By MICHELLE GARMON
RGarmon@cherryroad.com
ALEXANDRIA — Yes, the Alexandria Tigers graduated some key players from last season’s 8-2 squad that finished as the Central Indiana Conference champions. But coach Pete Gast and his staff are reloading, or at least it appeared that way in the scrimmage at Hamilton Heights on Friday, Aug. 16.
The Tigers looked good on both sides of the ball against a Class 3A Heights team that also graduated some key players from last year’s squad.
“I really like our team,” Gast said. “We have a good group of young men. They’re not afraid to work hard, and they have a solid football IQ. We just need to focus on improving each practice and each week. But our goals are to win the CIC conference and to win our sectional. Both goals are attainable if we have the right attitude.”
Alexandria kicks off the season at Wes-Del on Friday night, Aug. 23 and will then play its home opener against Wabash on Friday, Aug. 30. The Tigers begin conference play at Elwood on Friday, Sept. 6.
Fans will not see Gabe McGuire, Corey Layton, Eli Diruzza or Carson Cuneo in a Tigers uniform this season as all four graduated. McGuire, Layton and Diruzza are continuing their football careers at Anderson University.
“We lost a lot of talent through graduation,” Gast said. “Gabe was a North-South All-Star. Carson Cuneo was a 1,000-yard rusher for us, and he will also be missed.”
But as previously mentioned, the cupboard is not bare. Alexandria returns quarterback Brady Gast, as well as linemen Trevor Martin, Triston Carroll and Leevi Koons. Defensive starters returning are Syler Hartwell, Mason Fuller, Will Rowland and DJ Egan.
“Trevor Martin, Triston Carroll, and Leevi Koons will anchor our line play,” coach Gast said. “They are 3 of our strongest kids in the program, and their experience will be helpful. Brady Gast comes off a sophomore year at quarterback where he was second in the conference with over 1,600 yards passing and 18 passing TDs. Brady is ready to have a solid junior year.
“Syler Hartwell, Mason Fuller, Will Rowland and DJ Egan bring experience and energy to our defense.”
Players expected to step up and fill roles and provide depth for the Tigers are John Aiman, Bryson Eckler, AJ Granger, Clayton Martin, Owen Cook, Langdon Ashby, Ian Newland, Carter Sovern, Lyncoln Burcharts, and Camden Shelton. Because numbers are and have been good in Alexandria’s program, the Tigers were able to play a full jayvee schedule in 2023 allowing younger players to gain playing experience, which is another reason Alexandria is in more of a reload than rebuilding stage.
“John Aiman and Bryson Eckler will be first-time starters at receiver,” coach Gast said. “They have put the work in and are ready to have great seasons. AJ Granger and Clayton Martin are ready to fill Carson Cuneo’s shoes at running back. They both are talented and ready to go.
“On defense, Owen Cook, Langdon Ashby, Ian Newland, Carter Sovern, Lyncoln Burcharts and Camden Shelton are positioned to step in and play varsity defense. They have all worked hard to prepare and are ready.”
Alexandria has 46 players in camp, led by eight seniors. The senior group is the smallest as there are 10 juniors, 13 sophomores and 15 freshmen. Of the eight seniors, they are evenly divided as there are four linemen and four backs.
“We obviously look for senior leadership,” coach Gast said. “But the main thing is that they set the culture of our program. We have been blessed with good senior classes the past few years that these eight learned from.”
Alexandria also is poised for success as the Tigers had good turnouts for off-season workouts. “We had a good offseason. Our kids get after it in the weight room,” the Tigers coach said.
Coach Gast knows what his team’s strengths are heading into the 2024 campaign.
“We have a lot of team speed,” he said. “I feel that our defense will play fast. On offense, I feel that our passing game can do some things. We obviously want a run/pass balance. But our pass game has looked good all summer and we plan on rolling that into the season.”
Since practice officially started on Monday, Aug. 5, there are some positions where kids are battling for playing time.
“Offensive and defensive line has several kids battling for playing time,” coach Gast said. “And at running back, AJ Granger, Clayton Martin, and Syler Hartwell are all getting reps in practice. I’m eager to see who emerges from that group.”
While the 2024 schedule has not changed in terms of the teams on it. The order of games is slightly different as the CIC does a rotating schedule. The Tigers will end their season against Blackford, a team they could face again the following week in round one of the Indiana High School Athletic Association Class 2A Sectional 36.
“That honestly doesn’t bother me, about the back-to-back weeks,” the Alexandria coach said. “I do like rotating the schedule every two years.”
The Tigers finished 6-1 in the CIC a year ago, their only loss coming against Mississinewa, who finished 7-0 in the conference. The Indians should be strong again this season.
“I feel that the CIC is strong,” coach Gast said. “We feel that we can beat anyone in the conference. But every week is a big challenge. Madison Grant brings a lot back, and we have a lot of respect for what they do. But every CIC game is a battle. So many well-coached teams. And don’t forget Mississinewa. They’re the defending champs.”
While the Tigers could meet Blackford in back-to-back weeks, the Bruins are not the only sectional team Alexandria could face a second time. The sectional also includes Eastbrook, Elwood and Wabash. Wabash replaced Frankton, who moved up to 3A. Rochester also is new to the sectional field replacing two-time defending champion Bluffton. Eastern and Tipton remain in the sectional field but are not on Alexandria’s regular-season schedule.
“We don’t mind playing a CIC team again in October or November,” Gast said. “I feel the excitement is there regardless.”
Early indications are it could be another exciting season for the Tigers.
