Every so often, Center Grove’s wing-T offense takes flight.
This season, particularly the past three games, offers a prime example as the undefeated Trojans, ranked atop Class 6A the entire season, showcase the smoothness and decision-making of junior quarterback Tayven Jackson and his cast of sure-handed receivers.
Center Grove still pounds the ball down the field with the best of them, but successful coaches find a way to build an offense geared to its strength. Or in this case, strengths.
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“It’s a spread wing-T, and we do most everything out of the spread,” said coach Eric Moore, whose squad hosts Warren Central in a regional tonight. “We have two really good backs in Carson Steele and Daniel Weems, and we have the perfect slot that moves in Connor Delp.
“When we prepare to play someone, they better be able to defend the power run game, the option game, the jet sweep and throwing the ball.”
This is the first time since 2013 that the Trojans’ ground game hasn’t generated more than 70 percent of the total offensive yardage. That squad, featuring senior quarterback Luke Calvert and receivers Matt O’Brien, Justin Veteto and Devon Hensley, compiled 37 percent of the yards through the air, slightly more than this group’s 35 percent.
The 6-foot-5 Jackson averaged 186.3 yards through the air and chalked up five touchdown passes in victories over Cathedral, Columbus North and Columbus East despite playing limited snaps in the latter two after Center Grove built a sizable lead.
Center Grove’s proficiency through the air starts with the offensive line and continues with Jackson’s ability to make the correct decision and pinpoint pass.
“Maybe now, our passing game is setting up our running game, and not vice versa,” Moore said. “We’ve got six guys who are really good at catching the football. These are some of the best possession receivers I’ve ever seen in high school. They run great routes and they’re so smart.”
Delp, a senior, has been Jackson’s favorite target this fall with 34 receptions and 699 yards. Trent Veith is next with 27 catches and 344 yards, followed by a third senior, Mason Long (12 for 196) and junior Harrison Stomps (eight for 93). Steele and Weems are proven receivers out of the backfield, making the job of opposing defensive coordinators all the more daunting.
“It’s been a lot of fun this year. We have a lot of skill and a lot of experience,” Delp said. “Having Tayven on the field, he’s one of the most athletic kids on the team. The offensive line has done a great job of giving him time, and he can make any throw. And he’s a lot better leader than he was a year ago. Everyone respects him, and he works hard every day.”
Moore concurs, adding, “Tayven has had unbelievable development from his sophomore to junior seasons. You can just see the confidence he has when he moves. He’s become so fluid, and when you do that it looks effortless when you play.”
Veith, a split end who enters tonight’s game against the Warriors with a school-record 74 career catches to Delp’s 63, understands he’s part of something special. Delp, who has 1,179 receiving yards in his three seasons on varsity compared to Veith’s 929, still has a chance to break the Center Grove records for receiving yardage in a season (738) and career (1,341).
The two seniors have built a friendly rivalry, each claiming to possess the most trusted set of hands.
“There’s definitely a little competition there, but whoever makes the play, we’re happy for them,” Veith said. “It’s all about winning games, especially this being our senior year. We’ve put in a lot of work in our three years at the varsity level, and that work set us up for this season.”
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Class 6A
Warren Central at Center Grove, 7 p.m.
Class 5A
Whiteland vs. Cathedral at Arsenal Tech, 7 p.m.
Class 4A
Roncalli at Mt. Vernon, 7 p.m.
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