Triton Central football ranked in top 15 in IFCA preseason poll

Despite losing one of the most talented senior classes in Triton Central football history, the Tigers still open the 2024 football season with a top-15 ranking.

The Tigers are ranked No. 13 in the Indiana Football Coaches Association’s Class 2A preseason poll.

Indianapolis Lutheran, the three-time reigning Class A state champion, moves up to 2A this season and is the preseason No. 1. Lafayette Central Catholic, North Posey, Linton-Stockton and Adams Central complete the top five.

Eastern Hancock and Brownstown Central are tied for No. 6. Andrean, Eastbrook and Southmont complete the top 10.

Heritage Christian is No. 11 ahead of Paoli, Triton Central, Bluffton and Western Boone in the top 15.

Triton Central kicks off its season Friday at Mendenhall Field in Fairland against Class 3A, No. 11 Batesville, who went 11-2 last season.

The Tigers host Indianapolis Lutheran on Sept. 6.

Sectional 38 includes No. 13 Triton Central and No. 6 Eastern Hancock.

The top 10 in Class A is North Judson, South Putnam, Providence, Sheridan, Carroll (Flora), North Decatur, LaVille, Monroe Central, Milan and Springs Valley.

Heritage Hills sits atop the Class 3A poll ahead of Gibson Southern, Evansville Memorial, Guerin Catholic, Knox, Fort Wayne Luers, Lawrenceburg, West Lafayette, Tri-West and Hamilton Heights.

Delta, a member of the Hoosier Heritage Conference (HHC) along with Shelbyville, is ranked No. 13.

A trio of HHC schools are ranked in the top 12 in Class 4A, and four in the top 20.

New Palestine, in the HHC, is the preseason No. 1 followed by Indianapolis Chatard, the reigning 3A state champion, Evansville Reitz, NorthWood, HHC-member Greenfield-Central, Brebeuf Jesuit, Leo, New Prairie, Mishawaka and Roncalli in the top 10.

HHC members Mt. Vernon is No. 12 and Pendleton Heights is No. 19.

Decatur Central opens the season as the No. 1 team in Class 5A. Merrillville is No. 2 ahead of Valparaiso, Whiteland, East Central – the two-time reigning 4A state champion, Warsaw, Castle, Bloomington South, Concord and Bloomington North.

Ben Davis is No. 1 in Class 6A ahead of Center Grove, Brownsburg, Warren Central, Crown Point, Westfield, Indianapolis Cathedral, Carmel, Hamilton Southeastern, Fort Wayne Snider and Fishers.

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