HIGH SCHOOL

Cardinal Ritter, which has 2 wins in past 2 seasons, names Levar Johnson football coach

Kyle Neddenriep
Indianapolis Star
  • Ritter is coming off back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 2001 and '02.
  • Brad Purcell resigned after going 2-18 the past two seasons.

Cardinal Ritter announced a change at the top of its football program Friday with the hiring of Levar Johnson as coach.

Brad Purcell resigned after compiling a 2-18 record the past two seasons. Ritter athletic director Dave Scott said Purcell was planning to spend more time with his family and find a position closer to his home in Fishers.

New Cardinal Ritter head coach Levar Johnson

In Johnson, Ritter is hiring a coach that is familiar with the program. Johnson worked on Purcell’s staff during this season’s 1-8 campaign as the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach and also coached running backs and receivers. Johnson has 19 years of experience coaching high school football, including 14 in Elkhart and four at Guerin Catholic.

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“We feel that coach Johnson is the perfect fit at Cardinal Ritter High School,” Scott said. "His knowledge, background and football connections paired with our football players’ familiarity with him made this an easy decision. Anytime you can get someone that has experienced working with NFL and high-level collegiate players to work with the student-athletes at the school, you have to jump at those prospects.”

Johnson, who has also coached track and field, basketball and middle school football, has 35 years of coaching experience. He is also the co-founder and owner of InFocus Sports Training, which focuses on quarterback training of all levels.

Ty Hunt stepped down after the 2020 season, ending a 15-year run as coach with three state championships. The Raiders have five state championships total (Class A in 1977, 2003 and 2008 and 2A in 2013 and 2016). Ritter is coming off back-to-back losing seasons for the first time since 2001 and '02.

Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.