By RICHIE HALL
Reporter Sports Editor
Whenever the Indiana high school football season begins, many eyes are on Carmel because of its championship tradition.
That will be amplified this year because the Greyhounds are the defending Class 6A state champions. Carmel graduated a few key players from last season’s title team, but they have quite a bit of experience back – including the quarterback who played in the post-season run. The ‘Hounds, of course, know how to reload.
“If a guy isn’t a returning starter, he at least was part of the rotation last year, or a guy that we’ve been working with for a couple years now,” said Carmel coach John Hebert.
McDonald had a sensational junior year, compiling 2390 yards and throwing for 31 touchdowns on a 67.2 percent completion rate. He also ran well when it was necessary, with a net of 60 yards and a touchdown.
A key component of last year’s running game is Camari Hunt, who ran for 518 yards, a nice average of 6.1 yards per carry. He will return to the tailback position this season. Zachary Bradley is slated for the fullback position.
The receiving group will be new, but not necessarily inexperienced. Atticus Clouse got some varsity playing time last season. He will be joined by Jack Rodimel and Wesley Watson.
Another big return is kicker Conner Coghlan, who kicked the game-winning field goal for the ‘Hounds in the state championship game. Punter Zach Bradley is back as well. Offensive linemen moving up the list include Matt Klepinger at left tackle, Zac Bowman at right tackle and Jon VanZetta at right guard.
Meanwhile, Carmel’s defense will have some experience as well. That includes Nate Frey as one of the safeties and Ben Leary, who moves from safety to inside linebacker. Matt Boyer will also move up to a starting position at inside linebacker as well. Joey Schmidt is a key returnee at outside linebacker.
“Defense, we’ve got more starters back than offense, but our offense is coming along really well, especially our offensive line,” said Hebert. “We feel really good about our running backs, and of course, having your quarterback Jake McDonald back, that’s always very big in high school football.”
Carmel has a big game for its opener tonight: The Greyhounds travel to Louisville to take on Trinity Lutheran, a powerhouse in Kentucky football.
