Bishop Dwenger at Valparaiso
Final Score: 10-7 Valparaiso
The SAC’s last hope at a state championship this year, Dwenger, fell to Valparaiso in a painful loss on Friday, 10-7. It was close throughout and didn’t end without drama, which the Saints fell on the wrong side of.
Valparaiso got out to a 10-0 lead at halftime with Dwenger struggling to move the ball on offense. It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that the Saints finally got on the board with a touchdown. Late in the game, Dwenger turned the ball over on downs, but they could still get the ball back with time on the clock. Instead, they jumped offsides on 3rd down, giving the Vikings a first down with Dwenger out of timeouts.
It was a devastating loss for a team that came close to making back-to-back state title appearances. Still, Dwenger has made it to semi-state 3 straight years, a number they should be very proud of. They should also be very proud of the way their team played on Friday. QB Brenden Lytle was 11-21 for 207 yds and 1 TD. The running game was led by Patrick Finley, who had 50 yds, averaging 3.9 per carry. He was also effective in the passing game, with 2 rec for 117 yds and 1 TD. The defense was also able to get 1 INT and hold QB CJ Opperman to a completion percentage of 33%.
Unfortunately, the defense could do nothing to stop Valparaiso RB Tommy Burbee, who ran for 119 yds and 1 TD on 31 carries. RB Hayden Vinyard was also effective in rushing for 72 yds and averaging 9.0 a carry.
Valparaiso will move on to the championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium, where they face New Palestine on November 29. As for Dwenger, they will finish 11-2, second in the SAC.
