By RICHIE HALL
Carmel always knows how to reload, and this year’s team will be no exception.
The Greyhounds return several experienced players that led their team to a regional championship last fall. The list a handful of players getting college looks, as well as last year’s Hamilton County Player of the Year.
“Practices have been great so far,” said fourth-year Carmel coach John Hebert. “We have a very mature group.”
That would be senior Beau Robbins, a 6-foot-4, 235-pound defensive lineman who has already committed to Indiana University. Robbins made 11 sacks and six tackles for a loss last year, and his presence will lead a very stout Carmel defense.
Other returning defenders include seniors Matt Boyer, who led the Greyhounds in tackles last year with 83, Nate Frey (77 tackles), Joey Schmidt (72 tackles), Matt Fortier (56 tackles) and Tommy Spraetz (54 tackles). Junior Cole Brevard also had 54 tackles. If that wasn’t enough, Fortier kicked 15 of 17 extra points for Carmel last season.
On offense, senior Camari Hunt is the top returning rusher. Hunt carried the ball 199 times for 1,076 yards and nine touchdowns. He also excelled in receiving, with 14 catches for 147 yards and one touchdown.
Another solid receiver will be junior Aiden Ellison, who had 14 catches for 217 uards and one score. Junior Dylan Downing had 538 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Senior Caleb Shaffer will lead the offensive line; he has committed to Miami of Ohio.
The quarterback looks to be junior Gabe Quigley. He stepped into some games last year and was solid, with 299 yards on 26-of-46 passing and six touchdowns.
The Greyhounds open their season by hosting Louisville Trinity, one of Kentucky’s top teams, at Carmel Stadium. Carmel heads up to Noblesville for Week 2, after which it begins play in the Metropolitan Conference.
Nate Frey is one of many senior defensive players that will take to the field for the Carmel football team this season. (Kent Graham/File photo)