Much like Bishop Dwenger at No. 6 in Blitz’s Preseason Power Poll, Homestead has had some seasons atypical of its usual success in recent years.
While it is true that the Spartans have not had a losing season since 1994, a trio of consecutive 5-5 years have them in the longest drought without a winning campaign since the program’s inception in 1970.
But with 16 starters back, including senior quarterback Michael White (1,439 passing yards, 12 touchdowns in 2024), Homestead is hoping to return to its winning ways.
The Spartans need White to be at his best. The 18.6 points offensive scoring average a season ago was the worst mark in over 30 years. Simply put, the offense HAS to be better.
While some will point to a lack of playmakers, it is actually the play of the offensive line that must improve. Homestead averaged just 3.7 yards per carry last season, with its leading rusher going for just 400 yards. While Mitchell Miller is a dog in the trenches, he can’t do it all. While size may be lacking again up front, technique and savvy is going to have to carry the day against some of the tougher defenses on the schedule.
White will have no shortage of capable receivers, led by a trio of seniors. Carter Kennedy hauled in 45 receptions for 608 yards and six touchdowns last year, while Liam Moore and Evan England each showed flashes.
There are not as many questions on the defensive side. Seniors Sterling Swihart (43 tackles, three sacks) and Nick Brown (45 tackles, five sacks, two fumble recoveries) along with emerging junior Tobe Agunanne (17 tackles, two sacks, one INT) all have what it takes to compete in Class 6A football up front. There is similar depth at linebacker, paced by senior Anthony Fields Jr. (team-high 78 tackles, nine tackles for loss) and junior Sam Marquell, who will command a bigger role this fall.
Homestead picked off just six passes last season, half of which are gone due to graduation. Kane Nancarrow is the only returning defensive back with an INT, although senior Milo Loveless is one to watch.
Once again, Homestead is not ducking anyone in the non-conference, with road games at Westfield and Noblesville to start. In fact, the Spartans don’t have their first home game until Week 4 and only four of them overall.
As has been the case since realignment a few years ago, Weeks 5 through 7 are pivotal, with Bishop Dwenger, Snider and Carroll in successive weeks.
WHY #5?
Two reasons – Michael White and the defense. While Sam Steward is gone, there is a lot coming back. That defensive front may be as good as anything in the area outside of Bishop Luers. If you can dominate the point of attack, it can cover up a lot of things. Add in an experienced linebacker corps and the Spartans could be tough to move the ball against.
And if White plays like a senior, shows his full potential and gets some semblance of help from the offensive line, Homestead’s scoring average should jump considerably.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
The offense line is a question. And there is a lot to prove at the skill position spots outside of White and Kennedy.
In two years playing the gauntlet trio of Dwenger, Snider and Carroll in Weeks 5 through 7, the Spartans are 2-4. They have to better in that stretch to show that they can truly compete again at the top of the SAC.
CRUCIAL GAME
Week 7 at Carroll
Homestead has lost five-straight games to its bitter rival. That just can’t stand in Aboite.
By this time, we will know what the Spartans are and what they aren’t. But a big step forward would be knocking off the Chargers. It won’t be easy, as Carroll enters the season once again favored to win the conference.
CRITICAL PLAYER
QB Michael White, senior
White has all the skills to be a huge problem in this area and beyond. Due to the bizarre decision by the IHSAA to send Homestead south in sectional play, the Spartans are thrust into the deep end from the jump in the Class 6A playoffs.
Between the start of the season down in Indy and the postseason that will go through Indy, Homestead has to raise its game. White is certainly capable of raising his game. A season of 3,000-plus yards of total offense isn’t out of the question for the senior quarterback. If he delivers, it’s almost a guarantee that the Spartans finish with a winning record for the first time 2021.
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