The 2023 Homestead football season can be looked upon in two different ways.
Glass half-empty? The Spartans finished 5-5 for the second-straight season and exited the playoffs in their opener in lopsided fashion for the third time in three years.
Glass half-full? Three of the five losses came to Carmel, Noblesville and Fishers, while Homestead beat both SAC co-champions in Snider and Bishop Luers.
So which direction do the Spartans go in 2024? Time will tell.
Junior Michael White is back at starting quarterback, more experienced and more dangerous at the position. He accounted for 15 total scores a year ago, with 1,060 yards passing and 214 yards on the ground. His athleticism will be a huge asset to the offense.
The graduation of Brett Fuchs and his 1,400 yards rushing leaves a tremendous void. He accounted for 14 of Homestead’s 21 rushing touchdowns. Senior Jake Thrash is in line to be the primary back to start the season.
The top two leading receivers from a year ago – senior Kail Swager (16 receptions, 275 yards, four TDs) and junior Liam Moore (15-204-2) – are both back. They will be complemented by junior Carter Kennedy, who saw some time in four games as a sophomore in 2023. A potential threat is 6-foot-3 senior Grayson Yenser at tight end. A big body with some scoot, he could be a dangerous weapon for White.
Homestead lost three starting offensive linemen, but do bring back a pair with starting experience in seniors Brayden Wilson and Will Davis. Senior Brayden Kaiser and juniors Sterling Swihart and Mitchell Miller will also man linemen spots.
The defense could really be a strength, with eight of 11 starters back in the unit’s 3-4 scheme. Cruz Pursley graduated at linebacker, which is a big loss, but Purdue commitment Sam Steward (93 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 11 sacks) is one of the best at his position in the area. He will have juniors Ayle Taylor (25 tackles, seven sacks, five TFL) and Anthony Fields Jr. (36 tackles) lining up with him at the second level.
A trio of returning linemen bring back starting experience and some serious beef, with all three being juniors as well. Jaron Taylor, Swihart and Nick Brown are all 235 pounds and above and are expected to take the next step in their development at the point of attack.
Senior starters Carson Biddle and Joe McGuire are back in the secondary, as is junior Mylo Loveless. Homestead picked off just five passes in 2023. Being able to force more turnovers is going to be a big goal for the defense this fall.
WHY #3?
We really feel like this is a year that sees Michael White make a big jump at quarterback. As a sophomore, he was sponge in terms of learning the nuances of the game and how his talent and athleticism translated to Friday nights. Now a junior, he should be anticipating instead of reacting, something that could cause serious issues for opponents trying to defend him.
While Homestead may not have the star power it usually has at the skill positions, there is depth in ability and break-out candidates with Swager and Moore.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Homestead was a model of inconsistency last season. One week, you’d feel it has it figured it out and is a contender for an SAC title and a deep run in 6A. The next, it would look like a completely different team.
That attribute should not be a symptom of this year’s team, but it is back of mind when setting expectations. Having a steady presence at QB1 will be huge, but the lines must come together on both sides of the ball.
This team is close to returning to form and challenging at the top of the SAC.
CRITICAL GAME
Week 7 vs. Carroll
Homestead has lost four straight to its rival, and the last three have not been particularly close. Last year, came off an overtime win over Snider one week before into the rivalry game, only to be skunked 41-20.
The Spartans have bigger goals than beating Carroll each season, but it is a barometer of where the programs are at. Homestead has not won a postseason game since since 2020, which just so happens to be the year that it last beat Carroll.
CRUCIAL PLAYER
Michael White, quarterback
Those around Homestead have gushed about what White has shown in the off-season. From his preparation to his leadership to working on his craft, everything is pointing on an upward trajectory for the junior signal caller.
If last year was just a taste of what White can do, we are all in for a real treat. And with another daunting schedule coupled with a sectional that once again puts Homestead in the midst of the likes of HSE, Fishers and Harrison, he will need to be good for the Spartans to be a factor come October and beyond.
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