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Courier & Press high school football power rankings: Week 4

treasure washington, evansville courier & press
·4 min read

EVANSVILLE — You never know what you're going to get out of a high school football season in Southwestern Indiana.

For the most part, there's been little movement between last and this week's Courier & Press power rankings, as voted on by the sports staff. The four undefeated teams that occupied the top of the rankings last week are, well, still undefeated. But there's one newcomer while others have traded places.

Let's dive into where Evansville-area teams stand heading into Week 5.

High school football in SW Indiana: Complete coverage from the 2023 season

1. Reitz (4-0, last week: 2)

The Panthers reclaim the top spot in our rankings after continuing their dominant defensive effort. Their 24-7 win against North was the seventh time in the last eight games they've limited opponents to single digits. Reitz could extend its regular-season winning streak to 14 this week. This week: at Central (0-4).

Memorial’s Porter Rode (6) runs the ball as the Memorial Tigers play the Mater Dei Wildcats at Enlow Field Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
Memorial’s Porter Rode (6) runs the ball as the Memorial Tigers play the Mater Dei Wildcats at Enlow Field Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.

2. Memorial (4-0, last week: 1)

There's a reason the Tigers remain near the top of the leaderboard. Their defense has been excellent as their 19 points allowed are the fewest in the Southern Indiana Athletic Conference. Memorial had a defensive gem in its 9-6 victory against Mater Dei and could more than likely post another this week at home. This week: vs. Harrison (0-4).

3. North Posey (4-0, last week: 3)

As one of the area's most experienced teams, North Posey has yet to be slowed down this season. The Vikings are averaging 39.8 points while limiting opponents to nearly nine points a contest. Last week's 35-0 win against Tell City was their first shutout of the year. But North Posey's next game will be its biggest test of the season so far. This week: at Heritage Hills (4-0).

4. Heritage Hills (4-0, last week: 4)

The Patriots have made their case as an elite team in Southwestern Indiana. Their 179 points scored lead all area teams, plus Heritage Hills is coming off its first shutout of the season after defeating South Spencer 40-0. One of the most-anticipated games of the year soon awaits at "The Jungle." This week: vs. North Posey (4-0).

Castle’s Antonio Harris (17) runs the ball as the Castle Knights play the North Huskies at John Lidy Field in Newburgh, Ind., Friday, Aug. 18, 2023.
Castle’s Antonio Harris (17) runs the ball as the Castle Knights play the North Huskies at John Lidy Field in Newburgh, Ind., Friday, Aug. 18, 2023.

T5. Castle (3-1, last week: 8)

It seems the Knights are rolling after their season-opening loss to North. Castle has scored 49 or more points in every game since the loss, including last week's 49-7 victory against Harrison. But the team could be tested going on the road for another pivotal matchup in terms of the SIAC standings. This week: at Vincennes Lincoln (3-1).

T5. Southridge (3-1, last week: 7)

You can't keep Scott Buening and Southridge down for long. Its 49-12 win against Pike Central was the first time since Week 1 it allowed an opponent to score points, but a pair of mercy-rule victories in back-to-back weeks should provide plenty of momentum heading into a big-time PAC showdown in Week 5. This week: at Gibson Southern (2-2).

Gibson Southern’s Tanner Boyd (10) breaks a big run against Boonville during their game at Bennett Field in Boonville, Ind., Friday evening, Oct. 14, 2022.
Gibson Southern’s Tanner Boyd (10) breaks a big run against Boonville during their game at Bennett Field in Boonville, Ind., Friday evening, Oct. 14, 2022.

7. Gibson Southern (2-2, last week: 5)

The remainder of Gibson Southern's games this season will be played in Indiana. The Titans went 1-2 against their out-of-state foes, losing both games played in Bowling Green, Kentucky. They were a little more successful in their 45-28 loss to South Warren on Friday. But Gibson Southern refuses to back down from a challenge. Another one awaits in Fort Branch. This week: vs. Southridge (3-1).

8. Vincennes Lincoln (3-1, last week: 9)

You're probably wondering why Vincennes, which has a better record than Gibson Southern, is so low in our rankings. Yes, the Alices defeated Central 56-6 on Friday and are now 3-1 in back-to-back seasons. But the meat of their schedule still has yet to be played. Vincennes was in this position last year; now it has a chance to take another step forward. This week: vs. Castle (3-1).

9. North (2-2, last week: 6)

The Huskies have been a mixed bag through the first month. They were ranked as high as No. 4 when they defeated Castle in Week 1. Then they dropped three spots after last losing by three scores to Reitz. North has opportunities to get back above .500, but it hasn't won consecutive games since last October. This week: vs. Bosse (1-3).

10. Mount Vernon (3-1, last week: unranked)

Behold, a newcomer. The Wildcats have been stacking up wins in Justin Fischer's debut season, averaging 37 points per game since losing to North Posey in its opener. They shut out Washington 38-0 in their third-straight road game on Friday and should feel good about themselves heading back to their home turf. This week: vs. Forest Park (3-1).

Courier & Press sports reporter Treasure Washington can be reached via her email, treasure.washington@courierpress.com, and on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Twashington490.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Evansville-area high school football power rankings after Week 4 games