The monsters of Monroe have been on quite a roll.
With 27 wins and a pair of trips to the Class 1A state championship over the last two seasons, Adams Central has cemented itself as the top 1A program not only in this area, but the northern half of the state.
Do not expect that to change in 2023.
While the Flying Jets do need to replace some pieces, which include quarterback/linebacker Ryan Black and two-way stud Gavin Cook, Coach Michael Mosser returns his top five receivers, two of his most talented running backs and a senior class with a wealth of experience.
“We have the potential to be very good again,” Mosser said. “However, it will take a lot of leadership and determination on behalf of the seniors.”
Make no mistake, Ryan Black’s departure leaves a big void behind center. Not only did he account for over 1,800 yards and 46 touchdowns in 2022, his ability to operate the offense was something that was overlooked by many.
In steps senior Jack Hamilton, who saw action predominantly at wide receiver a season ago. He last played QB as a sophomore and will need to fill Black’s big shoes and run the offense well.
Luckily, Hamilton will have a lot of talent around him. Seniors Keegan Bluhm (1,645 yards rushing, 18 TDs) and Ryan Tester (589 yards rushing, seven TDs) are both back. The pivotal wingback spot that Cook held down last year will need filled by the likes of senior Max Hamilton and/or junior Aaron Hirschy.
Trevor Currie returns as a combo tight end/wide receiver that will open up opportunities downfield for AC. Senior Cam Smith and junior Max Kaehr will factor in the passing game as well.
Up front, Zac Wurm, Lain Lengerich and Brayden Moon are all seniors vets who have been through some serious battles over the last few years. Sophomore Cam Fravel is a name to know for the Jets in the trenches.
On defense, Adams Central has veteran studs at all three levels. Whereas the secondary was thin on experience entering 2022, it is much more established going into this fall with Hamilton (96 tackles) and Smith (seven INTs) the centerpieces.
Linebacker is in good hands with Bluhm’s team-leading 107 tackles back. Wurm and his offensive line compatriots will be amongst the bodies wreaking havoc up front along the D-line.
There were times last year where the special teams struggled for AC with a lot of youngsters in key roles. Currie will once again handle all kicking roles and be wary of Hamilton as a returner on kickoffs.
WHY #7?
Some will scoff at Adams Central being higher than some power SAC schools in this preseason poll, but the Flying Jets deserve respect. With all of their proven production back, this is a team that is expected to not just dominate the ACAC for the third-straight season, but make a run back to state (where they could face Lutheran…again).
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Could we get an Adams Central vs. a Concordia Lutheran or a Bishop Luers to make some comparisons? Unfortunately, not this year.
There are some questions. How does Jack Hamilton do replacing Ryan Black behind center? Can some young linemen mature and fit in seamlessly?
But by and large, this squad has the look of another AC team that will play well into November.
CRUCIAL GAME
Week 6 vs. South Adams
In recent years, the ACAC has come down to this showdown between rivals. While Bluffton and Heritage may have something to say about that in 2023, this annual Week 6 battle not only sets the tone for the remainder of the season in the league, but can be the springboard the Flying Jets use to propel them into another deep postseason run.
CRITICAL PLAYER
Jack Hamilton, senior, quarterback/defensive back
Ryan Black was a multi-year starter behind center that ran the offense with ease. There was a certain symmetry between Coach Mosser and Black. What coach wanted, Black knew without being told.
Hamilton will need some coaching up at the position. He has experience at QB, so that’s not a problem. But being proficient at running the offensive attack of the Flying Jets comes with playing time at the varsity level, something Hamilton doesn’t have much off, at least behind center.
How well Hamilton develops could be the biggest factor on whether AC returns to Indianapolis over Thanksgiving weekend for a third-consecutive season.
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