Carmel at Homestead
Final Score: 31-7 Carmel
We’ve reached the point in the season where only the best teams have survived, meaning two really good teams will have to play from here on. Carmel and Homestead were two very talented teams coming in with their eyes set on winning a state championship. And unfortunately for Homestead, their run has come to an end.
Sparty’s first loss of the season didn’t come without tears. Many players showed their emotions after the game as their incredible season, one of the best in Homestead’s history, ended with a blowout loss on their home field. It would be the last time that many Homestead players would take the field, with so many being seniors.
“You know I told this team I couldn’t be any prouder this group,” coach Chad Zolman said of his seniors after the game. “They changed the culture here, they changed the way they bond. Those things will never leave this program, so they left a lasting impression.”
Things could have gone much differently though. Homestead had two chances in the first half, where they were in the red zone, but turned the ball over on downs. Touchdowns on both of those drives could have made the score 21-7 Spartans and given them a great chance to win. Instead, Carmel got the ball back and scored before halftime, then didn’t hesitate to pummel the Spartans with offense in the second half.
The Greyhounds rode RB’s Dylan Downing and Zach White to a combined 208 yds and 3 TD. The two got bottled up early, but broke a few big runs as Homestead’s defense started to show fatigue later in the game. Carmel’s defense was also very effective. They forced QB Luke Goode to have a down game by his standards, only going 12-22 for 136 yds and 1 TD. He also lost a fumble after being stripped of the ball in the pocket. Homestead’s running game only totaled 34 yds and couldn’t find a way to get going. The leading rusher, Ryan Burton, had 32 of those yards on 14 attempts, meaning he only averaged 2.3 yds/car.
Homestead finished the season with the best record in the Summit Athletic Conference, going 9-0 in the regular season and now 11-1 overall. This was their best season since joining the conference in 2015. Next year, they’ll have to find a way to build off of this season without key pieces such as QB Luke Goode, LB Cam Rogers, S/WR Jake Archbold, and many more. Without these players, Homestead could end up falling in the standings next year, similar to how Luers did this season. However, as Zolman stated earlier, the senior Spartans changed the culture and it could mean that Homestead is here to stay. We’ll have to what happens in 2020.
Bishop Dwenger at Harrison
Final Score: 35-21 Dwenger
So many of these Dwenger players were a part of last year’s team, so they have experience in getting this far and showed it on Friday. QB Brenden Lytle was very consistent, throwing for 155 yds and 2 TD on 10-15 passing. RB Toby Eke had a career day with 120 yds and 2 TD. WR Michael Ledo led the Saints in receiving with 5 rec for 87 yds and 1 TD. The defense also had 2 intereceptions. Overall, it was a nice team victory that boosted the Saints to the final four in 5A football. The only thing that stands between them and another trip to Lucas Oil Stadium is Valparaiso next week.
Bishop Chatard at Concordia
Final Score: 56-28 Chatard
We knew it would be a very tough game for Concordia, but they played well for such a daunting opponent. QB Brandon Davis had 205 yds and 2 TD, but it was the 2 INT that again hurt his team. RB Amir Drew had 70 yds on 16 carries and 1 TD. However, as expected, Chatard was just too much as they lit up the scoreboard as they had all year. Concordia finished the season 7-6 and had an up-and-down year. Still, there was a lot to like from their playmakers this season and they’ll get Davis and Drew back next year for another shot at a state title.
