The 2016 IHSAA high school football season kicks off tonight, as hundreds of Indiana schools open play on what should be an exciting season ahead. The football team is among that group, with the Wildcats opening up against the Noblesville Millers, a team that the Cats’ have lost to in consecutive years. The varsity squad looks to be improved this season as for the first time in recent years, they received votes in the initial IHSAA class 6A polls. This season will not be an easy task though, as the Wildcats feature another tough slate of games. As stated, week one features a tough Noblesville team, in which LN has lost to by a combined eight points the last two years. The schedule will also feature games against state title contenders Center Grove, Warren Central, Ben Davis, and Carmel. In week two, LN faces off against the number one quarterback in the nation and Clemson commit Hunter Johnson.

Leading the offense, at least for the near future, is sophomore QB Derin McCulley. Senior QB Jackson Hamersly is sidelined with leg injury, and his current timetable is unknown. As for McCulley, he has shown some flashes of great play in his career, including an impressive performance in last week’s scrimmage against Fishers. McCulley showed he has an arm, as he threw three touchdowns against the Tigers.

The running game though, is what the Wildcats will hang their hats on this season. The running back core features an experienced group upfront with senior Al McKeller headlining the group. Elijah Smith and Martell Williams round out an impressively deep group of seniors. The group isn’t just a bunch of old geezers though, as junior Aaron Williams and sophomore Ko’Keyto Stewart add young talent to the roster.

Blocking for those backs, is a strong group of returning o-line men featuring the 6’9” 380 pound Indiana commit Caleb Jones. Also helping bolster the running game are seniors Robb Brown and Robert Samuels.

The defensive side of the ball features a hungry and talented group as they try and improve on what was a shaky year last year. Junior linebacker Maliq Carr has shown some impressive flashes, and will look to have a more increased role this season. Sophomore Deon Pettiford and Junior Chauncey Mays round out the young group of LBs.