Crown Point High School Football: A Legacy of Grit and Glory

In the heart of Crown Point, Indiana, where Friday nights pulse with anticipation, Crown Point High School football is more than a game—it’s a way of life. The Bulldogs, clad in red and white, carry the hopes of a tight-knit community onto the field at Bulldog Stadium. With a storied history, a relentless drive for state championships, and a roster brimming with talent, Crown Point is a powerhouse in Indiana’s fiercely competitive 6A landscape. In this 1,600-word deep dive, we’ll unravel the Bulldogs’ legacy, dissect their 2024 season, spotlight the players and coaches fueling their fire, and explore why Crown Point football is a name that resonates far beyond Northwest Indiana. Ready to feel the roar of the Bulldogs? Let’s dive in.

What Makes Crown Point Football Special?

Indiana is a football hotbed, and Crown Point High School stands tall among the state’s elite. Located at 1500 S Main St, Crown Point, IN, this program serves the Crown Point Community School Corporation, blending tradition with modern ambition. The Bulldogs aren’t just a team; they’re a symbol of resilience, community pride, and unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

What sets them apart? It’s the alchemy of a championship pedigree, a coaching staff that breeds winners, and a fanbase that transforms Bulldog Stadium into a cauldron of noise. With deep playoff runs and a knack for producing college-bound talent, Crown Point football is a force in the Duneland Athletic Conference and beyond.

Crown Point High School Football: The Essentials

Here’s the snapshot of what defines the Crown Point Bulldogs:

This sets the stage—let’s explore the Bulldogs’ journey.

A Storied Past: The History of Crown Point Football

Crown Point High School’s football program traces its roots to the early 20th century, with the Bulldogs emerging as a competitive force by the 1920s. The program’s defining moment came in 1988, when they clinched the IHSAA Class 5A state championship, a triumph that cemented their place in Indiana football lore. Over the decades, Crown Point has built a reputation for consistency, with frequent playoff appearances and a knack for rising to the occasion.

The Bulldogs’ resurgence in recent years has been nothing short of remarkable. In 2023, they reached the Class 6A state championship game, falling to Ben Davis 38-31 in a heartbreaker. That near-miss fueled their fire for 2024, proving Crown Point is a program that thrives under pressure.

Key Moments in Crown Point History

• 1923: The Bulldogs begin their journey, chronicled as part of Southwestern Indiana’s football heritage.

• 1988: A perfect season culminates in a Class 5A state title, the pinnacle of Crown Point’s legacy.

• 2023: A 12-3 record and a state runner-up finish showcase the Bulldogs’ modern dominance.

Crown Point’s ability to honor its past while chasing future glory keeps them in the conversation as one of Indiana’s best.

How Did Crown Point Football Perform in 2024?

The 2024 season was a masterclass in Bulldog football—until a late stumble. Finishing 11-2, Crown Point dominated the Duneland Athletic Conference with a 6-1 record, averaging 34 points per game while holding opponents to under 14. Their playoff run was electric, with wins over Penn (35-0) and Carroll (38-21), before a 30-7 loss to Westfield in the Class 6A semi-state round on November 22, 2024, ended their title hopes.

2024 Season Match Scores

Here’s every game from Crown Point’s 2024 campaign:

Standout Games of 2024

• Sep 6 vs. Merrillville: A 28-21 thriller over rival Merrillville showed Crown Point’s clutch gene.

• Nov 8 vs. Penn: A 35-0 playoff shutout highlighted the Bulldogs’ smothering defense.

• Nov 22 vs. Westfield: The 30-7 semi-state loss exposed gaps but fueled offseason resolve.

Ranked No. 12 in Indiana by MaxPreps, Crown Point’s 2024 season was a testament to their grit and potential.

Who Are the Stars of Crown Point Football?

Crown Point’s roster is a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, each leaving their mark on the program.

• Larry Ellison – Senior Running Back

  • 2024 Stats: Over 1,500 rushing yards, 18 TDs, praised by Coach Buzea for his “phenomenal” play.

  • Impact: A workhorse with vision and burst, Ellison is a college prospect drawing attention.

• Carson Granger – Senior Linebacker

  • 2024 Stats: 90+ tackles, a leader on a defense that allowed just 13.5 points per game.

  • Legacy: His nickname “C. Grange” and relentless motor embody Bulldog toughness.

• Griffin Van Tichelt – Senior Quarterback

  • 2024 Stats: 2,200 passing yards, 20 TDs, known for clutch throws in tight games.

  • Future: A dual-threat leader with a knack for big moments, eyed by D-II programs.

These players, backed by a ferocious defense, keep Crown Point in the hunt.

What’s Crown Point’s Practice Schedule Like?

Success starts with sweat. Here’s Crown Point’s typical practice routine, aligned with IHSAA guidelines:

This rigorous schedule builds the Bulldogs’ physical and mental edge.

How Does Crown Point Prepare for Greatness?

Crown Point’s formula for success is a blend of coaching mastery, relentless training, and community passion.

Coaching Excellence

Head Coach Craig Buzea, named 2023 Colts/NFL Coach of the Week, brings decades of experience and a player-first mentality. His mantra—“The ball is so important they named the game after it”—instills discipline and focus.

Training That Forges Champions

• Offseason: Strength training and speed camps begin in June, building explosive power.

• In-Season: Daily practices hone precision, from play-action passes to blitz pickups.

• Film Room: Hours dissecting opponents give Crown Point a strategic edge.

Community Fuel

Bulldog Stadium draws 4,000+ fans per game, with tailgates and student sections creating an electric vibe. Local businesses sponsor the team, and alumni return to mentor players, reinforcing Crown Point’s football culture.

What Are Crown Point’s Fiercest Rivalries?

Rivalries ignite the Bulldogs’ season with extra stakes.

• Crown Point vs. Merrillville

  • 2024 Result: 28-21 win, a gritty battle that sealed conference bragging rights.

  • Why It Matters: A Northwest Indiana showdown, it’s a clash of titans with playoff implications.

• Crown Point vs. Valparaiso

  • History: The 2024 24-17 win kept Crown Point’s edge in this Duneland Athletic Conference feud.

  • Edge: The Bulldogs’ physicality often tips the scale.

How Can Fans Stay in the Loop?

Want to follow the Bulldogs? Here’s how:

• Live Streams: Watch on IHSAAtv.org or Hudl Fan.

• Scores: MaxPreps or NWI Times for real-time updates.

• Social: Follow @CPHSAthletics on X for highlights and buzz.

Tips for Aspiring Crown Point Players

Dreaming of wearing red and white? Here’s your playbook:

• Start Early: Join middle school teams like Taft or Wheeler.

• Stay Eligible: Maintain a 2.0 GPA per IHSAA rules.

• Show Grit: Attend summer camps and 7-on-7 events to catch coaches’ eyes.

Why Does Crown Point Football Matter?

Crown Point football is more than a sport—it’s a cornerstoneхай of community pride. The 1988 state title and recent near-misses inspire kids to dream big, unite families under the stadium lights, and keep Indiana’s football tradition alive. Every tackle, every touchdown, tells a story of perseverance.

Fun Fact

The 2023 semi-state win over Merrillville was sealed with a goal-line stand, dubbed by fans as “The Bulldog Wall.”

See Also: fballquery.com

Conclusion

The 2024 season ended one step shy of a state title, but Crown Point High School football’s fire burns brighter than ever. With stars like Larry Ellison, a mastermind in Coach Craig Buzea, and a town that lives for Friday nights, the Bulldogs are poised for more historic moments. They’re not just playing football—they’re building a legacy. Want to witness their next chapter? Grab a ticket, join the roar at Bulldog Stadium, and chant “How ‘bout them Bulldogs!” Go Crown Point!