DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
For the fourth time in school history, the South Adams Starfires are headed to the Final Four of the Indiana state football tournament. The trophy comes four years after the Stars last advanced to the Semi-State in 2020.
Beating their third consecutive ranked team in the postseason, it feels silly to even call Friday’s 40-21 victory over #13 North Miami an upset, but this Starfire team was just 3-4 on October 15th and now, on November 15th, they are regional champions and one of four teams left in 1A in Indiana at 8-5.
The formula for this win was no different than the last few weeks. The Starfires took it to the Warriors in the air and Tytus Lehman was as accurate as ever, tossing three touchdowns and racking up 282 yards passing in the victory. He even caught a TD pass of his own on a trick play to start the second quarter from Derek McKean.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Starfire defense handled the triple option of North Miami with a prepared game plan and proper execution.
While they allowed 321 yards on the ground, it came on 53 attempts (six yard per carry) and the defense created three turnovers.
“You have to give a lot of credit to our scout team guys,” said coach Moser after the win. “Zaden Baumer got killed in practice all week running that triple option against our D, but he just kept getting up and those guys prepared us for tonight and what we saw against this team.”
The Starfires held North Miami twice on fourth down conversions and held the Warriors to under 50% on third down.
Will Patterson ran for 110 yards and two touchdowns.
Wes Summersett had six catches for two scores and 83 yards receiving.
Nathan Plattner led the team in tackles with ten and also had the interception.
SCORING SUMMARY
Quarter 1
11:05 – SA – Wes Summersett 46-yd catch from Tytus Lehman, Garcia PAT good, 7-0
7:16 – SA – Wes Summersett 8-yd catch from Tytus Lehman, Garcia PAT good, 14-0
Quarter 2
11:52 – SA – Tytus Lehman 8-yd catch from Derek McKean, Garcia PAT no good, 20-0
9:04 – NM – Hartley Hoover 1-yd run, Riley PAT good, 20-7
3:03 – NM – Kody Whann 2-yd run, Riley PAT good, 20-14
Quarter 3
4:36 – SA – Will Patterson 8-yd run, Summersett PAT attempt run no good, 26-14
1:01 – SA – Caiden Neuenschwander 22-yd catch from Tytus Lehman, Garcia PAT good, 33-14
Quarter 4
6:26 – NM – Lake Musall 2-yd run, Riley PAT good, 33-21
2:52 – SA – Will Patterson 8-yd run, Garcia PAT good, 40-21
About the Author
