Trojans set sights high again

July 26, 2023 at 1:10 a.m.


Since 1991 the East Central Trojans have had just one losing season and have won 13 consecutive EIAC championships. They are fresh off a 2022 State Championship (4-A) under head coach Jake Meiners, and East Central has no intentions of slowing down this season. 

Meiners' squad from a season ago was one of the highest scoring in East Central history. The Trojans' offense scored 77 touchdowns last season; 28 of those came via quarterback Cole Burton (22 passing, 6 rushing), who is returning for his senior season. Burton currently ranks fourth all-time on EC's career passing touchdown list with 41 TDs. He needs 16 this season to pass T.J. Brown (00-03), who threw 56 career TDs and ranks first all-time.

Forty-two of East Central's touchdowns last season came from senior Josh Ringer (39 rushing, 6 receiving) who set the EC record last season with 252 points scored. Ringer – headed to Miami in Oxford - and Burton are two of the six Trojan seniors that have already received college offers. Ryan Brotherton (Western Michigan) was Burton's deep threat last year; the 6'4” receiver had 35 receptions for 859 yards last season and was second on the Trojans in rushing with 698 yards.

The offensive line returns 6-3, 290-pound tackle Noah Schneider, and 6-2, 240 center RJ Seig. The loss of several multi-year defensive starters seems the only weak spot for a very talented team. The defense will need returning starters, safety Carson Pieczonka and linebackers Brayden Rouse and Conner Kuhn to lead an inexperienced unit.

Both of East Central's losses will be back on the schedule this season, Moeller (Cincinnati) put up a 43-14 win in week three last season over EC, and Roncalli beat the Trojans 21-19 in September. EC got their revenge over Roncalli with a 24-21 win in overtime to earn a spot in the state championship. They will close the regular season on the road at Roncalli. They open the season at Lawrenceburg, who was runner-up in the 3-A State Championship last season. The Trojans will also play at Franklin County and Batesville for their other two road games this season. Their home games consist of Harrison (Ohio), Moeller, South Dearborn, Connersville and Greensburg.

The Trojans should no doubt be repeating as the EIAC big school champs and make waves in the playoffs again this season.

Since 1991 the East Central Trojans have had just one losing season and have won 13 consecutive EIAC championships. They are fresh off a 2022 State Championship (4-A) under head coach Jake Meiners, and East Central has no intentions of slowing down this season. 

Meiners' squad from a season ago was one of the highest scoring in East Central history. The Trojans' offense scored 77 touchdowns last season; 28 of those came via quarterback Cole Burton (22 passing, 6 rushing), who is returning for his senior season. Burton currently ranks fourth all-time on EC's career passing touchdown list with 41 TDs. He needs 16 this season to pass T.J. Brown (00-03), who threw 56 career TDs and ranks first all-time.

Forty-two of East Central's touchdowns last season came from senior Josh Ringer (39 rushing, 6 receiving) who set the EC record last season with 252 points scored. Ringer – headed to Miami in Oxford - and Burton are two of the six Trojan seniors that have already received college offers. Ryan Brotherton (Western Michigan) was Burton's deep threat last year; the 6'4” receiver had 35 receptions for 859 yards last season and was second on the Trojans in rushing with 698 yards.

The offensive line returns 6-3, 290-pound tackle Noah Schneider, and 6-2, 240 center RJ Seig. The loss of several multi-year defensive starters seems the only weak spot for a very talented team. The defense will need returning starters, safety Carson Pieczonka and linebackers Brayden Rouse and Conner Kuhn to lead an inexperienced unit.

Both of East Central's losses will be back on the schedule this season, Moeller (Cincinnati) put up a 43-14 win in week three last season over EC, and Roncalli beat the Trojans 21-19 in September. EC got their revenge over Roncalli with a 24-21 win in overtime to earn a spot in the state championship. They will close the regular season on the road at Roncalli. They open the season at Lawrenceburg, who was runner-up in the 3-A State Championship last season. The Trojans will also play at Franklin County and Batesville for their other two road games this season. Their home games consist of Harrison (Ohio), Moeller, South Dearborn, Connersville and Greensburg.

The Trojans should no doubt be repeating as the EIAC big school champs and make waves in the playoffs again this season.

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