By RICHIE HALL
The Noblesville football team opens its season tonight at Mt. Vernon for the Millers’ first season under new head coach John Hebert.
The longtime Carmel coach is already happy with his new school, praising his team’s energy throughout the summer and during the first official practices.
“I feel like the energy’s been outstanding,” said Hebert. “The kids don’t come out flat very often. They’ve really bought in. We’re learning how to practice in a way that they’re competing. It’s getting clearer that this is leading us somewhere great.”
The Millers have several players returning from last season. That includes two key members of the offensive line, juniors Mason McDermott and Caleb Johnson. Senior Calvin Moody returns at tight end, he had five catches last season for 113 yards.
Junior Noah Shinkle will be the main running back; he totaled 257 yards on the ground and scored four touchdowns. Junior Ty Holmes moves from running back to a wide receiver, while also playing safety on defense. Holmes collected 436 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns (the most of any Miller player) and also had five catches.
The junior parade continues on the defensive side of the ball as well, which Hebert said is exciting. Praise Oladipupo was Noblesville’s leader in tackles last season with 107 and he is back as an outside linebacker, while Cale Metzler will see time on both the offensive line and defensive line. Abram Hunter is slated for cornerback, with Aidan Kincaide listed for inside linebacker; he returns 62 tackles. Holmes made 50 tackles last season.
The Millers will start junior Windsor Hutchins as quarterback tonight at Mt. Vernon. Sophomore Woody Corey will also get some playing time under center.