Center Grove receiver Tristan Baxter, left and teammate Drake McClurg celebrate after a big play in the win over Fort Wayne Carroll this season.
Daily Journal file photo
Tristan Baxter’s jersey number is decidedly lower this season, but otherwise, his numbers are up.
So it goes through the first four weeks of the season for Center Grove’s senior wide receiver, who at this time last season was running routes and hauling in passes while wearing No. 87.
Now modeling the somewhat streamlined and more receiver-friendly No. 4, Baxter has made 12 catches for 231 yards and three touchdowns entering tonight’s game against Trotwood-Madison (Ohio).
Once referred to as Reggie Wayne by Center Grove coach Eric Moore, Baxter now finds himself channeling his inner Rondale Moore.
“I’ve always wanted to wear No. 4 or No. 1 because that’s what I wore growing up,” said Baxter, who began his run through the Center Grove bantam system as a running back, was converted to quarterback in the sixth grade and switched to receiver a year later. “The last time I wore No. 4 was in the fourth grade. I feel I look better with No. 4.”
Look good. Feel good. Perform well.
The 6-foot, 167-pound Baxter, who had been credited with nine receptions for 133 yards and a score through the Trojans’ first four games last season, is 3 for 3.
Baxter’s game-night experience from last season is proving vital for a team that lost 55% of its pass receptions from its Class 6A semistate qualifier due to graduation, players changing position or those who simply opted not to return.
First-year quarterback Gabe McWilliams also benefits from having a veteran target.
“As far as the offseason goes and now, Tristan is one of the most improved kids on the team,” Moore said. “He runs his routes more precisely, and he catches the ball better because his concentration is better. Tristan’s hands … he’s just made some unbelievable catches in practices and games. He’s wiry strong, and he’s not scared to do much on the football field.”
Baxter is part of the Trojans’ five-pronged receiving unit in which every player brings something different to the offense directed by the 6-foot-6 McWilliams.
Sophomore Drake McClurg (21 catches, 423 yards) and seniors Brevin Holubar (13-176) and Brady Dicken (6-104) combine sprinter’s speed with reliable hands; Dominick Barry, a highly-recruited 6-4, 225-pound junior tight end, is an outstanding blocker who has nine receptions so far this season.
“I feel like this is one of the best receiving groups to come through Center Grove,” Baxter said. “We all have different skills.”
Baxter also possesses a different gear when the situation calls for it. We’ll call it going 4 on the floor.
Last spring, the senior’s personal-best time of 38.2 seconds in the 300-meter hurdles was the third fastest in the state before a hip injury sidelined him for the remainder of the track and field season.
Moore, who introduced Baxter to hurdling when the latter was in the sixth grade — “He was barely taller than the hurdle,” Moore recalled — is confident a healthy Baxter would have at least made the state finals and possibly stood atop the podium as champion.
Baxter prioritized improving during the months leading up to his final prep season. He credits parachute runs, weighted runs uphill and single-leg squats — along with work in the weight room — with getting him to this point.
“I’ve gotten way faster,” Baxter said. “But I also feel it’s my footwork. Getting into that open spot and getting past that defender quickly.”
Always a hurdle to clear.
TONIGHT’S GAMES
Trotwood-Madison (Ohio) at Center Grove, 7 p.m.
Martinsville at Franklin, 7 p.m.
Perry Meridian at Whiteland, 7 p.m.
Plainfield at Greenwood, 7 p.m.
Indian Creek at Greencastle, 7 p.m.
Greenwood Christian at Milan, 7 p.m.
North Daviess at Edinburgh, 7 p.m.
Guerin Catholic at Roncalli, 7 p.m.
