BY FRANK KIELKIPOWSKI
Well, things didn’t go so well for the three remaining teams from Lake County last Friday night. However, there was one Region team (North Judson) that was able to secure a spot at Lucas Oil Stadium for the state finals.
Before recapping the semistate, I wanted thank everyone for a great 2024 season. Thanks also goes out to both Matt Kopsea and Paul Condry for the opportunity to once again bring you weekly updates on football “Around the Region.” I look forward to season three coming up next August. Thank you as well to my Lord Jesus Christ for His blessings and for the ability to do what I do in making this possible as well. God bless each of you. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and tune in to rrsn.com for any or all of the state championships this weekend.
FINAL TOP 10 (Bolded teams still active)
- Crown Point (12-1)
- Merrillville (11-2)
- Valparaiso (8-4)
- North Judson (14-0)
- Chesterton (6-5)
- Andrean (9-5)
- Hanover Central (9-3)
- Portage (4-6)
- Wheeler (8-3)
- Griffith (9-2)
SEMISTATE REVIEW
CLASS 6A
Westfield 30, Crown Point 7: With the game tied 7-7 in the second quarter, the Rox scored 23 unanswered points to avenge last year’s semistate loss to Crown Point and advance to the state finals. The Bulldogs’ senior class went a combined 35-3 over the past three seasons with two regional titles and a trip to the 2023 state finals on their resumes.
CLASS 5A
Warsaw 31, Merrillville 14: Turnovers plagued the Pirates all game long on a wet and windy evening at Warsaw’s Fisher Field. The Tigers took advantage by scoring 21 points off four Merrillville turnovers fi claim their first semistate crown first trip to the state finals. JQ Johnson rushed for 200 yards and a touchdown for the Pirates, who led 14-13 at the half.
CLASS 2A
Adams Central 20, Andrean 13: The Niners offense was held in check the first half as they fell behind 14-3 at the break and just couldn’t get over the hump as Adams Central advanced to its fourth straight state finals. Andrean got two late scores to get within seven points, but could not recover the onside kick to get one final opportunity. James Finley caught a five-yard touchdown pass for the Niners.
CLASS 1A
North Judson 46, South Adams 0: After being held scoreless in the opening quarter the Bluejays kicked it into high gear by scoring 24 points before halftime to seize control and clinch their first trip to the state finals since 1986. Kole Wilcox ran for 188 yads and three touchdowns to lead the way for North Judson, which will face undefeated Providence on Saturday for the Class 1A state championship.
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
CLASS 1A
North Judson (14-0) vs. Providence (13-0): This is a matchup of two programs who haven’t been this far in quite some time. It’s been 38 years for the Bluejays since their last state finals appearance, while Providence is making its first trip since 1993. This is the only one of the six state championships that features two undefeated schools that are both in search of their first state football championship.
