By CRAIG ADKINS
For The Reporter
Head coach Dave Sharpe returns for his fifth season with the Noblesville football team and looks to improve on the Millers’ last two seasons, which each finished 4-7. In 10 years, Sharpe is 51-56 with previous stints at John Glenn and La Porte.
The Millers got off to a 3-2 start in their first five games of 2023, but a four-game losing streak to end the regular season put them at 3-6. They won a playoff game against Zionsville for the second straight season, but also lost for the second consecutive postseason to Westfield in the sectional championship to finish 4-7.
Noblesville scrimmaged against North Central Friday at Beaver Stadium, and Sharpe was pleased with what he saw out of the Millers.
“It was a great scrimmage, because pretty much everybody got to play and nobody got hurt,” said Sharpe. “And that’s all you’re looking for. You just want to get some of your guys that are two- and three-year starters, just got them a little taste and got them out right away. And then I can’t wait to get in and watch the film. We’ve got some guys battling for those starting spots, or rotating in, or legitimate backups. Tonight will help really paint the picture of our depth chart.”
Starters are never easy to replace or fill the void, but the Millers are having to do that after graduating 2,660 yards and 27 rushing touchdowns.
All-time leading rusher Logan Shoffner gained 4,168 yards (7.7 per carry) and scored 27 rushing touchdowns and Gage Gulley was a steady compliment for a one-two punch, graduating with 1,373 yards (4.5 average) and 25 TDs in 32 games during their three-year varsity careers.
The rushing load looks to be put on seniors Brody Gump, Israel Oladipupo and Bryce Englert, junior Luke Hile, along with sophomores Nicky Morris and Noah Shinkle.
“I think we handed the ball off to maybe 10 or 11 guys tonight, and we’re figuring that out,” said Sharpe.
The Millers have several solid returning players along with a talented sophomore class. Pictured are sophomore Caden Lydle (95), junior Nate Jones (16), senior Israel Oladipupo (0) and senior Michael Bennett (56). (Richie Hall)
Senior Max Miller sits atop the quarterback depth chart heading into fall camp. After playing a vital tight end role in 2023 and catching seven passes for 130 yards as well as blocking for graduated quarterback Jacob Baker, Miller is looking to use his height as an impact under center. Sophomores Aidan Braun and Windsor Hutchins are listed as Nos. 2 and 3 behind him as backups.
“What a great story to be that versatile within our program,” Sharpe said of Miller.
Senior Aiden Brewer, who recently committed to play in the Mid-American Conference at Bowling Green, is the leading returning receiver with 22 catches, 399 yards and two TDs. Fellow senior Indy Wilhelm will anchor at tight end opposite Brewer.
Toby Barnes (center), Merek Helvey (moving from center to guard), Bennett and Wilhelm (tackle to tight end) all return on the offensive line.
Oladipupo, a Boston College commit, will also lead the Miller defense, coming back from a junior season of 75 tackles (6.5 for a loss), two sacks, two caused fumbles and a pass deflection. Classmates Corbin Hornickel had 68 stops (six for a loss, two sacks) and Jrue Kanté made 41 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Seniors Michael Bennett, Wilhelm and Adam Mhedbhi will also be a presence on the D-line. Brewer will also start at a linebacker spot.
Sharpe also believes his sophomore class will be strong, calling them “awesome” after the scrimmage. The coach said that “we got a ton of offensive line experience in the game today from Mason McDermott, Cale Metzler, Caleb Johnson, all three sophomores. Big Jackson Apple really led our JV team last year. Now he’s definitely in the mix to be one of our big offensive linemen as well.”
Noblesville will host Mount Vernon in its season opener on Aug. 30. They’ll then hit the road at Homestead on August 30 and open HCC action on Sept. 6. The Millers will host Westfield on Sept. 13 and visit Zionsville on Sept. 20 at the midway point of the season.
The Millers get a visit from Franklin Central on Sept. 27, followed by Hamilton Southeastern at home on Oct. 4. The regular season finishes up at Brownsburg on Oct. 11 and at home versus Avon on Oct. 18.