There hasn’t been a more successful team in the last five years than the New Palestine Dragons. Three state championships, a Mr. Football award winner, Indiana Preps Player of the Year winners and a plethora of college bound football players will put a giant target on your back. Not to mention, the Dragons convincingly defeated Class 6A power Center Grove in back-to-back seasons. The graduation of Indiana’s all time leading rusher Charlie Spegal is a huge loss. Also gone is Indiana Preps Defensive Lineman of the Year Kyle King. Despite losing 14 starters, many folks believe the Dragons will be back in Indianapolis late November. The 2020 season is off to a rough start. New Pal was forced to cancel their opener due to having to quarantine a few players. Covid-19 is the only thing that has stopped the Dragons.

The Cathedral Fighting Irish is ready to return to glory. The state’s all time winningest program returns just 11 starters, but they’re some good ones at key spots. The talk of the offseason has been incoming freshman Danny O’Neil. It’ll be interesting to see if he can take over the reigns for the Irish. Whoever wins the quarterback battle will have one of the most talented receivers in the state to throw to. Senior wideout Camden Jordan reached endzone 14 times, averaging 20 yards with every catch.

Only three points separated Valparaiso Vikings and Bishop Dwenger Saints in the semi final last season. The Vikings were the victors and earned a trip to the Class 5A final game against New Palestine. A hard fought game, the Vikings were on the other end of this one, losing by 7 points to the Dragons. If the Vikings plan to return to the state championship, it will depend on the play of Indiana Hoosiers recruit Cooper Jones. An Indiana Preps Preseason Big School All State Top 22 selection, the defensive end racked up 4.5 sacks last season. The Vikings were gifted a quarterback during the offseason when Lafayette Jefferson transfer quarterback Maximus Grimes arrived. Protecting Grimes will be Western Michigan recruit John Hofer. The kicking game will again be solid with Indiana Preps Preseason Big School All State Top 22 kicker Liam Shepherd. Bishop Dwenger will be right in the thick of things again in 2020. Indiana recruit Vincent Fiacable anchors the line. Whoever comes out on top of the North semi final, is a safe pick to win the Class 5A title.

Decatur Central and Zionsivlle are both contenders in Class 5A. Both have had recent success pulling off upsets in the tournament. Young talent on these two rosters. Zionsville running back Colin Price and Notre Dame recruit Joey Tanona both earned preseason recognition to our Underclassmen All State Top 22 team. Decatur Central playmaker Javon Tracy is also a member of the Underclassmen All State Top 22 team.

INDIANA PREPS PRESEASON
CLASS 5A – TOP 5Ranking
Valpraiso1
Cathedral2
New Palestine3
Bishop Dwenger4
Decatur Central5

5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Valparaiso vs New Palestine
Winner: Valparaiso