By The Waterboy
Contributing Water
The Waterboy is a young and enthusiastic fan of both high-quality H2O and Indiana high school football who has been kind enough to share his insights with us for the upcoming 2008 season. Sound off on his thoughts and predictions via the link at the bottom of this story!
Talented teams abound in Class 2A, especially in Sectionals 27 and 30 where three teams each make the 2A Top 10 each. Other teams are just as hungry to unseat Fort Wayne Luers, however, so here we go …
The North Putnam Cougars top off the list as new coach Greg Barrett takes over a roster loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Griffen Dahlstrohm returns for his senior year, and he will be throwing to Jarrett Ban and Kyle Alcorn. On defense, the line will put up some stiff resistance, led by defensive end Alex Lance and defensive tackle Seth Vandersaar.
The last time the Jimtown Jimmies took the field without legendary coach Bill Sharpe, Jimmy Carter was sitting in the Oval Office. Now that new coach Mike Campbell has taken over, he has the job of getting his squad back to championship form – and his roster is capable of doing just that. The defense is led by seven returning starters, including defensive backs Jeremy Hill and Josh Ruben. Ruben will also be calling the signals for the offense this year as the Jimmies look to capture their first state crown since 2005.
Fort Wayne Luers, the defending 2A state champion, might have lost a step or two to graduation, but the Knights are by no means in a rebuilding phase this season. QB Quinn Schafer will once again lead the offense, with running back Ryan Eifrid next to him in the backfield. Linebacker Tyquan Hammock, who is without question one of the top defensive players in the state, will be among eight returning starters for the Knights.
The Speedway Sparkplugs return 16 starters and a mentality of unfinished business. After going 8-3 in 2007 – with two of the losses coming to West Central Conference and Sectional 30 foe North Putnam – coach Denny Pelley’s squad is perfectly capable of competing in one of the state’s toughest sectionals. QB Kyle Linville will take over for the graduated Ethan Bartel, while RBs Jaron Avance and Eric Law will lead the ground attack.
Is this the year for Rochester? Coach Mark Miller has consistently fielded great football teams in the regular season but, for one reason or another, the Zebras seem to have trouble making the transition to the state tournament, having failed to make it out of their sectional since 2000. After going 9-0 in the regular season in 2007, the Zebras’ season once again ended prematurely with a 28-14 loss to Cass in the Sectional 26 opener. QB Brody Schen will once again be under center for the offense, while Jason Smith will anchor the D-line at end.
Evansville Mater Dei will have to replace a lot of starters from last year, but RB Brent Weinzapfel will be there to help lead the way on offense.
Fairfield will be searching for its first sectional title in school history this fall, and the Falcons have plenty of talent with which to take advantage. RB Alic Vanover, who averaged more than 12 yards per carry in 2007, will be the cornerstone of the offense.
Heritage Christian will be looking to finish the job this fall after last year’s magical run to the RCA Dome. Gone is QB Garrett Meador, off to play football at Drake. Returning, however, are several key parts of last year’s squad, including wide receiver Morgan Cook and outside linebacker Eric Burke.
Tri-West Hendricks will no doubt be much-improved after a 6-4 campaign in 2007. Coach Chris Coll’s Bruins return 15 starters, including QB Jake Allen and RB Caleb Ross. The Bruins will first have to fight their way out of one of the state’s most brutal sectionals (30).
Harding fans are hoping for a return to the promised land after a year of mediocrity and a 5-5 record. Coach Sherwood Haydock would be more than happy to bring back a second trophy in three years to the Hawk faithful, but first his team will have to navigate through always tough and determined opposition in both the Summit Athletic Conference as well as Sectional 27. RB Rod Smith will return to lead the offense once again, and Stephen Scott will anchor a solid D-line.
The Waterboy’s Class 2A Preseason Power Rankings
1. North Putnam
2. Jimtown
3. Fort Wayne Luers
4. Speedway
5. Rochester
6. Evansville Mater Dei
7. Fairfield
8. Heritage Christian
9. Tri-West Hendricks
10. Harding
Best of the rest:
Triton Central
Garrett
Cass
Wheeler
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