2023 Team Preview: East Central Ready to Defend 4A Title

The Trojans have plenty of experience returning in 2023 as they look to repeat as 4A champs.

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(St. Leon, Ind.) - Expectations. 

That is a word that is often heard at the start of every football season, particularly in St. Leon. 

Per usual, expectations are high for the reigning Class 4A State Champions. East Central went 13-2 last season on their way to capturing the state title in dominating fashion, defeating New Prairie 37-7 at Lucas Oil Stadium. 

Then junior, Josh Ringer, led the way in the state championship with 24 carries for 171 yards and four touchdowns, tying a Class 4A State Championship game record for rushing touchdowns. On the latest edition of Crunch Time, Ringer talked of the state championship win, saying, "It was awesome but it was truly what we expected going into the season."

It was East Central's third state championship ('94, '17) in program history. Keeping up with expectations, the Trojans have played in three state championship games since 2015, and have advanced to at least the semi-state in four of the last eight seasons. 

"We had high expectations going into the season, but what we tried to focus on last year specifically was that each week we're getting better," said Head Coach Jake Meiners. "These guys heard from me repeatedly talk about getting better each week. Because if we are getting better we are going to give ourselves an opportunity come playoff time and not beat ourselves and put ourselves in good opportunities to win football games."

What really stood out to Coach Meiners about the 2022 team was it was a different guy leading the way each week. 

"Some weeks were were rushing the ball, some weeks we were throwing the ball, guys on defense. We played stout, collective defense," said Meiners. 

As the Trojans gear up for the 2023 season, they again have the makeup of a team that could have a different gamebreaker each week. 

On offense, East Central returns running back and Mr. Football candidate Josh Ringer (Miami Oh. commit), three-year starting quarterback Cole Burton, Western Michigan commit Ryan Brotherton, and experienced offensive linemen Noah Schneider and RJ Seig. 

Scoring ranks all-time in program history from last season: 

• 570 points - 2nd  
• 38.0 scoring average - 5th  
• 5,828 yards total offense - 3rd

Ringer put up video game-type numbers in 2022, rushing for 2,368 yards and 39 touchdowns (school record). When he wasn't making a big play, Ryan Brotherton was turning heads as a receiver and running back. He caught 35 passes for 859 yards and 11 touchdowns, and ran for 689 yards in three touchdowns. 

Cole Burton kept a calm and cool demeanor, leading the offense from the quarterback position. He completed 61 percent of his passes for 1,794 yards, and 22 TD with 6 INT. 

When asked about improvements he'd like to make this season, Burton offered the following answer, "For me personally, I'd like to see my completion percentage go up a little bit, and try to knock off Coach Meiners' record." 

Burton also has the opportunity to break the school record for touchdown passes. He enters the season with 41 career TD tosses. He trails Don Hoog (48, 1984-86), Kyle Frondorf (49, 1980-83), and TJ Brown (56, 2000-2003) on the all-time leaderboard. 

Coach Meiners hasn't announced any starters to date, but some names that are in the running for three open offensive line spots include Wyatt Smith, Gavin Osterman, Logan Colyer, and Wyatt Metcalf, among others. 

On the edge, East Central is tasked with filling a starting wide receiver vacancy left by Thomas More freshman Eli Aston. As a senior, Aston caught 46 passes for 657 yards and seven touchdowns. He will live forever in EC lore after blocking what would have been a game-winning field goal in the semi-state game against Roncalli. 

"We don't ever try to replace anybody. We aren't going to try and replace Eli Aston and what he meant to our offense last year because we are not going to be able to do that this year. There isn't another Eli Aston walking through the door. What we have to do is highlight what our guys do really well," said Coach Meiners. 

Some of the new faces that could be starring at wide receiver include Robbie Bleh, Corey Helms (transfer from Harrison), and Jacob Genetti. Caden Wheat and Jentzen Carter are in the mix to feature at TE.   

RELATED: EC on Crunch Time

Defensively, the Trojans will be led by their linebackers. Brayden Rouse (83), Dylan Maxwell (80), and Connor Kuhn (56) return as East Central's top three tacklers from a season ago. Alex Kuhn, no relation to Connor, and AJ Garrison are also expected to play key roles at linebacker. 

"Our linebacker core as a whole is a really good group of kids," said Rouse. "Everybody loves competing on the field at linebacker. I don't who is going to be able to run the ball against us, honestly." 

Dylan Maxwell added that the defense had a "bend don't break" mentality in 2022. "We kind of gave up some yards here and there, but we would just make sure that we didn't let them score touchdowns." 

Of the 15 games the Trojans played in 2022, the defense allowed seven or fewer points in 10 games, including four shutouts. 

On the defensive line, the Trojans will have three new starters including Eli Ertel, who had a solid junior season with 33 tackles and six tackles for loss. Colin Engle, Brendin Kolter, Reamus Reatherford, and Braden Becknell all are expected to see playing time. 

In the secondary, junior Carson Pieczonka is the only returning starter, but the likes of Chase Bellman, Jace Dorsey, and Moses Wheat return with plenty of experience. 

On special teams, Nathan McFee returns at kicker after connecting on 61-of-70 extra points attempts and 3-of-5 field goal tries. His long last season was 35 yards. 

East Central begins the 2023 season on Friday, August 18 when they take on Lawrenceburg, the Class 3A State Runner-Up. Eagle Country 99.3 will bring you the action starting with our pre-game coverage at 6:30 p.m.

2023 Schedule

August 18 - at Lawrenceburg (Eagle Country 99.3 Feature Game)
August 25 - vs Harrison (Eagle Country 99.3 Feature Game)
September 1 - vs Cincinnati Moeller
September 8 - at Franklin County
September 15 - at Batesville 
September 22 - vs South Dearborn (Eagle Country 99.3 Feature Game)
September 29 - vs Connersville 
October 6 - vs Greensburg
October 13 - at Indianapolis Roncalli