It is amazing what a few years’ time can do for program expectations.
Three years ago, Carroll was trying to find its way in the SAC as rival Homestead was piling up league titles. It had been seven years since the Chargers had won a sectional, with no regional titles in program history.
Now in 2024, Carroll is coming off what some perceive as a “down” year for Coach Doug Dinan’s crew – seven wins, only one SAC loss and a first-round exit in the 6A playoffs.
Fair or not, back-to-back league titles in 2021 and 2022 and a 6A state title game appearance in 2022 has changed the perspective. Coach Dinan and his Chargers are now held to a higher standard, one this year’s team is eager to return to.
Leading the charge is third-year returning starting quarterback Jimmy Sullivan. After what some felt was a down year last year after a breakout sophomore campaign, the University of Iowa commit would like nothing more than to end his prep career with an appearance at Lucas Oil Stadium again. He is an early candidate for Indiana Mr. Football and will have more than enough opportunities to prove his worth on the big stage in 6A.
Leading receiver Hansen Haffner has graduated, but there is a wealth of talent at the receiver positions. Tight end Brady Rhoad is a tough matchup, and juniors Jaidon VanPelt and Mason Baughman are set to break out. Senior Griffin Scheele will command a bigger role in the offense after just nine catches in 2023, while younger brother Harry Scheele is one to watch as a sophomore.
Nate Starks will return in the offensive backfield and will also see action in the secondary.
Caiden Abbs will anchor an offensive front line that will look to provide protection for Sullivan. Carroll has no shortage of capable linemen that can start, it’s just all about finding that right combination.
The defense saw some studs depart in d-end Ashton Pesetski and safety Braden Steely. Each was one of the best at their respective positions in the area over the last few seasons. Will Jeffries at defensive back brings back experience after moving from linebacker. Fellow senior Dylan Beam could also have a big-time season on the back end.
Up front on defense, there will be some new faces. Keep an eye on junior Evan Brubaker and senior Brody Beeks.
WHY #2?
With the area’s best quarterbacks behind center and a load of offensive weaponry, Carroll could have the best offensive attack around. The offensive line should be sound. The defense could be more of a work in progress, but the personnel is there to be good once guys gain experience.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The depth across the board is sound, but defensively there are questions. Losing Pesetski and Steely to graduation hurts, but Carroll has shown the propensity to have guys ready to step up and play big rolls.
Coach Dinan loves the ability to go big with the non-conference schedule, of which this year is no exception with Hamilton Southeastern and Center Grove. The sectional is rid of Warsaw but gains Snider, giving us an opportunity to potentially see those two powers play twice this year.
Carroll isn’t at the level of Snider, at least to start off the season, because it lacks star power on defense. However, the offense is more established.
CRITICAL GAME
Week 5 vs. Snider
If the SAC ‘A’ division goes as we expect, this matchup could very well decide the league championship. We have had some doozies between these two in recent years – including a three-point win by the Panthers last year after four-consecutive wins for the Chargers.
That Snider defense against Jimmy Sullivan and the offense? Sign us up.
CRUCIAL PLAYER
Nate Starks, running back/defensive back
Now healthy after battling injury, Starks will be of key importance on both sides of the ball.
Carroll’s offense is at its best when it has a good running game to complement the passing attack. Starks rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2022 that helped keep defenses honest and open things up for Sullivan. Last year, the rushing attack wasn’t as effective. A return to form for the rushing attack and Starks would be huge.
Starks is a pure athlete, meaning his addition to the defense just makes sense. The Chargers intercepted just seven passes last year. In 2022, they picked off 18. If Starks can help push that number into the double digits at least, it will allow the talented offense to cook more in plus territory.
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