By Lewis Bagley, Special to IHSAA.org
INDIANAPOLIS – Oh, the irony.
For the Andrean 59ers, the Class 2A state championship game provided at least a pair of unusual twists – one distant, one recent — en route to its 7-0 win over Brownstown Central.
Brady Stovall blasted in from 2 yards out with 4:56 left in the game to provide the winning points for the 59ers, who claimed their fourth state title in school history.
The score broke a scoreless deadlock in a game where both teams had chances, but each teams’ defense stood tall each time.
“I figured we’d both score a lot of points today,” BC coach Reed May said. “It was definitely an interesting game and a defensive struggle. They had a great game plan.”
The irony of the low score is that Brownstown Central came into the championship game as the leading scoring team in the state. The Braves averaged 54.9 points per game in rolling up a 14-0 record behind a rarely-used single-wing attack.
Another irony is that, although it’s been a while, the Andrean program was once on the wrong end of a defensive slugfest in a state title game.
Back in 2001, the 59ers were beaten by Chatard, 3-0, in the Class 3A title game.
“I guess, maybe, that team is vindicated now,” said Andrean coach Chris Skinner, who played at AHS from 2002-05. “But, hey, 7-0 or 77-76, we’ll take it.”
Skinner said he wasn’t surprised the game turned into a low-scoring affair.
“I don’t know if I would have predicted we would shut out the highest-scoring team in the state,” he said, “but our schedule prepared us for this. We were battle-tested and we’ve seen a wing-T offense four times this year. That offense is not the same as (BC’s), but a lot of the reads by our defense are very similar.”
The Braves’ defense also shined as it held Andrean (13-1) scoreless for three and a half quarters – including a goal-line stand, stopping the 59ers three times from the 1-yard line as the fourth quarter began.
“They were a fast, physical defense,” Skinner said in praise of the Braves. “Their linemen and linebackers were physical and were able to fly around.”
After the goal-line stand, BC took over at its own 1 and was able to drive out to near midfield before the Andrean defense stiffened.
After a short punt and motion penalty by the Braves, Andrean took over at the BC 38 with 7:36 left. Six plays later, the 59ers had a first and goal at the 3.
On third down from the 2, Stovall took a handoff designed to go to the right side, but he cut back left and found the end zone.
“It’s called ‘bulldog,’ Stovall said, “and I cut back to the left and saw that blue.
“It was like a pot of gold.”
The Braves had one more opportunity and drove deep into Andrean territory, but the drive ended on downs at the Andrean 17 with 2:11 left. Andrean then ran out the clock.
Andrean quarterback Brady Elish led all rushers with 120 yards on 21 carries. Linebackers Javier McCoy and Ethan Reyna led the 59ers defense with 10 tackles each.
For Brownstown Central, middle linebacker Owen Wischmeier ran up a whopping 16 tackles.
Andrean was making its third appearance in five seasons and ninth overall. It’s the second title in class 2A for Andrean with its other two coming in 3A.
The Braves not only were making their first-ever appearance, but the first by a Jackson County team since Seymour in 1991.
Class 2A State Championship Records
None
Brownstown Central’s Micah Sheffer earns Ress Mental Attitude Award
During the awards ceremony, Micah Sheffer of Brownstown Central High School was announced by the IHSAA Executive Committee as the recipient of the Blake Ress Mental Attitude Award in Class 2A Football.
The award is annually presented to a senior who is nominated by his principal and coach, and has demonstrated excellence in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership, and athletic ability during his four years of high school.
Micah is currently ranked 11th in his senior class at Brownstown Central. He serves as Vice President of the Booster Club, is a member of the National Honor Society, and is involved in the Letterman’s Club and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Athletically, Micah is a two-time All-Mid-Southern Conference quarterback and a two-time All-State punter. In addition to football, he competes in both basketball and golf for the Braves. Two years ago, he helped lead his basketball team to the 2A state championship.
He is the son of Joe and Pasha Sheffer of Brownstown, IN. Micah will attend Purdue University to play golf and study general management.
The award is named in honor of Commissioner Emeritus Blake Ress, who served as the IHSAA’s seventh commissioner from 2000-11.
The Indianapolis Colts, the presenting sponsor of the state tournament, presented a $1,000 scholarship to Brownstown Central High School’s general scholarship fund in the name of Micah Sheffer.
IHSAA’s Champion of Education Award, presented by Ivy Tech Community College
This award recognizes teachers and faculty who go above and beyond to challenge students to reach their full potential. As an organization that emphasizes keeping education at the forefront of high school athletics, the IHSAA is proud to shine a light on two honorees in this year’s class. On behalf of Ivy Tech Community College, presenting sponsors of the IHSAA Champion of Education Award, the IHSAA will award $250 to the classroom of each recipient.
Steven Wachowski teaches Social Studies at Andrean High School! Mr. Wachowski demonstrates genuine care for his students. He’s always attentive to their needs and willing to support them in any way he can. He makes it clear that he is available to help, creating a sense of trust and reliability and students feel comfortable seeking his guidance. His dedication and approachability make him a trusted mentor and role model!
Jamey Wilson is an Industrial Technology teacher at Brownstown Central High School. Mr. Wilson is passionate about growing BCHS’s construction trades program and has gone above and beyond to find meaningful experiences for students in his classroom. He works with community members in finding opportunities for his students and is a constant advocate for student success!
