The Indiana High School Athletic Association has drawn the pairings for its 54th Annual Football State Tournament. Indianapolis Cathedral will compete in Class 5A for a second consecutive season under the IHSAA’s Success Factor. The Fighting Irish, a 4A team by enrollment, previously played in 5A for eight seasons, compiling a 31-4 record and winning state championships in 2013, 2014, 2020, and 2021. Cathedral received a first-round bye and will begin the 2026 tournament on the road against either Mount Vernon of Fortville or Greenfield-Central. The Irish are 5-0 against the Marauders in the tournament, last playing them in the 2012 regional round. Cathedral is 3-0 against the Cougars in sectional play with each game being played in Greenfield. Class 5A Sectional 13 (5 Teams) (Records through Week 8 of the Regular Season; Rankings in Week 8 IFCA Poll) First Round (October 23) Game 1: Greenfield Central (1-7) at Mt. Vernon (Fortville) (4-4) Semifinals (October 30) Game 2: #2 New Palestine (5-3) at #7 Pendleton Heights (7-1) Game 3: #1 Cathedral (5-3) at the Winner of Game 1 Championship (November 6) Game 4: Game 2 Winner vs. Game 3 Winner Where the Irish Rank in IHSAA Tournament History Most State Championships 17 Indianapolis Bishop Chatard 14 Indianapolis Cathedral 12 Fort Wayne Bishop Luers Most State Championships Playing Up a Class Due to Success Factor 4 (5A) Indianapolis Cathedral (Enrollment Class 4A) 2 (5A) New Palestine (Enrollment Class 4A) Most State Finals Appearances 19 Fort Wayne Bishop Luers 18 Indianapolis Bishop Chatard 17 Indianapolis Cathedral Most Consecutive State Championships 5 Indianapolis Cathedral (2010-2014) 4 Warren Central (2003-2006) 4 Fort Wayne Bishop Luers (2009-2012) 4 Lafayette Central Catholic (2009-2012) Most Post-Season Wins 159 Indianapolis Bishop Chatard 157 Fort Wayne Bishop Luers 139 Indianapolis Cathedral Best Post-Season Winning Percentage (Minimum 100 Games) .844 Indianapolis Bishop Chatard (157-29) .837 Fort Wayne Bishop Luers (159-31) .822 Indianapolis Cathedral (139-30) Most Consecutive Tournament Wins 32 Indianapolis Cathedral (2010-2015) 26 Warren Central (2003-2007) 26 Fort Wayne Bishop Luers (2009-2013)