Another season of IHSAA football commenced across the state last week as the high-level recruits shone, legacies began and everyone learned a whole lot about each other: 

Scoreboard Watchin’

While there was a handful of lopsided affairs and shutouts across the state, none compares to Centerville’s 83-0 walloping of Cambridge City. With such a score, the Bulldogs claim the highest offensive output and largest margin of victory for week one of the football season. 

Sophomore quarterback Jace Hollendonner went a near-perfect 8-9 with 246 yards and six touchdowns.

Freshman Luke Mull and senior Jeremiah Mull took advantage of their lone carries on the night, finding the endzone from 70 and 51 yards outs, respectively. 

The Bulldogs also had four return touchdowns on the night, with Roger Gipson III and Levi Riggs housing one kick return each, as Maddox Pritchett and Brylen Riggs each took back an interception. 

In a mirror-opposite game, Roncalli got the best of FW Bishop Dwenger as the lowest-scoring team to pull out a victory in a 3-0 defensive slugfest. 

The Royals punted five times, had two turnovers, racked up under 200 yards of total offense and still found a way to win thanks to a 32-yard boot from Gavin Louthain with just about seven minutes left in regulation. 

National Prominence 

Brownsburg scheduled a big test to start their championship reign by getting the National No. 33 and Maryland No. 1 team, Archbishop Spalding (MD), into town. 

The result? A dominating 36-23 victory for the Bulldogs. Despite getting 20 fewer offensive plays, the Bulldogs got a strong showing from junior gunslinger Oscar Frye. Registering an efficient 13-19, 252 yards and two touchdowns, with a bulk of the production going into the hands of Branden Sharpe, who hauled in 7 catches for 157 yards and two touchdowns. 

The message sent by the Bulldogs was clear: they are more than ready to take consecutive state titles home back to Brownsburg.

Brownsburg will take on Cathedral next week to continue its title defense. 

Victory, at last

North Central (Indy) had lost 32 straight games, dating back to the 2021-22 football season, but finally got over the hump with a strong 35-13 showing over Brebeuf Jesuit under new head coach Collin Coffer.  

The Panthers controlled the pace of the game, having over 10 more minutes of possession than the Braves. 

Panthers will look to obtain consecutive wins for the first time since the 2020-21 season on Friday vs. Hamilton Southeastern. 

Checking in on the champs: 

6A: Brownsburg, 36-23 win vs. Archbishop Spalding (MD)

5A: Decatur Central, 30-28 (OT) loss vs. Avon 

4A: New Pal, 52-0 win vs. Kokomo 

3A: Heritage Hills, 66-0 win vs. South Spencer 

2A: Adams Central, 7-0 win vs. Garrett 

1A: Providence, 49-14 win vs. New Albany 

Statewide Stat Leaders, courtesy of MaxPreps: 

Passing: Dayson Kirby, Bedford North, 407 yards
Rushing: Wyatt Bowling, Franklin County, 290 yards
Receiving: Ayden Batchleor, Fountain Central, 239 yards

Touchdowns: Keygan Elliott, Delphi, 5 TD (4 REC, 1 FR)
Tackles: Abe Edwards, Eastern, 23 tackles 

Sacks: Cato June, Westfield, 4.0 sacks Interceptions: 11 players tied, 2 int