HERE’S TO THE CHAMPIONS
Notre Dame recruit Jack Kiser was 4-of-6 for 88 yards with two touchdowns and ran 16 times for 235 yards and three scores as top-ranked Pioneer made it back-to-back Class 1A state titles with a 60-0 blanking of No. 7 North Vermillion. Kiser also tallied 12 tackles, while Danny Gregorich added nine rushes for 89 yards with two scores and a fumble recovery for the Panthers (15-0). Wyatt Reynolds ran 14 times for 42 yards for the Falcons (13-2). Pioneer’s Dustin Sparks was the recipient of the Blake Ress mental attitude award.
Spencer Wright completed 24-of-34 passes for 317 yards with four touchdowns and ran 17 times for 82 yards in No. 1 Western Boone’s 34-20 win over No. 5 Eastbrook in the Class 2A finale. Logan Benson hauled in nine receptions for 159 yards and a state finals record four touchdowns, and Devin Weakley added 17 tackles for the Stars (15-0). Dylan Bragg went 6-of-7 for 105 yards and carried the ball 12 times for 60 yards and three scores for the Panthers (13-2). Peyton Young of Western Boone was named the winner of the Blake Ress mental attitude award.
Sage Hood’s three-yard touchdown run with 52 seconds left was the difference as No. 2 West Lafayette ended No. 1 and defending state champion Evansville Memorial’s 22-game winning streak with a thrilling 48-42 triumph in the Class 3A final. Hood finished with 33 carries for 133 yards and three scores and also completed a 23-yard pass, while Kyle Adams was 27-of-40 for 466 yards and four touchdowns for the Red Devils (15-0). Spencer Blankman caught six passes for 153 yards with two scores., while Yanni Karlaftis chipped in 12 tackles for West Lafayette. Michael Lindauer went 25-of-54 for 340 yards with five scores and rushed the ball 14 times for 95 yards with another tally, while Branson Combs had six catches for 188 yards and three scores for the Tigers (14-1). West Lafayette’s Kyle Hazell earned the Blake Ress mental attitude award.
T.J. Tippmann;s nine-yard scoring romp in the fourth overtime helped No. 6 Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger to a 16-10 victory over No. 8 Evansville Central for the Class 4A crown in the longest game in state finals history. Tippmann finished with 20 rushes for 77 yards with two touchdowns, recorded nine tackles, and blocked the game-winning field goal attempt at the end of regulation play. Brennen Ellis was 10-of-22 for 118 yards, while Jared Lee contributed 12 tackles for the Saints (14-1). Brennon Harper went 15-of-27 for 160 yards with a touchdown, and Austin Frasier came up with 13 tackles for the Bears (13-2). T.J. McGarry of Bishop Dwenger was the recipient of the Phil N. Eskew mental attitude award.
Charlie Spegal rambled 27 times for 228 yards and two touchdowns for top-ranked New Palestine in its 28-14 win over No. 2 Decatur Central in the Class 5A affair. Zach Neligh completed 3-of-9 for 56 yards with a score and rushed 19 times for 45 yards and another touchdown, while Aven Jones tallied 10 tackles for the Dragons (14-0). Parker Harrington went 12-of-28 for 145 yards with two touchdowns and ran 11 times for 54 yards, while Kenny Tracy had four catches for 58 yards with two scores and carried the ball 11 times for 74 yards for the Hawks (12-2). Luke Ely of New Palestine was chosen as the winner of the Phil N. Eskew mental attitude award.
Romeir Elliott scampered 25 times for 162 yards with two touchdowns and caught two passes for 68 yards and another score for No. 1 Warren Central in its 27-7 victory over No. 3 Carmel for the Class 6A championship. Jayden George went 14-of-18 for 219 yards and two scores, while Kavie Minor added 10 tackles for the Warriors (14-0). Gabe Quigley completed 4-of-9 for 41 yards with a score and ran 24 times for 25 yards, and Dylan Downey had 14 rushes for 51 yards for the Greyhounds (11-3). Carmel’s Beau Robbins was named the Phil N. Eskew mental attitude award recipient.
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Taylor will have a new coach next year with the resignation of Dennis Bentzler after six seasons with an 11-50 mark, including a 2-8 finish in 2018.
Here is the last time these teams were 15-0: West Lafayette (2009), Pioneer (2017), Western Boone (first time), New Palestine (14-0-2014), Warren Central (14-0-2006).
Prior to 2018, here is the last time these teams won a state championship: CLASS 6A: Warren Central (2013) CLASS 5A: New Palestine (2014) CLASS 4A: Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger (2015) CLASS 3A: West Lafayette (2009) CLASS 2A: Western Boone (1988). CLASS 1A: Pioneer (2017)
Because of the IHSAA’s tournament success factor, the following teams will move up a class for the next two seasons: Pioneer (1A to 2A), Southridge (2A to 3A), Evansville Memorial (3A to 4A), Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger (4A to 5A), Columbus East (5A to 6A).
LONGEST WINNING STREAKS
Pioneer has a 30-game winning streak and has also captured 12 straight post-season wins.
West Lafayette and Western Boone have a 15-game winning streak and a six-game post-season winning streak.
New Palestine and Warren Central have earned 14 consecutive victories as well as a five-game post-season winning streak.
Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger has a seven-game winning streak and also claimed six consecutive post-seasons wins.
2018 STATE FINALS RECORDS
CLASS 1A TEAM
Most Points: 60 by Pioneer vs. North Vermillion
Largest Margin of Victory: 60 by Pioneer vs. North Vermillion
CLASS 1A INDIVIDUAL
Longest Touchdown Run: 81 yards by Jack Kiser, Pioneer vs. North Vermillion
Longest Play from Scrimmage: 81-yard run by Jack Kiser, Pioneer vs. North Vermillion
CLASS 2A TEAM
Most Field Goals: (Tie) 2 by Western Boone vs. Eastbrook
Most Passing Touchdowns: (Tie) 4 by Western Boone vs. Eastbrook
Most First Downs: 30 by Western Boone vs. Eastbrook
Most Punts: (Tie) 7 by Eastbrook vs. Western Boone
CLASS 2A INDIVIDUAL
Most Touchdowns: (Tie) 4 by Logan Benson, Western Boone vs. Eastbrook
Most Field Goals: (Tie) 2 by Elliott Young, Western Boone vs. Eastbrook
Most Passing Touchdowns: (Tie) 4 by Spencer Wright, Western Boone vs. Eastbrook
Most Receiving Touchdowns: 4 by Logan Benson, Western Boone vs. Eastbrook
Most Punts: (Tie) 7 by Zane Shilts, Eastbrook vs. Western Boone
CLASS 3A TEAM
Most Points Combined: 89 by West Lafayette (47) and Evansville Memorial (42)
Most Passes Attempted (3A and Overall): 55 by Evansville Memorial vs. West Lafayette
Most Passes Completed: 28 by West Lafayette vs. Evansville Memorial
Most Yards Passing: 489 yards by West Lafayette vs. Evansville Memorial
Total Offensive Plays: 83 by Evansville Memorial vs. West Lafayette
Total Offensive Yards: 631 yards by West Lafayette vs. Evansville Memorial
Total Offensive Yards by Both Teams: 1,126 by West Lafayette (631) and Evansville Memorial (495)
Most First Downs: 24 by Evansville Memorial vs. West Lafayette
CLASS 3A INDIVIDUAL
Longest Field Goal: 45 yards by Matthew Clark, Evansville Memorial vs. West Lafayette
Most Passes Attempted (3A and Overall): 54 by Michael Lindauer, Evansville Memorial vs. West Lafayette
Most Passes Completed: 27 by Kyle Adams, West Lafayette vs. Evansville Memorial
Most Passing Yards: 466 by Kyle Adams, West Lafayette vs. Evansville Memorial
Most Passing Touchdowns (Tie): 5 by Michael Lindauer, Evansville Memorial vs. West Lafayette
Most Receptions: 12 by R.J. Erb, West Lafayette vs. Evansville Memorial
Most Receiving Yards: 188 by Branson Combs, Evansville Memorial vs. West Lafayette
Most Touchdowns Receptions: 3 by Branson Combs, Evansville Memorial vs. West Lafayette
Most Punts (Tie): 8 by Michael Lindauer, Evansville Memorial vs. West Lafayette, 8 by Kyle Adams, West Lafayette vs. Evansville Memorial
Longest Touchdown Pass: 92 yards by Kyle Adams to Kyle Hazell, West Lafayette vs. Evansville Memorial
Longest Pass Completion: 92 yards by Kyle Adams to Kyle Hazell, West Lafayette vs. Evansville Memorial
Longest Play from Scrimmage: 92-yard pass by Kyle Adams to Kyle Hazell, West Lafayette vs. Evansville Memorial
CLASS 4A GAME AND INDIVIDUAL
None
CLASS 5A TEAM
Most Penalty Yards: 101 yards by Decatur Central vs. New Palestine
CLASS 5A INDIVIDUAL
Most Interceptions (Tie): 2 by Jacob Hockett, New Palestine vs. Decatur Central
CLASS 6A TEAM
Fewest Rushing Attempts: 28 by Warren Central vs. Carmel
Fewest Offensive Plays Allowed: 46 by Carmel vs. Warren Central
Fewest Yards Allowed: 159 by Warren Central vs. Carmel
Most Interceptions: (Tie) 2 by Warren Central vs Carmel
CLASS 6A INDIVIDUAL
Most Points: 18 by Romeir Elliott, Warren Central vs. Carmel
Most Touchdowns: 3 by Romeir Elliott, Warren Central vs. Carmel
Longest Pass Completion: 65 yards by Jayden George to Romeir Elliott, Warren Central vs. Carmel
Longest Touchdown Pass: 65 yards by Jayden George to Romeir Elliott, Warren Central vs. Carmel
Longest Punt Return: 24 yards by Christian Williams, Carmel vs Warren Central
Most Interceptions: (Tie) 1 by Javeon Standberry, Warren Central vs. Carmel, (Tie) 1 by Willie Eaton, Warren Central vs Carmel
BEST COMBINED RECORDS OVER THE LAST TWO SEASONS
Pioneer 30 0 1.000
New Palestine 24 1 .960
Evansville Memorial 28 2 .933
West Lafayette 26 2 .929
Angola 24 2 .923
Eastbrook 26 3 .897
Southwood 22 3 .880
Lafayette Jeff 19 3 .864
Columbus East 25 4 .862
Evansville Central 24 4 .857
Lowell 24 4 .857
Western Boone 24 4 .857
Indianapolis Scecina 23 4 .852
Adams Central 22 4 .846
Decatur Central 22 4 .846
Paoli 21 4 .840
Warren Central 21 4 .840
Fort Wayne Snider 20 4 .833
Gibson Southern 20 4 .833
F.W Bishop Dwenger 24 5 .828
Brownstown Central 19 4 .826
North Central (Farm) 19 4 .826
East Central 23 5 .821
Brownsburg 18 4 .818
Churubusco 18 4 .818
OFFENSIVE AVERAGE (POINTS SCORED PER GAME)
Pioneer 62.40
New Palestine 56.36
West Lafayette 49.13
Warren Central 48.43
Shenandoah 47.92
Evansville Memorial 47.47
Lafayette Jeff 45.18
Northview 44.82
Brownstown Central 43.69
NorthWood 43.33
Heritage Hills 43.09
Michigan City 42.38
Eastbrook 42.27
Tipton 42.09
Western Boone 41.93
East Central 41.77
Gibson Southern 41.50
Western 41.10
Boone Grove 40.50
Whiting 40.08
DEFENSIVE AVERAGE (POINTS ALLOWED PER GAME)
Pioneer 2.60
Covenant Christian 6.40
Heritage Hills 6.91
Western Boone 8.07
Southwood 8.25
Whiting 8.69
New Palestine 9.43
Culver Academy 9.44
Marion 9.64
Valparaiso 9.69
Eastern (Greentown) 9.80
Angola 10.38
South Dearborn 10.64
Triton Central 11.17
F.W. Bishop Dwenger 11.40
Lowell 11.46
Shenandoah 11.58
Traders Point Christian 11.92
Sheridan 12.00
Warsaw 12.00
AVERAGE MARGIN OF VICTORY
Pioneer 59.80
New Palestine 46.93
Shenandoah 36.33
West Lafayette 36.33
Heritage Hills 36.18
Western Boone 33.87
Evansville Memorial 31.47
Whiting 31.38
Northview 30.73
Lafayette Jeff 30.27
Warren Central 29.86
NorthWood 28.92
East Central 28.08
Michigan City 27.92
Gibson Southern 27.42
Marion 26.43
Eastern (Greentown) 26.40
Brownstown Central 26.38
Eastbrook 26.33
Andrean 26.08
ALL-TIME LEADERS IN PLAYOFF WINS: Fort Wayne Bishop Luers – 131-25 (.840), Indianapolis Bishop Chatard – 126-26 (.829), Carmel – 125-34 (.786), Indianapolis Cathedral – 118-25 (.825), Penn – 118-35 (.771), Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger – 117-32 (.785), Indianapolis Roncalli – 106-29 (.785), Fort Wayne Snider – 106-35 (.752), Ben Davis – 105-25 (.808), Jimtown – 102-33 (.756), Sheridan – 98-30 (.766), Evansville Mater Dei – 96-35 (.733), NorthWood – 95-36 (.725), Hobart – 95-36 (.725), Warren Central – 90-26 (.776).
ALL-TIME SECTIONAL CHAMPIONS: Carmel 30, Indianapolis Bishop Chatard 27, Fort Wayne Snider 27, Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger 25, Penn 24, Fort Wayne Bishop Luers 24, Indianapolis Cathedral 22, Indianapolis Ben Davis 22, Jimtown 22, Adams Central 20, Evansville Mater Dei 20, Hobart 20, Sheridan 19, East Central 19, Indianapolis Roncalli 19, NorthWood 18, Lawrenceburg 18, Warren Central 18, Andrean 17, Evansville Reitz 16, Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter 16, Griffith 15, Bremen 15, Lowell 15, Bloomington South 14, Linton-Stockton 14, Center Grove 14, Eastbrook 14, West Lafayette 14, Zionsville 14, Jasper 13, Brownstown Central 13, Castle 13, Columbus East 13, Evansville Memorial 13, Heritage Hills 12, North Judson 12, Tri-West 12, Mishawaka 12, Indianapolis Scecina 11, Fountain Central 11, Merrillville 11, Lafayette Central Catholic 11, Pioneer 11, South Putnam 11, Valparaiso 11, Eastern Hancock 10, Hagerstown 10, Hamilton Southeastern 10, Mishawaka Marian 10, New Palestine 10, Rensselaer Central 10, South Bend Saint Joseph 10.
ALL-TIME REGIONAL CHAMPIONS: Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger 21, Carmel 21, Fort Wayne Bishop Luers 19, Indianapolis Bishop Chatard 19, Indianapolis Cathedral 18, Penn 17, Ben Davis 17, Fort Wayne Snider 16, Hobart 15, Indianapolis Roncalli 15, Sheridan 14, Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter 14, Center Grove 13, Evansville Mater Dei 12, Jimtown 12, Adams Central 12, Jasper 11, NorthWood 11, Columbus East 11, South Putnam 10, Bloomington South 10, Linton-Stockton 10, Heritage Hills 9, Tri-West 9, Warren Central 9, Bremen 9, West Lafayette 9, Evansville Memorial 9, Andrean 8, East Central 8, Lafayette Central Catholic 8, Lowell 8, Franklin Central 7, South Bend Saint Joseph 7.
ALL-TIME SEMISTATE CHAMPIONS: Fort Wayne Bishop Luers 15, Indianapolis Bishop. Chatard 14, Indianapolis Cathedral 13, Indianapolis Roncalli 12, Penn 12, Carmel 12, Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter 10, Ben Davis 11, Sheridan 10, Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger 10, Hobart 9, Warren Central 9, Fort Wayne Snider 7, Franklin Central 6, Jimtown 6, Andrean 6, Tri-West 6, Lafayette Central Catholic 6, NorthWood 6, Evansville Mater Dei 5, Pioneer 5, Bremen 4, East Central 4, Indianapolis Scecina 4, Lowell 4, South Bend Saint Joseph 4, Southridge 4, Evansville Memorial 4, New Palestine 4, West Lafayette 4, Center Grove 4, Bloomington South 3, Columbus East 3, Concord 3, Eastbrook 3, Fountain Central 3, Goshen 3, Hamilton Southeastern 3, Jasper 3, Tipton 3, Westfield 3, Zionsville 3, Western Boone 3.
ALL-TIME STATE CHAMPIONS: Indianapolis Bishop Chatard 13, Indianapolis Cathedral 12, Fort Wayne Bishop Luers 11, Ben Davis 9, Sheridan 9, Indianapolis Roncalli 9, Warren Central 9, Carmel 8, Lafayette Central Catholic 7, Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger 5, Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter 5, Penn 5, Franklin Central 4, Hobart 4, Tri-West 4, Jimtown 4, Columbus East 3, Mishawaka Marian 3, Pioneer 3, Andrean 2, Blackford 2, Bloomington South 2, Bremen 2, Brownsburg 2, Castle 2, Center Grove 2, Evansville Reitz 2, Fort Wayne Snider 2, Goshen 2, East Central 2, Indianapolis Scecina 2, Lawrenceburg 2, North Montgomery 2, West Lafayette 2, Pioneer 2, Western Boone 2, New Palestine 2, Zionsville 2.
WINNINGEST ACTIVE COACHES): Larry “Bud” Wright (Sheridan) 418, Russ Radtke (New Prairie) 357, Mike Gillin (Mooresville) 319, Bob Gaddis (Columbus East) 315, Mo Moriarity (Bloomington South) 297, John Hart (Brownsburg) 294, Jeff Adamson (Eastbrook) 268, Reed May (Brownstown Central) 259, Rick Wimmer (Fishers) 256, Scott Mannering (Twin Lakes) 237, Eric Moore (Center Grove) 236, Mike Johnson (Logansport) 225, Kevin O’Shea (Indianapolis North Central) 226, Mark Bless (Avon) 224, Mike Goebel (Evansville Mater Dei) 217, Bart Curtis (Warsaw) 208, Scot Shaw (Elkhart Memorial) 207, John Hendryx (Knox) 206.
