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2023 TSF Indiana Team of the Year: East Central

2023 Indiana Class 4A State Champions, East Central Trojans (photo by: Sandy Mahoney/X: @InMotionBySandy)

It was perfection in almost every sense of the word for East Central (15-0) in 2023. The Trojans played nearly flawless football from start to finish, winning the IHSAA Class 4A State Championship in dominating fashion for a second straight year. It was the fourth state title in school history and third in the last seven years for the program. Those accomplishments earned East Central the 2023 TriState Football Indiana Team of the Year, as TSF paid tribute to finest from Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Dayton and Southeast Indiana area’s high school gridiron at the Year in Review Show on Monday night, in front of a packed house at the Holy Grail, downtown Cincinnati.

East Central beat NorthWood, 42-14 in finals. It was the Trojans 101st IHSAA playoff victory. In its six playoff wins, East Central averaged 50.5 points per game, scored 42 points or more in all of those tilts with an average margin of victory of 42.5 points per contest.

A huge key to the boys from St. Leon’s success was their ability to run the ball on offense and stop the run, on defense. The East Central offense averaged 45.7 points and 392.5 yards of total offense (301.2 rushing) per game with 91 offensive touchdowns (69 rushing, 22 pass).  The unit was paced by senior running back Josh Ringer, who was named 2023 Indiana Mr. Football and the TriState Football Indiana Offensive Player of the Year (for a second straight season) for his performance: Ringer named Indiana Mr. Football

The Trojans defense gave up just 6.5 points per contest. They held 12 of 15 foes to 7 points or less with seven shutouts. They were opportunistic as well with six touchdowns (three FRs, three IRs).

Paving the way for Ringer up front was classmate Noah Schneider who was named IFCA Top 50. The offensive lineman is headed to U. of Indy to continue his career.

Seniors Ryan Brotherton and Dylan Maxwell were named to the IFCA Senior All-State Team. Brotherton, a Western Michigan commit was an IFCA Junior All-State Team selection in 2022.

Maxwell a senior linebacker was also named the 2023 TriState Football Indiana Defensive Player of the Year. 2023 TSF Indiana DPOY: Dylan Maxwell

Jake Meiners raised his record to 57-9 as the head coach at his alma mater. East Central will go into 2024 on a school record 21-game winning streak.

TriState Football Indiana Teams of the Year
2023 – East Central
2022 – East Central
2021 – Lawrenceburg
2020 – Lawrenceburg
2019 – East Central
2018 – East Central
2017 – East Central
2016 – Lawrenceburg
2015 – East Central
2014 – East Central
2013 – Batesville
2012 – Lawrenceburg
2011 – East Central
2010 – Batesville

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