5A State Top Performers: New Palestine v. Merrillville

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over the next week we will provide in-depth coverage of the state championships last weekend which took place at Lucas Oil Stadium last Friday and Saturday. Here is Part 1 of our Top Performers report from the Class 5A Showdown between New Palestine and Merrillville.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["164410"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6932017f59f4d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='164410' first='Jacob' last='Davis'] didn't have his best game statisticaly, but it's still worth putting him as a top performer just because he showed outstanding resiliency. Davis took a helmet-to-helmet hit early in the game and laid motionless on the Lucas Oil Stadium turf for several seconds before coming back in and leading his team to a state title. Davis also suffered an injury to his leg in the second half, but despite it all, he flashed excellent accuracy on the deep ball, a quick release and strong arm. The Towson commit, who transferred from Dayton Springboro before last season, graduates with an undefeated record and a two-time state champion.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1178518"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6932017f59fcb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1178518' first='Josh' last='Ranes'] is a very underrated player for New Palestine. Ranes came up with a timely interception in the first half, flashing athleticism and great ball skills and defense. Ranes can take interceptions to the house, and also contributes as a tough runner on offense who can finish forward on contact. High motor, high effort player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1570775"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6932017f5a01e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Keith Edwards, a starting defensive back in the Class of 2026 for Merrillville, had a great game. The senior defensive back picked off New Palestine quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='164410' first='Jacob' last='Davis'] twice. In spite of the loss, Edwards flashed great ball skills and adjustment to the ball on the interceptions, keeping the game close on the opening drive as well as into the third quarter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["956144"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6932017f5a06b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='956144' first='Caden' last='Jacobia'] is a starting running back for New Palestine. Jacobia, a 5-foot-10, 194-pound tailback, can elude contact as a runner, stay balanced in space and can leap over would-be tackles. Jacobia came up big when [player_tooltip player_id='164410' first='Jacob' last='Davis'] had to come out of the game after a heavy hit, carrying the offense on his shoulders and leading New Palestine to a big win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->