Expectations were high for Andrean vs. Evansville Mater Dei’s 2A state championship matchup. Both teams have earned a shot to play at state finals playing at the top level in 2A. 

   With all that, the first half was owned by the defensive side of both teams. After many stalled-out drives, Andrean seemed to be driving down the field. The momentum shifted when quarterback Scott Ballentine was swallowed up for a strip-sack fumble recovered by Mater Dei’s Clay Martin. Keeping with the theme for the first quarter, the drive ended with a punt. 

   It was not until much later into the second quarter that we saw any action on either side. The sole excitement in the second quarter was a failed short last-second drive from the Wildcats. Andrean and Evansville Mater Dei’s defenses have completely dominated the first half. 

   Just when we thought we might see a score halfway through the 3rd quarter, Mater Dei blocked a field goal attempt from Andrean’s 4-star kicker Nicholas Tovars. Evansville Mater Dei took advantage of the blocked kick and brought the ball down the field finishing in a +20 yard touchdown run from the Wildcats QB, Mason Wunderlich. The extra point was blocked by Andrean resulting in the score becoming 6-0 in the Wildcats favor. Andrean drove down the field for their first points when Drayk Bowen delivered a punishing touchdown running through multiple tackle attempts. 

The fourth quarter started with a perfect 30-yard field goal from Evansville Mater Dei’s Camden Marx. The Wildcats got back in front with a 9-7 lead. Andrean responded once again with a score of their own. Drayk Bowen delivered the 6 points, this time from 2 yards out, and with a successful 2 point conversion, Andrean was up by 6. Dominic Di’Tola picked off Mason Wunderlich inside of the Wildcats 15 yard line and returned the interception to the three-yard line.

Soon after, Drayk Bowen ran into the end zone for his third touchdown of the day. In what looked to be a desperation drive for the Wildcats, Andrean’s Daniel O’Shea pulled in the interception inside the red zone which sealed the game in the 59er’s favor. Andrean pulled off a win over Evansville Mater Dei with a final score of 21-9 to become the 2021 2A State Champions.