All of these teams are similar in my opinion with subtle differences. I’ll take your questions one at a time.
I am not sure I would define East Centsl as being in “reload mode” after losing Ringer as they will undoubtedly take a step back. Now keep in mind when I say that phrase they were pretty much a unanimous top five team in the state regardless of class last year. I think they have the goods to win 5A but will definitely be pushed unlike how they were in 4A.
I NEVER worry about Chatard’s graduation losses and they are the definition of a team that RELOADS. I think they are the clear cut favorite in 3A again, could win 4A, compete to win 5A and hang with most 6A teams.
Decatur Central is interesting to me as they are a bit of both of what I described above. I expected them to take a step back after the plethora of Tracy’s finally graduated but they just won’t go away. They have a play maker at QB and have the perfect geography, SES and enrollment to be a 5A player annually.
If anything, I think Carmel is the head scratcher of this group. I’ve been on record in multiple threads on here saying this is a make or break year for the Greyhounds coaching staff. To lose to Ben Davis and Center Grove is one thing, but now they are in danger of becoming afterthought in their own county. They will be better than their record indicates and the have been the last couple of years due to their brutal schedule, but it’s put up or shut up time for them in my opinion.