New Palestine’s Eli Hook, left, and Isaiah Thacker celebrate a touchdown against Decatur Central, Friday.
With six first-place votes and 96 total points, New Palestine (2-0) jumped over Indianapolis Roncalli to take the No. 1 spot in the Indiana Football Coaches Association Class 4A poll, released Monday.
The Dragons were second to the Royals in last week’s rankings. On Friday, New Palestine defeated Class 5A No. 5 Decatur Central — ranked No. 2 at the time — 49-0 at Kelso Stadium.
Roncalli (2-0), a 17-0 winner over Franklin Central, received four first-place votes and 93 total points.
For the second straight week, all three Hancock County Class 4A schools are among the Top 10.
Greenfield-Central (2-0), No. 10 last week, moved up to a tie for the No. 8 spot with New Prairie (2-0). Both accumulated 29 points. The Cougars defeated Class 3A Greensburg 44-0 Friday.
Mt. Vernon (0-2), No. 5 last week, fell to No. 10. The Marauders suffered a 20-17 loss at Class 5A No. 6 Franklin. They received 19 points.
With a pair of Top 10 teams going head-to-head this week, the rankings are primed to scramble again.
In a Hancock County showdown in Fortville, No. 8 Greenfield-Central (2-0) visits No. 10 Mt. Vernon (0-2).
Others earning No. 1 rankings include, (6A) Center Grove, (5A) Merrillville, (3A) Indianapolis Chatard — Roncalli’s opponent this week — (2A) Evansville Mater Dei and (1A) Indianapolis Lutheran.
New Palestine, Greenfield-Central and Mt. Vernon are not the only Hoosier Heritage Conference teams receiving notice. In Class 3A, Delta (2-0) is receiving votes (4) and is just outside the Top 10.
Two teams in the five-team Mid-Eastern Conference are ranked in Class 1A. Monroe Central is No. 4 and North Decatur, a 40-0 winner over Eastern Hancock in both teams’ MEC opener on Friday, is No. 7. Monroe Central and North Decatur play this week in Parker City.
