Why Center Grove Could Win It All

Indiana 6A power Center Grove finished the regular season with a 5-4 record. It's the first time since 2019 where they've finished with four or more losses, and just the third time since 2011.   Still, no matter what, the cream always rises to the top as the leaves fall and winds get chillier. That 2019 Trojans team that wound up losing six games during the regular season made it to Lucas Oil Stadium and was just three points shy of winning the state championship in a 20-17 loss against Carmel.   The point: even though they don't have the best record, Center Grove is still a great football team and they can still win state again, especially if they don't beat themselves. Here are five key players who can make it happen.    Scifres starts at left guard and he's one of the better offensive line prospects at Center Grove in recent seasons. Big and strong, he uses his 6-foot-6, 330-pound frame to bulldoze defenders in the run game. He is an effective puller and is also strong in pass protection, displaying good hand placement and strike timing.     McClurg is having a strong sophomore season, leading the Trojans in receiving yards, which should land him on college radars in the near future. The 5-foot-11 McClurg is a speedy receiver who could make a lot of money in the slot. He has great breakaway speed and agility after the catch, and can make defenders miss in space.     The 6-foot-6, 215-pound gunslinger is a legitimate quarterback who can put defenses on their heels. He has a solid arm and good accuracy on the deep ball. He has enough mobility to buy time and throw on the move, and can often make tough completions with defenders in his face. McWilliams finished the season 161-for-251 yards for 2,313 yards passing.     The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Barry really came on strong as a sophomore and has developed even more as a junior. He's a good receiving tight end who quickly catches and gets vertical, displays good hands in traffic, and will occasionally flex out to receiver. He's a strong in-line blocker who runs his feet on contact and drives defenders off the ball.     Bright is a talented defensive end prospect who flashes explosiveness. Bright has a quick first step and nose for the ball. He is a stout run defender, setting an edge but also quickly slanting inside against interior offensive linemen and wrapping up ballcarriers behind the LOS. He aggressively takes on double teams and displays a high motor. The Trojans will need every last bit of strength from him if they want to win a state title again.

Indiana 6A power Center Grove finished the regular season with a 5-4 record. It's the first time since 2019 where they've finished with four or more losses, and just the third time since 2011.