East Central’s Late Game Heroics Seal State Title
Junior quarterback Alex Maxwell blasted off the line from six yards out with 2:02 left to provide East Central with the winning touchdown in a 14-7 triumph over previously-unbeaten Lowell in the Class 4A championship game.
Class 4A State Championship Game Records
Individual:
Interceptions (tie, 2)
Nathan Lloyd, East Central
East Central’s Jayden Williamson Named Eskew Mental Attitude Award Winner
At the conclusion of the state championship game, the IHSAA Executive Committee named Jayden Williamson of East Central High School as the winner of the Phil N. Eskew Mental Attitude Award in Class 4A Football.
The Trojans team captain is a three-time selection to both the Eastern Indiana Athletic Conference Team and All-Dearborn County Team. The defensive standout has totaled 153 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss, and three interceptions heading into the state finals. In three varsity seasons, Williamson has lead East Central to three sectional championships, three regional and two semi-state titles. Williamson has rushed for 354 yards and three touchdowns in his career as a part-time running back and also plays baseball for the Trojans. In the classroom, Jayden is ranked in the top 20 percent of his class and is a member of the National Honor Society, Drug Free Club, Academic Team, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is active in the community, volunteering for the North Dearborn Food Pantry, Heart House (a homeless shelter), and as an assistant coach with the Sunman Dearborn Youth Athletic Association football program.
Jayden is the son of Tiffany and Justin Griffin of Lawrenceburg. Upon graduation, he will attend the University of Indianapolis and pursue a degree in accounting with a minor in criminal justice.
Each year the IHSAA Executive Committee selects a senior player who was nominated by his principal and coach and was determined to have best demonstrated mental attitude, scholarship, leadership, and athletic ability. The award is named in honor of the IHSAA’s third commissioner from 1962-76.
The Indianapolis Colts presented a $1,000 scholarship to East Central High School in the name of Jayden Williamson. The Colts have been the presenting sponsor of the entire football state tournament since 2009 and are sponsoring the Phil N. Eskew Mental Attitude Award.