2016 Snapshot: East Central

East Central is coming of a historic year for the program. The Trojans finished the season as the Class 4A state runner-up. Getting back to the promise land is not going to be easy.

East Central Head Coach Justin Roden (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

Gone is the “bearded bunch.” The seniors on the 2015 squad carved out its own identity that included some gnarly facial hair. Head coach Justin Roden would like to see this group form its own unique personality.

“The team will go as far as this veteran offensive line takes them. This is the strongest offensive line in several years and the addition of Clark Minges only improves this deep group. There is experience all over on offense and will depend heavily on talented sophomore quarterback Alex Maxwell to take them there,” Roden says.

Defensively the Trojans have to fill a leadership hole left by a clan of outspoken hard working, never say die seniors. “There is a void from a physical standpoint that must be replaced. Last year’s seniors possessed great leadership traits and were unselfish, this year’s team needs to buy in,” Roden states.

The good news for Roden and his staff is that the cupboard isn’t bare. There are plenty of pieces to build around. Don’t expect this East Central team to go through the season unscathed with a killer schedule in front of them. Do expect this group of Trojans to be a tough battle-tested out, come playoff time.

Class 4A, District 23
2015 RECORD: 12-3, 3-0 EIAC 4A; Class 4A state runner-up
COACH: Justin Roden (23-14 @ East Central, three years, 23-14 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Sid Fox, Sr, ILB – Back for his fourth season as a starter Fox was named to the IFCA Class 4A Junior All-Indiana Team. He has been in on 170 total tackles with six sacks and 15 tackles for losses during his career. Roden calls Fox a “blue chip prospect.”

East Central LB Sid Fox (photo by Mike TriStateFootball.com)

Chase Sutherland, Sr, OG – Like Fox, Sutherland was selected to the Class 4A Junior All-Indiana Team in ’15. He will be a three year starter.

Nick Stidham, Sr, K – A big time weapon Stidham connected on 55/57 extra points and hit 8/9 field goals for 79 points as a junior. He was named All-EIAC 4A for his efforts. Stidham scored the Trojans on three points in the state championship game.

OTHER RETURNEES
Alex Maxwell, So, QB – Big shoes to fill for Maxwell replacing Luke Patton. Maxwell won’t be be awestruck at the varsity level after playing in 11 games as a freshman.

Dylan Messmore, Sr, OT – Part of an experienced o-line Messmore will be back for his third year as a starter.

Tyler Ohmer, Sr, OG – The senior is back for his third year as a starter.

Hunter Getz, Jr, OT – A returning starter on the o-line Getz may just be the best of the bunch up front by the time the 2016 season comes to an end.

Justin Drees, Sr, TE/WR – Drees will move to a Flex TE this year. He had 11 receptions for 97 yards in ’15.

Justin Brown, Jr, TE – a red zone weapon Brown hauled in 10 catches for 98 yards and a pair of touchdowns a year ago.

Clayton Castle, Sr, WR – Castle played in seven games catching nine balls for 98 yards and two touchdowns.

Ethan Ayers Edds, Sr, WR – Edds will line up opposite of Castle at receiver. This could be a big year for the senior.

Est Central DB Zach Theobald (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

Zach Theobald, Sr, DB – Theobald has been a “sure” tackler with 118 total tackles in his career. He had five interceptions as a junior.

Dillon Watkins, Sr, DB – A true Ballhawk Watkins came up with eight takeaways (five interceptions, three fumble recoveries in ’15. He will be a three-year starter.

Nick Tillman, Sr, SS – Tillman will transition from being a starter at receiver on offense to a safety on defense this fall.

Elliot Johnson, Jr, DE – Johnson played significant minutes last year as a sophomore.

Clint Mirus, Sr, DT – The leader up front for the East Central defense Mirus had three sacks and eight tackles for losses as a junior. He will be a three-year starter.

Jayden Williamson, Jr, ILB – Williamson played significant minutes for the Trojans last season. He finished with 38 total tackles with a fumble recovery and an interception.

Kaleb Krummen, Sr, OLB – Krummen will transition to linebacker from safety. Pound for pound he grades out as East Central’s strongest player.

NEWCOMERS
The East Central offense gets a huge boost from Union County transfer and strongman C Clark Minges. Roden calls Minges a “fantastic player” who is also a great wrestler and shot putter. The fastest Trojan RB Logan Storie is poised for a breakout junior campaign. Storie ran for 205 yards and four touchdowns in limited action a year ago. Sophomore FB/OL Michael Medlock adds more toughness to what could be a very physical offensive group.

The defense will get secondary help from DB Eli Krammer, FS Dylan Louden and DB/LB Landon Foster. Louden has been waiting patiently for three seasons to make his mark and now he gets his shot to shine. Junior LB Tanner Yocum started last year versus La Salle. In the trenches NT Keegan Gindling and sophomore DL Cole Rosfeld will battle for starting roles.

Sophomore RB Eric Rosemeyer along with juniors WR Jake Seiwert and OLB Logan Moser have great Trojan football bloodlines. If Roden can get the same kind of production from this trio that he got from their namesakes it is going to make his job that much easier.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(70-31 overall)
Sectional Champions (15) – 2015, 2010, 2009, 2005, 2003, 2002, 2000, 1998, 1996, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1989, 1987, 1985, 1980
Regional Champions (5) – 2015, 2003, 1998, 1994, 1993, 1985
State Champions (1) – 1994

2016 SCHEDULE
The one thing about East Central you have to love is that the Trojans never shy away from a challenge. They will play two defending state champions in ’16 facing Ohio Division II winners La Salle and Indiana Class 3A champs, Bishop Chatard. Other non-conference tilts include the “War on 74” rivalry with Harrison and Kentucky’s Campbell County. East Central plays a pair of crossover EIAC affairs hosting Batesville and at Greensburg.

East Central DB Dillon Watkins (photo by Mike Noyes/TriStateFootball.com)

COMPLETING THE TASK AT HAND
“Last year was an amazing year, but we didn’t finish. This year’s group must stay healthy and learn quickly against a great schedule,” coach Roden chimes in on expectations for his squad.

KINGS OF THIEVERY
Last year the East Central defense created 31 turnovers. Returnees Watkins (8), Theobald (6) and Williamson (3) came up with 17 of those takeaways.

WHICH WAY TO THE END ZONE
In 2015 East Central scored 67 offensive touchdowns (57 rushing). Only four players return who had touchdowns last year – Storie (4), Mawxell (2), Drees (2) and Brown (2).

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