Lafayette Jefferson Bronchos | Archive | August, 2008

The Indiana Football Coaches Association has released its second set of
polls for the 2008 season, and here are the 5A & 4A rankings.

Teams are listed by current
ranking followed by school name, vote total, and number of first-place
votes if applicable. The coaches’ polls from Aug. 25: (Hoosier Crossroads Conference schools are highlighted in bold)

Class 5A
1. Carmel 100 (10)
2. Ben Davis 80
3. Center Grove 71
4. Warren Central 65
5. Pike 64
6. Fort Wayne Snider 44
7. Hamilton Southeastern 34
8. Valparaiso 27
9. LaPorte 13
10. Columbus North 12
11. Penn 10
12. Michigan City 7
12. Merrillville 7
14. Bloomington South 5
15. Homestead 4
16. Avon 3
16. Jeffersonville 3
18. Lafayette Jefferson 1

Class 4A
1. Columbus East 91 (4)
2. Indianapolis Cathedral 84 (5)
3. Lowell 70
4. Evansville Reitz 67 (1)
5. Fort Wayne Dwenger 37
6. Shelbyville 31
7. Whiteland 28
7. East Central 28
7. Griffith 28
10. Plainfield 24
11. Roncalli 21
12. Delta 10
13. Jasper 8
14. Concord 7
15. Mooresville 5
15. Hobart 5
17. Plymouth 4
18. Zionsville 2

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By Eric Eaton
Hoosier Crossroads Content Coordinator

INDIANAPOLIS – The Hoosier Crossroads Conference was on display in a big way duirng the Marsh Indiana Invitational on Saturday August 23 at the brand new Lucas Oil Stadium with a pair of games pitting 5A Lafayette Jefferson against 4A #11 Zionsville and 5A #10 Avon versus 5A #11 Hamilton Southeastern.

This writer got a chance to witness both of them from the sideline and let me tell you, the fans definitely got their moneys worth as both games were action packed and drama filled barn-burners that weren’t decided until the closing stages of the fourth quarter in both instances.

Make sure to check out the video player at the end of this story for lots of exciting highlights and interviews from both games.

In the first game Lafayette Jefferson jumped out to a 9-0 halftime lead over Zionsville.

However, Eagles coach Larry McWhorter definitely pushed the right buttons at halftime as Zionsville emerged from the locker room to score the first 14 points of the second half to take the lead.

But first-year Lafayette Jefferson coach Andy Kennedy had warned his guys beforehand that they would most likely face some adversity in the game.

Thus trailing for the first time at 14-9, Bronchos junior Jake Matthews returned the ensuing kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown, putting Jeff ahead for good.

Zionsville still had plenty of opportunities after Matthews’ heroics, but Eagles senior quarterback Melvin Woodard could not rally his team to victory.
In fact, Woodard tossed three fourth quarter interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown by Lafayette Jeff’s Steven Edmundson.

Lafayette Jeff which topped Zionsville by a final of 22-14 has now beaten the Eagles in three straight season openers.

Next up for Lafayette Jeff is a home date with Tippecanoe County and HCC rival Harrison (1-0) on August 29.

Zionsville will try to avoid starting 0-2 when they host McCutcheon (0-1) on that same night.

With the Jeff/Zionsville game officially in the books, I then turned my attention to the pending clash between last year’s co-conference champions Avon and Hamilton Southeastern.

And folks this game was as good as it gets!

For starters, the large student contingents that both schools brought were raucous, reminding me more of a high school basketball sectional than a season opening high school football game.

And secondly, the action was simply exhilarating.

Yes, both teams made their share of mistakes, but let me tell you there was enough twist in turns in this game to make anyone’s head spin.

Avon scored two first half touchdowns, both on throws from senior quarterback Jake Harris.

However, Avon coach Dave Shelbourne probably felt as though his team missed a couple of opportunities to widen its margin in the first half, having committed three opening-half turnovers.

Trailing by four points, Hamilton Southeastern turned to its running game in the third quarter, and did it ever produce.

Junior running back Matt Ripp scored a pair of third period touchdowns, one of which covered more than 45 yards, as the Royals took a couple of brief third period leads.

However, Avon had plenty of third-quarter offensive fireworks as well, scoring a pair of touchdowns, and thus taking a 27-23 lead to the fourth quarter.

The final quarter though would belong to the defenses, as both teams looked to make amends for a third quarter which saw a combined 26 points scored.

Still trailing 27-23 with less than three minutes left in the game, it appeared as though the Royals might come up short as quarterback Jordan Hamilton was sacked by Orioles defensive end Montez Robinson on a fourth down play call.

Avon took over the ball on the HSE side of the field, but then fumbled the ball on an option play and Southeastern recovered at the Avon 38.

At this point, there were 37 seconds left on the clock and the Royals had but one timeout left.

However, Hamilton would lead the team on a magical drive which saw Southeastern reach the Avon three yard line with just three seconds left in the game.

The Royals used their one remaining timeout to diagram one final play in which they hoped would result in a touchdown and an improbable victory.

Hamilton Southeastern coach Scott May delved deep into his bag of tricks and called a play in which offensive tackle J.T. Macy, who would be an eligible receiver on the play, would get the ball.

And the play worked to perfection as Hamilton tossed a touchdown strike to a wide open Macy in the left corner of the endzone, lifting the Royals to a miraculous 29-27 victory.

 Macy, who was mobbed by his teammates after the catch, told me later that the offense often has trouble running that play in practice because the scout team almost always knows when it’s coming.

Next up for Hamilton Southeastern is the team’s annual Mudsock trophy battle with 1-0 Fishers on August 29.

Meanwhile, Avon will attempt to put what surely is a stinging loss to Southeastern behind them, when they travel to Westfield (0-1) on 8/29. 

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Here is your Hoosier Crossroads Conference Daily Scoreboard for Thursday, August 21

Boys Soccer
Avon 3, Hamilton Southeastern 1
Zionsville 7, Brownsburg 0
McCutcheon 2, Western 2
Jeff 5, Kokomo 0

Boys Tennis
Hamilton Southeastern 5, Avon 0
Plainfield 3, Brownsburg 2
Fishers 5, Lafayette Jefferson 0
McCutcheon 3, Crawfordsville 2
West Lafayette 3, Harrison 2

Girls Golf
Avon 161, Indianapolis Ritter 204, Lawrence Central 222 – Avon’s Breanna Patz was the medalist with a 35
Lafayette Jefferson 185, West Lafayette 188
Twin Lakes 162, McCutcheon 195, Benton Central 227

Volleyball
Avon 3, Hamilton Southeastern 2 – game scores: 25-19, 25-19, 25-15
Brownsburg 3, McCutcheon 2 – game scores: 25-13, 25-15, 25-16
Fishers 3, Noblesville 2 – game scores: 25-23, 12-25, 25-15, 23-25, 15-8
Zionsville 3, Lafayette Jefferson 0 – game scores: 25-12, 25-14, 25-22
Harrison 3, Westfield 2 – game scores: 25-27, 17-25, 25-23, 25-23, 17-15

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Here is your Hoosier Crossroads Conference Daily Scoreboard for Wednesday, August 20

Girls Golf
Fishers 166, Plainfield 169
Hamilton Southeastern 155, Pendleton Heights 182 – Freshman Brooke Beegle shot a 37 and was the medalist for Southeastern.
Noblesville 151, Brownsburg 171, Warren Central 198, Perry Meridian 200
Westfield 180, Lebanon 183, Tipton 221 – Westfield’s Nicole Kuznia fired a 38 to take medalist honors.
McCutcheon 199, Logansport 203
Harrison 202, Frankfort 215 – Harrison’s Michelle Boone was the medalist with a 39.

Girls Soccer
Hamilton Southeastern 4, Avon 2 – Hannah Miller scored twice in the win for the Royals.
Noblesville 3, Fishers 0
Zionsville 3, Lafayette Jefferson 0 – Zionsville’s Lindsey Hansen had a pair of goals.
McCutcheon 1, Brownsburg 1
Westfield 1, Harrison 0

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Here is your Hoosier Crossroads Conference Daily Scoreboard for Tuesday, August 19

Boys Soccer
Brownsburg 6, McCutcheon 1
#8 Zionsville 8, Lafayette Jefferson 1 – Zach Pifer scored three goals for the Eagles
#4 Westfield 1, Harrison (West Lafayette) 0 – Bret Davidson scored the game winner
Noblesville 2, Fishers 1
#13 Avon 3, #6 Lawrence Central 2 – Trevor Schmidt had two goals for Avon
Hamilton Southeastern 5, Warren Central 2 – Brett Troeger had three of the five Southeastern goals

Girls Soccer
Ben Davis 2, Brownsburg 0

Boys Tennis
Lafayette Jefferson 5, McCutcheon 0
Noblesville 5, Avon 0
Fishers 5, Lebanon 0
Harrison (West Lafayette) 5, Twin Lakes 0

Girls Golf
#2 Hamilton Southeastern 158, #9 Noblesville 159, #6 Carmel 163, Fishers 171, North Central (Indianapolis) 176, #11 Zionsville 190 @ Crooked Stick – Noblesville’s Meghan Potee took medalist honors with a 34.
#3 Avon 165, Franklin 196, Greenwood 206 – The Orioles Breanna Patz carded a 38 to take medalist honors
Twin Lakes 165, #18 Lafayette Jefferson 182

Volleyball
Brownsburg 3, Ben Davis 0 – Game scores: 25-10, 25-10, 25-19
2A #3 Heritage Christian 3, Zionsville 0 – Game scores: 25-16, 25-20, 25-8
4A #5 Avon 3, Center Grove 1 – Game scores: 25-18, 22-25, 25-17, 30-28
Lafayette Jefferson 3, Frontier 2 – Game scores: 25-16, 25-16, 23-25, 21-25, 15-13
Hamilton Southeastern 3, 4A #10 Carmel 0 – Game scores: 25-22, 25-22, 25-19
Noblesville 3, North Central (Indianapolis) 0 – Game scores: 25-17, 25-16, 25-20
Logansport 3, McCutcheon 0 – Game scores: 25-23, 26-24, 25-19
Yorktown 3, Westfield 2 – Game scores: 25-19, 15-25, 23-25, 25-15, 15-12
Harrison (West Lafayette) 3, Benton Central 0 – Game scores: 25-20, 25-7, 25-10

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Seven of Eight fall sports were in action on Monday for the first full day of the fall high school sports season, and here is your Hoosier Crossroads Conference Daily Scoreboard for August 18.

Boys Cross Country
Broncho Hokum Karrum at Lafayette Jeff – West Lafayette won the meet which featured two-member team relays with 14 points. Lafayette Jeff was the the top HCC finisher with 32 points and Brownsburg finished fifth with 42 points. 

Girls Cross Country
Broncho Hokum Karrum at Lafayette Jeff – Crown Point won the
relay style meet with 16 points. Two HCC schools participated and
Brownsburg finished third with 21 points and host Lafayette Jefferson
was fifth with 38 points.

Boys Tennis
Noblesville 5, Warren Central 0

Hamilton Southeastern 5, Westfield 0
Individual match scores
#1 Singles Austin Woldmoe 10 (HSE) def. Henry Armstrong 12 (WF) 6-2, 6-1
#2 Singles Nikhil Kulkarni 11 (HSE) def. Scott Ramey 10 (WF) 6-2, 6-1
#3 Singles Michael Farley 11 (HSE) def. Andy Gehr 10 (WF) 6-1, 6-0
#1 Doubles Max Crouse 10/Chirs Johnson 11 (HSE) def. Trevor Whan 12/Carson White (WF) 6-1, 6-1
#2 Doubles Brian Kehlor 12/Michael Strauch 10 (HSE) def. Kyle Alvarez 12/Nick Crafton 12 (WF) 5-7, 6-3, 7-5

Lake Central 3, Lafayette Jefferson 2

Boys Soccer
Tri-West 4, Avon 3
Fishers 5, New Palestine 0

Girls Soccer
#11 Zionsville 2, #2 Carmel 1
McCutcheon 5, Crawfordsville 1
Harrison 4, Lafayette Central Catholic 1
#19 Hamilton Southeastern 6, Kokomo 0
#7 Noblesville 3, Brebeuf Jesuit 0
Pendleton Heights 1, Westfield 0

Girls Golf
#2 Hamilton Southeastern 149, Fishers 168, North Central 189 – HSE’s Brooke Beegle, Autumn Duke, and Kelsey Smith all shared medalist honors with 37’s.
Westfield 186, McCutcheon 188 – Westfield’s Nicole Kuznia was the medalist with a 36.
Brownsburg 197, Danville 200, Cascade 217 – Brownsburg’s Alicia King took medalist honors with a 37.
#10 Noblesville 163, #12 Zionsville 175 – Noblesville’s Emily Podzielinski was the medalist with a 37.

Volleyball
Fishers 3, Lawrence Central 0 – Game scores from the match were 25-5, 25-12, 25-16.
Westfield 3, Sheridan 0 – Game scores from the match were 25-10, 25-6, 25-6.

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By Eric Eaton
Hoosier Crossroads Conference Content Coordinator

In 2007 Zionsville’s boys tennis team enjoyed an outstanding season on the court, winning conference, sectional, regional, and semistate crowns.

In fact, the Eagles suffered only two non-invitational losses all season, and both were to eventual state champion North Central (Indianapolis). The second of those losses came in the state semifinals, where they were defeated by the Panthers by a score of 4-1.

The 2008 season though brings about some major changes for the Eagles.

For starters, Matt Walter is no longer the team’s coach. He stepped down in the off-season to concentrate on an assistant principal’s job, and was replaced by Dan Layton.

Secondly, Zionsville graduated its #1 doubles team of Marshall Brown and Peter Gunderman. That tandem won the 2007 HCC tournament at #1 doubles and will surely be missed.

However, don’t dismiss the Eagles chances of having another stellar season in 2008. You see they return two of their top singles players from 2007 in Andrew Kahn, and Joe Hammond, as well as their #2 doubles team from last year in J.P. Dwyer and Nick Laconi.

And listen to this, none of the aforementioned individuals finished lower than third at the 2007 conference tournament. In fact, conference championships were won by Kahn at #2 singles and by Dwyer & Laconi at #2 doubles.
Fishers and Hamilton Southeastern though both figure to give the Eagles a strong challenge at this year’s tournament. Both schools finished in the top-4 at last year’s tourney and each welcomes back several all-conference performers from last season.

On the individual front, new conference champions will be crowned at both #1 singles and #1 doubles in 2008.

You already know about the departure of the #1 doubles championship team of Brown and Gunderman from Zionsville who both graduated.

But did you know that Gordon Hayward of Brownsburg won the conference title at #1 singles last year, before he hit that infamous buzzer-beater at the basketball state finals which lifted the Bulldogs to the 4A state championship?

Well he in fact did, and he also graduated, meaning there will be a new HCC champion to be determined at #1 singles when the conference tourney commences on September 20 at Brownsburg.

In other coaching news, Tim Samons has been hired as the new coach at Noblesville. He’s not new to Noblesville tennis though, he was already the head of the girls team there.

And at Brownsburg, Karen Starkey, who like Samons was already the girls coach, takes over the head duties of the boys program as well.

Here’s a capsule team preview of all 10 HCC schools (Note: the teams are listed in order of their finish at the 2007 HCC Tournament)

Zionsville
Coach: Dan Layton
2007 Record: 20-3
2007 HCC Tournament: finished 1st 
2007 State Tournament: Lebanon Sectional-1st, West Lafayette Regional-1st, Homestead Semistate-1st, 2007 State Finals-3rd
Key Graduation losses: Marshall Brown and Peter Gunderman (the two teamed up to win the #1 doubles title at the ’07 conference tournament)
Returning varsity players: 4
Top players:
Andrew Kahn-SR (2007 HCC Tourney: finished first at #2 singles)
Joe Hammond-JR (2007 HCC Tourney: finished 3rd at #3 singles)
J.P. Dwyer-JR (2007 HCC Tourney: #2 doubles champion)
Nick Laconi-JR (2007 HCC Tourney: #2 doubles champion)
Conner Dunn
Taylor Wong
Ben Kahn
2008 Outlook: “We hope to win the HCC Tournament and put our best effort towards returning to the state finals.” – Zionsville coach Dan Layton
Schedule: Click here to view the Eagles 2008 schedule

Brownsburg
Coach: Karen Starkey
2007 Record: 15-5
2007 HCC Tournament: finished 2nd
2007 State Tournament: Avon Sectional-1st, Ben Davis Regional-lost to Park Tudor 4-1 in the championship match
Key graduation losses: Gordon Hayward (won the #1 singles title at the ’07 HCC Tournament)
Returning varsity players: 4
Top players:
Michael Heinekamp-JR (2007 HCC Tourney: finished 4th at #2 singles)
Austin Weinbrecht
Trent Gilchrist
Evan Krepps
Jake Hopkins
2008 Outlook: “We plan to defend our sectional championship as well as our county title. We definitely want to make a strong showing at the HCC tournament as well.” – Brownsburg coach Karen Starkey
Schedule: Click here to view the Bulldogs 2008 schedule

Fishers
Coach: Don Roesler
2007 Record: 14-3
2007 HCC Tournament: finished 3rd
2007 State Tournament: North Central (Indianapolis Sectional): lost to eventual state champion North Central 5-0 in the sectional semifinals
Returning varsity players: 5
Top Players:
Steven Gilliam-SR (2007 HCC Tourney: finished 2nd at #2 singles)
Billy Fitzgerald-SR (2007 HCC Tourney: finished 1st at #3 singles)
Ian Illig
Chris Essix
Ted Brackemyre
Alex Matrin
Ross Kemper
2008 Outlook: “I expect to win our conference and be ranked in the top 10.” – Fishers coach Don Roesler
2008 Schedule: Click here to view the Tigers 2008 schedule

Hamilton Southeastern
Coach: Mark Heiden
2007 Record: 13-4
2007 HCC Tournament: finished 4th
2007 State Tournament: Carmel Sectional: lost to Carmel 5-0 in the championship match of the sectional
Returning varsity players: 6
Top Players:
Austin Woldmoe–SO (15-5 at #1 singles in ’07 and was 2nd team All-State)
Nikhil Kulkarni-JR (2007 HCC Tournament: finished 3rd at #2 singles)
Michael Farley–JR
Max Crouse–SO (2007 HCC Tournament: finished 3rd at #1 doubles)
Eddie Mendizabal-SO (2007 HCC Tournament: finished 3rd at #1 doubles)
Chris Johnson-JR                                         
2008 Outlook: “By returning 6 of 7 players from the 13-4 varsity squad a year ago, the Royals certainly seem ready to become a top 15 team in the state. However, it is often difficult to match the success of previous years, so this squad has a lot of work to do to even match the 13-4 record of 2007. Also, the HCC Conference will be tough and deep as always, so winning conference continues to be a lofty goal. Finally, the Carmel sectional is one of the best in the state, so the Royals have their work cut out for them.  Still, 2nd team All-State Austin Woldmoe returns at 1 singles, and two-year varsity letter winners Michael Farley and Nikhil Kulkarni seem ready to better their great 2007 seasons. I think the Royals are definitely a team to watch this year.” – Hamilton Southeastern coach Mark Heiden
Schedule: Click here to view the Royals 2008 schedule

Noblesville
Coach: Tim Samons
2007 Record: Unknown
2007 HCC Tournament: finished 5th
2007 State Tournament: Carmel Sectional: lost to Carmel 5-0 in the sectional semifinals
Key graduation losses: Aaron Reed, Andrew Herron, and Miles Mattox
Returning varsity players: 1
2008 Outlook: “This season will be a rebuilding season for the Noblesville High School boys tennis team.” – Noblesville coach Tim Samons
Schedule: Click here to view the Millers 2008 schedule

Lafayette Jefferson
Coach: Zach Brennan
2007 Record: 6-9
2007 HCC Tournament: finished 6th
2007 State Tournament: West Lafayette Sectional: lost to Harrison (West Lafayette) 3-2 in the sectional semifinals
Key graduation losses: Brian Wolpert
Returning varsity players: 4
Top Players:
Tanner Braden
Connor Braden
Doug Hinkel
Kyle Portman
Tyler Sharp
Nicolas Spoentgen
Scott Notary
2008 Outlook: “We have a lot of questions about our team this year. We have two very solid positions and several other players fighting it out for the remaining spots. I believe we have a lot of potential, but it’s just going to take some hard work this season.  It will be very hard to replace the seniors we lost from last year, but I believe we can be even more successful this year with some work.” – Lafayette Jefferson Coach Zach Brennan
Schedule: Click here to view the Bronchos 2008 schedule

Harrison (West Lafayette)
Coach: George Adeyemi
2007 Record: Unknown
2007 HCC Tournament: finished 7th
2007 State Tournament: West Lafayette Sectional-1st, West Lafayette Regional-lost to Zionsville 4-1 in the championship match
Returning varsity players: Unknown
Top Players:
Evan Hawkins-SO (2007 HCC Tourney: finished 4th at #1 singles)
Schedule: Click here to view the Raiders 2008 schedule

Westfield
Coach: Walt Grathwohl
2007 Record: 5-13
2007 HCC Tournament: finished 8th
2007 State Tournament: Carmel Sectional-lost to Hamilton Southeastern 4-1 in the sectional quarterfinals
Returning varsity players: 6
Top Players:
Henry Armstrong
Scott Ramey
Andy Gehr
2008 Outlook: “With almost all of the Varsity team returning, I believe we will have a great year. Our team is experienced and competitive and should win more matches this year than last year.” – Westfield coach Walt Grathwohl
Schedule: Click here to view the Shamrocks 2008 schedule

McCutcheon
Coach: Craig Parnell
2007 Record: Unknown
2007 HCC Tournament: finished 9th
2007 State Tournament: West Lafayette Sectional-lost to Harrison (West Lafayette) 4-1 in the sectional championship match
Schedule: Click here to view the Mavericks 2008 schedule

Avon
Coach: Stan Malless
2007 Record: 3-10
2007 HCC Tournament: finished 10th
2007 State Tournament: Avon Sectional-lost to Plainfield 4-1 in the opening round of the sectional
Returning varsity players: 4
Top Players:
Michael McClure
Kyle Nacke
Ryan McPike
Josh Churchia
2008 Outlook: “We are rebuilding once again after losing 5 varsity starters to graduation. A large number of promising and hard working freshmen and sophomores should help get this program back to where it used to be in the next couple of years.” – Avon coach Stan Malless
Schedule: Click here to view the Orioles 2008 schedule

Conference Tournament Date: September 19-20 at Brownsburg

2008 Conference Tournament Overview:
“Zionsville typically fields a strong squad, and Fishers, HSE, and Noblesville will furnish some tough
competition as well.” – Brownsburg coach Karen Starkey

“I am sure that Zionsville will be good as always, and Fishers and Brownsburg will be up there.  Also, Harrison is up and coming, so it should again be a very tough conference.” – Hamilton Southeastern coach Mark Heiden

“This tournament is the highlight of the season. It has some of the best competition in the state and is always a great chance to prove ourselves.” – Lafayette Jefferson coach Zach Brennan

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By Eric Eaton
Hoosier Crossroads Conference Content Coordinator

The 2008 Lafayette Jefferson football season brings a return of a very familiar face back to the program in new head coach Andy Kennedy.

Kennedy, who graduated from Jeff in 1992 and has spent a number of years as an assistant coach for the team, has been given the keys to lead a program that has averaged over seven wins a season for the past 11 years.

Last season Kennedy coached the 1A Lafayette Central Catholic Knights to a 9-1 record. But, when Blaine Bennett decided to leave his post as head coach of the Bronchos during the offseason to become a college coach, Kennedy was the man the Jeff administration turned to.

As expected, Kennedy said yes to the offer and made the short one-mile journey back to Lafayette Jeff, a school for which he has many football ties.

In fact, Kennedy has been a part of three of the five football sectional titles that the school has won. He played on two Lafayette Jeff sectional championship teams in 1989 and 1991 for head coach Bob Downing, and then was an assistant coach under Fred Kutruff when Jeff one its last football sectional title in 2002.

On the field, Lafayette Jefferson football fans have grown accustomed to watching the team’s spread offense score lots and lots of points during the past decade.

Thus, the main question that I’m sure many fans are asking as the 2008 season gets underway is whether or not Kennedy is going to keep the spread offense.

Well the answer is yes! However, the Bronchos don’t have much experience at the quarterback position, which as everyone knows is the catalyst to the spread offense.

Timmy Fogarty, who did such a nice job of running the team’s offense the past three seasons, has graduated, and is playing collegiately at Dayton.

In 2008, the Bronchos starting quarterback will likely be one of two players, senior Brycen Hamilton or sophomore Colin Bultinek.

Hamilton saw significant playing time last season filling in for Fogarty, who suffered a season ending injury during the seventh week of the season.

However, the team went 0-4 to end the year without Fogarty.

The Bronchos open up their 2008 season on Saturday, August 23 at the brand new Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis against the Zionsville Eagles for a 4:30 P.M. kickoff.

Here’s a capsule look at the 2008 Lafayette Jefferson Bronchos
Coach: Andy Kennedy (first season at Lafayette Jeff, 2nd year overall)
2007 Record: 5-5, 5-4 HCC (5th place)
2007 State Tournament: 0-1, lost to Harrison (West Lafayette) 49-28 in the opening round of 5A Sectional #4
Key graduation losses:
Timmy Fogarty-QB (Dayton)
Blaine Koger-WR/DB
DeAndre Robinson-WR
Corry Perrin-DB
Offensive returning starters: 9
Defensive returning starters: 5
Top Players:
RB-Desmond Lake (SR) 5’8”, 150 lbs. (516 yards rushing and 7 TD’s last season)
WR-Ryan Campbell (SR) 5’8”, 150 lbs. (294 yards receiving and 3 TD’s last season)
WR-Mike Sewell (SR) 6’0”, 180 lbs. (282 yards receiving and 2 TD’s in ’07)
QB-Brycen Hamilton (SR) 5’10”, 180 lbs.
QB-Colin Bultinek (SO) 6’0”. 154 lbs.
OL-Shane Wyant (SR) 6’4”, 270 lbs.
OL-Doug Shaw (SR) 6’3”, 255 lbs.
OL-Will Speakman (SR) 6’1”, 245 lbs.
OL-Alonzo Huizer (SR) 5’10”, 220 lbs.
OL-Taylor Fogarty (SR) 6’0”, 210 lbs.
CB-Steven Edmundson (SR) 6’0”, 165 lbs. (2 INT’s last season)
SS-Drew Koning (SR) 6’1”, 190 lbs
LB-Nick Vaughan (SR) 6’0”, 195 lbs. (2 INT’s in ’07)
LB-Lance Shoemaker (SR) 5’10”, 180 lbs.
DE-Jordan Phillips (SR) 6’0”, 185 lbs.
2008 Outlook: “We are going to be successful if the seniors step up and lead by example through their work ethic and dedication to learning a new offensive and defensive scheme over the summer.” – Lafayette Jefferson coach Andy Kennedy
Schedule: Click here to view the Bronchos 2008 schedule

Note: the HCC football team previews continue on Sunday, August 17 with the McCutcheon Mavericks.

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By Eric Eaton
Hoosier Crossroads Conference Content Coordinator

In 2007, the Fishers boys cross country team had a truly remarkable campaign for a program that was only in its second year of existence.

Not only did the Tigers capture the Hoosier Crossroads Conference title with a 37-point romp over runner-up McCutcheon; but they went on to win the school’s first ever state championship in any sport with a 10-point victory over LaPorte at the state finals in Terre Haute.

In 2008, Fishers returns four of its seven runners that competed in last year’s cross country state meet.

However, Rob Seymour, who coached the team to its magical run a year ago, is not returning. Seymour stepped down as head coach of both the boys and girls cross country programs at Fishers during the off-season.
 
Nathan Warnecke, an assistant with the team last season, replaces Seymour as head coach of the boys team, as the Tigers eye a repeat of both conference and state titles.

Warnecke has got a superstar in senior Drew Shields to work with too.

Last year as a junior, Shields finished fifth at the state cross country meet and then had a breakout track season which saw him win state titles in both the 800 and 1600 meter runs.

Those achievements alone should make Shields a prohibitive favorite to capture this year’s individual conference crown.

However, Zionsville senior Dylan Sorenson, the reigning conference champion, should not be counted out. Last year Sorenson posted a winning time of 15:37 at the conference meet, which was ten seconds better than Shields, who finished third.

Speaking of the conference meet, the 2008 edition is scheduled for Saturday, October 4 at the White River Elementary School in Noblesville.

And if you’re looking for a couple of teams who could possibly unseat Fishers as a two-time defending conference champion, you might take a look at both McCutcheon and Noblesville.

Both schools participated in last year’s state meet, and each returns significant experience.

McCutcheon returns five of its top seven runners from last season, and Noblesville returns four.

Three of Noblesville’s runners have significant state finals track experience as well, having been members of the school’s state championship 4×800 meter relay team last spring.

A dark horse contender to win this year’s conference title might be Westfield. The Shamrocks return six varsity runners from a team that finished fourth at the conference meet last season.

Here’s a capsule preview of all 10 Hoosier Crossroads Conference boys cross country teams. (Note: teams are listed in order of their finishing position at the 2007 conference meet)

Fishers
Coach: Nathan Warnecke
2007 HCC Meet: 1st place
2007 State Tournament: Carmel Sectional-1st, Brebeuf Regional-1st, Franklin Central Semistate-1st, 2007 State Meet-1st
Key graduation losses: Cale Allen (17th at state meet), Nate Piggush (31st at state meet), and Tyler Stegman
Returning varsity runners: 4
Top runners: (a top time from last year is listed in parentheses)
Drew Shields-SR (15:29)
Alex Shields-SR (16:04)
Josh Millares-SO (16:19)
Jeff Vibbert-SR (17:06)
Ryan Wells-SR (17:09)
Aaron Pugh-SR (17:22)
Zach Sipher-SR (17:24)
Jacob Banitt-SR (17:29)
Matt Williams-JR (17:33)
2008 Outlook: “We want to be at our best come the last week of October/November 1.” – Fishers coach Nathan Warnecke
Schedule: Click here to view the Tigers 2008 schedule

McCutcheon
Coach: Gary Weesner
2007 HCC Meet: 2nd place
2007 State Tournament: Harrison Sectional-1st, Harrison Regional-1st, New Prairie Semistate-2nd, 2007 State Meet-7th
Key graduation losses: Alex Cardwell (58th at state meet) and J.R. Hodgen (62nd at state meet),
Returning varsity runners: 5
Top runners: (a top time from last year is listed in parentheses)
Ross Russell-SR (16:07)
Robby Stewart-SR (16:15)
Albaro Escalera-SR (16:16)
Jared Wethington-JR (17:19)
Morgan Welsh-SO (17:20)
Mitchel Cox-SR (17:20)
2008 Outlook: “We expect to be one of the top teams in the state again this year. One of our goals is to win the HCC this year. We would also like to win the New Prairie Semistate and make a serious run at the state championship.” – McCutcheon coach Gary Weesner
Schedule: Click here to view the Mavericks 2008 schedule

Noblesville
Coach: Kent Graham
2007 HCC Meet: 3rd place
2007 State Tournament: Carmel Sectional-4th, Brebeuf Regional-4th, Franklin Central Semistate-6th, 2007 State Meet-12th
Key graduation losses: Colin Dunlap (44th at state meet), Aaron Becker, and Scott Sorensen
Returning varsity runners: 5
Top runners: (a top time from last season is listed in parentheses)
Blake Dircksen-SR (15:48; finished 70th at the 2007 state meet and was a member of the 4×800 meter relay state championship team in track)
Cody Marowski-SR (16:15)
Colin Ginebaugh-SO (16:37)
Jake Waterman-SR (17:10; member of the 4×800 meter relay state championship team in track)
Josh Synder-JR (didn’t run cross country last season, but was a member of the 4×800 meter relay state championship team in track)
2008 Outlook: “We undoubtedly have the strongest regional and semi-state competition in the state of Indiana. That being a given each year we prepare for advancement each year to the State meet. Last year was the first time to compete at the state finals in 10 years, so we know it is not a given for us each year as it may be for Carmel.  However, the strength of our county certainly prepares us for this level of competition. Our goal as always is to compete at a high level in the HCC and carry that experience with us to the state tournament.” – Noblesville coach Kent Graham
Schedule: Click here to view the Millers 2008 schedule

Westfield
Coach: Greg Albert
2007 HCC Meet: 4th place
2007 State Tournament: Carmel Sectional-6th
Returning varsity runners: 6
Top runners: (a top time from last season is listed in parentheses)
Colby Shiver-JR (16:13)
Dustin Neff-SR (16:15)
Connor Martin-SO (16:22)
Nathan Crum-SR (17:06)
Jonathan Cintas-SR (17:22)
Cole Tribbett-SO (18:04)
2008 Outlook: “We are ready for the challenges that we will have to face as part of a county of great teams.” – Westfield coach Greg Albert
Schedule: Click here to view the Shamrocks 2008 schedule

Hamilton Southeastern
Coach: Joe Golden
2007 HCC Meet: 5th place
2007 State Tournament: Carmel Sectional-5th, Brebeuf Regional-7th
Key graduation losses: Zach Gates (2007 conference meet runner-up and finished 4th at the state cross country meet)
Returning varsity runners: 3
Top runners: (a top time from last season is listed in parentheses)
Ross Roberson-SR (16:42)
Joe Ebling-JR (17:15)
Vikram Nevrekar-SR (17:18)
2008 Outlook: “We really have put together a solid team with a great summer of hard work and constant training.  Early season it is always hard to tell exactly where you stack up, but I certainly would like to see us compete at the semi-state with a chance at making it to the state meet.” – Hamilton Southeastern coach Joe Golden
Schedule: Click here to view the Royals 2008 schedule

Zionsville
Coach: Gabe Porras
2007 HCC Meet: 6th place
2007 State Tournament: Carmel Sectional-3rd, Brebeuf Regional-5th, Franklin Central Semistate-8th
Key graduation losses: Kevin McCarthy and Oliver Regele
Returning varsity runners: 2
Top runners: (a top time from last season is listed in parentheses)
Dylan Sorensen-SR (15:37; 2007 conference champion and finished 9th at the state cross country meet)
Zan Siddiqi-JR (16:54)
Ryan Kelly-10 (17:40)
David Snyder-11 (17:41)
Tom Spoonmore-11 (17:45)
2008 Outlook: “We are hoping to continue to show improvement and be as competitive as possible this season.” – Zionsville coach Gabe Porras
Schedule: Click here to view the Eagles 2008 schedule

Brownsburg
Coach: Bret Neylon
2007 HCC Meet: 7th place
2007 State Tournament: South Putnam Sectional-2nd, Ben Davis Sectional-5th, Franklin Central Semistate-16th
Returning varsity runners: 6
Top runners: (a top time from last season is listed in parentheses)
Scott Vicenzi-JR (15:55)
Bobby Clidinst-JR (16:57)
J. D. Cosby-SR (17:05)
Scott Hathaway-SO (17:44)
Tyler Daun-JR (17:40)
Drew Hall-JR (17:45)
2008 Outlook: “This year’s team should be even better than last year’s successful squad. Returning almost all of last year’s team, the boys have their sights set on capturing the Hendricks County and sectional championships. Improving on last year’s semistate result is an expectation also.” – Brownsburg coach Bret Neylon
Schedule: Click here to view the Bulldogs 2008 schedule

Lafayette Jefferson
Coach: Dave Howell
2007 HCC Meet: 8th place
2007 State Tournament: Harrison Sectional-3rd, Harrison Regional-3rd, New Prairie Semistate-12th
Key graduation losses: Tito Medrano (16th at last year’s cross country state meet and finished 2nd in the 3200 meter run at last year’s track state finals), Giovanni Cancino, and Peter Cook
Returning varsity runners: 4
Top runners: (a top time from last season is listed in parentheses)
Jake Farrell-SR (17:41)
Matt Callahan-SR (17:54)
Sean McDonald-SO (17:52)
2008 Outlook: “We must rebuild from losing three excellent runners in Medrano, Cancino, and Cook. We will need to be more of a pack running team. I have confidence from what I have seen in the work ethic this summer that we will continue to get better and be running well by mid-season.” – Lafayette Jefferson coach Dave Howell
Schedule: Click here to view the Bronchos 2008 schedule

Harrison (West Lafayette)
Coach: Mike Phillips
2007 HCC Meet: 9th place
2007 State Tournament: Harrison Sectional-5th, Harrison Regional-5th, New Prairie Semistate-19th
Key graduation losses: Calvin Woodard
Returning varsity runners: 4
Top runners: (a top time from last season is listed in parentheses)
Seth Criswell-SR (16:30)
Scott Gogolin-SR (17:09)
Carson McVay-SR (17:25)
2008 Outlook: “I really feel that we will be a much tougher and more talented team this year. The boys have worked very hard over the summer and are way ahead of where they were last year at this time.” – Harrison coach Mike Phillips
Schedule: Click here to view the Raiders 2008 schedule

Avon
Coach: Brad Bernhardt
2007 HCC Meet: 10th place
2007 State Tournament: South Putnam Sectional-3rd, Ben Davis Regional-7th
Key graduation losses: Brad Greisenauer
Returning varsity runners: 5
Top runners: (a top time from last season is listed in parentheses)
Chris Surfus-SR (16:24)
Joey Schmitt-SR (16:48)
Ryan Griesenauer-JR (17:00)
David McKinney-SR (18:00)
2008 Outlook: “We’re returning a strong core of seniors who are great leaders and they are really learning how to push themselves which will make our team significantly better than the past few years. We expect to have a competitive front-runner with a solid pack of three behind and then hopefully we can find a fifth guy to close that next gap in as much as possible.” – Avon coach Brad Bernhardt
Schedule: Click here to view the Orioles 2008 schedule

Key regular season meets
9/6: Harrison (West Lafayette) Invitational (Avon/Fishers/Harrison/Lafayette Jeff/McCutcheon/Zionsville)
9/20: FlashRock Invitational @ Northview Christian Church in Carmel (Avon/Brownsburg/Fishers/Hamilton Southeastern/Lafayette Jeff/Noblesville/Westfield/Zionsville)
10/4: Hoosier Crossroads Conference Meet @ White River Elementary School in Noblesville

2008 Conference Overview
“The HCC is always insanely tough and I expect nothing to change in that regard this season. I believe that it is the toughest conference in the state.” – Harrison coach Mike Phillips

“Last year’s HCC meet was very high profile because it featured the state’s top two teams (Fishers/McCutcheon) going head to head for the first time. This year, I expect that there will be at least four ranked teams in the HCC meet (Fishers, Noblesville, McCutcheon, and Westfield) and maybe more.  The individual superstar is likely to be Drew Shields of Fishers.” – McCutcheon coach Gary Weesner

“Fishers High School will probably be the team to beat again, but our conference is too deep to single out any other team as a favorite.” – Brownsburg coach Bret Neylon

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The Indiana High School Golf Coaches Association has released its
second set of rankings for the 2008 girls golf season, and defending
state champion Martinsville has traded spots with preseason No. 1
Hamilton Southeastern at the top of the heap.

After winning
every tournament they’ve played in thus far, the Artesians now sit at
No. 1., Southeastern moves to second, with Avon bumping up from seventh
to third, Columbus North moving down one slot to fourth, and Penn
ascending from 10th to fifth.

Other upward-movers in the
coaches’ second poll are Carmel (12th to sixth), DeKalb (14th to
seventh), Chesterton (outside the Top 20 to 13th), and Center Grove
(unranked to 14th). Jennings County (16th), Western (17th), Lafayette
Jefferson (18th), and Terre Haute South (20th) also make their debuts
this week.

Here’s your Top 20-plus from Aug. 15: (Hoosier Crossroads Conference schools are highlighted in bold)

1. Martinsville
2. Hamilton Southeastern
3. Avon
4. Columbus North
5. Penn
6. Carmel
7. DeKalb
8. Roncalli
9. Noblesville
10. Greensburg
11. Zionsville
12. Lake Central
13. Chesterton
14. Center Grove
15. Evansville Memorial
16. Jennings County
17. Western
18. Lafayette Jefferson
19. Washington
20. Terre Haute South

Honorable mention: Fishers, Plymouth, Kokomo, Twin Lakes, Indianapolis Cathedral

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THINK? Share your thoughts on our Girls Golf message board.

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