By MICHELLE GARMON

RGarmon@cherryroad.com

Madison-Grant is coming off consecutive 8-win seasons and believes a third straight 8-win or better season is possible in 2024.

“We are very optimistic about this year and hope to have a successful season,” Argyll coach Brady Turner said.

The Argylls graduated five starters from last season’s squad, including Maverick Miller who rushed for more than 1,000 yards. Madison-Grant also graduated two guards, a tight end and a wide receiver.

But the Argylls do return leading rusher Brody Stitt, who gained 1,129 yards on the ground in 2023. Madison-Grant also returns Andy Stanley, Dalton Sneed, Boston Caudell, Nolan Anderson, Xavier Yeagy, Ike Almeda, Chad Lamb and Rosin White, who will play running back and defensive end this season.

The Argylls have 37 players on the roster, including 12 seniors.

“We are looking at them being leaders of this team,” Turner said of the senior group.

Madison-Grant had a good off-season program and are healthy entering the season.

“We had a good offseason with a lot of participation,” Turner said. “I would say we are about at the same place we were at this time last year.”

Even with the loss of Miller, two guards and a tight end, the Argylls’ strengths remain the same as last season.

“Our strengths will be our offensive line and our defense,” Turner said.

Another strength is backfield depth.

“We have a lot of depth at the running back position and that battle will continue all season,” the Madison-Grant coach said.

The Argylls kick off the season at home against Tri-Central on Friday, Aug. 23. They will travel to Southern Wells on Aug. 30 and open Central Indiana Conference action at Blackford on Friday, Sept. 6.

Madison-Grant has five home and four away games this season. Tri-Central and Southern Wells are the only Class A schools on the schedule, which Turner believes is a plus.

“With us being a 1A team and playing teams that are all bigger than us it will prepare us for the post season,” the Argyll coach said.

Mississinewa is the defending CIC champion, finishing a perfect 7-0. Alexandria was second with a 6-1 record. The Argylls went 4-3 in the conference a year ago.

“I believe every team will present different challenges,” Turner said of the conference.

Madison-Grant’s sectional has changed quite a bit as Southern Wells is the only remaining team. The six new teams are Cambridge City Lincoln, Hagerstown, Monroe Central, Tri, Union City and Wes-Del.

“I think it makes it more challenging because we are unfamiliar with the teams down south,” Turner said.