Looking across the IHSAA classifications for football the average fan could predict the state champion correctly. The mega schools and parochial schools will have their say so for who will be left standing except for class 3A. A strong opening week for 3A teams against ranked opponents and larger schools, leaves us to believe this division is rock solid top to bottom. Danville came into the season ranked No.1 in the AP & IFCA polls. The Warriors are also the highest ranked 3A team in the Indiana Preps Power 25 rankings. The class 3A runner-up from last season came out the gate strong with a solid win over class 5A Franklin Community. Among the top 6 ranked teams in class 3A, five of the six faced a team in class 4A or higher. Those five teams beat the bigger school.

Here’s how the IFCA Top 5 Class 3A teams fared in week one.

Danville defeated Class 5A Franklin 20-13

West Lafayette defeated Class 6A Lafayette Jeff 27-21

Gibson Southern defeated Class 6A Columbus North 43-20

Brebeuf Jesuit defeated Class 4A Chatard 24-19

Guerin Catholic defeated Class 5A McCutcheon 27-20

It will be a tight one to the finish for Class 3A. The teams that were defeated week one, most notably Lawrenceburg and Mishawaka Marian will be strong contenders for the 3A crown. Lawrenceburg lost to 4A and No.24 East Central while Mishawaka Marian lost to the 5A rival Mishawaka.