With the 2024 IHSAA football season quickly approaching, we continue our conference previews with the Indiana Crossroads.
Home of the reigning 1A champs, Lutheran, the conference consists of seven other teams: Triton Central, Monrovia, Scecina Memorial, Beech Grove, Cardinal Ritter, Speedway and newly initiated member Covenant Christian.
En route to their 43rd consecutive victory and third straight state title, Lutheran breezed through conference play with an average victory of 44-10. It was not until the playoffs where they faced any adversity with three separate seven point wins against South Putnam, Providence and Adams Central.
Triton Central would lose to North Posey in their regional championship while the remaining six squads would fail to get out of their respective sectionals.
For the new season, Lutheran will be moving up to 2A after dominating the 1A level for the past three years, but time will tell if they will repeat as conference champs once again. In the meantime, all eyes will be on their first six games as they are five games shy of the state record for longest win streak all time currently held by Lafayette Central Catholic at 48 games (2008-12).
Pre Season Awards
Offensive Player of The Year: Jackson Willis, 2025 QB, Lutheran
Although he shared a backfield with 2000 yard, 30 touchdown rusher Braydon Hall last season, the gunslinger racked up 2500 yards and 31 touchdowns of his own through the air. Although he will be losing the explosive running of Hall to graduation and a deep target in DeVuan Jones to Valley HS (KY), the Saints bring back Javarrea Cooper and LJ Ward for Willis to target down the field. In addition to Willis, keep an eye out for Jeremiah Lee (Beech Grove) and Jazz Coleman (Speedway) to stuff the stat sheets as well.
Defensive Player of The Year: Daijon Willis, 2025 LB, Cardinal Ritter
Coming off an impressive junior campaign where he accumulated 130 tackles and eight sacks, Willis will be a leader once again on an experienced Cardinal Ritter defense. Returning eight of their top 11 tackle getters, the Raider defense is looking like a unit to fear behind the efforts of Willis. Look for the senior backer to reach the 150 tackle plateau and even get to double digit sacks.
Breakout Player: Ryder Pool, 2025 RB, Monrovia
In an offense that ran about 95% of the time last season, Pool was one of six running backs to get at least 40 attempts on the season. On his 44 attempts, he racked up 393 yards and six touchdowns. With the top three rushing yard getters all graduating, Pool is on track to take command as the lead back for the Bulldogs. For reference on the type of season Pool could have, Monrovia lead back last season Brayton Belcher racked up 1800 yards and 25 touchdowns. Look out for Pool to have similar numbers.
Coach of The Year: Dave Pasch, HC, Lutheran
Three straight state championships, reloaded with talent to potentially break the win streak record and take another state title home? One more can I say, Pasch is not only the best coach in the conference but one of the top coaches in the state.
Pre Season Prediction with Short Explanation
- Lutheran
43 straight wins and bringing back offensive firepower and key defensive pieces on the defensive line in Cam Mchaney, Owen Lecher and Nate Hicks.
- Monrovia
An offensive game plan that has proven success within the conference paired with an experienced defense.
- Speedway
A young team that returns three-headed monster of quarterback Connor Moreland, running back Jazz Coleman and wide receiver Avery Mitchell.
- Covenant Christian
Covenant Christian return 2026 quarterback Connor Cruz and 2027 linebacker Bryce Eagan, but will have some question marks in the receiving corps.
- Beech Grove
Jeremiah Lee will be able to run the Hornets to a lot of wins this year, but he will not be able to do it by himself.
- Cardinal Ritter
They bring back talent on both sides, but will they be able to get over the humps they could not last year?
- Scecina Memorial
A big question mark at quarterback and graduating key pieces on defense. Who will step up for the Crusaders?
- Triton Central
The number two team in the conference last year lost their quarterback, top three rushers, top two receivers and a lot of talent on defense. Just too many holes to fill.