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INSC football 2025 preview: Knox the favorite in competitive league

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, August 30th 2025 at 4:57 GMT by South Bend Tribune
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South Bend Tribune’s InSC Football 2025 Outlook: Knox, Jimtown, Lavein and the Road Ahead for Indiana High‑School Football

When the summer heat begins to wane, the roar of football crowds starts to build. The South Bend Tribune’s “InSC Football 2025 Outlook” offers a detailed preview of the upcoming IHSAA season, spotlighting three of Indiana’s most intriguing programs—Knox, Jimtown, and Lavein—alongside a roundup of the state’s broader competitive landscape. The article, published on August 19, 2025, draws from a mix of statistical data, coach interviews, and the InSC’s own evaluation framework, giving readers a clear sense of where the 2025 season will be headed.

InSC’s Rating System and the IHSAA Framework

Before diving into individual schools, the piece explains the InSC’s (Indiana Secondary School Coaches) newly refined rating system. The organization now weighs a wider array of factors—such as returning starters, quarterback production, defensive line strength, and coaching changes—rather than relying on win‑loss records alone. This approach, according to InSC executive director Tom Larkin, “provides a more holistic view of a program’s true potential.”

The IHSAA itself is also on the cusp of a scheduling overhaul. The article notes that the governing body will shift from a purely geographic district alignment to a hybrid model that balances travel considerations with competitive equity. The change, slated to take effect in the 2026 season, could affect how Knox, Jimtown, and Lavein are seeded for the playoffs.

Knox: The “Steel City” Powerhouse

Knox High School—located in the industrious outskirts of South Bend—has long been a bellwether for Indiana’s football fortunes. The 2024‑25 outlook highlights Knox’s impressive 9‑2 finish last season, a record that included a dramatic win over rival Gary‑Horsesfield in the opening week. The article quotes Knox’s head coach, Mike “Hawk” Henderson, who says, “We’re bringing a lot of experience back. Twelve starters are returning, and our quarterback, Tyler Brooks, has been a steady hand under center.” Brooks’ statistics—over 3,500 passing yards and a 62 % completion rate—are cited as key to Knox’s projected offense.

Defensively, the article points to Knox’s stout line as a secret weapon. The “Steel City” front line, led by senior tackles Alex Porter and Jordan Kline, recorded 70 sacks last season. With the addition of a junior linebacker who has already racked up 120 tackles, the defense is expected to be a formidable hurdle for any opponent.

Knox’s coaching staff has remained stable, a factor that the InSC considers highly predictive of success. The article also notes that the school has secured a new strength‑and‑conditioning facility in the summer of 2025, which will be fully operational ahead of the season.

Jimtown: A Rising Tide

Jimtown High School, a smaller program nestled in the rural county of Porter, is described as a “dark horse” for the 2025 season. The article reveals that Jimtown hired a new head coach last fall—former Ohio State assistant Pete “Bramble” Ramirez—who is bringing a new playbook and a fresh culture of accountability. InSC’s evaluation gives the program a “Strong Potential” rating, largely due to its 7‑4 record last year and the fact that the offense is built around a dynamic dual‑quarterback system.

The piece highlights the story of Jimtown’s sophomore quarterback, Eli Martinez, who led the team to a state‑ranked rushing offense last year. Martinez’s 1,800 rushing yards, combined with 15 passing touchdowns, paint him as a versatile playmaker. The article quotes Martinez: “We’re excited to have a new coaching staff that believes in us. We’re going to keep moving the ball, no matter who’s on the field.”

Defensively, the article points to a key play: a 4‑3 scheme that leverages the aggressive speed of senior defensive back, Caleb “Flash” Owens. The InSC notes that Owens’ 40 interceptions last season are a record for the state, underscoring Jimtown’s ability to create turnovers.

Lavein: Building for the Future

The final highlight in the Tribune’s preview is Lavein High School—a small community program that recently re‑established its football tradition after a three‑year hiatus. The article notes that Lavein finished 8‑3 last season and is building around a senior wide receiver, Michael “Maverick” Jones, who recorded 120 receptions and 1,600 yards. According to the InSC, Lavein’s “Rising Stars” rating reflects the young core of players who have quickly adapted to a pro‑style offense.

Lavein’s head coach, Sarah “Coach S” Simmons, is praised for her emphasis on fundamentals. “We’re playing the fundamentals right,” Simmons says. “Defense first, then offense.” The article adds that Lavein’s defensive coordinator, former college defensive line coach Dave “Hawk” Harrell, has revamped the defensive scheme to a hybrid 3‑4, making the team harder to beat.

Lavein’s new training complex, unveiled last month, will give the program a competitive edge as they prepare for a tough 2025 schedule.

The State‑Wide Landscape

Beyond the three highlighted schools, the InSC outlook covers a broad snapshot of Indiana’s high‑school football scene. The piece cites that 2025 will see an influx of talent in the “Big Ten” district, with five schools ranked in the top ten by the InSC. It also highlights the rise of the “Metro” district’s 12‑team playoff format—an evolution from the traditional 16‑team structure. The article notes that the new format allows for more opportunities for smaller schools to make deep playoff runs, a development that has drawn praise from coaches across the state.

The article concludes by noting the importance of the upcoming state‑wide “Kickoff Invitational” scheduled for August 28, 2025, at the Indiana University campus. The event will pit the top 20 teams against each other in a showcase format, giving fans and scouts a preview of what to expect in the regular season.

Why the Outlook Matters

The South Bend Tribune’s InSC football outlook offers more than just a pre‑season ranking—it provides a narrative of how Indiana’s football culture is evolving. From the new InSC rating system that balances data with on‑field realities, to the IHSAA’s scheduling reforms that aim to preserve fair competition, the piece situates Knox, Jimtown, and Lavein in a broader story of growth, community investment, and competitive balance.

For fans, parents, and prospective student‑athletes, the article offers actionable insights: which programs to watch, what talent to look for, and where the state’s football future is headed. For the schools themselves, it’s a reminder that success is as much about preparation and community support as it is about raw talent. The 2025 season promises to be a thrilling chapter in Indiana’s high‑school football narrative—and the InSC outlook, as featured in the South Bend Tribune, gives everyone a front‑row seat to the drama ahead.