With the start of the IHSAA football season within reach, we finish the conference previews by looking at the area’s most notable independents: Carmel, Center Grove, Cathedral, Park Tudor and Heritage Christian.
Starting with Carmel, the former perennial powerhouse had its worst season in over 20 years with a 5-5 record and a loss in their sectional opener to Westfield.
For Center Grove and Cathedral, the third and fourth ranked teams in the state last season would get their years ended by eventual 6A champs Ben Davis. Cathedral would lose a 27-24 thriller in the regional championship while Center Grove would fall 37-34 a week later in the semi-state game.
Park Tudor started their season at 12-0 before getting upset in the regional championship by North Judson San-Pierre. Giving up just 15 points per game, the Panthers allowed 25% of their entire season total in the loss to North Judson in the regional championship.
After a 6-3 regular season, Heritage Christian would end up falling to Winchester Community in their sectional semi-final.
Outside of these five schools, there are 19 other IHSAA schools that are officially independents primarily from the 1A and 2A classifications.
For the three 6A freelancers, they each look to make deep runs.
Carmel brings back a young roster from last season and is bound to have success behind the arms and legs of quarterback 2026 quarterback Anthony Coellner.
Although Cathedral and Center Grove each lose power five quarterbacks in Danny O’Neil (SDSU) and Tyler Cherry (Indiana), the replenishing of skill positions around their new gunslingers will be able to propel them to victory once again.
For Cathedral, it will be Cameron Koers to step up behind center to lead the Irish. A multi-sport athlete, Koers has stayed busy training with QB whisperer Anthony Morelli this offseason, spending the weekend in Naples, Fl. competing in the FBU Top Gun showcase.
For Center Grove, it will be Gabe McWilliams that will take the keys to the offense from Cherry. The 6’6” quarterback has all the height and strength anyone would need in a quarterback. Although the senior comes in without much game experience, with the weapons around him he will be just fine.
Like Carmel, Heritage Christian brings back their quarterback Eli Nix, running back Elijah Pimental and receivers Andrew Sloan and Noah Deaarman. As a young squad last year, the Eagles were able to go 7-4, now with a year under their belt it is time to buy stock in this talented 2A squad.
As for Park Tudor, the Panthers graduate nearly every single starter from their 12-1 squad last year and look to be in a rebuild of sorts after a heartbreaking end to last season.
Pre Season Awards
Offensive Player of The Year: Elijah Pimental, 2026 RB, Heritage Christian
During his sophomore campaign Pimental rushed for nearly 1400 yards and 12 touchdowns for the 7-4 Eagles squad. With an offense returning Nix, Sloan and Dearman, Pimental is due for a similar workload as he got this past season. His 1382 rushing yards were good for ninth in 2A and second amongst independent teams.
Defensive Player of The Year: Luke Barrett, 2025 DB, Center Grove
The rising senior came down with six interceptions as part of one of the scariest defenses in the state last season. This year, Barrett will be the only returning starting defensive back and will have extra responsibility laying on him. Whether he is able to attract as many balls to come his way or not, Barrett will be able to shut down whichever part of the field he is designated to cover.
Breakout Player: Drake McClurg, 2027 ATH, Center Grove
The Trojans lose a lot of offensive talent with Tyler Cherry, Matthew Yoder and Travis Coy all graduating from the program. One factor in replenishing that talent will be McClurg this season. Used mainly as a return man during his freshman season, McClurg will have the opportunity to get touches at running back and receiver where he totaled 250 yards and three touchdowns last season in relief. With his combination of speed and athleticism, McClurg will be a lethal tool for Eric Moore’s offense over the next three years.
Coach of The Year: Eric Moore, HC, Center Grove
Although he loses his starting quarterback, running back and wide receiver, the Trojans bring back a portion of their front seven and are rejuvenated with inexperienced talent like McClurg across the roster. Over the past 20 years, it is rare for the Trojans to win anything less than 10 games and it just seems unlikely that this roster will fail to hit those expectations.