2022 Snapshot: South Dearborn
- Updated: July 16, 2022
South Dearborn LB Caden Thompson (photo from Twitter: @cadenthompson26)
They are looking to do something that hasn’t been done in two decades at South Dearborn. The Knights are in pursuit of back-to-back winning season for the first time since 2003-04. To accomplish that feat head coach Rand Ballart will have to rely on some new faces to get it done.
“We have a lot of young guys looking to get varsity experience quickly. We are putting our young guys in pressure situations over the summer to prepare them for Friday nights. We look to be very up tempo and hope to put points on the board and keep our foes offenses off the field,” Ballart states.
On offense, South Dearborn will utilize its quick passing game to open a solid running game and ability to stretch the field with receivers. Defensively, the Knights ability to jump in and out of different fronts and coverages to confuse opposing offenses is who they are. Everyone will get their chance to make an impact. That should excite and motivate the new blood to be the ones to move the program its next step forward.
Class 3A, Sectional 31
2021 RECORD: 7-4, 3-1 EIAC 4A Division
COACH: Rand Ballart (30-42 at South Dearborn, seven years; 30-42 overall)
HONOR ROLL
Ryan Willoughby, Sr, DB – The leader of the secondary. Willoughby was in on more than 40 tackles and snared five interceptions as a junior. He was named Class 4A All-EIAC (DB) for his efforts.
Ashton Kittle, Sr, FB/DT – A huge asset on both sides of the ball. Kittle found the end zone twice rushing on offense. Defensively, he had 20-plus tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery. Kittle was named Class 4A All-EIAC (FB) for the work.
OTHER RETURNEES
Adam Kunkel, Jr, QB – Slid into the role at starting quarterback very nicely as a sophomore. Kunkel threw for 1,226 yards and 14 touchdown passes. He also ran for five scores.
Austin Ballart, Sr, WR – The Knights top returning and number one option at the position. Ballart had at least one reception in every game last fall. He finished the year with 23 catches for 383 yards and four touchdowns.
Corbin Cassidy, Sr, DB – A returning starter who is part of a rock-solid secondary. Cassidy had more than 20 tackles and a pair of interceptions as a junior.
Braden Foist, Sr, TE – Will be used more as a blocker but could also be a red zone weapon.
Brady Roberts, Sr, WR – Will see many more opportunities with so many receivers having graduated.
CJ Evans, Jr, RB – Will be the go-to-guy out of the backfield. Evans ran for 214 yards and a touchdown as a sophomore.
Brayden Johnson, Jr, LB – Will anchor a “raw” linebacking core. Johnson had 30-plus tackles as a sophomore.
South Dearborn LB Brayden Johnson (photo from Twitter: @BraydenJSD33)
Blake Pruss, Jr, OG – A returning starter who is part of a junior class that has a ton of promise.
Ben Rains, Jr, C – The offense starts with Rains who will be called upon to lead the o-line.
Blake Lagaly, Jr, DB – Brings a veteran presence to the secondary. Lagaly had more than 20 tackles as a sophomore.
Caden Thompson, So, LB – Came on strong late as a freshman. The future looks very bright for Thompson.
NEWCOMERS
Seniors DT Haiden Noel, LB Adam Gainor, WR Jake Daugherty, juniors WR Oli Babcock, WR Hudson Shackelford, DT Sean Head, sophomores OG Mahlon Bressert, LB Landon Walton, LB Jeff Wickersham, DB Cole Holder and freshman TE/LB Brady Ballart all will get their fair shots at cracking the starting lineup.
PLAYOFF HISTORY (13-37)
Sectional Champion (none)
2022 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/19/22 – JENNINGS COUNTY (1-9 in 2021) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/26/22 – at Madison (3-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/02/22 – at Batesville (6-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/09/22 – at Connersville (3-9) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/16/22 – GREENSBURG (4-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/23/22 – EAST CENTRAL (10-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/30/22 – at Franklin County (6-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/07/22 – at Rushville (0-10) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/14/22 – LAWRENCEBURG (11-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/21/22 – TBD: IHSAA Sectional 31 Playoffs
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