CARLISLE — The foundation was established a season ago for the Carlisle High School football team.
Now, it’s time for the Indians to take the next step.
“We found out who we are and who we want to be towards the end of last year,” said Carlisle coach Josh Koogle, who enters his second season at the helm. “I thought we made strides offensively and defensively.
“The good sign is that we have more kids this year than we did last year,” Koogle added. “We’ve got some young kids who haven’t had a lot of opportunities to do things, but we’re excited about the potential that they have to do them.
“I think the seniors did a good job of laying the foundation and setting standards for Carlisle football. This year, it’s going to be about how we can live up to those standards. Everybody around here is excited — there’s good energy. The kids enjoy being around each other.”
The Indians went 5-6 overall — 2-4 in the Southwestern Buckeye League Buckeye Division — last season and lost to Lima Bath 51-21 in the first round of the playoffs.
Returning is junior quarterback Kolby Morgerson, who finished second in the Southwestern Buckeye League with 1,969 passing yards to go along with 15 passing touchdowns and four rushing scores as a sophomore.
“If you’re around him, you can tell what he’s about,” Koogle said of Morgerson. “He’s got an infectious personality. He’s become a good leader for us.”
Koogle said the offense is ahead of schedule compared to this time last year. The Indians finished in the middle of the conference pack offensively in 2024.
“The kids are comfortable with what we’re doing,” the coach said. “They understand how the offense operates — what we’re trying to do to the defense. That understanding allows us to go a little bit faster, which I think people will notice that about our offense this year.
“But offensively, things are going to go as far as our tanks — our big guys — will take us. We’ve got a great rotation.”
Koogle said there could be seven or eight linemen seeing action who already have varsity experience. Carlisle’s offensive line recently competed in the state linemen challenge and won their division, Koogle noted.
“We’ve got a group upfront that is big and strong, and they move better than they did last year,” Koogle said. “We’re real excited about that. We know Kolby is excited about it.”
Koogle said seniors Ashton Pelfrey, Clayton Jewell and Drew Konger will be receivers. Pelfrey was also listed as a defensive back last season, while Konger will continue with the kicking duties as well.
Senior running back Luke Richards will see his role expand, according to Koogle.
“He’s probably one of the smartest kids we have on the team,” Koogle said of Richards. “We can use him and move him around. With him being a selfless kid, he’ll block, and he’ll help everybody get lined up.
“We definitely expect to do better than we did last year in terms of production and efficiency.”
As far as the defense is concerned, Koogle said the Indians will be much more consistent. Carlisle gave up a SWBL-worst 31.7 points a game in 2024.
“There were times where we looked and played like one of the best defenses in the league, and then there were times where we weren’t on the same page,” Koogle said. “And really, the focus for our defense is fixing that with effort. We’re going to fly around and get to the ball.
“The kids know what’s going on defensively better than they did at this time last year,” Koogle added. “We’ve got some pieces that people don’t really know about that I think can help us on that side of the ball — just as much as they will offensively.
“For us, that depth can be a big thing for us upfront with the offensive and defensive line. That could keep us a little fresher.”
The Indians have six home games this season. They’ll kick things off by hosting National Trail on Friday, Aug. 22.
“With this being Year 2, everyone knows each other a little bit better,” Koogle said. “We know what each other needs. This team is a lot of fun to be around.
“We’re going to be the most physical team that teams go up against, and we’re going to try and bring it night in and night out. We’re going to maximize our potential, and we plan to have fun doing it.”
2025 Schedule
Friday, Aug. 22, National Trail
Friday, Aug. 29, Miami East
Friday, Sept. 5, Bethel
Friday, Sept. 12, Valley View
Friday, Sept. 19, at Franklin
Friday, Sept. 26, at Brookville
Friday, Oct. 3, at Waynesville
Friday, Oct. 10, Oakwood
Friday, Oct. 17, at Madison
Friday, Oct. 24, Eaton
