This past weekend, North Central faced off against a top-ten team in the state, Warren Central. Although NC lost the game, the student section cherished a small win when they got ranked in “The Zone Banner: AC’s top 8 for Week 5.”
The AC Zone Banner is awarded by Anthony Calhoun with WISH-TV and given to the student section who they feel brings the most energy. Bishop Chatard won the 2023 banner, defeating Hamilton Southeastern in the final.
WISH-TV goes to 22 high school football games every Friday night and chooses from the schools that have the most spirit. The AC zone banner has been around for 10 years, but NC has never won it.
“I don’t think we should be in the top 8, I think we should be 1st,” student section leader Conrad Gehlhausen said.
Juniors Molly Reffett, Grady Koschnick, Gabe Grosfeld, Claire McKay, Caroline Danielson, and Paige Hatfield created the banners.”
The banners read “Make ‘Em See Stars” and “Party in the USA.” WISH-TV decides who has the most spirit by choosing the most creative banners hung up by the school’s student sections.
Students are excited to be recognized for their school spirit.
“I think it’s cool we were nominated, I would definitely say we deserved it,” freshman Sydney Veatch said.
Freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors all participated in showing up to the game and showing their school spirit by dressing in USA colors, painting designs, throwing glitter and chanting.
Chatard, Westfield and Fishers have appeared 3 times in the top 8 for the past 3 weeks. Guerin Catholic, Zionsville and Roncalli made their 2nd appearances during week 3.
Franklin and NC appeared for the 1st time in the top 8 for the past 3 weeks, knocking Center Grove and the 2023 runners-up, Hamilton Southeastern, out.
“The student section gives us energy and motivates us to play better,” senior outside linebacker Zion Cain said.
“To get the student section hype, I yell as loud as I can to the point where my throat hurts.” Gehlhausen said.
The student section leaders have been pushing the students to be more energetic so we can accomplish our ranking.
High schools around Indianapolis have already started showing interest in the banner by tagging @acwewantthebanner on Instagram. With much of the season left, the fight for the 2024 banner is just beginning.
