2009 Football Preview: EIAC
The Eastern Indiana Athletic Conference has been the East Central Invitational for almost a decade now.
The Trojans won their ninth consecutive conference title in 2008. However, the rest of the bunch seems to be closing the gap. Lawrenceburg looks to build upon its success last season.
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Batesville always makes noise and Greensburg will have their say in this race before it is all said and done. There is a window of opportunity here for some one to dethrone the Trojans.
Here is a complete overview of the EIAC:
EAST CENTRAL TROJANS (10-2, 5-0 EIAC)
HEAD COACH: Don Stonefield
HOW THEY FINISHED: The Trojans won their ninth consecutive conference title in 2008. However, they lost to Columbus East once again in the Sectional Finals.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Division I prospect Kyle Owens anchors an offensive line that has some question marks. Quarterback Tyler Deters has the unenviable job of filling two-time EIAC Offensive Player of the Year Jake Meiners' shoes.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We must continue to develop our o-line to be successful. We must be able to pass protect." - Head coach Don Stonefield
FINAL TAKE: East Central has to replace many skill position players, but the shear size of the men up front make this team a favorite to win their tenth straight EIAC title.
LAWRENCEBURG TIGERS (10-2, 4-1)
HEAD COACH: Bob Brookbank
HOW THEY FINISHED: It was a dream season for the Tigers in '08. The EIAC's smallest team won 10 games and made it all the way to the Sectional Finals before bowing out to eventual state champion, Heritage Christian.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Junior Luke Brookbank will takeover at quarterback. Justin Holland will handle a large portion of the ball carrying duties.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We have the opportunity to surprise a lot of people in 2009." - Head coach Bob Brookbank
FINAL TAKE: Only East Central scored more than 14 points on Lawrenceburg in the regular season last year. Gone our 19 seniors, but optimism runs high. Expect a strong effort again this season.
GREENSBURG PIRATES (7-4, 3-2)
HEAD COACH: Scott Moore
HOW THEY FINISHED: Former head coach Eric Schreiber abruptly stepped down from the position before the season started, leaving Greensburg in a scramble. Varsity head baseball coach Scott Moore stepped in to save the day propelling the Pirates to a winning season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jacob Slusher and Devin Law will be workhorses in the backfield. Nick Booker returns as the squad's top pass catching threat.
STRONG UP FRONT: There is good size and depth too on the lines with Bobby Beeler, Isaac French, Dallas Colley, Jacob Evans, and Eric Moore among others.
FINAL TAKE: Greensburg is set up for long-term success with a great mix of upper classmen and first year players. This team is very capable of putting up 30 points every time out.
BATESVILLE BULLDOGS (5-5, 2-3)
2008 RECORD: 5-5, 2-3
HOW THEY FINISHED: The Bulldogs played in a ton of close games in '08, but had a hard time breaking through to the upper echelon of teams in the EIAC. They tallied more than 20 points just once in the first seven tilts a year ago. However, over the last three contest the team put up 126 points.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Senior linebacker Chris Miller is one of the league's most disruptive forces. Classmate Connor Kelley is being recruited by several Ivy League schools as a quarterback.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "My real love is quarterback. I get to follow a clear plan, but I can still improvise and make decisions on the fly based on what the defense allows." - Quarterback Connor Kelley
FINAL TAKE: Batesville finished 2008 with a 5-5 record, 2-4 in the EIAC. However, a strong senior class and key players returning at several marquee positions has raised the optimism for the 2009.
SOUTH DEARBORN KNIGHTS (3-7, 1-4)
HEAD COACH: Eric Lows
HOW THEY FINISHED: Defense failed South Dearborn down the stretch in last season. They lost five of their last six games, all by at least 28 points. Opponents averaged 42 points per contest during that span.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: The line is anchored by one of the league's best, Joe Fuson. Senior quarterback Dale Weaver returns for this third season under center.
TOUCHDOWN WOES: Priority number one in '09 will be keeping foes out of the end zone. However, scoring more points is a must too. The Knights scored 14 or fewer points seven times a year ago.
FINAL TAKE: There are some tools in place on offense, but they have to be more consistent in order to challenge for the crown. Expect more competitive play in the year ahead.
FRANKLIN COUNTY WILDCATS (1-9, 0-5)
HEAD COACH: Bryce Sayne
HOW THEY FINISHED: It has been a rough go for the Wildcats of late. They are coming off back-to-back 1-9 seasons and suffered some devastating defeats along the way.
GETTING DEFENSIVE: The defense struggled to keep opponents out of the end zone last season, ceding 478 points through ten games. Four times they gave up at least 56 points.
BEAM OF HOPE: Offensively, Sayne's scheme seemed to catch on in '08 as the team averaged 21 points in their first seven games. If they can better those numbers in 2009 they have chance in every game.
FINAL TAKE: The Wildcats have to prove they can finish the season strong if they want a shot at the league title. That is something they have failed to do the past couple of seasons.