New coach, veteran quarterback give Indiana fresh start

By: HSSN Staff
Wednesday, August 15, 2018 | 10:54 PM

Fifteen years ago, a historically-downtrodden Indiana football program and new head coach Mark Zilinskas decided to do something different.

The team packed its bags and headed to Kiski School for a remote training camp. It was the start of a tradition, and what followed was competitive decade-plus for Indiana football. One year later, the team made the playoffs, and would qualify six of the next 11 seasons.

The program has again fallen on hard times since Zilinskas’s departure, going 7-18 and bottoming out at 1-8 last year. Once again, a new coach is hoping for a momentum shift.

The catch is Brandon Overdorff – hired May 1 – has had only three months to prepare. But experience helps, and the former Purchase Line head coach was in a familiar situation when he took the reins of his alma mater in 2012.

Overdorff coached the Red Dragons for five years, leading his teams to three straight non-losing seasons. The team had previously gone 2-25.

“I think you draw from that experience and try some new and different things to get the kids interested again,” said Overdorff, who spent last year as wide receivers coach at McGuffey.

“Indiana is coming off a rough season in many different ways. The biggest thing is to get kids interested in playing football again. I’ve been through it from there.”

Indiana spent much of last year in turmoil on and off the field. Head coach JohnAllen Snyder was suspended for three games for a personnel-related matter. He was replaced by interim coach Bill Waryck. Snyder resigned after the season.

Overdorff’s hire shows positive early returns. The team ended last season with 35 players on the varsity roster. It opened camp with 58.

“I don’t think you worry about the past,” Overdorff said. “I think you look to the future. From the time I walked in the building everything has been really professional and positive.”

Maybe the biggest positive the Indians have is the quarterback situation. Luke Thomas is entrenched as a three-year starter and will get one last crack at guiding his team to a playoff appearance.

Though Thomas has seen four head coaches in four years, he already likes the enthusiasm his latest brings to the table.

“It’s definitely been crazy,” he said. “Coach Overdorff coming in, he’s been a big part of how we’ve come together as a team and in the community … on the field you can see he his energy, he’s always bouncing around. Every one of the players love him.”

On the field, Thomas has already experienced more individual success than most quarterbacks in Indiana High School history. He broke Steve Neal’s career passing record halfway through last season, ending the year with 3,204 career passing yards.

Last year, he threw for 1,019 yards and 10 touchdowns, and ran for three more, earning third-team all-conference honors. But none of that matters if he can’t play in a meaningful game in November.

“My No. 1 goal is to lead my team to the playoffs,” he said. “Just play hard and be a leader.”

He will lead an all-new group of skill players, as top receiver Tommy Arbuckle graduated. Additionally, the team took a big hit when leading rusher Ethan Marcozzi left for Bishop McCort.

“He’s a pretty good overall athlete,” Overdorff said. “He has an above-average high school arm. He had some talented receivers, too. So, I say you have to build around Luke, but you have to build around every other part, too.”

Potential backs in the mix include seniors Axel Kovalchick, David Mcelravey and junior fullback Justin Raible. Junior Malik Turner could also be a big part of the puzzle.

“As far as work ethic and commitment to the program, he’s stood head and shoulders above everybody else,” Overdorff said.

Junior RB/CB Caleb White has impressed on both sides of the ball, and senior WR Ryan Dixson heads a large group of seniors returning to the program after a prolonged absence.

“We have a lot of seniors that came back to play that haven’t played since junior high,” Overdorff said. “As a coach, you wish they’d have stayed in the program to develop. But a few of them have showed potential to help us out.”

The team will push behind senior G/DT Liam McDaniel, who at 6-foot-3, 285 pounds, has the body type and athleticism to play at the next level, Overdorff said.

McDaniel’s troubles have been staying on the field because of injury, but he has been working with a strength coach in the offseason and will wear two knee braces.

“I think the feeling is definitely hopeful,” said McDaniel, of the upcoming season. “I know we got a late start, but I think everyone is excited and just getting ready to work.”

The team returns a bit more experience on defense, as senior Joe McCracken returns on the defensive line, senior Mikail Bajwa at linebacker and senior Chase Cunningham at cornerback.

Senior linebackers Lance Albright and Grant Harkleroad also bring experience to the table

As for the state of the program, the Little Indians started their journey by bussing to Kiski School for training camp once again after missing last season. Overdorff had support from the boosters and the community.

“Going away to camp, that’s something I’ve always done as head coach,” he said. “I think that’s very valuable as far as team building, just immersing yourself in the game and building relationships with your teammates. The tradition carries on.”

Schedule

Coach: Brandon Overdorff

2017 record: 1-8, 1-7

All-time record: 438-404-36

Date, Opponent, Time

8.24, Armstrong, 7 p.m.

8.31, West Mifflin*, 7 p.m.

9.7, at Ringgold*, 7 p.m.

9.14, at Thomas Jefferson*, 7:30 p.m.

9.21, Belle Vernon*, 7 p.m.

9.28, at Trinity*, 7:30 p.m.

10.5, McKeesport, 7 p.m.

10.12, at Blackhawk, 7 p.m.

10.19, at Laurel Highlands*, 7:30 p.m.

10.26, Greensburg Salem*, 7 p.m.

*Class 4A Big 8 Conference game

Statistical leaders

Passing: Luke Thomas

1,019 yards, 10 TDs

Rushing: Ethan Marcozzi+

121-614 yards, 4 TDs

Receiving: Tommy Arbuckle*

28-382 yards, 4 TDs

*Graduated

+Transferred

Devon Moore is a freelance writer.

Tags: Indiana