With the 2024 Indiana high school football playoffs on the horizon, the teams included in the Indiana On3 Massey Ratings top 25 list as of Oct. 21 are gearing up for pressure-packed games. Here’s how the state’s top teams fared before the journey towards the state championship commences.

The On3 Massey Ratings, officially used during the BCS era, is a model that ranks sports teams by analyzing game outcomes, strength of schedule, and margin of victory. According to the model, three teams from Indiana rank in the top 100 nationwide.

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The Bulldogs are still Indiana’s top team despite their loss to Hamilton Southeastern. In that game, Iosua Stephens threw for two touchdowns and added 41 rushing yards. Branden Sharpe, Avin Robinson, and Shakovon Sumpterbey also scored touchdowns for Brownsburg. After finishing the regular season at 8-1 with a 6-1 conference record, the Bulldogs will face Avon in the first round of the Indiana Class 6A state tournament.

After losing to top-ranked Brownsburg on Sept. 28, the Shamrocks have won three consecutive games, including their 44-7 domination of Franklin Central. Carsen Melvin had 13 completions for 241 yards and two touchdowns, while Deacon King had 12 carries for 105 yards and two scores. Indiana high school football’s top defensive team finished the regular season at 8-1 and will face Harrison in round one of the Class 6A tournament.

The Wildcats remained undefeated after a 24-14 road win against Pike. Izayveon Moore led the way with 18 carries for 107 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Davion Chandler had 72 receiving yards and a TD. Meanwhile, Lawrence North’s defense generated 15 tackles for losses and nine sacks versus the Red Devils. The Wildcats will advance to the Class 6A tournament, facing Lawrence Central on Nov. 1.

The Warriors had a solid finish to their regular season, defeating sixth-ranked Cathedral 34-28. Warren Central scored 20 fourth-quarter points to emerge on top and close their record at 8-1. Marcus Bell had three touchdowns on just 24 rushing yards, while Airic Hester and Anthony Dennison added a touchdown each. The Warriors will face Indianapolis Arsenal Technical in the first round of the Class 6A tournament on Nov. 1.

After winning five of their first six games, the Trojans lost their last three, including a 48-10 home loss to St. Frances Academy, Maryland’s top-ranked team. Austin Hennessy scored Center Grove’s only touchdown against the Panthers. Despite their losing streak, they will compete in Indiana high school football’s Class 6A state tournament but will go on the road to face Jeffersonville in the first round.

The Fighting Irish’s four-game winning streak ended after they fell short to Warren Central in their regular season finale. Despite the defeat, Cathedral had some commendable players like Devaughn Slaughter, who finished with 92 receiving yards and a touchdown. After finishing at 5-3, the Fighting Irish will proceed to the Class 6A state tournament, hosting North Central on Nov. 1.

The Royals are confident heading into the playoffs after an upset victory against top-ranked Brownsburg. Carter Reed had two rushing touchdowns, and Mason Alexander returned a kickoff for six points. Meanwhile, placekicker Hugo Belmonte’s perfect game (three PATs, three field goals) was massive in earning their sixth victory in nine games. Hamilton Southeastern will have a one-week break before visiting Homestead for their playoff matchup.

The Bulldogs are only one of two teams in the top ten with a perfect record. They improved to 9-0 after a 35-8 win over Michigan City, wherein their opponent’s points came in the final minute of regulation. While it’s Crown Point’s first time to score under 40 points this season, it was enough to remain undefeated before hosting Portage in the first round of the Class 6A tournament.

The Giants are peaking at the right time, scoring three consecutive victories to close the regular season. Ben Davis clinched an impressive 44-14 road victory over North Central, in which Malik Williams and Jujuan Watkins combined for 196 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, quarterback Joe Goss completed touchdown passes to Da’Vion Davis and Mark Zackery. The Giants will go on the road against Pike to open their 2024 Indiana high school football playoff journey.

The Tigers’ 30-6 road win against Zionsville secured them a winning record (5-4) entering the Class 6A tournament. Brady Griffitts and Ryan Thembulembu combined for 134 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Caden Hill completed a touchdown pass to Vincent Rozzi. Fishers will visit Noblesville in the first round of the playoffs.

11. New Palestine
12. Franklin Central
13. Lawrence Central
14. Bishop Chatard
15. Carroll
16. Columbus North
17. Avon
18. Pike
19. Lafayette Jefferson
20. Zionsville
21. Merrillville
22. Roncalli
23. Concord Community
24. Carmel
25. Snider