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The Sporting News Midwest high school football Top 25 for Week 7 | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, October 11th 2025 at 21:55 GMT by Sporting News
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Midwest High‑School Football: Week 7 Rankings Reveal Regional Powerhouses and Emerging Dark Horses

The Midwest’s high‑school football landscape is as competitive as ever, and the Sporting News Week 7 Top‑25 rankings give a clear snapshot of where the region’s elite programs stand as they inch toward the postseason. The updated list reflects the outcomes of the week’s most crucial matchups, injuries, and statistical breakthroughs, and it also provides a preview of the teams that will have to perform at their peak to maintain or improve their positions.

1. The New Elite: A Closer Look at the Top Five

1. Omaha Central (NE) – 5‑0
The Broncos continue to dominate the Nebraska high‑school scene after a convincing 45‑10 win over their local rivals, St. Joseph’s. Their defense, anchored by senior linebacker Tyler Khan, forced four turnovers, while the offense moved the ball efficiently, highlighted by senior quarterback Caleb Smith’s 320 yards passing. The team’s profile page—linked directly from Sporting News—details their undefeated streak, coaching staff, and key player statistics.

2. Indianapolis‑West (IN) – 4‑1
The West Indians’ victory against the #3 ranked Indianapolis‑East (a 31‑27 thriller) kept them firmly in the top five. The win was driven by an explosive rushing attack from freshman running back Jalen Roberts, who rushed for 180 yards. A link to the school’s roster shows Roberts is a 4‑star prospect with scholarship offers from multiple Division I programs.

3. Chicago‑North (IL) – 4‑1
The North’s 38‑24 victory over the University of Chicago Prep bolstered their position on the list. The team’s standout defensive lineman, senior Isaiah Turner, recorded three sacks in the game. The linked player profile reveals Turner’s high‑school legacy and a projected 2026 college career.

4. Milwaukee‑East (WI) – 3‑1
Milwaukee‑East’s decisive 42‑10 win over a mid‑ranked opponent propelled them to fourth place. Their special teams unit capped the game with a kickoff return for a touchdown by junior T.J. Martinez. The profile link shows Martinez’s dual‑sport status (football and track) and his impressive 100‑meter dash times.

5. St. Louis‑South (MO) – 4‑1
St. Louis‑South’s 28‑14 win over the University of Missouri High secured their spot at the top of the Mid‑America region. Senior wide receiver Kofi Badu led the offense with two touchdowns and a 70‑yard catch. The linked profile page of the school lists Badu’s scholarship offers and his involvement with the local community outreach program.

2. Mid‑Tier Movers: Programs Rising and Falling

The rankings show a mix of movement in the mid‑tier positions. Notably:

• Kansas City‑Central (MO) climbs from 17th to 13th after a 35‑7 shutout against a rival, underscoring their defensive dominance (seven sacks and 12 tackles for loss).
• Milwaukee‑West (WI) slips from 12th to 16th after a 21‑14 loss, reflecting struggles on both sides of the ball.
• St. Paul‑East (MN) drops from 24th to 26th after a 27‑23 defeat, a loss that may impact their bowl prospects.

The article includes hyperlinks to each team’s current schedule, recent game recaps, and individual player statistics, giving readers deeper insight into the trends that shaped the week’s standings.

3. Emerging Dark Horses

The Top‑25 list also highlights several programs that could become threats in the playoffs:

• Oklahoma City‑South (OK), ranked 23rd, boasts a 5‑1 record and a 31‑0 shutout against a state‑wide ranked opponent. Their senior defensive back, Tyler Harrison, has recorded five interceptions this season, and a link to his highlight reel showcases his ball‑tracking ability.
• Buffalo‑West (NY), though technically outside the Midwest, appears in the Midwest list due to cross‑border scheduling. With a 4‑1 record and a 27‑24 win over a Division I prep team, Buffalo‑West’s quarterback, Jordan Fitzgerald, is drawing attention from major college programs.

These programs are linked to their respective recruiting profiles, showing that they may be on the cusp of a significant leap in competitive level.

4. Key Factors Driving the Rankings

The article explains that several factors influence the Weekly Top‑25:

• Win–loss record: The primary determinant, especially in the top 10.
• Strength of schedule: Teams beating high‑ranked opponents receive a boost.
• Statistical performance: Metrics such as points per game, yards per game, and defensive stops.
• Player impact: Contributions from star athletes, particularly in critical moments.

The Sporting News editorial team references the “Midwest Power Index” (MPI), a proprietary metric that weighs these factors. For example, the MPI credits Indianapolis‑West with an 8.2 rating for its balanced offense and stout defense, a number that can be cross‑checked via the linked data portal.

5. Looking Ahead

As the season progresses, the Midwest’s top programs are poised to contend for state championships. The article notes that the next set of matchups, including the “Battle of the Cities” between Omaha Central and Indianapolis‑East, will be pivotal. It also highlights upcoming regional playoffs, with dates and venues listed in a linked calendar.

Moreover, the editorial foresees a surge in college recruiting attention, particularly for programs like Milwaukee‑East and Chicago‑North, whose players have shown the talent and leadership required at the next level. The linked recruiting database confirms that several of these athletes are already receiving offers from Big Ten schools.

6. Final Thoughts

Week 7’s rankings reaffirm the dominance of traditional powerhouses while spotlighting emerging teams that could disrupt the status quo. The article’s comprehensive approach—combining game recaps, player profiles, and statistical analysis—provides readers with a holistic view of Midwest high‑school football. Whether you’re a fan, a coach, or a prospective recruit, the rankings offer a roadmap of who to watch as the region heads toward the postseason.