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2023 Snapshot: Milan

Milan RB/CB Austin Green (photo from Twitter: @Austingreen2025Austingreen2025)

For the first time since 2006-07 Milan is coming off back-to-back losing campaigns. Last fall didn’t go quite as expected. The Indians returned 22 starters but just couldn’t get over the hump. Hoping to turn things around and restore “pride in the tribe,” is a core group of experienced players who are hungry to rectify the situation.

Getting back on the winning side of the ledger isn’t going to be easy. Seven of Milan’s games are against larger schools including four versus Class 3A foes and three of those are right out of the gate. To compound matters, awaiting at some point for them, in the Sectional 46 playoffs could be North Decatur. The Chargers have knocked the Indians out of the postseason in each of the last four years.

Milan had a robust rushing attack in 2022, expect more of the same this fall. “We have a good core of linemen and skill players returning that will give us depth at all position groups,” head coach Ryan Langferman states.

On defense, the Indians must play more consistently. Getting some depth on this side of the ball will loom large in its success. ‘We are counting on several underclassmen to step up into key roles,” Langferman laments.

With such a solid and exciting offense in place, getting the defense off the field to let them do their thing, is going to go a long way in being the difference between a good and great 2023 season for Milan.

Class 1A, Sectional 46
2022 RECORD: 5-6
COACH: Ryan Langferman (103-69 at Milan, 15 years; 103-69 overall)

TOP RETURNEES
Ethan Pierce, Sr, TE/LB – A force on both sides of the ball. Pierce was named to the IFCA Class 1A Junior All-State Team (TE) after catching 17 balls for 240 yards and a touchdown as well as blocking for an offense that churned out 2,783 yards on the ground last season. He may be even better on defense. Pierce has 168 total tackles, six sacks, 21.0 tackles for losses, four forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and an interception in his career.

Mason Green, Sr, RB/SS – Has a chance to follow in Pierce’s footsteps as an All-Indiana performer this fall. Green was all over the field, on defense, as a junior. He tallied 60 total tackles, had a sack, 13.0 tackles for losses, one forced fumble and eight takeaways (five FRs, three INTs).

Milan RB/SS Mason Green (photo from Twitter: @Austingreen2025Austingreen2025)

Logan Burton, Sr, RB/S/K – Always seems to be in the middle of the action. Burton has been very productive the past two seasons with 69 total tackles, two-and-a-half sacks, 13.0 tackles for losses, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions (both pick-sixes) and 57 kicking points (48 XPs, three FGs), in that span.

Trenton Langferman, Sr, OC/DE – The anchor of an offensive line that averaged 253.0 yards per game rushing, 7.0 yards per carry and 38 touchdowns rushing in 2022.

Mason Johnson, Sr, OG/LB – Another returning starter up front on offense for the Indians. Johnson will also  see an expanded role at linebacker this fall.

Joaquim Allen, Sr, DT – It should be a big senior campaign for Allen. He was in on 25 total tackles, had five tackles for losses and one fumble recovery as a junior. Allen is more than capable of doubling those numbers.

Jeremiah Johnson, Sr, CB – A returning starter in the secondary. Johnson registered 23 total tackles, had two tackles for losses and three interceptions last fall.

Austin Green, Jr, RB/CB – Such a huge key to Milan’s success in all three phases of the game. Back for a third year as a starter, Johnson has 81 total tackles, 10.0 tackles for losses, 15 passes defended, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions, four rushing touchdowns and 935 all-purpose yards (615 PR/KR yards), heading into his junior year.

Landon Stanley, Jr, OG/DL – The Indians top offensive lineman in 2022. The 5-foot-11, 250-pound Stanley now will be called upon to be a leader in the trenches.

Milan OL Landon Stanley (photo from Twitter: @stanley5717)

NEWCOMERS
Junior LB/DB John  McKeown as well as sophomores QB Wyatt Marsh and WR Micah Norman should all break into the starting lineup for the Indians. Norman’s only reception as a freshman went for a touchdown (vs. Lawrenceburg). It was thrown by McKeown, the first touchdown pass of his career.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(43-38)
Sectional Champion (six) – 2016, 2011, 2010, 2000, 1996 & 1995.
Regional Champion (one) – 1996.

2023 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/18/23 – RUSHVILLE (2-8 in 2022) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/25/23 – at Batesville (6-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/01/23 – LAWRENCEBURG (13-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/08/23 – SWITZERLAND COUNTY (4-6)– 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/15/23 – at Greenwood Christian (2-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/22/23 – EASTERN HANCOCK (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/29/23 – at Providence (9-3) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/06/23 – SOUTH DECATUR (5-5) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/13/23 – at Madison (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/20/23 – TBD: IHSAA Sectional 47 Playoffs

2023 Active Leaders: Southeastern Indiana

 

 

 

 

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