High school football: 10 sleeper teams for upcoming season

Believe it or not, the high school football season begins four weeks from Friday. As we creep closer to opening night, we will get you ready for the upcoming season.

This week, we are looking potential sleeper teams from Central Indiana. Sectional champions from last year are not eligible. Here are 10 teams flying under the radar:

Franklin

Yes, the Grizzly Cubs were 1-9 last season for the third consecutive year. But five of those losses came by five points or less. Junior quarterback Drew Byerly (1,393 passing yards, 547 rushing yards) returns to lead the offense, while senior linebacker Clayton Coll (144 tackles) leads the defense. Franklin resides in a tough Class 5A Sectional 14 with Bloomington North, Bloomington South, Martinsville and Whiteland, but the Cubs should improve the win-loss mark in Chris Coll’s second season.

Franklin Central

Coming off an 8-2 season and conference championship, the Flashes make the move from Conference Indiana to the more competitive Hoosier Crossroads Conference. Led by senior quarterback Dylan Bishop (1,851 passing yards, 23 touchdowns) and senior linebacker Mario Coles, Franklin Central should contend in the HCC. Last year was Franklin Central’s first winning season in a decade.

Hamilton Southeastern

It might seem odd to see the Royals on a list like this, but the program is coming off its second losing season (3-7 last year) since 1993. Adam Morris takes over as coach and will look to rebuild behind junior quarterback Kody Sparks. Senior Jackson Lantz is a talented receiver. The offense struggled last year, but it would not be a surprise to see the Royals recover. Sectional 5 (Fishers, North Central and Pike are others) is competitive but winnable.

Lawrence Central

It is not like the Bears are coming from nowhere. In Bill Peebles’ two seasons, Lawrence Central was 6-5 two years ago and 6-4 last year with a competitive loss to state champion Ben Davis in the sectional. Peebles moved on to Cathedral and former Cincinnati Moeller coach John Rodenberg takes his place. A veteran receiving core, led by senior Donivan Wright (51 catches, 972 yards), highlights the offense and the defense has some nice pieces returning, including senior linebacker Marlan King. Warren Central will be the team to beat in Class 6A Sectional 6 but the Bears could challenge.

Martinsville

The Artesians are trending in the right direction, improving from 1-9 to 6-5 in Carter Whitson’s first year as coach. The team’s top three rushers and top receiver return on offense, along with the top seven (!) tacklers. A test in Week 2 against defending Sectional 14 champion Bloomington South should show how far Martinsville has to go to win its first sectional title since 1996.

Mooresville

The Pioneers started 0-8 last year, then recovered to win three of their last four and played in the Class 4A Sectional 22 championship against Greenwood. The offense should be explosive in Mike Gillin’s second season as coach. Senior Jon Eineman caught 93 passes for 1,556 yards and 13 touchdowns last season and senior quarterback Karson Goodman (2,440 passing yards, 21 TDs) also returns.

Mt. Vernon

The Marauders were 4-7 a year ago but have a senior class that should help ease the transition for first-year coach Mike Kirschner. Senior quarterback Tyson Harley (1,939 passing yards, 16 touchdowns) showed promise last year and the defense has experience as well, led by senior defensive end Max Burhenn. Class 4A Sectional 22 looks to be a wide-open field.

Pendleton Heights

The Arabians turned the corner last year to go 7-4 for their first winning season since 2012. There is a lot of talent returning, led by Duke recruit and senior receiver Eli Pancol (41 catches, 834 yards, 15 TDs). Class 4A Sectional 21 is balanced and competitive (Mississinewa won it last year), but Pendleton Heights could be a breakout team.

Southport

I am always a believer that teams with experienced have a chance to bounce back. The Cardinals have that in senior Eddie Schott, a Ball State recruit who completed 64 percent of passes last year for 1,921 yards and 17 touchdowns. Southport’s top three receivers and top two rushers from last year were underclassmen. The Cardinals can improve on last year’s 5-5 mark but getting out of Sectional 7 will be tough with Avon and Brownsburg in the mix.

Triton Central

There are some holes to fill here but the Tigers were 8-4 last year and played in a Class 2A Sectional 37 championship against Scecina. Senior Aaron Steele will be a playmaker for the Tigers at quarterback. Tim Able’s teams have played in the sectional championship each of the past four years, winning it in 2014.

Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.