Warren Central (Indianapolis) may be the premier program in Indiana high school football with nine state championships and at least 10 former players who have gone on to the NFL.
Currently at the helm of the program is Jayson West, who guided the Warriors to a season to remember in 2018. Warren Central ran the table (14-0) en route to Indiana's Class 6A state title, averaging over 48 points per game and winning all but two contests by double digits.
FULL EPISODE: Jayson West on the High School Football Coaches PodcastThe program's history didn't mean there weren't challenges for West when he took over in 2013. He attempted to change the climate immediately but the culture remains a work in progress.
"You can change a climate right away, just like the weather can change, but the culture takes years," West said. "There's more to it than just offense and defense or a book of rules, which we don't have. Do the right thing is our only rule.
"The culture is a huge piece and you have to find the right adults that are going to this journey with you to mold these young men into what you expect them to be, not only in football season, but for the rest of their lives."
Hear more in the video below.
Incredibly, the Warren Central offense produced a 3,000 yard passer (
Jayden George), a 3,000-yard rusher (
Romeir Elliott) and 1,500-yard receiver (future Purdue Boilermaker
David Bell) in 2018
In addition to 2018, Warren Central has captured state titles in 1984, 1985, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009 and 2013. Jeff George, the No. 1 pick in the 1990 NFL Draft, is among the program's NFL alums.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COACHES PODCAST: Subscribe on iTunesEntering his 12th season next fall, West owns a career record of 111-29 at Warren Central and previously Lawrence Central. He's guided both schools to a pair of state championship games, winning in 2012 and 2013 to go along with 2018.
