Trojan Power

Center Grove Teams Charge Toward Postseason Glory

Photography / Amit Munjall & Tony Pironello

Football: Trojans Chase Sixth State Title

Center Grove football has stormed into the 2025 season ranked No. 2 in Indiana. The Trojans have dominated the early slate, starting with a 24-6 season-opening win at Warren Central. A week later, they survived a tough road test at Fort Wayne Carroll, winning 35-24. The Trojans thrilled the home crowd with a 55-0 rout of Marion in the first meeting against the Giants in the home opener.

Center Grove maintained its momentum the following week with a 63-35 win at home over Ben Davis.

The Trojans, led by head coach Eric Moore in his 27th season, have already etched themselves into Indiana high school football history. Moore has guided Center Grove to five state championships. This fall, the Trojans aim to capture a sixth crown, beginning with a challenging October schedule: Homecoming against Indianapolis Cathedral on Oct. 3, followed by Lawrence North on Oct. 10, and a road trip to Bloomington South on Oct. 17. The IHSAA Class 6A tournament begins on Halloween night with the sectional semifinals.

Volleyball: Tradition Meets New Energy

The Center Grove volleyball team is peaking at the right time, riding confidence-boosting wins over Johnson County rival Franklin (3-0) and southside rival Roncalli (3-1). For head coach Jennifer Hawk, the Roncalli victory was significant, given the team’s recent struggles in the rivalry.

“I was so proud of the girls,” Hawk says. “They stayed determined and stuck to the game plan and executed. I threw a new lineup at them, and they adapted so well. I’m extremely proud of them.”

The program also celebrated a milestone this season, marking the 25th anniversary of the school’s 2000 state championship, the only girls volleyball state title in Center Grove history. Hawk, who was a player on that team, reflected on the accomplishment.

“Being behind 7-14 in the third set and going on a 9-0 run to win the title is a story I’ll never forget,” she says. “Celebrating those memories reminded us what sports are all about.”

This year’s squad is hungry to create its own lasting memories. With postseason play beginning in mid-October, the Trojans’ chemistry and resilience could propel them toward another title run.

Girls Golf: Peaking at the Right Time

Ranked in the top 10 statewide all season, Center Grove girls golf has made steady progress. The Trojans placed second in both the Johnson County Tournament and their own Trojan Classic, fueled by improved short-game execution.

Head coach Tyler Strako praised the team’s development.

“To start the year, we couldn’t hit a pitch shot or chip to save our lives,” Strako says. “Now it’s one of our stronger aspects. We’re always spotting a few yards off the tee, so I told the girls we can’t be weak inside 100 yards. Wedge work and putting have become our strengths.”

Leadership has also been crucial. Strako credited Zoe Land and Olivia Alvey for setting the tone in practices.

“They’ve really led by example and raised the standard,” he says.

With momentum building, the Trojans are eyeing a top-five finish in the state tournament.

Boys Cross Country: Rising With Experience

Center Grove boys cross country has turned heads with strong showings, including first-place finishes at both the Franklin Invite and the Terre Haute Invite. At Franklin, the Trojans edged Columbus North, 48-53, capitalizing on a rare opportunity when the state’s top-ranked team rested some of its runners.

Head coach Howard Harrell says his squad seized the moment.

“We established ourselves early and competed well down the stretch for a narrow five-point victory,” Harrell says.

At Terre Haute, Center Grove beat Fishers 42-49, proving the program’s depth and resilience. Harrell believes the team’s senior leadership will determine how far the Trojans advance in October’s state tournament.

Girls Cross Country: Steady Progress

The Center Grove girls cross country team, led by head coach Wes Dodson, continues to grow stronger against elite competition. The Trojans placed second at the Franklin Invite and fifth at the Terre Haute Invite, showing consistency in a deep field of contenders. With steady improvement, the team is well-positioned to make noise when the postseason begins in mid-October.

Boys Tennis: Depth and Determination

A year removed from finishing state runner-up, Center Grove boys tennis has reloaded with new energy and significant results. The Trojans captured titles at the CG Extravaganza and the Jasper Invite, while also making program history by winning two varsity matches at once — sweeping Jeffersonville 5-0 and defeating Bloomington North 4-1 simultaneously.

Head coach David Beasley credited the group’s balance.

“That moment showed our depth,” he says. “We can rely on players up and down the lineup to step in and perform.”

With leaders like Yuvraj Dasari and Jack Dybwad, alongside emerging talents such as Louis Teed, Austin Crow, Alexander Kandris, Maanav Kamath and Johnny Cracraft, the Trojans are blending experience with new contributors.

“Our goal is the same as always,” Beasley says. “Compete at the highest level and give ourselves a chance to be back on that final weekend.”

Girls Soccer: Aiming for Another Deep Run

The Center Grove girls soccer program is ranked in the top five of the Class 3A state poll, determined to build on last year’s runner-up finish. The Trojans claimed the Panther Classic title at Evansville Mater Dei and have earned impressive wins over East Central, Bloomington South and Columbus North. The team has its eyes set firmly on a return to the state finals in October.

Boys Soccer: Battle-Tested for the Postseason

The Center Grove boys soccer team embraces one of the most demanding schedules in Indiana, and it has paid off with big wins over Roncalli, Columbus North and Guerin Catholic. The challenging competition has prepared the Trojans for October’s state tournament.