IHSAA Football State Finals: Game Highlights, Scores, and Stats

The final weekend of high school football brought an exciting conclusion to the season, with six state championships held over two days at Lucas Oil Stadium. IndyStar provided comprehensive coverage, including highlights, recaps, and extensive photo galleries from all six state finals. Fans had the chance to see which teams emerged victorious and claimed the coveted state championship trophies. For those interested in staying up-to-date with the latest sports news, be sure to subscribe to the new IndyStarTV: Preps YouTube channel.

Class 1A:
South Putnam secured a decisive victory with a score of 55 to 29 against Pioneer. The game was highlighted by outstanding performances from both teams, but it was South Putnam that came out on top.

Mental Attitude Award:
Micah Rans of Pioneer was recognized for his exceptional sportsmanship and dedication throughout the season. His performance on and off the field set a great example for fellow athletes.

Class 3A:
Cascade triumphed over Fort Wayne Bishop Luers with a final score of 29 to 14. The game was a showcase of strong teamwork and strategic play, with Cascade demonstrating superior skill and determination.

Mental Attitude Award:
Brady Trebley of Cascade was honored for his exemplary attitude and commitment during the game. His leadership and positive influence were instrumental in the team's success.

Upcoming Match:
Fans can look forward to another exciting match between Fort Wayne Bishop Luers and Cascade at 3 p.m. This matchup promises to be a thrilling event, with both teams bringing their best to the field.

Key Highlights from the State Championships

• Competitive Atmosphere: The atmosphere at Lucas Oil Stadium was electric, with fans from across the state coming together to support their local teams. The energy in the stands added to the excitement of the games.

• Team Performances: Each team showcased their unique strengths, with some teams displaying incredible resilience and determination. The level of competition was high, making each game a memorable experience for players and spectators alike.

• Recognition of Excellence: Beyond the scores and results, the Mental Attitude Awards highlighted the importance of sportsmanship and character in high school football. These awards serve as a reminder that success is not solely measured by wins and losses, but also by how players conduct themselves.

• Media Coverage: IndyStar's coverage of the state championships provided fans with a detailed look at the action on the field. From live updates to post-game analysis, the media played a crucial role in keeping the community informed and engaged.

• Future Outlook: As the season comes to an end, many athletes will transition into college or other opportunities. The lessons learned on the field will undoubtedly shape their future endeavors, both in sports and beyond.

Cascade 29, Fort Wayne Luers 14, F

Scoring summary

C -- Dayton Mink 2 run (kick fail)

C -- Delton Howrey 9 pass from Brady Trebley ((Brogan Trump kick)

C -- Trebley 1 run (kick fail)

B -- T.J. Epperson 3 run (Brady Krouse kick)

C -- Trump 21 field goal

B -- Epperson 2 run (Krouse kick)

C -- Mink 1 run (Trump kick)

Passing: B -- Thomas Reichert 10-17-1-142-0. C -- Trebley 5-9-0-88-1.

Rushing: B -- Brandon Gaither 19-99, Epperson 17-94-2, Reichert 2-(-11). C -- Mink 25-119-2, Luke Farmer 8-76, Toby Savini 11-66, Trebley 5-25-1, T.J. Turner 2-7.

Receiving: B -- Gaither 3-73, Nate Javins 3-54, Dereon Carswell 2-8, Isaac Scheiber 1-6, Noah Nieves 1-1. C-- Marcus Hobson 2-10, Farmer 1-59, J.T. Roshong 1-10, Howrey 1-9-1.

Cascade runs out the clock.

Cascade's Michael Langley with the interception. First down to the Luers' 32 with 2:58 to play.

Cascade 29, Fort Wayne Luers 14, 4th, 3:31

Cascade's Dayton Mink scores on a 1-yard run.

Cascade converts a fourth-and-6 with a 10-yard pass to J.T. Roshong, setting up first down at the Luers 19 with 5 minutes to play.

Cascade's T.J. Turner takes the kickoff 35 yads to the Luers' 33.

Cascade 22, Fort Wayne Luers, 14, 4th, 7:18

T.J. Epperson picks up the final 2 yards for a Luers touchdown.

On fourth-and-3 from its own 33-yard-line, Fort Wayne Luers connects on a screen pass that goes 65 yards to Brandon Gaither. It's first-and-goal at the 2 with 7:29 to play in the fourth quarter.

Cascade 22, Fort Wayne Luers 7, end of third quarter

Cascade's Dayton Mink gets a 9-yard sack forcing Luers to punt on fourth-and-24 as time runs out in the third quarter.

Fort Wayne Luers' Dereon Carswell breaks up a fourth down pass in the end zone. Luers take over at their own 22 with 4:29 to play in the third quarter.

Questionable pass interference penalty on Luers sets Cascade up with a first down on the Luers' 18.

Cascade 22, Fort Wayne Luers 7, halftime

Cascade 22, Fort Wayne Luers 7, 2nd, :11

Cascade's Brogan Trump kicks a 21-yard field goal.

Luke Farmer gains 59 yards on pass from Brady Trebley. First down on the Luers 5.

Fort Wayne Luers turns the ball over on downs. Cascade at its own 36 with 50 seconds to play in the half.

Fort Wayne Luers fumbled inside Cascade's 5; Lucas Farmer caused the fumble with Toby Savini recovering. Cascade ball at its own 3 with 4:55 to play in the first half.

Spectacular 25-yard catch by Luers' Nate Javins, keeping one foot in down the right sideline. Luers' is at the Cascade 49 with 5:55 to play in the half.

Cascade fumble caused by Fort Wayne Luers' Dallas Mata with Rory Kelly recovering at the Luers' 16-yard-line with 7 minutes to play in the half.

Cascade 19, Fort Wayne Luers 7, 2nd, 7:38

Fort Wayne Luers' T.J. Epperson scores from 3 yards out to put the Knights on the board.

End of 1st quarter: Cascade 19, Fort Wayne Luers 0

Cascade 19, Fort Wayne Luers 0, 1st, :38

Cascade's Brady Trebley with a 1-yard run for the touchdown.

Cascade's Dayton Mink gets 23 yards; first-and-10 on the Luers' 23 with 1:45 to play in first quarter.

Cascade 13, Fort Wayne Luers 0, 1st, 3:02

Cascade's Delton Howrey catches a 9-yard touchdown pass from Brady Trebley.

Cascade's Toby Savini goes 21 yards around left end to the Luers' 31 and picks up a 15-yard penalty to the 16 with 3:42 to play in the first quarter.

Fort Wayne Luers holds the ball for 5:01 but drives just 23 yards. A poor punt sets Cascade up on their own 43-yard line.

Cascade 6, Fort Wayne Luers 0, 1st, 9:41

Cascade's Luke Farmer appears to be tackled twice only to break away for a 39-yard game to the Luers' 2 with 9:45 to play in the first quarter. Dayton Mink scores on the next play, though the kick is blocked.

Class A: Pioneer vs South Putnam (more here)

INDIANAPOLIS -- When they talk about South Putnam’s first state football championship in 39 years, one of the first plays that will – and should – come to mind is Khalil Jefferson’s fumble return for a touchdown.

Fourth-ranked South Putnam had taken the lead in Friday’s Class A state championship at Lucas Oil Stadium, but only by a touchdown over No. 5 Pioneer in a back and forth battle. Then, the 6-4, 210-pound Jefferson scooped a fumble off the turf and ran it 32 yards into the end zone.

He did not look back. And neither did South Putnam.

“It saw it, captured it, and took the touchdown,” Jefferson said. “I was running for my life, I’m not going to lie.”

From that moment, South Putnam’s path to its first state title since 1986 was clear. The Eagles (13-2) made a couple of adjustments to its defense late in the first half to combat the Pioneer wing-T offense, adding another lineman to its front, then sailed to a 55-29 win in the first of six state title games this weekend.

South Putnam 55, Pioneer 29, F

Scoring summary

P -- Micah Rans 1 run (Phillip McFatridge kick)

S -- Blake Witt 59 pass from Drew Cline (Aden Beasley kick)

P -- Noah Van Meter 1 run (McFatridge kick)

S -- Bransyn Hanley 27 pass from Cline (Beasley kick)

S -- Ty Benton 15 run (Beasley kick)

S -- Khalil Jefferson 32 fumble return (Beasley kick)

S -- Keenan Mowery-Shields 1 run (kick fail)

P -- Van Meter 33 run (McFatridge kick)

S -- Brier Cook 1 run (Cline run)

S -- Witt 27 run (kick fail)

S -- Hayden Tincher 14 run (Beasley kick)

P -- McFatridge 65 run (Cole Franklin run)

Passing -- P: Rans 2-7-1-35-0. S: Cline 8-9-0-189-2.

Rushing -- P: Van Meter 20-151-2, McFatridge 11-112-1, Shiloh Rine 6-31, Rans 11-20-1. S: Benton 19-134-1, CLine 6-53, Wit 2-28-1, Cook 5-23-1, Kash Monnet 3-13, Tincher 2-0-1, Mowery-Shields 1-1-1, Chase Harcourt 1-0, Charlie Ronds 1-(-3).

Receiving -- P: McFatridge 2-35. S: Benton 3-47, Hanley 2-37-1, Witt 1-59-1, Mowery-Shields 1-28, Khalil Jefferson 1-18.

Class 5A: Merrillville vs. New Palestine, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 29

Class 2A: Adams Central-South Adams vs. Brownstown Central, 11 a.m.

Class 4A: Fort Wayne Dwenger vs. Roncalli, 3 p.m.

Class 6A: Westfield vs. Brownsburg, 7 p.m.

How to watch 2025 IHSAA football state finals

All six state championship games will stream exclusively on IHSAAtv.org and the IHSAAtv apps (iPhone, Android phone, Roku, Amazon Firestick, AppleTV, and Android TV) via pay-per-view for $15 per game or $20 for all games.

How to get tickets for IHSAA football state finals

Tickets are $20 per person per day with children 5 and younger free. (Friday tickets, Saturday tickets.) All seats are general admission. All ticket sales will be digital only; tickets will be sent as mobile tickets to the purchaser's smart phone. Mobile tickets should be purchased in advance through Ticketmaster.com or via the Ticketmaster mobile app. Digital tickets may also be purchased in person at the Lucas Oil Stadium Box Office during business hours.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: IHSAA football state finals: Scores, recaps, highlights, stats from championship weekend