Bob Wire
#16 PIKE RED DEVILS (5A)
The school on the Northwest side of Indianapolis has produced their share of
outstanding basketball teams in recent years. Now football continues their
upswing entering Derek Moyers' third year on the job as head coach of the Red
Devils.
After advancing to their first State Finals in 2007, Pike had to overcome the
loss of over 30 seniors entering 2008. Still Moyers (21-4 @ Pike, 56-33 overall)
kept the Red Devils to their winning ways with a 7-2 regular season. Pike went
one and done in the sectional, falling 34-14 to eventual Semi-State participant
Ben Davis.
Defense will look to carry the Red Devils early on. Eight starters return from
last year. Senior Blake Riley is the leading tackler back for Pike, collecting 88
tackles from his linebacker spot. Experience is spread all around the different
levels of the defense.
Offense will be a work in progress for Pike early on. Just four starters are back.
Nearly all the skill positions will be up for grabs, but one constant is speedster
Dyjuan Lewis on the perimeter. Lewis caught 40 passes for 380 yards and
four scores during the 2008 season.
Looking ahead to the schedule, Pike will visit defending 5A champ Center
Grove on 8/28. In Conference Indiana play, the Red Devils host Southport on
9/4 and Columbus North on 9/25. Their biggest road test comes on 10/2 with a
trip to Bloomington South.
The Red Devils had made giant strides in a short amount of time. They want to
be mentioned with the elite schools such as Ben Davis, Warren Central,
Carmel, etc. The Red Devils will be one of the better teams in Central Indiana
again, and will be a tough match up for anybody come Mid-October.
#17 WEST LAFAYETTE RED DEVILS
In 2008, the West Lafayette Red Devils had arguably their best season since
their 1993 state championship. They captured the Hoosier Conference
championship by snapping Sheridan's 44-game winning streak with a 37-7
thrashing. The Red Devils hopes of post-season success came to an end in
the Sectional 20 final, falling to Yorktown 34-26 to finish 11-1.
Head coach Marshall Overley (38-46) returns a team that welcomes back 18
starters from that 11-1 team. One starter will be sorely missed. Multi-year
starting QB Mitch Lancaster has graduated, so the Red Devils will need to fill
the void there.
Other than that, eight starters return for WL. A player to keep an eye on is
senior receiver Daniel Wodika, who earned All-Hoosier and All-State
recognition in 2008.
On defense, 10 starters are back. Andy Huber will look to anchor the D from
his linebacker spot. Wodika will also contribute from the secondary.
Looking at the '09 schedule, the first key test for the Red Devils comes on 8/28,
when they welcome last year's 2A runner-up Cass to Tippecanoe County. In
Hoosier Conference play, key games include a trip to Tipton on 9/18, a home
date with Rensselaer the following week (9/25), and the grudge match with
Sheridan to close out the regular season on 10/16.
The Red Devils are loaded. If they find a quarterback, they'll be even more
dangerous. I thought this team was good enough to get to the State Finals last
year. With the bitter taste of disappointment still lingering in their mouths, West
Lafayette enters the '09 season as a team on a mission.
#18 PLYMOUTH ROCKIES (4A)
2008 was a year to remember for the Plymouth Rockies. They captured their
first NLC title since 2005 and had an undefeated regular season. After a
narrow one-point win in the sectional opener, Plymouth’s season came to an
end at the Inferno with a 20-14 overtime loss to Lowell.
Head coach John Barron (42-16) has the pieces in place to be a contender in
class 4A this year. A veteran group on both sides of the ball will lead this team
on the field.
Senior Gordy Holloway is a multi-year starter at quarterback. Another one to
watch on offense is tight end Leneil Hines, who was a All-NLC and All-Area
performer.
Hines will also make an impact on the defensive side of the ball from is D-end
spot.
Looking at the schedule, Plymouth opens their season with a pair of non-
conference games, opening at Bremen on 8/21 then hosting Rochester on
8/28. In Northern Lakes play, key games include a home date with Concord on
10/2 and a trip to Andrews Field to face NorthWood to close the regular
season on 10/16.
The Rockies are gonna be, no pun intended, rock solid in ‘09. The play in a
solid conference, but once tournament play begins, they are in one of the
tougher sectionals in the state with the likes of Lowell, Concord, and a South
Bend Clay team that features one of the best players in the state in Notre
Dame recruit Daniel Smith. If this team can get out of the sectional, the
Rockies may be rolling all the way to Lucas Oil Stadium on Thanksgiving
weekend.
As always, your questions and comments are welcome at
bpotosky@midamericabroadcasting.com.
# 19 COLUMBUS EAST OLYMPIANS (5A)
The Olympians of Columbus East posted another solid season in 2008. A 13-
1 season and another post-season trophy added to the collection at East. The
Olympians advanced to the 4A Southern Semi-State where they suffered their
lone loss, a 41-10 decision to eventual 4A champion Cathedral.
Bob Gaddis (76-23 @ East, 194-123 overall) and the Olympians will be
moving up to Class 5A for the next two years,. There they will compete with
defending 5A champ Center Grove and rival Columbus North for post-season
glory in Sectional 7.
The Olympians suffered some major graduation losses, including quarterback
Dusty Kiel, receiver Duwyce Wilson, running back Joumeel McLaurine and
others. But the cupboard isn’t bare for East. Five starters return on offense.
Senior Tanner Horn will look to lead a new group of receivers. Holes need to
be filled at quarterback and running back. Two starters return up front.
Defense should be an early strength for the Olympians, seven starters return.
Drew Kiel will be one of the stalwarts on the line.
Looking at the schedule, East will open their season at Lucas Oil Stadium
against Greenwood (8/21), and host rival Columbus North the following
week. In Hoosier Hills play, key games of note include a home date against
new Albany on 9/18, at Jeffersonville on 10/9 and hosting Bedford North
Lawrence on 10/16.
The Olympians will be a solid contender again. They’ll be one of the if not the
team to beat in the HHC, and will be a tough out come sectional time.
#20 HERITAGE HILLS (3A)
The home of Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, who guided the Patriots to
a 3A title in 2000, the Patriots are always in the hunt in 3A. 2008 was a different
type of year for HH. For the first time since 1996, the Patriots failed to claim a
share of or win the Pocket Athletic Conference title outright. They were sitting at
3-3 after six weeks. A five-game win streak propelled the Patriots to the
sectional final, where for only the second time in nine years HH did not win,
falling 6-3 to eventual 3A Runner-Up Evansville Memorial to finish 8-4.
Bob Clayton enters his 32nd year at the school that serves Lincoln City and
Santa Claus. He is eight wins away from the 300 plateau (292-66), and would
be just the sixth coach in Indiana history to reach that level.
15 total starters return for the Patriots. Cody Schmitt runs the show on offense
for HH. A senior, Schmitt threw for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns. He
also rushed for over 200 yards in the Patriots multiple wishbone attack.
On defense, Matt Price is the top tackler coming back from his linebacker
spot. Many of the offensive returning starters will pull double-duty on defense.
Looking at the schedule, Heritage Hills will host Jasper on 9/11 in a major non-
conference affair. Most likely the battle for the PAC crown may occur on 10/2
when Southridge comes to The Jungle for a key game.
The Patriots are one of the top programs in the state regardless of class. A 3A
State Title in 2000 and a 3A runner-up in 2004, the Patriots are an incredible
110-12 this decade! That’s an average of 12 wins a year. The Patriots will look
to be in the hunt again in the Southern half of 3A
The school on the Northwest side of Indianapolis has produced their share of
outstanding basketball teams in recent years. Now football continues their
upswing entering Derek Moyers' third year on the job as head coach of the Red
Devils.
After advancing to their first State Finals in 2007, Pike had to overcome the
loss of over 30 seniors entering 2008. Still Moyers (21-4 @ Pike, 56-33 overall)
kept the Red Devils to their winning ways with a 7-2 regular season. Pike went
one and done in the sectional, falling 34-14 to eventual Semi-State participant
Ben Davis.
Defense will look to carry the Red Devils early on. Eight starters return from
last year. Senior Blake Riley is the leading tackler back for Pike, collecting 88
tackles from his linebacker spot. Experience is spread all around the different
levels of the defense.
Offense will be a work in progress for Pike early on. Just four starters are back.
Nearly all the skill positions will be up for grabs, but one constant is speedster
Dyjuan Lewis on the perimeter. Lewis caught 40 passes for 380 yards and
four scores during the 2008 season.
Looking ahead to the schedule, Pike will visit defending 5A champ Center
Grove on 8/28. In Conference Indiana play, the Red Devils host Southport on
9/4 and Columbus North on 9/25. Their biggest road test comes on 10/2 with a
trip to Bloomington South.
The Red Devils had made giant strides in a short amount of time. They want to
be mentioned with the elite schools such as Ben Davis, Warren Central,
Carmel, etc. The Red Devils will be one of the better teams in Central Indiana
again, and will be a tough match up for anybody come Mid-October.
#17 WEST LAFAYETTE RED DEVILS
In 2008, the West Lafayette Red Devils had arguably their best season since
their 1993 state championship. They captured the Hoosier Conference
championship by snapping Sheridan's 44-game winning streak with a 37-7
thrashing. The Red Devils hopes of post-season success came to an end in
the Sectional 20 final, falling to Yorktown 34-26 to finish 11-1.
Head coach Marshall Overley (38-46) returns a team that welcomes back 18
starters from that 11-1 team. One starter will be sorely missed. Multi-year
starting QB Mitch Lancaster has graduated, so the Red Devils will need to fill
the void there.
Other than that, eight starters return for WL. A player to keep an eye on is
senior receiver Daniel Wodika, who earned All-Hoosier and All-State
recognition in 2008.
On defense, 10 starters are back. Andy Huber will look to anchor the D from
his linebacker spot. Wodika will also contribute from the secondary.
Looking at the '09 schedule, the first key test for the Red Devils comes on 8/28,
when they welcome last year's 2A runner-up Cass to Tippecanoe County. In
Hoosier Conference play, key games include a trip to Tipton on 9/18, a home
date with Rensselaer the following week (9/25), and the grudge match with
Sheridan to close out the regular season on 10/16.
The Red Devils are loaded. If they find a quarterback, they'll be even more
dangerous. I thought this team was good enough to get to the State Finals last
year. With the bitter taste of disappointment still lingering in their mouths, West
Lafayette enters the '09 season as a team on a mission.
#18 PLYMOUTH ROCKIES (4A)
2008 was a year to remember for the Plymouth Rockies. They captured their
first NLC title since 2005 and had an undefeated regular season. After a
narrow one-point win in the sectional opener, Plymouth’s season came to an
end at the Inferno with a 20-14 overtime loss to Lowell.
Head coach John Barron (42-16) has the pieces in place to be a contender in
class 4A this year. A veteran group on both sides of the ball will lead this team
on the field.
Senior Gordy Holloway is a multi-year starter at quarterback. Another one to
watch on offense is tight end Leneil Hines, who was a All-NLC and All-Area
performer.
Hines will also make an impact on the defensive side of the ball from is D-end
spot.
Looking at the schedule, Plymouth opens their season with a pair of non-
conference games, opening at Bremen on 8/21 then hosting Rochester on
8/28. In Northern Lakes play, key games include a home date with Concord on
10/2 and a trip to Andrews Field to face NorthWood to close the regular
season on 10/16.
The Rockies are gonna be, no pun intended, rock solid in ‘09. The play in a
solid conference, but once tournament play begins, they are in one of the
tougher sectionals in the state with the likes of Lowell, Concord, and a South
Bend Clay team that features one of the best players in the state in Notre
Dame recruit Daniel Smith. If this team can get out of the sectional, the
Rockies may be rolling all the way to Lucas Oil Stadium on Thanksgiving
weekend.
As always, your questions and comments are welcome at
bpotosky@midamericabroadcasting.com.
# 19 COLUMBUS EAST OLYMPIANS (5A)
The Olympians of Columbus East posted another solid season in 2008. A 13-
1 season and another post-season trophy added to the collection at East. The
Olympians advanced to the 4A Southern Semi-State where they suffered their
lone loss, a 41-10 decision to eventual 4A champion Cathedral.
Bob Gaddis (76-23 @ East, 194-123 overall) and the Olympians will be
moving up to Class 5A for the next two years,. There they will compete with
defending 5A champ Center Grove and rival Columbus North for post-season
glory in Sectional 7.
The Olympians suffered some major graduation losses, including quarterback
Dusty Kiel, receiver Duwyce Wilson, running back Joumeel McLaurine and
others. But the cupboard isn’t bare for East. Five starters return on offense.
Senior Tanner Horn will look to lead a new group of receivers. Holes need to
be filled at quarterback and running back. Two starters return up front.
Defense should be an early strength for the Olympians, seven starters return.
Drew Kiel will be one of the stalwarts on the line.
Looking at the schedule, East will open their season at Lucas Oil Stadium
against Greenwood (8/21), and host rival Columbus North the following
week. In Hoosier Hills play, key games of note include a home date against
new Albany on 9/18, at Jeffersonville on 10/9 and hosting Bedford North
Lawrence on 10/16.
The Olympians will be a solid contender again. They’ll be one of the if not the
team to beat in the HHC, and will be a tough out come sectional time.
#20 HERITAGE HILLS (3A)
The home of Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, who guided the Patriots to
a 3A title in 2000, the Patriots are always in the hunt in 3A. 2008 was a different
type of year for HH. For the first time since 1996, the Patriots failed to claim a
share of or win the Pocket Athletic Conference title outright. They were sitting at
3-3 after six weeks. A five-game win streak propelled the Patriots to the
sectional final, where for only the second time in nine years HH did not win,
falling 6-3 to eventual 3A Runner-Up Evansville Memorial to finish 8-4.
Bob Clayton enters his 32nd year at the school that serves Lincoln City and
Santa Claus. He is eight wins away from the 300 plateau (292-66), and would
be just the sixth coach in Indiana history to reach that level.
15 total starters return for the Patriots. Cody Schmitt runs the show on offense
for HH. A senior, Schmitt threw for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns. He
also rushed for over 200 yards in the Patriots multiple wishbone attack.
On defense, Matt Price is the top tackler coming back from his linebacker
spot. Many of the offensive returning starters will pull double-duty on defense.
Looking at the schedule, Heritage Hills will host Jasper on 9/11 in a major non-
conference affair. Most likely the battle for the PAC crown may occur on 10/2
when Southridge comes to The Jungle for a key game.
The Patriots are one of the top programs in the state regardless of class. A 3A
State Title in 2000 and a 3A runner-up in 2004, the Patriots are an incredible
110-12 this decade! That’s an average of 12 wins a year. The Patriots will look
to be in the hunt again in the Southern half of 3A
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