Markell Jones (28), a four-year starter, has led MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week Columbus East to a 2-0 start.
File photo by Michael Noyes
It's been a remarkable run for Bob Gaddis and the
Columbus East football team.
The Olympians are defending state 4A champions, having finishing off a perfect 15-0 season with a 28-27 victory in the state finals against Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger.
The year before that, Columbus East reached the state semifinals and was 13-1.
Markell Jones always thanks his teammates first
before celebrating.
File photo by Michael Noyes
Since 2004, in fact, the Olympians are one of the most successful programs not only in Indiana, but in the country, with a remarkable record of 119-13.
Despite all that success, the Olympians have hardly rested on their laurels, as they've opened the 2014 campaign with two decisive victories over Bloomington North (42-19) and Columbus North (42-14).
For their fast start and decisive play, Columbus East is the initial MaxPreps Indiana Team of the Week, presented by the Indiana Army National Guard.
"Our players and staff had a tremendous offseason," Gaddis said. "The momentum from last year carried over to great offseason and preseason workouts. We have played two good football teams and have played well defensively, offensively and on special teams."
Thus far, the Olympians have been led by the nation's second leading rusher,
Markell Jones, who has piled up 596 yards and six touchdowns.
In the win over Bloomington North, Jones carried the ball a whopping 38 times for 301 yards and two scores and
Steven O'Neal and quarterback
K.J. McCarter — a pair of juniors — combined for 22 carries and 137 yards and two scores.
All told Columbus East piled up 549 yards of total offense, including 438 on the ground.
"Markell is a gifted athlete and has been a four-year starter for us," Gaddis said. "I am sure he would be the first one to credit his offensive line teammates. It is no secret that he is going to get the ball. We have seen some different defensive schemes to try to stop him and our players have blocked and executed well. Markell also had a great offseason and is stronger and faster than last season."
Columbus East has won 30 of 31 games.
Courtesy photo
It showed in the win over Columbus North. Jones carried 27 times for 295 yards and four touchdowns, and completed his only pass for a 27-yard score. The 5-foot-11, 205-pound senior has already committed to Purdue.
Though Jones earns lot of the attention, the Olympians have numerous other weapons. McCarter has completed half of his 24 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown. O'Neal has rushed for 117 yards and a score and he has four catches for 56 yards and another touchdown.
Defensively the team is led by another junior,
Sam Dwenger, who has 26 tackles, followed by senior
Brock Greiwe and
Connor Roberts, with 14 tackles each.
Nick Andrie also has 12 tackles.
The Olympians, No. 4 in the state by the MaxPreps Computer Rankings, are loaded in the defensive backfield and have already intercepted six passes, two each by
Cameron Curry and
Nick Beamish.
Columbus East went 15-0 last season.
Courtesy photo
Despite playing winless Seymour (0-2), surely Columbus East won't rest this week either. The Olympians host the game.
Gaddis likes the mix and work ethic of the squad.
"This team is a blend of several seniors who have a lot of experience," said Gaddis of a team that returns 11 starters. "Those returners were integral parts of the state championship run last year. Our seniors are providing great leadership by example for our young players.
"Our team goal is to improve weekly, continue to do a great job in our in-season strength and conditioning program, and be playing our best going into the tournament. All of our team understands that great teams win games in November."
Staff writer Kirstin Beal contributed to this report.
