A jump up to Class 5A in 2024 didn’t stop East Central from winning a fifth straight sectional title and 23rd in school history. In what has become the norm in St. Leon, the Trojans have reloaded and are ready to write the next chapter of this storied program.
“We are looking forward to another great season. We return a lot of quality football players and our depth should be really good. We hope to improve each week and make a deep playoff run,” head coach Jake Meiners states.
There are some questions on defense where only four starters are back. “We have to replace a lot of our defensive line. We have some guys who are ready to step in, but they lack the experience. Our linebackers and defensive backs should be a strength. We have a lot of athleticism at those positions,” Meiners says.
On offense, an excellent line will pave the way for Junior All-State running back Ryan Minges and a backfield that accounted for 83% of the teams 218.6 rushing yards per game last fall.
The schedule is brutal early on. East Central’s first five contests are all against teams that won at least nine times in 2024 and had a combined record of 49-14 (.778 winning%). This team will be battle tested and well prepared for anything that comes their way by the time the playoffs start. Don’t be surprised if the Trojans are hoisting a sixth straight sectional championship trophy and perhaps even more hardware this fall.
Class 5A, Sectional 14
2024 RECORD: 8-4, 3-0 EIAC Legends
COACH: Jake Meiners (65-13 at East Central, six years; 65-13 overall)
HONOR ROLL
Ryan Minges, Jr, RB – A powerful runner who delivers more blows than he takes. Minges churned out 1,517 yards (7.2 yards/carry) and 25 touchdowns rushing on his way to IFCA Class 5A Junior All-State (ATH) honors as a sophomore. He has an offer from Miami (OH).
Ethan Feldkamp, Sr, WR – One of the Trojans hidden gems, Feldkamp will be a major factor on offense. He was named All-EIAC Legends after catching 21 balls for 349 yards, rushing for 102 yards and finding the end zone six times (four rec, two rush) last fall.
Gavin Osterman, Sr, OL – The anchor and leader of the o-line. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound Osterman was an All-EIAC Legends selection as a junior.
OTHER RETURNEES
Nolan Maple, Sr, QB – With a year under his belt as a starter, Maple is primed for a big senior campaign. He threw for 807 yards and accounted for 11 touchdowns (eight pass, three rush).
Nyden Euson, Sr, DB – Had a breakout junior year. Euson recorded 48 tackles, a sack, a fumble recovery, three pass breakups and four interceptions.
Noah Brown, Jr, OL – Back after missing last season with an injury. Brown gives the o-line a huge boost after being a starter on the state championship team as a freshman.
Jake Beare, Sr, LB – Had a solid year after transferring from Lawrenceburg. Beare tallied 48 tackles, had a sack, 7.0 tackles for losses and one forced fumble.
Troy Sebastian, So, DB – It didn’t take long for Sebastian to adjust to the speed of the varsity game. He registered 27 tackles, had a forced fumble, blocked punt, three pass breakups and an interception in his debut.
Colton Bellman, Jr, RB – The Trojans run game doesn’t miss a beat when Bellman gives Minges a rest. Bellman ran for 408 yards, averaged 7.3 yards per carry and found the end zone six times (five rush, one rec) last season.
NEWCOMERS
Seniors DL Hank Timon, LB Jake Lutz, junior ATH Noah Long as well as sophomores OL DJ Miller and WR Parker Wegman will all get cracks at breaking into the starting lineup. Lutz had 19 tackles in seven games as a junior. Long, is a transfer who started the last two years at Yorktown where he racked up 128 tackles, 5.0 tackles for losses, three interceptions, 763 all-purpose yards (413 rush) and 12 touchdowns (nine rush, one rec, one KR, One IR).
PLAYOFF HISTORY
(103-37)
Sectional Champion (23) – 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2005, 2003, 2002, 2000, 1998, 1996, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1989, 1987, 1985 & 1980
Regional Champion (10) – 2023, 2022, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2003, 1998, 1994, 1993 & 1985
Semi-State Champion (six) – 2023, 2022, 2017, 2015, 1994 & 1993
State Champion (four) – 2023, 2022, 2017 & 1994
2025 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/22/25 – at Lawrenceburg (10-2 in 2024) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/29/25 – HARRISON (10-3) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 09/05/25 – at Lawrence North (11-1) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/12/25 – at Franklin County (9-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/19/25 – at Batesville (9-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/26/25 – SOUTH DEARBORN (4-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/03/25 – CONNERSVILLE (2-8) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 10/10/25 – GREENSBURG (1-10) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 10/17/25 – at Roncalli (6-5) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 10/24/25 – TBD: IHSAA Class 5A, Sectional 14 Playoffs
