As the leaves prepare to turn and Friday night lights get brighter, all eyes in Montgomery County are once again on the Crawfordsville Athenians. With the 2025 high school football season rapidly approaching, the city’s expectations are high for a team that’s showing real signs of resurgence. After an up-and-down 2024 season ending with a 5-5 record, Crawfordsville is seeking to climb above mediocrity and reestablish itself as a dominant force in Indiana’s Class 3A ranks. This year’s roster features returning veterans, exciting young talent, and a coaching staff determined to convert potential into performance.
Offseason Overview
This offseason was one of the most productive in recent memory. Head Coach Tyler Monroe enters his third year at the helm with a deeper understanding of the program’s needs. Investment in strength training, better use of analytics, and a fresh playbook for both sides of the ball were major talking points during the summer preparation period.
Crawfordsville also saw two assistant coach additions—most notably former Purdue defensive back Jeff Carter, now taking over as the team’s secondary coach. His experience and knowledge should be crucial, especially given the Athenians’ struggles in giving up big plays last year.
Key Players to Watch
Every successful football season hinges on its core of key players. For Crawfordsville, 2025 will center around the performances of several returning juniors and seniors who are expected to be difference-makers.
- Jake Halter (Quarterback, Senior): After throwing for over 1,900 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2024, Halter is now a seasoned leader with a refined sense of poise. He’s worked in the offseason on reducing turnovers and improving completion percentage—fans can expect a more efficient and confident QB under center.
- Dezmond Riley (Running Back, Junior): Riley burst onto the scene as a sophomore, rushing for 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns. His quick lateral movements make him elusive in open space, and with an improved offensive line, Riley could become one of Indiana’s top rushers in 2025.
- Malik Thompson (Wide Receiver, Senior): With 6’3” height and elite jumping ability, Thompson is Halter’s primary target in the red zone. He posted a team-high 9 receiving touchdowns last season and is expected to attract more double-coverage from opposing defenses.
- Connor Ames (Linebacker, Senior): The heart and soul of Crawfordsville’s defense, Ames recorded 74 tackles and 5 sacks in 2024. He’s known for his sideline-to-sideline coverage and vocal leadership. Scouts from several Division II programs have already shown interest.
- Noah Spencer (Free Safety, Junior): Spencer took major strides in his sophomore year, picking off 4 passes and breaking up 11 others. His anticipation and range are impressive, offering a safety net against deep threats.
New Faces to Keep an Eye On
Crawfordsville doesn’t just rely on returning players. Some underclassmen and recently promoted juniors are making noise in early practices and scrimmages.
- Trey Bianco (Defensive Tackle, Sophomore): Weighing in at 285 pounds with quick first-step explosiveness, Bianco is already disrupting offensive lines in scrimmages. Many on the coaching staff believe he could start by midseason.
- Derrick Poe (Cornerback, Junior): Transferring from a nearby school district, Poe’s game is all about speed. He ran a 4.47 40-yard dash and could double as a kick returner this year.
- Kaleb Wright (Tight End, Junior): At 6’4” and 240 pounds, Wright brings a new dimension to the offense with his blocking and pass-catching skills. Expect him to be a favorite target in play-action scenarios.
Game-by-Game Predictions
This year’s schedule features tough opponents early on, but offers windows of opportunity as the team reaches midseason form.
- Week 1 – vs. Greencastle: A solid test of grit. Prediction: Win 24-20
- Week 2 – at Western Boone: Boone’s run game will challenge the D-line. Prediction: Loss 31-17
- Week 3 – vs. Southmont: A key rivalry game. Prediction: Win 28-14
- Week 4 – at Lebanon: A trap game historically. Prediction: Loss 21-20
- Week 5 – vs. Danville: Bounce-back opportunity. Prediction: Win 34-27
- Week 6 – at North Montgomery: Always intense. Prediction: Win 17-13
- Week 7 – vs. Tri-West: Toughest matchup of season. Prediction: Loss 38-24
- Week 8 – vs. Frankfort: Time to dominate. Prediction: Win 42-10
- Week 9 – at Benton Central: Season ender with playoff implications. Prediction: Win 27-23
Predicted Regular Season Record: 6-3
Strengths of the 2025 Team
Crawfordsville enters 2025 with certain clear advantages:
- Experience at Key Positions: With seniors starting at quarterback, receiver, and multiple spots on defense, the team possesses strong leadership and in-game awareness.
- Improved Offensive Line: The unsung heroes in the trenches showed progress during spring camp. Their protection will allow stars like Halter and Riley to thrive.
- Special Teams: Junior kicker Manuel Costa returns after hitting 17 of 20 field goals last season, including a 46-yarder in the rain. His accuracy gives Crawfordsville confidence in close-game scenarios.
Areas That Need Improvement
For all their promise, the Athenians must shore up several aspects of their play to compete at a high level:
- Pass Defense: While the addition of Coach Carter helps, last year the secondary surrendered over 2,500 yards. Sharper zone reads and better tackling angles are vital.
- Turnover Margin: Crawfordsville had a -6 turnover differential in 2024. Better ball security and more aggressive strip attempts must become a priority.
- Discipline in Big Games: Against top-tier opponents, mental errors plagued the team—particularly in Week 7 and playoff play. Cleaner execution will be the difference in close contests.
Player Spotlight: Jake Halter
As team captain, all eyes are on senior quarterback Jake Halter. What makes Halter special is his combination of intuition, arm strength, and charisma. This offseason, he worked closely with QB trainer Scott Daniels—who’s coached collegiate-level athletes—to speed his reads and up his footwork.
If Halter delivers on his promise, there’s no reason Crawfordsville can’t push for a late playoff run, possibly even reaching the sectional finals for the first time since 2012. He has the tools. Now it’s time to deliver.
Final Outlook
The 2025 Crawfordsville football team isn’t just about hope—they have tangible pieces that suggest real growth is possible. With a known leader at the helm, support from the coaching staff, and a restructured defense, this team is positioned to improve measurably from last year.
While a regional championship may be a reach for now, a 7-win season and a deep Sectional push are well within grasp. Fans should buckle in for what could be one of the most exciting seasons in the last decade for the Blue and Gold. The Athenians are no longer rebuilding—they’re about to arrive.