New Palestine 27 Valparaiso 20
By: Steven Stremming
Photos by: Eric Thieszen
New Palestine claimed back to back state championships in Class 5A with a 27 to 20 victory over, the now once defeated Valparaiso Vikings.
Photo by: Eric Thieszen, Excel Sports Publications
Both teams came into the game unbeaten and neither team disappointed as they battled to a draw at the halftime break at ten a piece.
Photo by: Eric Thieszen, Excel Sports Publications
At the start of the second half New Palestine, 5’11 Senior Charlie Spegal galloped to a 80 yard score to push the Dragons to a 17 to 10 lead.
Photo by: Eric Thieszen, Excel Sports Publications
The Dragons played without starting quarterback Lincoln Roth, who went out in the second quarter, in what appeared to be some sort of leg injury.
New Pal would add a field goal from Alex Kropp and a Ryker Large 34 yard interception run to lead through three 27 to 10 through three.
Tommy Burbee would answer for Valparaiso with a one yard plunge to cut the margin to seven at 27 to 20.
New Palestine would utilize back to back first downs and salt the game away.
Valparaiso’s Josh Fedorhak was the winner of the Phil Eskew Mental Attitude Award for Class 5A.
For New Palestine: Spegal 23 carries for 168 yards and Eric Roudebush 12 carries for 62 yards.
Photo by: Eric Thieszen, Excel Sports Publications
For Valparaiso: C J Opperman, 13 of 31 for 292 yards, Tommy Burbee, 20 rushes for 108 yards and Osorio five catches for 130 yards.
Photo by: Eric Thieszen, Excel Sports Publications
Officials: Brown Williamson, Culip, Owens and Washam
Attendance: 19,238 for Day One
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