:
Mike McGraw
Hoosier Authority
Let’s face it, for at least a decade West Central Conference
football was Speedway’s
personal gridiron playground. After all, Denny Pelley has built the Sparkplug
program into an annual 2A contender. However, that all changed suddenly a
couple of years ago when North Putnam emerged as a state power in 2A. Heading
into the 2008 season those two teams once again look to be the squads to beat
in the WCC. However, there is a third contender lurking on the horizon. The
Monrovia Bulldogs under second year coach Kevin Hutchins have more than enough
bite to do damage this year.
It should be a strong offensive year for Speedway. The Sparkplugs will feature an
offensive line with three players who weigh in at well over 200 pounds. That
line is anchored by Chris Green who tips the scales at a robust 290lb. The line
will be clearing the way for senior Jaron Avance, a bruising 215lb. tailback.
Senior Kyle Linvilee will be the trigger man for the Plugs and should find a
reliable target in returning wide receiver. Defensively, Speedway
will return eight starters from last year’s unit.
In many ways, it will be a year of change at North Putnam.
Greg Barrett comes from Terre Haute North to take over the coaching reins. He
will be faced with the challenge of rebuilding a defense that lost six starters
to graduation. All you need to know on the bright side for the Cougars is that
Griffen Dahlstrom returns for his senior year. The quarterback is generally
considered the best player in the conference.
Why could Monrovia
mount a challenge? There are two answers to that question. Hutchins has
succeeded in drastically increasing the numbers in the Bulldog program. A lack
of depth has been a consistent problem at Monrovia
for several years. The second answer is a devastating running attack led by
junior Garrett Johnson.
Depth has also been a problem at Cloverdale. The Clovers
faded badly after a quick start last year. Coach Kyle Whitaker believes he has
solved some of the numbers problems. The big question here is an inexperienced
quarterback. Sophomore Jordan Hayden is slotted to be the starting signal
caller. Senior Sam Spinks is the heart and soul of this team. Spinks will be a
bruising fullback, assisting a bevy of potential running backs. He also anchors
the defensive line for the Clovers.
The equation for Cascade is simple. The Cadets will go as
far as senior quarterback Conner Guthrie can take them. Improved chemistry
should a positive factor for the Cadets as well. Coach Josh Hagenow enters his
second year after the departure of Derrick Moyers to Pike.
South Putnam could well be another surprise team in this
conference. The Eagles certainly have embraced the leadership of Coach Troy
Burgess, improving by three wins a year ago over the previous season. The real
issue for the Eagles is replacing people at a number of skill positions on
offense. A solid offensive line should help in that quest. The smallest member
of that unit goes better than 215 pounds. Senior quarterback Hunter Edwards
should feel comfortable behind these big birds.
There is a big question mark surrounding Greencastle. The
Tiger Cubs were highly anticipating the senior season of quarterback Graham
Schuee. However, that may have been short circuited by an injury in the spring.
To add to the uncertainty, the Tiger Cubs were a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde act
last season. They started just 1-5, but then won three of their last four
games. One thing Greencastle has going for them is an experienced defense. The
Tiger Cubs return eight starters on that side of the ball.