INDIANAPOLIS — The East Central High School football team is returning home as a back-to-back state champion for the first time in its 50-year program history.
East Central completed its undefeated season with a 42-14 win over NorthWood Saturday afternoon in the Indiana Class 4A state final at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
East Central (15-0) won its second straight state title in Class 4A and became the first Indiana public school to repeat in 4A.
This is the fourth football state title for East Central. The Trojans also won championships in 2022, 2017 and 1994.
"Our guys just continue to show up week after week," East Central coach Jake Meiners said earlier this week. "We've had incredible focus from everyone. We have some really good players who continue to execute a game plan."
Meiners improved to 57-9 in his fifth season coaching at East Central. He is a 2009 graduate of the school.
Meiners led East Central's undefeated journey this season. It included some outstanding statistical performances. The Trojans outscored its opponents 740-97 throughout the 15 weeks. The Trojans earned seven shutouts.
On Saturday, the Trojans continued their outstanding rushing attack.
Senior running back Josh Ringer - a Miami University verbal commit - had 34 carries for 251 yards and three touchdowns. Ringer, who entered Saturday as No. 20 on the state's all-time rushing yards list, completes his high school career with 2,880 yards rushing this season. Ringer could be named Indiana Mr. Football in December especially given his performance on a statewide stage.
Senior quarterback Cole Burton added a rushing touchdown on Saturday. Senior wide receiver Ryan Brotherton, a Western Michigan commit, had eight carries for 77 yards and a touchdown. The Trojans had 353 yards rushing overall.
Entering Saturday, East Central averaged 421 points including 321 yards rushing. The Trojans limited opponents to just 55 yards rushing.
East Central led NorthWood 21-7 at halftime and 28-7 at the end of three quarters.
