Establishing a Legacy: The South Team’s Journey
In 2024, Team Indiana Football fielded two teams per grade level for the first time, with sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade squads each featuring both a North and South team. The 8th Grade South team was composed of a seasoned roster of returning players and coaches, many of whom had been with the program for two or three years. This continuity played a crucial role in the team’s development and success.
The South squad’s foundation was laid in their 6th-grade season, which was a learning year marked by player turnover and a 2-4 record. However, this experience solidified a core group of players who embraced the team culture, becoming a recruiting asset for future additions. Seven players played for all three years, including Kyle Howard (Noblesville), Cal Cook (Noblesville), Colton Robertson (South Vermillion), Cohen Wuethrich (New Palestine), Lincoln Plasse (Gibson Southern), Willy Frazier (Center Grove), and Sawyer Eden (Alexandria Monroe).
With the addition of talented recruits in 7th grade, the South squad became a force to be reckoned with, reaching the championship game of every event for the next two years, capturing four titles along the way.
A Dominant Offense
Led by quarterback Xavier Harmon (New Palestine), the offense was dynamic and balanced. The receiving corps featured Cook, Tanner Sparks (Bishop Chatard), Cye Cobert (Gibson Southern), Willy Frazier (Center Grove), Emmit Anderson (Center Grove), Jude Russell (New Palestine), Josiah Bass (Noblesville), Luke Zurline (Whiteland), and Levi Walston (South Dearborn). Tight ends Lincoln Plasse (Gibson Southern) and Adric Lee (Pioneer) were key targets in the passing game.
The ground attack was equally impressive, featuring a four-headed rushing committee of Wuethrich, Howard, Robertson, and Jared Guevara (Whiteland), alongside the scrambling ability of both Harmon and rotational quarterback Cobert. Over two years, this high-powered offense amassed over 600 points.
The offensive line, often the unsung heroes, was a crucial factor in the team’s success. The unit included Eden, Plasse, Brooks Butler (New Palestine), Colsten Davidson (South Dearborn), Graeson Millspaugh (Yorktown), Easton Jesop (Switzerland County), Jonathan Turcios (Brownsburg), Andruw Hogston (South Dearborn), Emmett Martin (Brownsburg), and Devin Harriman (Whiteland). Their strength and depth allowed for a consistent rotation that kept them fresh throughout games.
Lockdown Defense
Defensively, the South squad was dominant, allowing an average of just 2 points per game over two years while recording 12 shutouts. The defensive line, featuring the same core group of linemen, was complemented by versatile defenders such as Sparks, Cook, James Grant (Center Grove), and Wyatt Wiles (Pioneer). The linebacker unit, led by Wuethrich, Guevara, Howard, Robertson, and Walston, routinely disrupted opposing offenses with an aggressive 4-3 front.
In the secondary, playmakers Cobert, Russell, Frazier, Anderson, Bass, Walston, and, on occasion, Harmon locked down opposing receivers, recording more interceptions than completions allowed over their two-year span.
Special Teams Growth
Initially a weak point, special teams transformed into a strength in the third year, creating extra possessions through turnovers and effective field positioning. Harmon, serving as the team’s kicker, led the unit.
South Team’s Impressive Record
Over their seventh and eighth-grade seasons, the South team compiled a 19-2 record against teams of the same age and a 1-2 record when playing up a level. They reached seven consecutive championship games, winning two Indianapolis-area tournaments and two national championships, while finishing runner-up in three more tournaments. The team competed in events across Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, and Texas, facing teams from 12 different states.
Coaching Excellence
The South squad thrived under the guidance of an experienced coaching staff with high school-level expertise and a commitment to player development. Coaches included Dan Colbert and Jeff Plasse (Gibson Southern), Tommy Frazier (Center Grove), Malcom Harmon (Whiteland), Mike Hogston (South Dearborn), Ronnie Howard (Noblesville), and Ryan Jesop (Switzerland County).
The North Team: A Promising New Era
The Class of 2029’s 8th Grade North team marked Team Indiana’s expansion, bringing together talented players from across the state for the first time. Unlike the South squad, which had years of continuity, the North team featured a brand-new roster with only one returning Team Indiana player—Collin Hatton.
Despite this challenge, the North squad rose to the occasion, navigating the difficulties of learning a new system, adjusting to new coaches, and building chemistry with teammates. Competing in three tournaments, they showcased potential and resilience. While they experienced some close losses, they also gained valuable experiences that will translate into their high school careers.
Looking Ahead
The future is bright for Team Indiana Football, with a well-established South program continuing to build on its winning culture and the North team laying the foundation for future success. The program’s commitment to development, competition, and teamwork ensures that Indiana remains a force in youth football for years to come.