Top teams 2026 (updated)

[DACfanatic]

Now that I have seen a lot of teams in the area though highlights and a few in person, I have changed my top 10.

My honest opinion.


1. Crown point (gotta leave them here till pirates win) but I do believe pirates get them this year.

2. Merrillville (possibly #1 but gotta win the game)
3. Andrean (I expect them to go back to back this year 3A state champs loading)
4. Chesterton (will win 1st sectional maybe a regional)
5. Valpo (they will be back to being number 3 this year)
6. Hobart (will fall in sectionals to Morton)
7. Portage (sneaky team)
8. Lowell (James will lead them forward but have a lot of room to improve)
9. Morton (I have no faith in them anymore but a sectional title can happen.)
10. Griffith. (Phil mason effect)

[Richielikelionel]

I’ll be interested to see if Valpo bounces back. I did not expect that team to go 2-8 last season.

[North of 30]

Blimey, mate... you've absolutely done me there. I must've been on the warm lager if I ranked it like that."

Morton below Hobart? Not a chance. If Morton wins the sectional, they can't be sitting behind two teams that didn't. That's footballing nonsense.

And Valpo? Third in the DAC but fourth overall? That's like saying the bloke who finished third in the 100 metres actually came fourth because... reasons."

Griffith at fourth-best in the Region? Fair shout. They've got enough talent to deserve being right in that conversation.

As for Portage... if they nick a win, I'll tip my cap. But I wouldn't be putting the mortgage on it, mate.

Right then, here's a ranking I'd be far less embarrassed to stand behind:

1. Merrillville
2 Crown Point
3. Andrean
4. Griffith
5. Morton
6. Hobart
7. Chesterton
8. Lowell
9. Lake Central
10. Random GSSC Team

[BallinFreak]

There is no world right now where Morton and Gtown are in the top 5 and above Hobart.

[junior11]

There is no world right now where Morton and Gtown are in the top 5 and above Hobart.

Griffith will run the table in regular season and possibly it not even have a close game…..then lose to Andrean in sectionals during Andean’s run to a re-peat state championship

Roster alone Morton is probably favorite to win sectionals….but they always under achieve. If u switch Hobart/morton coaching staff Morton wins sectionals. Keep coaching staff the same then Hobart will find a way.

[junior11]

Blimey, mate... you've absolutely done me there. I must've been on the warm lager if I ranked it like that."

Morton below Hobart? Not a chance. If Morton wins the sectional, they can't be sitting behind two teams that didn't. That's footballing nonsense.

And Valpo? Third in the DAC but fourth overall? That's like saying the bloke who finished third in the 100 metres actually came fourth because... reasons."

Griffith at fourth-best in the Region? Fair shout. They've got enough talent to deserve being right in that conversation.

As for Portage... if they nick a win, I'll tip my cap. But I wouldn't be putting the mortgage on it, mate.

Right then, here's a ranking I'd be far less embarrassed to stand behind:

1. Merrillville
2 Crown Point
3. Andrean
4. Griffith
5. Morton
6. Hobart
7. Chesterton
8. Lowell
9. Lake Central
10. Random GSSC Team

I actually agree with most of this.

Big drop off after top 6. Lowell, LC, can be replaced with randoms.

[BallinFreak]

There is no world right now where Morton and Gtown are in the top 5 and above Hobart.

Griffith will run the table in regular season and possibly it not even have a close game…..then lose to Andrean in sectionals during Andean’s run to a re-peat state championship

Roster alone Morton is probably favorite to win sectionals….but they always under achieve. If u switch Hobart/morton coaching staff Morton wins sectionals. Keep coaching staff the same then Hobart will find a way.

No offense intended to Gtown or their fans, but running the table with their schedule is not that impressive and it is not worthy of being top 5 in a preseason poll of teams.

And there is no doubt Morton has talent. But that does not cut it either.

Gtown and Morton can easily be in the top 10. Maybe even at 5 and 6, but they are not above Hobart at this point.

[NWI10]

Griffiths only “tough game” in the regular season is week 3 @ Lowell.

They win that, they going into sectionals undefeated