Page 34 - 2011-12 Football State Finals Program

Last Year’s State Finals in Review

LAF. CENTRAL CATHOLIC TOPS FOUNTAIN CENTRAL FOR SECOND STRAIGHT TITLE

Led by a stout defense and an efficient running attack, touchdowns. The Knights amassed 204 rushing yards in the
unbeaten and No. 1-ranked Lafayette Central Catholic game, led by Danny Anthrop’s 93 on six carries.
captured a 31-6 victory over Fountain Central to continue Coach Rick Malone’s Fountain Central team, ranked
its dominance in Class A state football. No. 4 in the Associated Press poll
and No. 6 in the State Coaches
The state championship was the and No. 6 in the State Coaches
Knights’ second straight and fourth poll, finished its season at 13-2.
poll, finished its season at 13-2.
The Mustangs, champions of the
overall. Coach Kevin O’Shea’s team The Mustangs, champions of the
Wabash River Conference, were
also extended its winning streak to 30 Wabash River Conference, were
playing in their fourth title game
games with its second consecutive playing in their fourth title game
and seeking their second state
15-0 season. The Knights, who were and seeking their second state
championship. They lost 52-0 to
champions of the Hoosier Heartland championship. They lost 52-0 to
Conference, are 47-3 over the last four Lafayette Central Catholic in last
year’s state final.
seasons. year’s state final.
The 2010 football crown was the Andrew Mitchell gained 59 rush-
second state title in a span of 20 days ing yards for the Mustangs, who
ing yards for the Mustangs, who
for the Lafayette school. It won the totaled 136 on the ground. Mitchell
totaled 136 on the ground. Mitchell
Class A volleyball championship on also passed for 56 yards on four
also passed for 56 yards on four
completions in eight attempts.
Nov. 6. completions in eight attempts.
The Knights led only 7-6 at half-
time but used an interception by Austin
Mitchell and a fumble recovery by
Cody Christopher to set up second-half
FORT WAYNE BISHOP LUERS REPEATS, WINS NINTH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Bishop Luers scored three second half touchdowns to Everett Green scooped it up and ran it back for a 39 yard
blow open a close game and won a record-tying ninth state touchdown killing the North Putnam momentum. The two
championship with its 26-14 decision over North Putnam at point attempt failed and Luers owned a 26-7 lead with 7:35
Lucas Oil Stadium. left.
It was the second consecutive year the Knights The Cougars’ Hank Spencer later blocked a Luers punt
(14-1) reeled in the Class 2A state title and tied them with at its own 16 and Travis Katt recovered it in the endzone
Indianapolis Bishop Chatard and to cut the lead to 26-14 with 2:43
Sheridan for most in state history. left.
Chatard plays in the 3A champion- Bishop Luers had set up its
ship game on Saturday. first score of the game when Ken-
With Luers leading 7-0 at drick Mullen intercepted a North
halftime, Michael Rogers finished off Putnam pass with 5:58 before
the opening drive of the second half halftime and returned it to the
with a three yard run and Deangelo Cougars 22 yard line. Five plays
Fincher later scored on an 11-yard later, older brother Kenny Mullen
carry with 1:24 left in the quarter to carried seven yards for the score
extend the Knights’ lead to 20-0. and the kick made it 7-0.
North Putnam (14-1) got on the Vondersaar’s three intercep-
board early in the fourth on Travis tions set a 2A state championship
Franklin’s 13 yard run capping a 10 game record and tied the state
play drive to make it 20-7. Three finals record set by Wes Kendall
plays into Luers’ next possession, of Zionsville in the 1996 3A
North Putnam’s Caleb Vondersaar championship game.
picked off his state finals record- The state championship also
tying third interception of the game marked the eighth for Luers
at the Cougars’ 43 yard line. North coach Matt Lindsay tying him with
Putnam gave it right back though Dick Dullaghan for second-most
on the next play as the Cougars in state history.
fumbled the handoff and Luers’ North Putnam, coached by
Greg Barrett, was playing in its first state championship
game in any sport.
34 39th Annual IHSAA State Football Tournament is proudly presented by the INDIANAPOLIS COLTS.