, 185, Sr.
WR—Brandon Stinson, Indian Creek, 6-1, 180, Sr.
WR—Tanner Andrews, Tippecanoe Valley, 6-3, 170, So.
TE—Tyler Anderson, Hamilton Heights, 6-5, 250, Sr.
OL—Trent Simpson, Heritage Hills, 6-2, 240, Sr.
OL—Baxter DeBruyn, West Lafayette, 6-4, 280, Sr.
OL—Sid Anvouts, Indianapolis Bishop Chatard, 6-4, 270, Sr.
OL—Treston Fisher, Tippecanoe Valley, 6-2, 205, Sr.
OL—David Farmley, Corydon Central, 6-5, 220, Jr.
K—Michael Farkas, Mishawaka Marian, 6-0, 155, so.

DEFENSE
DL—Tommy Stachowiak, Mishawaka Marian, 5-11, 255, Sr.
DL—Tate Bellagate, South Bend St. Joseph’s, 6-1, 220, Sr.
DL—Alex Bill, Indianapolis Bishop Chatard, 6-2, 2-5, Sr.
LB—Gavin Pearson, Eastbrook, 5-10, 190, Sr.
LB- Austin Gibson, Garrett, 5-11, 185, Sr.
LB—Lucas Windell, Western Boone, 5-11, 180, Sr.
LB—LV Borden, Western Boone, 6-0, 185, Jr.
DB—Andrew Derucki, Mishawaka Marian, 5-9, 170, Sr.
DB—Austin Burton, Southmont, 6-0, 175, Sr.
DB—Adam Fulta, West Lafayette, 5-11, 155, Sr.
DB—David Anguish, Gibson Southern, 5-10, 170, Jr.
P—Tom Garrity, Western Boone, 6-2, 180, Sr.

Class 2A
OFFENSE
QB—James Knapke, Fort Wayne Luers, 6-3, 200, Sr.
RB—Jaylon Smith, Fort Wayne Luers, 6-4, 215, Jr.
RB—Mason Zurek, Andrean, 6-0, 195, Sr.
WR/RB—Robert Hurd, Wheeler, 5-9, 155, Sr.
WR—Eddie Cmehil, Indianapolis Ritter, 5-9, 170, Sr.
WR—Jake Dye, Tipton, 6-1, 170, Sr.
TE—Josiah Price, Eastern (Greentown), 6-5, 245, Sr.
OL—Bernie Boots, Evansville Mater Dei, 6-5, 295, Sr.
OL—Nate Bryan, North Putnam 6-1, 230, Sr.
OL—Preston Collier, Elwood, 6-5, 305, Sr.
OL—Abraham Hall, Bremen, 6-1, 258, Sr.
OL—Kyle Seger, Southridge, 6-2, 235, Sr.
K—Travis Wannemuehler, Evansville Mater Dei, 5-10, 170, Jr.
KR—Mitchell Paige, Guerin Catholic, 5-9, 170, Sr.

DEFENSE
DE—Deondre Hudson, Centerville, 6-5, 225, Sr.
DE—Tyler Ruckman, Eastside, 6-4, 220, Sr.
DT—Ryan Chestnut, South Putnam, 6-5, 235, Sr.
DT—Cody Moesner, Southridge, 6-3, 285, Jr.
LB—Montez Brooks, Fort Wayne Luers, 5-10, 228, Sr.
LB—Ricky Johnston, Andrean, 5-10, 185, Sr.
LB—Josh LeFever, Churubusco, 6-3, 185, Sr.
DB—Trey Albertson, Eastern (Pekin), 5-11, 175, Sr.
DB—Trevor Axsom, Paoli, 5-8, 161, Sr.
DB—Tanner Martin, Northwestern, 5-10, 190, Sr.
DB—Anthony Warrum, Heritage Christian, 6-2, 180, Jr.
P—Austin Anglea, Speedway, 6-1, 210, Jr.

Class 1A
OFFENSE
QB—Austin Munn, Lafayette Catholic, 6-1, 175, Sr.
RB—Tim Mangas, Northeastern, 6-2, 245, Sr.
RB—Eric Price, Sheridan, 5-11, 160, Sr.
RB—Cory Strunk, Milan, 5-9, 170, Sr.
OL—Jeff Adams, Lafayette Catholic, 6-0, 290, Sr.
OL—Troy Tonner, Adams Central, 6-0, 205, Sr.
OL—Mitch Singleton, Indpls Scecina, 6-3, 230, Sr.
OL—Brandon VanHorn, Pioneer, 6-5, 290, Sr.
OL—Seth Biberstine, Southern Wells, 5-10, 219, Sr.
WR—Danny Anthrop, Lafayette Catholic, 6-1, 180, Sr.
WR—Cody Jeffries, Rockville, 5-10, 160, Sr.
K—Ryan Frain, 6-0, 200, Sr., Indpls Scecina

DEFENSE
DL—Damon Coe, Pioneer, 6-5, 200, Sr.
DL—Alex Chandler, Indpls Lutheran, 6-3, 305, Sr.
DL—Matt Hurford, Culver, 6-2, 195, Jr.
LB—Tyler Callahan, Sheridan, 5-9, 220, Jr.
LB—Trevor Hoover, Caston, 5-10, 170, Sr.
LB—Robert Whaley, South Newton, 5-11, 175, Sr.
LB—Nick Scoville, Indpls Scecina, 6-3, 220, Sr.
DB—Koye Kaiser, Linton-Stockton, 5-8, 165, Jr.
DB—Dustin Wanner, South Adams, 6-0, 165
DB—Jared Souder, Knightstown, 6-0, 175, Jr.
DB—Austin See, North Miami, 6-0, 176, Sr.
P—Derek Gregg, Rockville, 6-0, 220, Sr.

Carmel Wins 5A Title

by Jeff Fisher
Indiana High School Football Huddle

Carmel beat Penn 54-0 Saturday to win its seventh overall Indiana state football championship.

The Greyhounds, who have now played in five of the last six title games, used a tough defense to knock-off Penn, which entered the game undefeated.  Carmel held Penn to 186 yards in total offense and ten first downs.

Both schools finish with 14-1 records.

Indianapolis Cathedral Wins Back-to-Back 4A Titles

by Jeff Fisher
Indiana High School Football Huddle

With Saturday's 42-7 win over South Bend Washington in the Class 4A championship game, Indianapolis Cathedral has now won two straight state titles; four in six; and nine overall.

The Irish defense came-up big with five takeaways and five quarterback sacks.  They also kept record-setting receiver Gehrig Dieter "in-check", allowing five catches for 168 yards and a touchdown.  However, the 168 yards set a new championship game record.

For the season, Dieter caught 82 balls for 2,181 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Bishop Chatard Wins Record 11th State Football Title

by Jeff Fisher
Indiana High School Football Huddle

Bishop Chatard is back on-top as the school with the most high school football state titles in Indiana.

The Trojans beat South Bend St. Joseph's 21-7 to win the Class 3A title.  It was Bishop Chatard's 11th overall crown, which moves it past Fort Wayne Bishop Luers.  Luers won its 10th title on Friday.

It was the second straight year that the Trojans beat St. Joe's for the 3A title.