As the 2024 IHSAA football season rapidly approaches, let us take a closer look at central Indiana’s conferences. Continuing with the small, but mighty bunch that make up the Circle City Conference: Brebeuf Jesuit, Guerin Catholic, Bishop Chatard and Roncalli.
Last season, it was the Trojans of Bishop Chatard that ran away with the conference title en route to their flawless 15-0 3A state title run.
Guerin Catholic came the closest to dethroning the champs twice last year, once in a 13-7 overtime loss in week six and again in a 21-10 defeat in the sectional semi-finals.
Brebeuf had an equally scary offense as they did struggling defense- scoring nearly 40 points per game, but giving up 36 points each outing. The high scoring antics got the best of them in a 40-39 loss to Mooresville in the sectional championship.
At last, Roncalli at 4-7 were not nearly the powerful program that they have made themselves out to be over the past decade. Playing a schedule filled with higher-classed teams and state champions, the Royals came close to dethroning the Trojans in a 14-7 loss in week three.
With players graduating and underclassmen maturing, things will all but certainly get shaken up amongst the rankings.
Pre Season Awards
Offensive Player of The Year: Maverick Geske, 2025 QB, Brebeuf Jesuit
This award could go to any of the three key offensive pieces that Brebeuf is returning this season in Geske, running back CJ Harris or receiver Taylor Clark. Last season Geske threw for over 3000 yards to pair with 40 touchdowns. Of those 40, a whopping 17 went to Clark, who also hauled in 900 yards along the way. On the ground, Harris scampered for nearly 1300 yards to go with 11 trips to the endzone. With this much talent returning offensively, do not be surprised if Geske finds the endzone 50 times this year.
Defensive Player of the Year: Casey Horton, 2026 LB, Roncalli
Throughout the conference, returning top-end defensive talent is seldom to come by, outside of Roncalli’s Casey Horton that is. Horton racked up 50 tackles and a sack as a sophomore last year, and these stats will only continue to improve as the versatile linebacker gets stronger.
Break Out Player: Jack Harrington, 2026 QB, Bishop Chatard
A two-way player last year for the state champs, Harrington played both quarterback and safety due to injury relief as a sophomore. At quarterback, he went 16-21 for 171 yards and a touchdown over the course of three games while defensively he racked up 20 tackles and an interception. With the keys to the offense looking like it will go to Harrington for the upcoming season, it would be nonsensical to think that he would not succeed as full-time quarterback.
Coach of The Year: Matt Geske, HC, Brebeuf Jesuit
After going 6-5 last year and returning so many key pieces, it is hard to think Geske will not be able to improve and shine with all the experience on the Brebeuf roster. As long as the defense can hold opponents under 30 points per game, Geske’s Braves should be in for a fun season.
Pre Season Predictions with Short Explanation
- Brebeuf Jesuit
A high powered powered offense to pair with experienced players will equate to wins.
- Roncalli
Returning QB Collin Ash, RB Zach Dozier on offense as well as linebackers Casey Horton and AJ Richardson will make for a successful season.
- Bishop Chatard
Losing QB Aiden Artega, WR/DB Colin Guy and DE Sam Feeney to pair with State Championship hangover and win streak stress may lead to a decline in success.
- Guerin Catholic
Losing QB Dave Zimmerman, RB Peter Rooney and LB Aaron Keller as well as question marks at quarterback may lead to a disappointing season.