SOUTHSIDER VOICE PHOTOS BY AL STILLEY Another big season is expected from Center Grove standouts, from left, junior running back Carson Steele, tight end Garrett Keith, and junior linebacker Trey Clark.
Center Grove has senior linemen to guide the Trojans’ wing-T offense and stout defense, from left, Devon Rodriguez, Kevin Grider, Will Hubrecht, Luke Piper, Ethan Crowe, Drew Steimel, Andrew Warner, Chris Fulmer, Bryce Murphy and Andrew Veteto.
(9-4) – Trojans missed 11th trip to state title game by mere inches in semistate loss to Warren Central … Coach Eric Moore (188-66) in 21st year at CG …graduation losses left d-line holes … returning starters include center/D1 prospect Ethan Crowe, 6-5, 305 pounds; guard Luke Piper, 6-4, 285; vastly improved tackle Drew Steimel, 6-5, 300 … interchangeable parts on o-line with Brayden Sturm and Caden Frieden, soph Jordan Cox and Bryce Murphy … o-line can show different looks … 6-4 Garrett Keith at tight end with quick Jordan Veith at split end … strong backfield features junior Carson Steele (career, 3,973 yards rushing, 6.2 yards per carry, 49 touchdowns) with Daniel Weems, Jaylon Goins, soph Mitchell Evans and soph running back/sprinter Brandon Wheat … versatile junior Connor Delp adds explosiveness to backfield … soph quarterback Tayvon Jackson backed by transfer Nathan McCahill and Harrison Luck, a senior receiver … on defense, linebackers Cody Robinson, third-year starter Gabe Boyd, Jackson Schott and Tre Clark return … junior corners Matt Soderdahl and Dane Young add athleticism with Max Baker at safety with Schott … d-line features Cayden Curry, Austin Booker, Mossu Ogega and Gage Gosnell … open against four rugged foes.
Coach’s comments: “Our schedule sets us up for some challenges to begin with, but that stretch lets us find out the true character of our kids. We seem to improve after those early games – if we are healthy. I don’t worry about wins and losses as much as I do about our health after those games. I’d rather be lucky and healthy, more than anything. We have three returning starters on the offensive line who are bigger and stronger than last year. On offense, the presence of Carson Steele in the backfield helps us and forces teams to do things differently than normal. Our offensive line – biggest we’ve had – has size, strength and mobility. Our offense isn’t sexy, but it is something that our bantam league teams can run parts of it. We may not be fun to watch, but we know how to protect our backs and get them loose. Yes, we want to throw the football, but we want to be able to have a system that can run the football. That’s what makes our offense so much fun; it’s like they have been in beginning math and they move up to algebra. No one else wants to play Warren Central, Carmel, New Palestine and Ben Davis early. It keeps the kids tuned in and we can give it our ‘A’ game. Our players are invested because every game on our schedule is important.”
Coach’s comments: “Our schedule sets us up for some challenges to begin with, but that stretch lets us find out the true character of our kids. We seem to improve after those early games – if we are healthy. I don’t worry about wins and losses as much as I do about our health after those games. I’d rather be lucky and healthy, more than anything. We have three returning starters on the offensive line who are bigger and stronger than last year. On offense, the presence of Carson Steele in the backfield helps us and forces teams to do things differently than normal. Our offensive line – biggest we’ve had – has size, strength and mobility. Our offense isn’t sexy, but it is something that our bantam league teams can run parts of it. We may not be fun to watch, but we know how to protect our backs and get them loose. Yes, we want to throw the football, but we want to be able to have a system that can run the football. That’s what makes our offense so much fun; it’s like they have been in beginning math and they move up to algebra. No one else wants to play Warren Central, Carmel, New Palestine and Ben Davis early. It keeps the kids tuned in and we can give it our ‘A’ game. Our players are invested because every game on our schedule is important.”
Center Grove has senior defensive line standouts, from left, ends LJ Weems, Alex Devaney, Gage Gosnell, Kyler Johnson and Kaleb Beisel.
Center Grove’s senior defensive backs are with senior manager Sam Petty, far right. The senior Trojans are, from left, safety Peyton Cangany, linebackers Gabe Boyd and Cody Robinson, safety Max Baker, cornerback Kody Quintana and safety Devon Mathena.
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