Deep Diving Hanover Central's Star-Studded Core

<p>Hanover Central is coming off of a heartbreaking loss 42-41 loss in OT, but they went 11-0 this regular season for a reason. They're talented and have guys worth a deep look when talking about playing at the next level.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='189136' first='Matt' last='Koontz'] - Hanover Central - QB - 6'1" 180lbs - 2024</h2>   <p>It's hard not to be impressed with Koontz and the tools he brings to the table. A true dual-threat QB who has the speed to house an 80-yard run and the arm to cut through wind and drive the ball upfield. He made a ton of big throws and had that offense in sync. The first quarter started a bit slow for both teams, but after that, the offenses couldn't be stopped for a big chunk of the game. The right reads, getting the ball out on time, and pulling it when the room to run is there are 3 big areas I was impressed with. His first TD on the night came to 23 yards out where he hit Layman in stride who broke a tackle and got home. West Lafayette matched that TD, so Koontz kept the ball himself on the ensuing drive and broke off a 68-yard TD run. It's also not like he failed to move the ball late. They scored in OT as well and went for 2, just were stopped short. He's a raw, but good athlete who just has a good feel in the pocket and what's going on around him. Koontz is wrapping up a pretty solid resume with 4940 passing yards, and 62 passing TDs on 64% completion. He's also got 1522 rushing yards and 37 TDs on the ground. Most of all, Hanover Central's offense wasn't your typical generic offense. A complex system with live Check With Me's and adjustments Koontz was expected to make. He's smart, incredibly accurate, and waiting to be a steal for the right program.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@N/A</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1024069' first='Caiden' last='Verrett'] - Hanover Central - RB - 6'0" 195lbs - 2025</h2>   <p>After the night Verrett had, you win those games 99/100 times. Having your RB score 3 times, putting up over 200 scrimmage yards, and failing to be stopped anytime he had the ball in his hands, is usually a winning formula. Verrett had the first TD of the night as a whole when HC had an impressive drive and Verrett finished it off. His 2nd TD was pretty dang impressive. Right before the half, they went for it instead of kicking a FG. Verrett caught the ball underneath, broke 1 tackle, made another guy miss, and raced toward the corner of the endzone, and scored a 37-yard TD to end the half 28-7. The first time he touched the ball in the second half, it was right in front of me. Quite literally, no less than 30 feet away as they were on the 10 and I was right on the endzone. Verrett got the carry on a zone call. He got wide, found the hole, stuck his foot in the ground, and was gone. He made 1 man miss around the 40-yard line, but Verrett went 90 yards for the TD. He's shifty, yet can break tackles. He's versatile and seems to have a good football IQ. This season saw him put up just under 2000 scrimmage yards and 30 total TDs. Having a back with the tools and ability to produce consistently like Verrett is such a relief for an offense, and if they have him next year, they'll be just fine.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@CaidenVerrett1</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='923723' first='Anthony' last='Layman'] - Hanover Central - TE - 6'2" 200lbs - 2027</h2>   <p>It doesn't take long to figure out why schools could, and will, be impressed with Layman and the tools he's got. To play Varsity as a freshman and make the level of impact he has, is so promising for his on field development. He's incredibly young, but ahead of schedule in a handful of areas. His frame, there's no way you'd think he's 14 years old, but he is. I'm not sure what's in his Wheaties, but they've got him blossoming. He's physical, yet nimble and knows how to use his body. He's got soft hands and does a good job going in motion and being used as a true TE on the end of the line when he's asked to do so. As a TE and using the middle of the field, Layman had 22 catches, 280 yards, and 2 TDs. 1 of those TDs came on Friday, and it was pretty clean. He slipped out, made the catch, and ran right through the defender. He stayed up, stayed balanced, and made it to paydirt. Layman has the tools and seems to be right on track with what you'd hope in a young budding star. By the time 2027 comes around, there's a good chance everyone knows Layman's name.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@AnthonyLayman7</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='212324' first='Dylan' last='Bowen'] - Hanover Central - ATH - 6'0" 150lbs - 2026</h2>   <p>Bowen is someone we hit a while back as someone who was quickly rising, and for good reason. That's not changed, and if anything, should be discussed. He's a very smooth athlete who glides all over the field. He did miss a few games this year, but his production didn't change at all when he was on the field. There was no, "working his way back." He came out, balled out, and was the leader for that defense as soon as he stepped back on the field. He's got fantastic instincts and does a good job timing when to strike. The only interception of the night came from the hands of Bowen. It wasn't a bad throw, either. It was a great play by Bowen. He timed his cut perfectly and jumped right in front of the open receiver and forced the turnover. At that point in time, things looked like Hanover Central was about to glide to victory. While things didn't turn out that way for HC, it wasn't because of Bowen. The offense avoided him and did their best to attack other DBs. Bowen had his chance and burned the opposing QB, so they played him a bit safer. Through 2 years of Varsity play, Bowen has over 100 tackles, 5 interceptions, 5 passes deflected, and 2 forced fumbles. Bowen is one of the best DBs in the 2026 class and that's not going to change anytime soon.</p>   <p>Twitter: <strong>@Dylan_Bowen00</strong></p>

Hanover Central is coming off of a heartbreaking loss 42-41 loss in OT, but they went 11-0 this regular season for a reason. They're talented and have guys worth a deep look when talking about playing at the next level.