Through six weeks of the season, it is typically clear which teams are trending in the right direction. Before we get to those, as always, let’s take a look around the state at some of this week’s craziest scores: 

Scoreboard watchin’

For the most combined points for the week, Tri-County outduelled Faith Christian 50-48 in a thrilling offensive exhibition. 

2026 ATH Aiden Duniphan rushed for 175 yards and four touchdowns, threw for 173 yards, snagged two interceptions on defense and housed a 73-yard kickoff return. In addition to all of that, the 6’4” captain also served as the Cavaliers’ punter and kickoff specialist, talk about contributing in all phases of the game!

As for Faith Christian, junior ATH Brayden Heerdink rushed for 237 yards and four touchdowns on just 12 attempts, turned his two receptions into 109 yards and two touchdowns and even passed for 100 yards. 

Knightown takes the crown for highest point total and largest margin of victory, though, as the Panthers throttled Cambridge City 89-0. 

Junior quarterback Bryor Carmichael went 6-of-8 for 174 yards and four touchdowns as the Panthers added five touchdowns on the ground. Defensively, Knightstown added two pick-sixes from Andrew Buchanan and Brody Willard — who also caught three touchdown passes — and got two punt return touchdowns from Alex Muir. 

In another lopsided shutout, Lafayette Jefferson continued their season-long offensive barrage as they beat Anderson 77-0. 

Junior quarterback Trysten Barrett was a perfect 6-of-6 for 157 yards and five touchdowns while Desman Dezhazer and Derronte Harris added a score each on the ground — with Dezhazer eclipsing 100 yards on just four attempts. Defensively, the Bronchos added three touchdowns with a pick-six from Ka’Vion Campbell Walker and two scoop-and-scores from Ben Pickering and Blake Gordon. 

Who’s hot?

6A: Brownsburg (6-0)

The reigning 6A champs scraped by Westfield with an ugly 14-10 win, but being able to win ugly is a needed skill to go back-to-back at the highest level. Additionally, it is hard to argue against what is now 11 straight wins, 19 of their last 20, 28 of their last 30 and 38 of their last 42. While the Bulldogs have a history of early playoff exits, coming off a hard-fought title last year, they have a chance at history if they maintain this trajectory. 

5A: New Palestine (6-0)

The Dragons are off to another 6-0 start, taking their unblemished record to 20-0-1 over the last two seasons and 31-3-1 over the last three seasons. The reigning 5A champs are playing as good as anyone in the state, allowing just over three points per game this season. With a stifling defense and a steady offense, the Dragons are primed to make some noise once again come November. 

5A: Lafayette Jefferson (5-1) 

After a 35-28 week one loss to Bishop Chatard, the Bronchos have rattled off five wins in a row — scoring over 42 points in each outing. Over the last two weeks, the Bronchos’ offense has poured on 64 and 77 points against Richmond and Anderson, respectively. Between Bryce Vanostran and Omar Williams Jr., junior gunslinger Trysten Barrett can toss it up downfield, knowing one of them will come down with it and score. 

4A: Roncalli (4-2) 

Starting the year off 1-2, failing to surpass 15 points offensively, the Royals have since tallied three wins in a row — scoring over 40 points in each outing. Between the rushing efforts of Zach Dozier and Collin Ash, Roncalli has been able to get its offense kicking into second gear as of late. 

3A: Gibson Southern (5-1) 

Falling to Rochester (IL) 42-21 in week two, the Titans have won four in a row, including a 38-34 thriller against the reigning 3A champs Heritage Hills last week. Behind the arm and legs of senior Zach Foster, Gibson Southern is looking like a strong candidate for the 3A title come November. 

2A: Adams Central (6-0)

The reigning 2A champs now have 20 straight wins under their belt and look all the part of a team that has played in four straight state championship games. While the Flying Jets have had some close games against Garrett and Heritage, head coach Michael Mosser has his boys primed to continue to make noise in November as he continues to build Adams Central into a small-school powerhouse. 

1A: Pioneer (5-1) 

Outside of a 38-20 week two loss to Knox, the Panthers have looked like a top contender in 1A all year long — including four straight weeks of scoring 40 or more points. With over 300 yards rushing per game, Pioneer can control the pace of the game as they hold teams to under 14 points per game. 

Stat leaders

Passing: Cole Stephens, 2027, Greencastle, 2,085 yards

Rushing: Myles McLaughlin, 2026, Knox, 2,106 yards
Receiving: Trevin Long, 2026, Greencastle, 928 yards

Tackles: Abe Edwards, 2027, Eastern, 93 tackles

Sacks: Three players tied, 9.0 sacks 

Interceptions: Quentavious Fly, 2028, Bowman & Ledger Shaffer, 2027, Twin Lakes,  5 interceptions

Historical Notes: 

  • Cole Stephens (347.5 ypg) is on pace to break the single-season passing record in week 13. 
  • Stephens is additionally just 4,623 yards away from the career passing record, which he will surpass around week six of his senior campaign at his current pace. 
  • Myles McLaughlin (351 ypg) is on pace to break the single-season rushing record and career rushing records in week 11. 
  • McLaughlin (29.999 points per game) is also on pace to break the career scoring record in week 12, but is just shy of being on pace to break the single-season scoring record (30.2 points per game needed).