Football fluctuations abundant with five ranked teams; big changes for four teams
By Al Stilley, Steve Page, Bob Kelly and Bob White
High school football will have a different look on the Southside this season.
Southport is without a conference after the demise of Conference Indiana, Greenwood moves into the new Hoosier Legends Conference and returns to 4A, Whiteland advances into 6A for the first time, and Greenwood Christian Academy drops into 8-man football.
Overall, the Southside remains strong with five ranked teams. Center Grove ranked co-No. 4, Franklin Central No. 11, and Decatur Central No. 16 in the pre-season coaches poll. Roncalli is No. 3 in 4A. Lutheran is No. 2 in 2A.
Greenwood, Perry Meridian, and Beech Grove should be vastly improved with more experience and depth.
On any given Friday night, Southsiders will find top talent on the field.
Quarterbacks Oscar Sloan at Center Grove, Jackson Schoch at Perry Meridian, and junior Bishop Moore at Beech Grove deserve plenty of attention. The Southside’s top running backs are Alex Jarvis at Roncalli, Leland Morton at Greenwood, and Ricky Lange, Jr. at Center Grove.
Franklin Central’s Jace Brewer, a Michigan commit, emerges as the top defensive lineman with JD Mitchell among the key d-backs. Top d-backs include Colton Ison at Decatur Central, Will Hegwood at Roncalli, and Peyton Buis at Southport. Leading linebackers are Hunter Harvey at Decatur Central, Carson Keller at Roncalli, and Trew Paxson at Center Grove.
Senior Dallas Cornpropst at Center Grove is the best kicker on the Southside with 104 PATs and 20 career field goals.
The games begin Friday night. Here’s the team-by-team outlook with last year’s records and player statistics:
High school football will have a different look on the Southside this season.
Southport is without a conference after the demise of Conference Indiana, Greenwood moves into the new Hoosier Legends Conference and returns to 4A, Whiteland advances into 6A for the first time, and Greenwood Christian Academy drops into 8-man football.
Overall, the Southside remains strong with five ranked teams. Center Grove ranked co-No. 4, Franklin Central No. 11, and Decatur Central No. 16 in the pre-season coaches poll. Roncalli is No. 3 in 4A. Lutheran is No. 2 in 2A.
Greenwood, Perry Meridian, and Beech Grove should be vastly improved with more experience and depth.
On any given Friday night, Southsiders will find top talent on the field.
Quarterbacks Oscar Sloan at Center Grove, Jackson Schoch at Perry Meridian, and junior Bishop Moore at Beech Grove deserve plenty of attention. The Southside’s top running backs are Alex Jarvis at Roncalli, Leland Morton at Greenwood, and Ricky Lange, Jr. at Center Grove.
Franklin Central’s Jace Brewer, a Michigan commit, emerges as the top defensive lineman with JD Mitchell among the key d-backs. Top d-backs include Colton Ison at Decatur Central, Will Hegwood at Roncalli, and Peyton Buis at Southport. Leading linebackers are Hunter Harvey at Decatur Central, Carson Keller at Roncalli, and Trew Paxson at Center Grove.
Senior Dallas Cornpropst at Center Grove is the best kicker on the Southside with 104 PATs and 20 career field goals.
The games begin Friday night. Here’s the team-by-team outlook with last year’s records and player statistics:
| CLASS 6A CENTER GROVE (10-2) At first glance, the Trojans collectively are not as big physically this season. Veteran coach Eric Moore grinned and said, “No, we’re tiny.” To run CG’s successful spread Wing-T with power, they will have to rely on quickness and speed. On defense, they will rely upon seasoned linebackers and d-backs. “We must develop quality depth,” said Moore after the Trojans won their 15th consecutive sectional last season with a team that graduated 31 seniors. “Our young players will have to step up just as our young players did last year to help us overcome so many injuries.” Although his pre-season comments were frank, do not show empathy over the Trojans who keep replacing big numbers year after year. This season will be no different as they return to the rugged MIC after a three-year absence. And the Trojans are ranked No.4 in 6A in the state coaches poll. “Yes, we’re happy about being back in the MIC,” contended senior linebacker Trew Paxson (127 tackles). CG has plenty of offensive firepower with junior quarterback Oscar Sloan (61.2 percent pass completions for 1,689 yards and 13 TDs) and running backs, juniors Ricky Lange (926 yards, 6.1 yards per carry, 12 TDs) and classmate Jayden Biggerstaff, and seniors Brodie Tilton 549 yards) and Hudson Winkler. Sloan can throw to wide receivers Roman Youngs, Rhys Oliver, and Eli Williams among others. The O-line averages around 250 pounds with seniors Mason Morrow, Parker Hutchins, and Linkin Coonce, junior Dominic Haines, and sophomores Marshall Tidd and Ben Cary. Fourth-year kicker Dallas Compropst brings familiarity and explosiveness averaging 50.4 yards per kickoff, 37.2 yards per punt, 51 of 53 PATs, and connecting on 15 field goals with the longest 51 yards. Defensively, there’s plenty of depth at linebacker with Paxson, Jackson Burnett and Nolan Bjerregaard, freshman Mason Heidelberger, and sophomore Blake Walker. D-backs also are deep with seniors Charlie Annee, Austin Dibbern, and Nathan Yoder (46 tackles), junior Ryan Mokaya, and soph Colt Siner. Defensive bookends up front are seniors Keaton Vangets (235 pounds) and Cam Linder (225) are linemen with Sloan (59 tackles) and Talon McFarland (215) on the line. “We don’t have a bunch of all-stars, but we do have some excellent skill players, and we have a great kicker,” Moore observed. “Overall, they have a great attitude, work ethic, and they know their roles.” CG will be tested early by opening against four ranked pre-season foes including co-No. 4 Warren Central on Friday at Ray Skillman Stadium. |  CG sophomore lineman Carson Sloan, left, returns with senior cornerback Jackson Burnett on defense. (SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY AL STILLEY)  CG linebacker Trew Paxson  Trojans have key returnees with, from left, quarterback Oscar Sloan, d-backs Ryan Mokaya and Nathan Yoder, and running back Brodie Tilton.  Veteran Trojans coach Eric Moore views practice from the sideline. |
After intercepting a Pike pass, Kendahl Berry races for the end zone as Hawk teammate Kenneth McClendon pursues the play during DC’s home scrimmage. (SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTO BY STEVE PAGE) DECATUR CENTRAL (9-3) The Hawks are in 6A for the second consecutive season. They continued their winning ways last year with a sectional championship before falling to eventual repeat state champion Brownsburg. DC must replace graduated quarterback Bo Poston, 1,059 yards passing, 11 TDs and 411 yards rushing, five TDs, now at Connecticut, and running back / linebacker Kazmir Hicks, 697 yards rushing for 11 TDs, now at Indiana University among eight grads playing college football.
Coach Kyle Enright returns with a bigger, stronger and faster group this season. DC has 26 seniors with limited experience with the nucleus for another run at Mid-State and sectional titles.
Returning veterans will lead the way. They include seniors wide receiver / running back Johnathan Rolling Jr., halfback / linebacker Colton Ison, running back / safety Hunter Harvey, lineman Jordyn Shanks, wide receiver / safety Bryson Hunter, wide receiver / d-back Emmanuel Owens, safety Troy Vanjelgerhuis, kicker Jackson Doney, tackle Elisha Johnson, defensive end Jayden Osborn, offensive guard Domanick Friend, and linebacker Cryshon Thomas.
Sophomore Ezekiel Hester most likely will be at quarterback.
Enright expects the Hawks to live up to high expectations again.
The Hawks open at Devere Fair Stadium against Avon.
Coach Kyle Enright returns with a bigger, stronger and faster group this season. DC has 26 seniors with limited experience with the nucleus for another run at Mid-State and sectional titles.
Returning veterans will lead the way. They include seniors wide receiver / running back Johnathan Rolling Jr., halfback / linebacker Colton Ison, running back / safety Hunter Harvey, lineman Jordyn Shanks, wide receiver / safety Bryson Hunter, wide receiver / d-back Emmanuel Owens, safety Troy Vanjelgerhuis, kicker Jackson Doney, tackle Elisha Johnson, defensive end Jayden Osborn, offensive guard Domanick Friend, and linebacker Cryshon Thomas.
Sophomore Ezekiel Hester most likely will be at quarterback.
Enright expects the Hawks to live up to high expectations again.
The Hawks open at Devere Fair Stadium against Avon.
Returnees for Franklin Central on offense include, from left, wide receiver Andrew Jimenez, halfback Keith Harmon, linemen Lucas Stiens, Brodie Eckerty, tight end Jayce Brewer, and quarterback Rian Frazier.
(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY AL STILLEY)
FRANKLIN CENTRAL (5-6) – The Flashes climbed over the hump in 2024 with their first winning season in the rugged Hoosier Crossroads Conference (4-3) and with a 6-4 overall mark. Then last year they came within seconds of another six-win season after pushing Center Grove to the brink in a 6A Sectional title game.
The Flashes graduated 26 seniors from last year’s team including quarterback Connor Moreland who threw for 162 yards and one TD and ran for a TD against the Trojans.
Sixth-year Flashes coach Jayson West reloads this time with several key returnees on offense and defense.
The defense is bolstered by senior Jayce Brewer (31 tackles, 2.5 sacks), a Michigan commit, at end and defensive back DJ Mitchell (31 tackles), a Miami (Ohio) commit. There is plenty of depth among defensive backs with Remell Moore, Bachir Sidibe, and Brayden Poulton (19 tackles).
Linebackers Beckett Draher (44 tackles) and Andrew Harmon (46, 3.5 sacks) return. Newcomer Anthony Moore moves into the defensive line.
The offense features Caiden Marsden, up from JV, at quarterback with running backs Ryan Frazier and Ezekiel Scruggs (Lawrence North transfer), h-back Keith Harmon, and Brodie Eckerty and Lucas Stiens up front. Junior Ethan Still and sophomore Jayden Bronson are new up front. Sophomores Levi Ridner and Zyere Torres are new wide receivers.
Look for sophs Zac Lutz and Jordan Brooks to split their time as wide receivers and running backs.
Newcomers must develop quickly and quality depth needs to be found early in the season.
The 6A No. 11 Flashes meet seven pre-season coaches poll opponents this season, opening against 6A No. 6 Plainfield.
Franklin Central’s defense is bolstered by linebackers Beckett Draher and Andrew Harmon and lineman Amarius Armstead.
Franklin Central key defenders include, from left, defensive backs Remell Moore and Bachir Sidibe, transfer lineman Anthony Moore, and linebackers Brayden Poulton and DJ Mitchell.
First-year coach Robert Patchett PERRY MERIDIAN (2-8) – Culture shock? Maybe not. But for Perry Meridian’s football team, something needs to be done.
That’s the thinking of first-year coach Robert Patchett as he takes over a team that won only two games last season. After losing to Franklin Central, the Falcons came back to rout Southport 42-0 and top Franklin Community 15-7. But they lost the rest of their games.
“If you can change the culture, then you improve,” said Patchett, who comes to Class 6A PMHS from Class A Taylor, which he improved from a one-win season to a sectional champion.
Now, he believes he can do the same at Perry Meridian.
It would appear Patchett has the tools.
“Jackson Schoch (6-2, 185 senior) is one of the top quarterbacks in Marion County,” Patchett said. “He’s a great athlete. He threw for more than 2,000 yards last year (2,035). I don’t know if anybody has a better quarterback in the county.”
According to their coach, three of the five linemen are NFL size. Two are juniors with not a lot of experience. They’re all 6-3, over 300 pounds.
“If they jell, we could be very good,” Patchett said.
They’ll be blocking for running back Carter Upshaw (5-10, 185 junior). Trey Darden (6-1,175 junior) returns as the top receiver (23 catches, 465 yards, 5 TD’s).
Patchett said much depends on his coaches.
“I have five coaches who have won state championships, two coached at the college level and two played in the NFL. Our staff looks very different this year. We have a lot of experience. We landed Tim Able (the former Decatur Central head coach). Darius Wills played in Europe. Scott Simmonds, our linebacker coach, does all the paperwork. I hope one of our strengths will be our coaching staff.”
One member is defensive coordinator Jalen Cushenberry.
“We’re rangy, with Alex Lane (6-4, 200 senior), our mike backer,” Cushenberry said. “The kid plays for the moment. He plays with passion and energy.”
Other defensive standouts are Omar Avina (5-11, 185 senior), Marcus Lewis (5-11, 190 senior), Wes Clary (6-2, 210 sophomore), Eli Addington (6-2, 255 senior), Entwan Morris (5-10, 160 junior), and Lucas Joubert (5-9, 170 junior).
“These are all the guys we’re excited about,” Cushenberry said.
For the record, the Falcons will run a spread offense and use a 3-4 defense.
They open at Beech Grove on Friday.
That’s the thinking of first-year coach Robert Patchett as he takes over a team that won only two games last season. After losing to Franklin Central, the Falcons came back to rout Southport 42-0 and top Franklin Community 15-7. But they lost the rest of their games.
“If you can change the culture, then you improve,” said Patchett, who comes to Class 6A PMHS from Class A Taylor, which he improved from a one-win season to a sectional champion.
Now, he believes he can do the same at Perry Meridian.
It would appear Patchett has the tools.
“Jackson Schoch (6-2, 185 senior) is one of the top quarterbacks in Marion County,” Patchett said. “He’s a great athlete. He threw for more than 2,000 yards last year (2,035). I don’t know if anybody has a better quarterback in the county.”
According to their coach, three of the five linemen are NFL size. Two are juniors with not a lot of experience. They’re all 6-3, over 300 pounds.
“If they jell, we could be very good,” Patchett said.
They’ll be blocking for running back Carter Upshaw (5-10, 185 junior). Trey Darden (6-1,175 junior) returns as the top receiver (23 catches, 465 yards, 5 TD’s).
Patchett said much depends on his coaches.
“I have five coaches who have won state championships, two coached at the college level and two played in the NFL. Our staff looks very different this year. We have a lot of experience. We landed Tim Able (the former Decatur Central head coach). Darius Wills played in Europe. Scott Simmonds, our linebacker coach, does all the paperwork. I hope one of our strengths will be our coaching staff.”
One member is defensive coordinator Jalen Cushenberry.
“We’re rangy, with Alex Lane (6-4, 200 senior), our mike backer,” Cushenberry said. “The kid plays for the moment. He plays with passion and energy.”
Other defensive standouts are Omar Avina (5-11, 185 senior), Marcus Lewis (5-11, 190 senior), Wes Clary (6-2, 210 sophomore), Eli Addington (6-2, 255 senior), Entwan Morris (5-10, 160 junior), and Lucas Joubert (5-9, 170 junior).
“These are all the guys we’re excited about,” Cushenberry said.
For the record, the Falcons will run a spread offense and use a 3-4 defense.
They open at Beech Grove on Friday.
Perry Meridian standouts include (from left) Ezekiel Sweet, Jaquan Stubbs, Omar Avina, Alex Lane, Eli Addington, Jackson Schoch, Ryland Abbott and Xavier Lambert.
(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTO BY STEVE PAGE)
(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTO BY STEVE PAGE)
Southport’s team consists of Mason Lancaster-Lynch, from left, Charles Ditchley, Jaden Wiggins, Jaydin Johnson, Josiah Bryant, Tristan Dudas, Tynell Tyler, Damian Jimenez, head coach Sean Little, Hein Sam, Aiden Wagner, Liam Wilson, Jamarious Burkett, Peyton Buis, Edgar Coronado, Aganze Mulumeoderwa, Brian Williams and Arthur Jones.
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)
SOUTHPORT (2-9) The Cardinals compete with no conference affiliation with the demise of Conference Indiana. Southport has a definite new look to its schedule with Terre Haute North as the only carryover opponent from the former league.
Coach Sean Little and the Cardinals are looking to improve an offense that was held scoreless in nine of 11 games last season and a defense that allowed 41.0 points per game.
Key returning starters include d-backs Peyton Buis, Tynell Tyler, linebackers Tristan Dudas, Aganze Mulumeoderwa, and defensive lineman Aiden Wagner. Running back Braiden Brummett returns with Liam Wilson at wide receiver.
Junior Mason Owens takes over as quarterback with new receivers Jaydin Johnson, Mason Mick, and lineman Damian Jimenez.
The Cardinals have several holes to fill while trying to develop some depth.
“We will be very young in the trenches this season,” Little said. “How they grow and learn will determine our success. They are backed up with a very experienced skill-player group behind them on both sides.”
New opponents include Tech, Crispus Attucks, Mt. Vernon (Fortville), Cincinnati Bacon, and Pendleton Heights.
The Cardinals open at home Friday against Franklin in a tune-up for the Battle of the Birds at Perry Meridian on Aug. 28.
Coach Sean Little and the Cardinals are looking to improve an offense that was held scoreless in nine of 11 games last season and a defense that allowed 41.0 points per game.
Key returning starters include d-backs Peyton Buis, Tynell Tyler, linebackers Tristan Dudas, Aganze Mulumeoderwa, and defensive lineman Aiden Wagner. Running back Braiden Brummett returns with Liam Wilson at wide receiver.
Junior Mason Owens takes over as quarterback with new receivers Jaydin Johnson, Mason Mick, and lineman Damian Jimenez.
The Cardinals have several holes to fill while trying to develop some depth.
“We will be very young in the trenches this season,” Little said. “How they grow and learn will determine our success. They are backed up with a very experienced skill-player group behind them on both sides.”
New opponents include Tech, Crispus Attucks, Mt. Vernon (Fortville), Cincinnati Bacon, and Pendleton Heights.
The Cardinals open at home Friday against Franklin in a tune-up for the Battle of the Birds at Perry Meridian on Aug. 28.
Whiteland’s Kyler Hardacre goes for a pass in Friday’s scrimmage. (Photo by doug.clements@ promotionphotos.com) WHITELAND (9-3) – Mid-State and sectional runner-up Warriors graduated 38 seniors from a team that won nine games last season. Whiteland goes into the new campaign as a 6A team due to enrollment growth and into a new sectional with powerhouse Center Grove, Columbus North, and Jeffersonville.
Veteran coach Darrin Fisher (20 years, 150-85-1) returns with three returning fulltime starters on offense with seniors, running back Braydon Yates (7.3 yards per carry), fullback Jared Guevara (11.0 yards per carry), and lineman Cristian Hayden (277 pounds) and one on defense, senior safety Kaiden Lee (64 tackles, three interceptions with a 53-yard TD).
“We have the privilege to coach a young team in 2026,” Fisher stated in his pre-season prospectus. “Our season will be a race to maturity.”
The Warriors also return with 13 lettermen. They include linemen, seniors Andrew Cochran and Anthony Montinard and juniors Elijah Hamlin and Landen Gibson. Seniors Luke Ramey, Carter Waalkens, and Noah Cook double as wide receivers and linebackers. Junior Brady Lipps goes at tight end and linebacker. Running backs /d-backs include juniors Makyre McGee, Liam Paul, Leydji Frederic and Awande Memani.
Among varsity newcomers, senior Athan Sturgill and junior Ruder Myers, are the signal-callers.
Quality depth is expected from a dozen Warriors up from a 6-3 JV team.
The Warriors schedule includes only three 6A teams, Columbus North, Decatur Central, and Perry Meridian, as they continue competition in the Mid-State Conference.
Fisher emphasizes that the Warriors will practice daily with “precision, passion, and relentlessness” so they are prepared to fight for more yardage in October and earn the opportunity to go deep in November. Even in Class 6A, those goals remain the same.
Whiteland opens Friday against Columbus North at James Sleighter Field, where the Warriors have a winning percentage of 71.8, 83 wins, 33 losses.
Veteran coach Darrin Fisher (20 years, 150-85-1) returns with three returning fulltime starters on offense with seniors, running back Braydon Yates (7.3 yards per carry), fullback Jared Guevara (11.0 yards per carry), and lineman Cristian Hayden (277 pounds) and one on defense, senior safety Kaiden Lee (64 tackles, three interceptions with a 53-yard TD).
“We have the privilege to coach a young team in 2026,” Fisher stated in his pre-season prospectus. “Our season will be a race to maturity.”
The Warriors also return with 13 lettermen. They include linemen, seniors Andrew Cochran and Anthony Montinard and juniors Elijah Hamlin and Landen Gibson. Seniors Luke Ramey, Carter Waalkens, and Noah Cook double as wide receivers and linebackers. Junior Brady Lipps goes at tight end and linebacker. Running backs /d-backs include juniors Makyre McGee, Liam Paul, Leydji Frederic and Awande Memani.
Among varsity newcomers, senior Athan Sturgill and junior Ruder Myers, are the signal-callers.
Quality depth is expected from a dozen Warriors up from a 6-3 JV team.
The Warriors schedule includes only three 6A teams, Columbus North, Decatur Central, and Perry Meridian, as they continue competition in the Mid-State Conference.
Fisher emphasizes that the Warriors will practice daily with “precision, passion, and relentlessness” so they are prepared to fight for more yardage in October and earn the opportunity to go deep in November. Even in Class 6A, those goals remain the same.
Whiteland opens Friday against Columbus North at James Sleighter Field, where the Warriors have a winning percentage of 71.8, 83 wins, 33 losses.
CLASS 4A
BEECH GROVE (7-4) Bishop Moore, returning starters and defense – those could be the keys to an improving Beech Grove football team.
Moore, a 6-7, 220-pound junior, returns as quarterback after completing 130 of 216 passes for 1,876 yards and 18 TDs last season.
And according to third-year coach Rajshawn Mosley, that’s just the start as the Hornets look to improve again this year after finishing fifth in the Hoosier Legends Conference at 2-3.
The Hornets return 11 starters on defense and nine of 11 on offense.
“In my first year, we had 50 on the roster. Now, we’re up to 75,” Mosley said. “Our defense is our strength. They set the tone with their aggressiveness. They set the tone, definitely.”
That defense also received some unexpected help.
“We lost our middle linebacker to graduation, but we got a transfer, David Lepper (6-0, 190 senior), from Chatard,” Mosley said. “He’s filling the role. Everybody else is returning, so we’ll be stronger.”
Thanks in no small part to his coaches.
Among Hornets expected to bolster the defense are Tenauri Woods (5-11, 180 senior) who plays defensive back and wide receiver. He intercepted five passes last year. There is also Tyler Hixon (6-1, 335 senior), BJ Mastin (5-9, 165 junior), Justin Carver (6-0, 215 junior), Justin Stewart (5-8, 170 senior), and Hayden Wright (6-0, 170 senior), who returns after being injured last year.
“We have two Division I returnees who are big, athletic safeties,” Mosley said. “The line is disciplined. We gave up 17 points a game last year. We’re looking to improve on that.
“Offensively, we will get better up front. We return nine of 11 starters. Our line is just a lot better. We’ve improved every spot on the roster.”
Those of size on the line include Carlos Moore (6-1, 245 junior), Joel Graves (6-3, 205 junior), Kamarion Edmonds (5-6, 200 junior), Antwain Mosley (5-11, 234 sophomore), Anton Amos Jr. 6-2, 220 senior), Tripp Tully (6-2, 200 sophomore), Jadon Howard (6-3, 215 senior), Brandon Garcia (5-9, 265 senior), Kaden Sanders (6-1, 231 junior), Peyton Griffith (5-10, 230 sophomore), Dylan Lee (5-10, 317 senior), Camare Lockett (5-9, 249 junior), Jacob McFerron (6-0, 235 freshman), Braxton Garrigus (6-0, 235 freshman), Braxton Mendoza (5-9, 210 freshman), Justin Carver Jr. (6-2, 210 junior), Nixon Curtis (5-9, 287 freshman), Corbin Micks (6-3,235 sophomore), William Spellman Jr. (6-1, 285 senior), Da’ron Cole (6-3, 344 sophomore), Kendall Seabolt (5-7, 261 sophomore) and Tyquez Morris (6-2, 200 freshman).
Mosley summarized, saying, “Now, if we get them focused, get them lasered, we’ll make some noise in Indiana.”
The 4A Hornets open Friday against 6A Perry Meridian in a Southside duel.
BEECH GROVE (7-4) Bishop Moore, returning starters and defense – those could be the keys to an improving Beech Grove football team.
Moore, a 6-7, 220-pound junior, returns as quarterback after completing 130 of 216 passes for 1,876 yards and 18 TDs last season.
And according to third-year coach Rajshawn Mosley, that’s just the start as the Hornets look to improve again this year after finishing fifth in the Hoosier Legends Conference at 2-3.
The Hornets return 11 starters on defense and nine of 11 on offense.
“In my first year, we had 50 on the roster. Now, we’re up to 75,” Mosley said. “Our defense is our strength. They set the tone with their aggressiveness. They set the tone, definitely.”
That defense also received some unexpected help.
“We lost our middle linebacker to graduation, but we got a transfer, David Lepper (6-0, 190 senior), from Chatard,” Mosley said. “He’s filling the role. Everybody else is returning, so we’ll be stronger.”
Thanks in no small part to his coaches.
Among Hornets expected to bolster the defense are Tenauri Woods (5-11, 180 senior) who plays defensive back and wide receiver. He intercepted five passes last year. There is also Tyler Hixon (6-1, 335 senior), BJ Mastin (5-9, 165 junior), Justin Carver (6-0, 215 junior), Justin Stewart (5-8, 170 senior), and Hayden Wright (6-0, 170 senior), who returns after being injured last year.
“We have two Division I returnees who are big, athletic safeties,” Mosley said. “The line is disciplined. We gave up 17 points a game last year. We’re looking to improve on that.
“Offensively, we will get better up front. We return nine of 11 starters. Our line is just a lot better. We’ve improved every spot on the roster.”
Those of size on the line include Carlos Moore (6-1, 245 junior), Joel Graves (6-3, 205 junior), Kamarion Edmonds (5-6, 200 junior), Antwain Mosley (5-11, 234 sophomore), Anton Amos Jr. 6-2, 220 senior), Tripp Tully (6-2, 200 sophomore), Jadon Howard (6-3, 215 senior), Brandon Garcia (5-9, 265 senior), Kaden Sanders (6-1, 231 junior), Peyton Griffith (5-10, 230 sophomore), Dylan Lee (5-10, 317 senior), Camare Lockett (5-9, 249 junior), Jacob McFerron (6-0, 235 freshman), Braxton Garrigus (6-0, 235 freshman), Braxton Mendoza (5-9, 210 freshman), Justin Carver Jr. (6-2, 210 junior), Nixon Curtis (5-9, 287 freshman), Corbin Micks (6-3,235 sophomore), William Spellman Jr. (6-1, 285 senior), Da’ron Cole (6-3, 344 sophomore), Kendall Seabolt (5-7, 261 sophomore) and Tyquez Morris (6-2, 200 freshman).
Mosley summarized, saying, “Now, if we get them focused, get them lasered, we’ll make some noise in Indiana.”
The 4A Hornets open Friday against 6A Perry Meridian in a Southside duel.
Beech Grove standout players include (from left) front row: Kordell Martin, Tenauri Woods and Chris Rice; back row: Joel Graves, BJ Masting, Tiyon Sibande, Bishop Moore, David Lepper, Tyler Hixon, Mike Renfro and Hayden Wright.
(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTO BY STEVE PAGE)
GREENWOOD (2-8) A charter member of the Mid-State Conference, the Woodmen enter the new season in a new conference and as a Class 4A team.
Greenwood moves forward with several defensive returnees but a lot of holes to fill on offense.
“We are deeper than we’ve ever been on defense,” fourth-year coach Justin Boser said. “Depth is something we’ve lacked each season, but we have several returning linemen, linebackers, and d-backs we can count on.”
D-line returnees are senior Ajay Weathers and Aiden Morton with newcomers, sophomore Aidyn Wiley and junior Damion Foster with depth from younger players. Linebackers are returnees senior James Hurley and junior Damyan Hernandez with depth from sophomore Trentyn Breeding, juniors George Russell, Asher Laymon and newcomer Toby Randall. Seniors Mattux Miller and Duncan Warren are returning d-back starters.
Offense is a different story with only one returning lineman, junior Parker Cook. And replacements must be found for graduated quarterback Ayden Houseman and running back Gunner Ruppert.
“We will have four new starters (o-line),” Boser said. “There are battles for those four positions and I expect that to go on throughout the season.”
In pre-season practices, junior Brady Smith and sophomore Caleb Ollanketo were battling to start at quarterback with plenty of returning receivers. Senior Benjamin Hommell leads the pack with junior Jackson Davis, senior Parker Chance and Parker Jarboe. Leland Morton (601 yards, 3 TDs) starts at tailback with Breeding in reserve.
Boser took advantage of having the Woodmen play in all five allotted off-season scrimmages for the first time during the off-season.
“We are in a really strong conference,” Boser said of the new Hoosier Legends Conference. “It doesn’t change how we prepare ourselves. We have to stay healthy and stay away from late season attrition that has affected us in the past.”
The Woodmen open at home Friday against Seymour.
Greenwood moves forward with several defensive returnees but a lot of holes to fill on offense.
“We are deeper than we’ve ever been on defense,” fourth-year coach Justin Boser said. “Depth is something we’ve lacked each season, but we have several returning linemen, linebackers, and d-backs we can count on.”
D-line returnees are senior Ajay Weathers and Aiden Morton with newcomers, sophomore Aidyn Wiley and junior Damion Foster with depth from younger players. Linebackers are returnees senior James Hurley and junior Damyan Hernandez with depth from sophomore Trentyn Breeding, juniors George Russell, Asher Laymon and newcomer Toby Randall. Seniors Mattux Miller and Duncan Warren are returning d-back starters.
Offense is a different story with only one returning lineman, junior Parker Cook. And replacements must be found for graduated quarterback Ayden Houseman and running back Gunner Ruppert.
“We will have four new starters (o-line),” Boser said. “There are battles for those four positions and I expect that to go on throughout the season.”
In pre-season practices, junior Brady Smith and sophomore Caleb Ollanketo were battling to start at quarterback with plenty of returning receivers. Senior Benjamin Hommell leads the pack with junior Jackson Davis, senior Parker Chance and Parker Jarboe. Leland Morton (601 yards, 3 TDs) starts at tailback with Breeding in reserve.
Boser took advantage of having the Woodmen play in all five allotted off-season scrimmages for the first time during the off-season.
“We are in a really strong conference,” Boser said of the new Hoosier Legends Conference. “It doesn’t change how we prepare ourselves. We have to stay healthy and stay away from late season attrition that has affected us in the past.”
The Woodmen open at home Friday against Seymour.
Greenwood has several returnees who are adept on offense and defense, including, from left, front, Parker Cook, Leland Morton, Brady Smith, Jackson Davis, back row, Parker Jarboe, Benjamin Hommell, and Parker Chance.
(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY AL STILLEY)
(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY AL STILLEY)
Key players for Greenwood on defense are, from left, Mattux Miller, James Hurley, Ajay Weathers, Duncan Warren, and Aiden Morton.
RONCALLI (11-4) – Just One More Win is the mantra for the Royals after falling to Ft. Wayne Dwenger 36-29 in the 4A IHSAA championship game.
“There is no shortage of motivation,” third-year coach Sam Otley said. “How we ended the season set the tone for the off-season and how we prepared for this season. They want to win and they want to do it together.”
Otley must replace graduated quarterback Collin Ash, 115 completions for 1,993 yards and 18 TDs plus 129 carries for 1,070 yards and 25 TDs. Senior 5-11 Kallen Stahley and 6-5 junior Dane Burton are at the head of the line at QB. The spread option offense features senior running back Alex Jarvis (150 carries, 844 yards, 10 TDs and 11 catches for 635 yards and five TDs) and Carson Keller. Top returning receivers include tight end Luke Roeder (40 receptions, 762 yards, 10 TDs), Mikey Dillon, and Caleb Mauer. Roeder also doubles on the d-line.
The d-line includes senior Nolan Denney (48 tackles with 10 for losses), Legend Williams, and junior Charley Neu.
The Royals are strong at linebackers and defensive backs.
Senior Will Hegwood (93 tackles, three interceptions), Jaxson Lawson, Brody Runion, and Ryan Douglas headline the d-backs.
Linebackers are Keller (103 tackles) Roeder, and Dom Cromer.
Burton will handle the kicking chores.
The Royals, owners of 10 state championships, expect to continue their regained lustre from last year.
Otley hopes to avoid the slow starts (1-2) from each of the past two seasons that are not by design.
“It’s how we develop on the field through adversity and we’ve played against some talented teams that identifies our weaknesses,” Otley said. “When you do start slow you have to get better and be able to make a run.”
Otley, a former Roncalli standout, added, “We have a fair amount of experience on both sides of the ball. A lot of guys have played meaningful downs and our young guys will develop quickly.”
“We’ve had high-energy practices,” he concluded. “It’s fun to coach these guys.”
The Royals open Friday with their longest of five road trips with a state finals rematch at Ft. Wayne Dwenger. Roncalli’s first home game is Sept. 18 against neighbor Franklin Central.
“There is no shortage of motivation,” third-year coach Sam Otley said. “How we ended the season set the tone for the off-season and how we prepared for this season. They want to win and they want to do it together.”
Otley must replace graduated quarterback Collin Ash, 115 completions for 1,993 yards and 18 TDs plus 129 carries for 1,070 yards and 25 TDs. Senior 5-11 Kallen Stahley and 6-5 junior Dane Burton are at the head of the line at QB. The spread option offense features senior running back Alex Jarvis (150 carries, 844 yards, 10 TDs and 11 catches for 635 yards and five TDs) and Carson Keller. Top returning receivers include tight end Luke Roeder (40 receptions, 762 yards, 10 TDs), Mikey Dillon, and Caleb Mauer. Roeder also doubles on the d-line.
The d-line includes senior Nolan Denney (48 tackles with 10 for losses), Legend Williams, and junior Charley Neu.
The Royals are strong at linebackers and defensive backs.
Senior Will Hegwood (93 tackles, three interceptions), Jaxson Lawson, Brody Runion, and Ryan Douglas headline the d-backs.
Linebackers are Keller (103 tackles) Roeder, and Dom Cromer.
Burton will handle the kicking chores.
The Royals, owners of 10 state championships, expect to continue their regained lustre from last year.
Otley hopes to avoid the slow starts (1-2) from each of the past two seasons that are not by design.
“It’s how we develop on the field through adversity and we’ve played against some talented teams that identifies our weaknesses,” Otley said. “When you do start slow you have to get better and be able to make a run.”
Otley, a former Roncalli standout, added, “We have a fair amount of experience on both sides of the ball. A lot of guys have played meaningful downs and our young guys will develop quickly.”
“We’ve had high-energy practices,” he concluded. “It’s fun to coach these guys.”
The Royals open Friday with their longest of five road trips with a state finals rematch at Ft. Wayne Dwenger. Roncalli’s first home game is Sept. 18 against neighbor Franklin Central.
Roncalli returns with seasoned Royals on defense, from left, front, Carson Keller, Jaxson Lawson, back, Nolan Denney, Dom Cromer, Ryder Douglas, and Will Hegwood.
Ready to lead Roncalli’s offense are, from left, Alex Jarvis, Kallen Stahley, Luke Roeder, Luke Riley, and Mikey Dillon.
CLASS 2A
CHRISTEL HOUSE MANUAL (0-9) Winless last season, second-year coach Brent Ash returns with a nucleus of a dozen players. Last win for the program came in 2020 against Bowman Academy before Manual combined with Christel House as an innovative IPS school. The Eagles have not competed in the playoffs for the past two seasons. This is a program in dire need of reviving the Redskins legacy.
CHRISTEL HOUSE MANUAL (0-9) Winless last season, second-year coach Brent Ash returns with a nucleus of a dozen players. Last win for the program came in 2020 against Bowman Academy before Manual combined with Christel House as an innovative IPS school. The Eagles have not competed in the playoffs for the past two seasons. This is a program in dire need of reviving the Redskins legacy.
LUTHERAN (11-2) It’s business as usual with the Saints gathering to fill holes left by seniors from last year’s 11-2 team that moved into the 2A playoffs. Key losses were running back Hudson Mills, quarterback Mason Shrum and kicker Dax Locklear.
Lutheran has several returning Saints to build upon as the season progresses.
“We’re still sorting things out,” Pasch said last week. “One group graduates and another group moves up. ‘Plug and play,’ always about player development and improving one week at a time.”
Pasch added, “We’re still working on finding our identity.”
Lutheran is deep in linemen, linebackers and d-backs.
Senior Logan Kennerk (265 pounds) leads the returning linemen with classmates Marc MacKay, Eli Lecher, Christian Hall, and Corbin West plus junior Isaiah Moses and sophomores Ryder Vleck and Jackson Vaught.
The Saints are deep with returning linebackers and d-backs including Hall, West, Vaught, Mason Linehan, and Kelan Ford.
Returning combo d-backs and wide receivers include Trent Whyde, Rodney Freeman, Braylon Ridner, Tyler Schultz, Chase Brumback, and CJ Crawley.
On offense, senior Colton Bonds and junior Austin Ridenour are battling to start at quarterback. Bonds also is a strong safety. Ridner is the lone returning running back with senior Parker Rodriquez slotted for the backfield.
Kicking chores will go to either junior Will Fox or sophomore Luke Duncan.
The Saints have plenty of younger varsity players who may fill some of the open spots and add much-needed depth.
Lutheran’s football tradition is solid with three state, four semistate, nine regional and 12 sectional championships.
“We have sustainability and that’s hard to do,” Pasch said. “There are a lot of variables in this world of football. That’s why I’m not a prognosticator. We’re always trying to adapt, but the recipe we use seems to have worked for us so we’re not going to deviate.”
Pasch has added Indiana Hall of Fame coach Mike Gillin, who retired as a head coach at the end of 2025, as offense coach for quarterbacks. Pasch was an assistant for Gillin in 1993 at Decatur Central.
Lutheran is ranked No. 2 in 2A in the pre-season coaches poll.
The Saints open Friday at Crispus Attucks.
Lutheran has several returning Saints to build upon as the season progresses.
“We’re still sorting things out,” Pasch said last week. “One group graduates and another group moves up. ‘Plug and play,’ always about player development and improving one week at a time.”
Pasch added, “We’re still working on finding our identity.”
Lutheran is deep in linemen, linebackers and d-backs.
Senior Logan Kennerk (265 pounds) leads the returning linemen with classmates Marc MacKay, Eli Lecher, Christian Hall, and Corbin West plus junior Isaiah Moses and sophomores Ryder Vleck and Jackson Vaught.
The Saints are deep with returning linebackers and d-backs including Hall, West, Vaught, Mason Linehan, and Kelan Ford.
Returning combo d-backs and wide receivers include Trent Whyde, Rodney Freeman, Braylon Ridner, Tyler Schultz, Chase Brumback, and CJ Crawley.
On offense, senior Colton Bonds and junior Austin Ridenour are battling to start at quarterback. Bonds also is a strong safety. Ridner is the lone returning running back with senior Parker Rodriquez slotted for the backfield.
Kicking chores will go to either junior Will Fox or sophomore Luke Duncan.
The Saints have plenty of younger varsity players who may fill some of the open spots and add much-needed depth.
Lutheran’s football tradition is solid with three state, four semistate, nine regional and 12 sectional championships.
“We have sustainability and that’s hard to do,” Pasch said. “There are a lot of variables in this world of football. That’s why I’m not a prognosticator. We’re always trying to adapt, but the recipe we use seems to have worked for us so we’re not going to deviate.”
Pasch has added Indiana Hall of Fame coach Mike Gillin, who retired as a head coach at the end of 2025, as offense coach for quarterbacks. Pasch was an assistant for Gillin in 1993 at Decatur Central.
Lutheran is ranked No. 2 in 2A in the pre-season coaches poll.
The Saints open Friday at Crispus Attucks.
Lutheran seniors, from left, front, Chas Brumback, Kelan Ford, Parker Rodriguez, back row, Marc MacKay, Christian Hall, and Logan Kennerk anchor the Saints.
SCECINA MEMORIAL (5-5) Crusaders improved last year with five wins after a three win season in 2023 under coach Dan Harris. More progress is expected this season.
Eleven combined starters return on offense and defense. Senior quarterback Bryce McDonald (1,990 yards passing and 31 TDs) leads the offense. Senior running back Gavin Connel (578 yards, four TDs) provides a groud option on offense and strength on defense with 73 tackles last season. Tristan Brown is another quality two-way player who caught 68 passes and made 40 tackles.
This is a talented Crusaders team that seeks its first sectional title since 2021 and can go deep in the playoffs.
Scecina, a member of the Indiana Crossroads Conference, is hungry for more trophies. The Crusaders open Friday at Fort Wayne Concordia.
Eleven combined starters return on offense and defense. Senior quarterback Bryce McDonald (1,990 yards passing and 31 TDs) leads the offense. Senior running back Gavin Connel (578 yards, four TDs) provides a groud option on offense and strength on defense with 73 tackles last season. Tristan Brown is another quality two-way player who caught 68 passes and made 40 tackles.
This is a talented Crusaders team that seeks its first sectional title since 2021 and can go deep in the playoffs.
Scecina, a member of the Indiana Crossroads Conference, is hungry for more trophies. The Crusaders open Friday at Fort Wayne Concordia.
EIGHT-MAN
GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (2-8) After dramatically growing a new program for four years, the Cougars have hit a temporary road bump.
GCA was winless in its first Indiana Crossroads campaign last year but lost 10 players who graduated from building a program from the ground up including quarterback Trey Dobson (2,086 yards and 24 TDs passing with five more rushing TDs). He is playing at Evangel University in Missouri.
Forced to reload this season, program founder and coach Andre Dobson has only 13 players that pushes the Cougars into playing 8-man football with a completely revamped schedule.
“This is not where we thought we would be with numbers,” coach Dobson said. “We are thankful that we have 8-man football because that will keep the program going for us.
“The key word about the players we have is toughness. These kids want to play football, they love the game of football, they love the physicality, and, quite honestly, these are the guys we want to coach.”
The Cougars have eight linemen with seniors Riley Rand, Caleb McKinley (20 tackles), Alex Butts, and Matthew Burton (18 tackles), and freshmen Max Arnold, Malyk Madison, and Mason Shambarger. Burton can line up at tight end and defensive end. Arnold can move to linebacker.
GCA goes with juniors running back Landon Henninger and wide receiver Cason Newkirk also are linebackers.
Sophomore Levi McKinley succeeds Dobson at quarterback and is a linebacker.
GCA’s middle school will field an 8-man team with expectations to grow the program into the high school for the return of 11-man football in 2027. Nine teams in the state have 8-man football teams.
The Cougars open Saturday against Indiana Deaf School at the Beech Grove Middle School football field.
GREENWOOD CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (2-8) After dramatically growing a new program for four years, the Cougars have hit a temporary road bump.
GCA was winless in its first Indiana Crossroads campaign last year but lost 10 players who graduated from building a program from the ground up including quarterback Trey Dobson (2,086 yards and 24 TDs passing with five more rushing TDs). He is playing at Evangel University in Missouri.
Forced to reload this season, program founder and coach Andre Dobson has only 13 players that pushes the Cougars into playing 8-man football with a completely revamped schedule.
“This is not where we thought we would be with numbers,” coach Dobson said. “We are thankful that we have 8-man football because that will keep the program going for us.
“The key word about the players we have is toughness. These kids want to play football, they love the game of football, they love the physicality, and, quite honestly, these are the guys we want to coach.”
The Cougars have eight linemen with seniors Riley Rand, Caleb McKinley (20 tackles), Alex Butts, and Matthew Burton (18 tackles), and freshmen Max Arnold, Malyk Madison, and Mason Shambarger. Burton can line up at tight end and defensive end. Arnold can move to linebacker.
GCA goes with juniors running back Landon Henninger and wide receiver Cason Newkirk also are linebackers.
Sophomore Levi McKinley succeeds Dobson at quarterback and is a linebacker.
GCA’s middle school will field an 8-man team with expectations to grow the program into the high school for the return of 11-man football in 2027. Nine teams in the state have 8-man football teams.
The Cougars open Saturday against Indiana Deaf School at the Beech Grove Middle School football field.
Ready for a new but different season with eight-man football are linemen, from left, Alex Butts, Zack Butts, Max Arnold, Mason Shambarger, Malyk Madison, and Caleb McKinley.
(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY AL STILLEY)
(SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY AL STILLEY)
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