MERRILLVILLE – The Adams Central Flying Jets did everything they could offensively and defensively to pull off a second straight victory at Andrean in the semi-state, but no amount of offensive efficiency was able to overcome a blocked punt and three turnovers, and the 59ers did exactly what they needed to do to win the game and advance to the State Finals, 24-19.
The Adams Central defense held Andrean to just twelve first downs and 177 yards of offense.
The Jets out-threw, out-passed and out-muscled their opponents, but the mistakes were simply too costly to overcome.
After Andrean opened the scoring by settling for a short field goal, Jamison Roach led the Jets on a grueling, 18-play drive that ended with the QB keeping it for a six-yard score.
The home team answered right back with a ten-play scoring drive, then blocked the Jet’s first punt of the night, with Bruce Moorehouse scooping up the ball and turning the game ultimately in the 59ers’ favor with the scoop and score.
When Adams Central seemed to have gotten back into the game with a Thomas Laughlin touchdown, they missed the extra point, then allowed a quick score by Andrean to put the lead at twelve points. That 59er score came from an 82-yard kickoff return by Gavin Jones.
Adams Central did put themselves in a position to pull off the unthinkable when Joey Everett took a pass and ran 95 yards for a score, but the onside kick could not be recovered.
Needing just one first down to see out the game, the 59ers got a favorable spot on a 4th & 1 try that ended the game.
Jamison Roach led all players with 100 yards rushing. He completed 3 of 12 passes for 117 yards and had the two interceptions.
The 59er defense kept the Jets’ running backs in check. The longest run by any back was just seven yards.
Andrean will play Brownstown Central in the 2A championship game, with a lot on the line yet for Adams Central fans. A win by the 59ers would mean that they would be joining the Jets in 3A football next year.
SCORING SUMMARY
Quarter 1
6:34 – And – Jax Alvarez 26-yd field goal good, 3-0
Quarter 2
10:36 – AC – Jamison Roach 6-yd run, Cowans PAT no good, 3-6
6:29 – And – Dylan Gore 1-yd run, Alvarez PAT good, 10-6
4:24 – And – Bruce Moorehouse 27-yd blocked punt return, Alvarez PAT good, 17-6
Quarter 3
6:35 – AC – Thomas Laughlin 1-yd run, 2-PT attempt no good, 17-12
6:13 – And – Brady Elish 14-yd run, Alvarez PAT good, 24-12
Quarter 4
2:50 – AC – Joey Everett 95-yd catch from Jamison Roach, Cowans PAT good, 24-19
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