Herb King took over Fountain Central football in 2022 and made an immediate impact with the Mustangs. Under King’s guidance in 2022, FC went 4-7 including a sectional win. It was FC’s most wins since 2018 as King has built programs up his entire coaching career. Now in year two, the Mustangs alongside King will look for even more success. FC, like a season ago, will have a strong senior class that features returning quarterback Owen Acton and running back Dawson Blue.
Acton was the definition of a dual threat QB a year ago actually rushing for more yards than he threw. The signal caller threw for 888 yards and 11 touchdowns while running for 972 yards and 17 more scores. Blue added in 632 yards on the ground and seven touchdowns.
Those two along with plenty of others have King excited about what this season can hold for his team.
“We have a great group of seniors again and they’ve done an excellent job of being leaders for this team during the summer and off-season,” King said. “You can only improve if you decide to work to get better, and for the most part, this group of seniors has done them. Yes, we have good leadership, and some quality athletes as well.”
FC’s roster is up over 30 kids this year according to King and that will allow some of his younger players to play in JV games which hasn’t been the case for the Mustangs in recent years. Acton was named a pre-season All-State football player in Class A by the Indiana Football Digest.
Other names to get to know for the Mustangs include senior Ely Thompson who will play both sides of the line for FC. Thompson missed his junior season a year ago with an injury. Dallas Hoagland will also be back from injury for the Mustangs and be the man under center. Those two will help anchor what is expected to be an overall experienced offensive line and defense.
“Our biggest improvement as seen in the overall physical strength of this team,” King noted. “Some of our dedicated players have actually double the amount of weight. They are lifting in bench and squat. Personal improvement has allowed us to gain strength and power. We believe this group can have a very successful season.”
The Mustangs begin the year on Saturday with a visit to Southmont then follow that up in week two by welcoming fellow Montgomery County foe Crawfordsville to Veedersburg before beginning WRC play.
