Columbus East’s Kyson Villarreal drops back to pass during a sectional game against Seymour Oct. 27, 2023 at Columbus East.
The Republic file photo
Columbus East will look to return to its winning ways this football season.
The Olympians went 3-6 last year, including 3-3 in the Hoosier Hills Conference. They are seeking their first winning season since 2020.
“For this team not having a ton of returning starters, we have to get better every week,” East coach Eddie Vogel said. “We’ve not made a run in the tournament in awhile, so our goal is to be playing our best football in November and try to compete for a sectional championship.”
Vogel had a chance to see some of his lesser experienced players in Friday’s controlled scrimmage at Whiteland.
“Everybody that practiced played, so anytime you scrimmage, you have a hard time getting in a rhythm,” Vogel said. “I like the way we competed with Whiteland. I don’t think they overpowered us physically. Their offense creates some issues, but I thought we handled it well. So I was pleased with the scrimmage.”
Junior Kyson Villarreal returns for his second year as the starting quarterback. Villarreal completed 67 of 141 passes for 903 yards and 10 touchdowns and led the Olympians with 128 carries for 722 yards and five scores rushing.
Senior Thomas Houpey will take over the main running back role after carrying 48 times for 209 yards and two scores. Sophomore JD Rotert also will carry the ball, along with possibly junior Brody Miller.
Junior Keaton Lawson caught 28 passes for 405 yards and five touchdowns. Seniors Cam Herron (15-131-1) and Jax Siegman (14-107) also return at receiver.
Senior Jared Brooks (18-294-3) returns at tight end and also can split out wide on occasion. Sophomore Paxton Thompson could see action at tight end.
Senior tackle Noah Hildebrand is the lone returning starter on the offensive line. He will be joined by sophomore tackle Liam Darlage, junior Evan Simo and sophomore Jody Marshall at guard and sophomore Zander Taylor at center.
“We have more experience at our skill positions,” Vogel said. “We can do more things with our skill guys offensively and defensively. Up front, we’re not as experienced, so that’s something we have to continue to improve.”
Vogel, who was East’s longtime defensive coordinator before becoming head coach, is switching from its traditional 4-3 defense to a 3-4 this season.
“I feel like it fits our personnel with the types of players that we have better and some of the things we see during the year, as well,” Vogel said.
Seniors Eric Duncan and AJ Tindell will play at the ends, and junior Gavin Gourley takes over at nose tackle. Hildebrand also will see action on the defensive line.
Seniors Brooks and Jack Smith return at linebacker and will be joined by juniors Christian Austin and Miller.
Senior Zach Foster is back at cornerback, where he will be joined by senior Robert Young or junior Blake Moss. Lawson, who had three interceptions, returns at safety, where he will team junior Joel Murphy, and once he returns from injury, sophomore Dallas Dykstra.
Junior Skylar Bailey returns as the place-kicker. Villarreal likely will assume the punting duties.
The Olympians open the regular-season Friday at home against Bloomington South before travelling to Columbus North the second week.
“Our non-conference schedule is really strong,” Vogel said. “I think we scrimmaged a really strong opponent in Whiteland. Weeks 1 and 2, we’re going to find a lot out about ourselves. We have to continue figuring out what we’re good at and what our identity is going to be, and then we can look at challenging for an HHC title.”
The 2024 Columbus East football schedule:
Friday vs. Bloomington South, 7 p.m.
Aug. 30 at Columbus North, 7 p.m.
Sept. 6 vs. Seymour, 7 p.m.
Sept. 13 vs. Jennings County, 7 p.m.
Sept. 20 at New Albany, 7 p.m.
Sept. 27 at Floyd Central, 7 p.m.
Oct. 4 vs. Bloomington North, 7 p.m.
Oct. 11 vs. Jeffersonville, 7 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Bedford North Lawrence, 7 p.m.
