Your guide on who to watch under the Friday night lights this season. Jake Fox / Star Press
MUNCIE, Ind. — We know there are stud football players throughout East Central Indiana. But what does that mean for their teams?
Last year, just three local squads (Delta, Monroe Central, New Castle) finished .500 or better. The Golden Bears were our lone sectional champion, as they ended up going all the way to semistate.
Let's take a look at what has changed since then. Here is your team-by-team guide to the 2018 season (information from coaches and MaxPreps):
Muncie Central Bearcats (5A)
Coach: Scott Pethtel, 2nd season (1-9)
2017 record: 1-9 (lost sectional first round)
Key additions: None
Key departures: Eliseus Young (WR/RB), Xavier Cleaves (RB), Kenny Coleman (OL/DL), Jaylil Abram (DB), Cody Campbell (LB)
Top returning players: Cam Gillentine (QB), Andrew Abbott (RB), Tyrke Walker (WR), Seth Rawlings (OL), Adrian Leavell (LB), Martez Neal (DL), Omar Campbell (DB), Malek Williams (DB)
Outlook: Central is a senior-heavy group looking to get back to its winning ways in Year 2 under Pethtel.