ST. LEON, Indiana – East Central took care of business Friday night, shutting out rival Lawrenceburg, 21-0, in its home opener and extending its winning streak over the Tigers to 30 games.
The Trojans entered the season returning seven starters from a defense that allowed just 11 points per game in 2025, and that experience showed. East Central’s defense was the staple of its success, forcing multiple stops in the red zone, including a goal-line fumble in the second quarter.
Noah Long was a huge X-factor to start both halves.
Long opened the scoring with a 74-yard catch-and-run from Ben Bond on East Central’s opening possession. He then opened the second half by taking the kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown, setting a school record and giving the Trojans a 14-0 advantage just 15 seconds into the third quarter.
Ryan Minges and Colton Bellman were both effective in East Central’s ground-and-pound rushing attack. Bellman eventually delivered the game-sealing touchdown in the fourth quarter.
That score came after another goal-line stand by the East Central defense. The Trojans took possession and marched 94 yards, with Bellman finishing the drive on a 16-yard touchdown run to put the game away with 4:28 remaining.
The shutout was especially impressive against a Lawrenceburg team that went 10-1 last season and returned quarterback Crue Gilmour, who accounted for 37 touchdowns in 2025.
PHOTOS: Lawrenceburg at East Central
The victory was the 75th of East Central head coach Jake Meiners’ career.
“The best teams are the ones who can improve from Week 1 to Week 2,” Meiners said.
The Trojans will get that opportunity next week when they travel to face New Palestine. Lawrenceburg will look to bounce back at home.
SCORING BY QUARTERS
Lawrenceburg: 0-0-0-0-0
East Central: 7-0-7-7-21
SCORING PLAYS
EC: Noah Long 74 pass from Ben Bond (Blake Sterwerf kick)
EC: Long 96 kickoff return (Sterwerf kick)
EC: Colton Bellman 16 run (Sterwerf kick)
UP NEXT
East Central: at New Palestine; Lawrenceburg: vs. Greenville Central
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