Road To History: Center Grove Trojans

If one was to search the words "consistency" and "dominance" in the dictionary, they may find "Center Grove Trojans" listed for the definition. The Trojans completed another perfect season this year when they defeated Westfield 27-21 in the Class 6A State Championship Game in Indianapolis. To conclude their undefeated regular season, Center Grove knocked off the eventual 5A State Champs Indianapolis Cathedral. This year, they were driven by a team replete with Division 1 talent who finished the year ranked seventh in the country. The Center Grove program has been built to succeed for many years ahead, and we can see many of their stars excelling on Saturdays next season. Offense Leading the Center Grove offense was future Tennessee Volunteer [player_tooltip player_id="39049" first="Tayven" last="Jackson"]. Jackson started off his senior season on a high note when he earned an invitation to the prestigious Elite 11 quarterback camp. Jackson completed 124 of the 187 passes that he attempted this year, gaining 1,842 yards in the process. He completed 21 touchdown passes while throwing only three interceptions. Jackson found ways to hurt opposing defenses on the ground as well. He tallied 181 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. Jackson is an accurate passer who is excellent at protecting the football. He could do well in Tennessee’s offense in the years ahead. In both the running-game and the passing-game, Center Grove did a sensational job of spreading the wealth and getting significant contributions from multiple players. On the ground they benefitted from a three-pronged rushing attack. Junior [player_tooltip player_id="107290" first="Drew" last="Wheat"] led the team in rushing yards with 1,003. Wheat averaged close to 8 yards per carry, and he scored 13 touchdowns. Senior [player_tooltip player_id="39046" first="Daniel" last="Weems"] ran for over 700 yards, and he averaged almost five yards per rush while recording nine touchdowns. Completing the trio was Junior Micah Coyle. Coyle received 84 carries and he had an impressive yards per carry average of 7.5. He gained 631 yards on the ground for the season to go along with ten touchdown carries. Through the air, Jackson did an outstanding job of getting multiple receivers involved. In total, seven Trojans contributed over 100 receiving yards this year. Leading the way was senior [player_tooltip player_id="136912" first="Harrison" last="Stomps"]. Stomps caught 32 passes for 408 yards. Stomps accounted for three touchdowns. The ability for the Trojans to get the ball to several different players put an immense amount of pressure on the defenses that they went up against. Defense Big plays were critical for the Center Grove offense, and the defense thrived in much the same way. The Trojans’ defense feasted on turnovers, interceptions in particular. With 16 interceptions collectively, they managed to make life miserable for teams attempting to throw the ball against them. Those interceptions were momentum-shifting plays. The offense frequently turned turnovers into precious points. Leading the front seven was [player_tooltip player_id="39040" first="Caden" last="Curry"]. One of Indiana’s most sought-after prospects in the Class of 2022, Curry was dominant all season. Curry registered 65 total tackles and 35 solo tackles. He came up with seven sacks, costing the opponents a net total of 50 yards. Curry was able to disrupt the opponent’s passing-game by getting after the quarterback, but he also did so by defending the passes themselves. Curry recorded seven passes defensed. [player_tooltip player_id="39040" first="Caden" last="Curry"] is a name that fans will be hearing a lot about in the coming seasons. Special Teams Much like their offense and defense, Center Grove had several contributors chip in on special teams. Leading the team in return yards was senior [player_tooltip player_id="98022" first="Brandon" last="Wheat"]. Wheat posted over 200 return yards. Wheat and the entire special teams unit were terrific at setting the offense up in great field position. Wheat also provided contributions in the running game. [player_tooltip player_id="98022" first="Brandon" last="Wheat"] could be a versatile player at the next level.