If there’s one word to describe Noblesville football this season, it would be new.
“It’s a whole new offense, a whole new scheme, new quarterback, replacing some pretty good players,” said second-year Millers coach Justin Roden. He was speaking after Noblesville scrimmaged North Central last Friday, a Panthers team that won a sectional championship last year. The Millers begin their season tonight against another tough team, Class 5A No. 2 Cathedral, at 7 p.m. tonight at Beaver Materials Field.
Noblesville’s offense will feature a new quarterback, senior Alex Zavac. He will have four targets to choose from, including senior wide receiver Jayden Barrett, who led the Millers in receptions last season with 15, including one touchdown. Barrett will also be a returner on special teams. Senior tight end Lucas Williams is also back after playing a in a few varsity games last year. Juniors Zach Blevins and Holden Montarsi round out the wide receiver group.
Senior Elijah Butler is slated in the fullback slot. The offensive line will have some decent size, with senior Cameron Knight (6-foot-3, 270 pounds) under center and senior Alec Reese (6-0, 270) in right tackle. Other projected starters for the Millers are junior Carson Cutler at left tackle, senior Hayden Smith at left guard and senior Michael Maris at right guard.
The defense will have some experience coming back. Senior Jacob Hamm returns the most tackles from last season with 101, including 5.5 for a loss. Hamm will join sophomore Sam Steinhofer in the inside linebacker group, with senior Carson Sanders and junior Jackson Slone handling the outside linebacker positions.
Two more key returners are seniors Kody Leach and Aidan Richardson.
“Aiden was the free safety, so he’s back,” said Roden. “Kody Leach was one of our outside linebackers. We’ve moved him to strong safety.”
The coach pointed out that Leach started Noblesville’s sectional game with Lafayette Jefferson last year. Leach totaled 59 tackles last season, while Richardson made 57 tackles.
“So there’s some experience from the guys in the back half,” said Roden.
Also on the defensive line are junior Skyler Toliver, who had 31 tackles last season, five for a loss, and senior Max Ely. Sophomore Alairic Rogers-Walton is slated for the nose position, while seniors Camden Nagel and Keishon Jarrett will be cornerbacks.
“I’m excited,” said Roden. “It’s a good group, it’s a likable group. I like our team a lot. I think they’re good kids.”
After playing Cathedral tonight, the Millers travel to Carmel Stadium next Friday to take on the 6A No. 1 Greyhounds. Noblesville begins Hoosier Crossroads Conference play in Week 3 when it hosts Fishers. The Millers will play in Sectional 3 this year, with three Fort Wayne teams, Carroll, Snider and Homestead.
Noblesville’s Jayden Barrett led the Millers in receptions last season. Barrett will return for the Millers as they begin their season tonight by hosting Cathedral at Beaver Materials Field. (Kent Graham/File photo)