Stud 2027 RB Keyon Thomas, Alabama DL commit JJ Finch lead Warren Central past Center Grove

GREENWOOD, Ind. – Behind a terrific performance from stud 2027 running back Keyon Thomas – along with an outstanding defensive effort – Indianapolis (Ind.) Warren Central went on the road to upset Center Grove, 24-21.

The Warriors (8-4) avenged a 24-6 loss to the Trojans (10-2) in the season opener. It’s their first Regional Title since 2018.

Rivals highlights the game’s top performers.

Warren Central junior running back Keyon Thomas is special

The 5-foot-11, 210-pound Thomas, who holds an early offer from Indiana and will visit Saturday, looks like a national recruit. He ran hard between the tackles, was quick, powerful and a home-run hitter. His 74-yard touchdown run in the second quarter put Warren Central up 17-0.

“Keyon is the real deal,” Warren Central head coach J.T. Whitaker said. His team had 18 new starters to start the season including Thomas who’s offer list also includes Purdue, Cincinnati and Vanderbilt. 

“We got on a three-game losing streak,” Whitaker continued. “We didn’t have him. He came back and he’s a difference-maker. He’s a warrior out there. He runs with power and speed. He’s a special player and he’s an even better kid. It’s easy to root for him.”

Thomas came into the game with 143 carries for 1,095 yards and 18 touchdowns. He said Indiana, Purdue and Cincinnati are the programs standing out early. This was the type of performance against a great team that can see a recruitment skyrocket.

“I couldn’t do it without my o-line,” Thomas said. “I feel like this game is owed to them.”

Thomas got banged up a couple times in this one but showed the grit and toughness to return from two injuries and keep running hard.

“I’m excited to get this dub,” he stated. “We haven’t beat them in so long.”

Thomas is excited to get to Indiana on Saturday.

“Honestly just the change in their culture right now,” Thomas said. “Starting last year Coach (Curt) Cignetti came in and turned the whole culture around. No. 2 in the nation.”

Warriors defensive line steps up

Center Grove came into this game led by the state’s best offensive line, a group that has three Division-I football players in Indiana commit CJ Scrifes (6-6, 330), Ball State commit Brady Weber (6-5, 285) and Central Michigan commit Charlie Mandabach (6-6, 260). But it was the Warren Central front led by Alabama commit JJ Finch and Rivals300 junior Sean Fox that was controlling the line of scrimmage.

“Those guys were eating all night,” Whitaker said. “Obviously Finch we put him on the nose and he was a problem all night. He played four quarters never came out. He is thee best football player.”

The 6-foot-3, 280-pound Finch came into the game with 59 tackles including a team-high 18 stops for loss, six sacks and 17 hurries. He made several impact plays in this one.

“Relentless,” Finch stated. “I’m going to find a way every time that ball is snapped to make a disruptive play.”

“The way he prepares,” Whitaker added. “The dude when he gets on a football field his motor goes on and never goes off. He plays physical beginning to end. There is no quit in that kid.”

Finch has been a verbal to Alabama since June but he continues to keep Tennessee warm.

The 6-foot-6, 220-pound Fox says Cincinnati is doing the best job recruiting him at this point in his process. By this time next year he too could have a national offer list. He had a sack, a tipped pass and also made a bunch of key tackles.

“He’s a special player,” Whitaker said. “He can play linebacker and drop in coverage. He can rush the passer. He has long arms. he’s a versatile player. We try to use him that way as much as we can.”

More standouts for Warren Central

Warren Central’s entire defense played well including four-star 2027 safety Kaleb Elkins who had a couple pass breakups including one tipped pass that was picked off by his teammate Farrell Wilson. Wilson had two interceptions.

Class-of-2027 receiver Zechariah Wallace had a couple key receptions including the go-ahead touchdown. Ball State has offered the 6-foot-3, 200-pound junior. Sophomore quarterback Jack Quillen had two touchdown passes in the win.

Center Grove notes

Purdue defensive tackle commit Kobe Cherry will be an instant impact player for the Boilers. At 6-foot-4, 280-pounds he brings the size the new staff covets in West Lafayette. He flashed a few times tonight and had a terrific senior season. He had posted 93 tackles including 15 for loss coming in.

Class-of-2028 quarterback Oscar Sloan has the arm talent and tools to play at the highest level. Purdue has offered. He threw a couple downfield on the money but unfortunately his receiver couldn’t make a play including a key drop in the fourth quarter. A catch on that one and maybe it’s a different outcome.

Class-of-2027 linebacker Trew Paxson will be one of the top returning second-level defenders in the state next year. He had 110 tackles ahead of this game and his presence was felt in this game.

Class-fo-2028 running back Ricky Lange had a second-half touchdown run and has burst to his game. He had 862 yards on the ground and 10 scores coming into this one, battling through some injuries.