Victory at last.
Adams Central paid Lucas Oil Stadium a fourth visit in as many years on Nov. 29.
The problem? Three consecutive 1A runner-ups before moving up to the 2A level this season. A promotion was no issue as the fourth time was the charm for head coach Michael Mosser and his Flying Jets.
“Everybody counted us out,” Mosser said. “To come in, go up a class and win it at 2A is a big testimony to what these seniors and coaches have done.”
The Flying Jets got things going with a big-time interception from senior linebacker Max Kaehr that would set up his offense inside the 20-yard line. Less than a minute afterward, senior runningback Matt Haiser started the scoring with a five-yard plunge to go up 6-0.
“I think we were just waitling for a shift, some kind of momentum to start the game,” Kaehr said. “That interception sky-rocketed momentum to our side.”
On the ensuing drive by Linton-Stockton, senior defensive back Carson Shintz came up with an interception, leading to a one-yard plunge from senior running back Aaron HIrschey.
After a few nice plays from seniors quarterback Braylon McBride and ATH Jesse Voightschild, the Miners would stall out on their next offensive drives before a big run by junior Joey Everett set up a quarterback sneak from sophomore Jamison Roach to extend the lead up to 19-0 before halftime.
Starting the half with a muffed kickoff leading to a Paul Oliver touchdown reception for Linton-Stockton, Adams Central suddenly had lost a chunk of momentum they went into halftime with.
When in doubt, the Flying Jets leaned on Roach and their defense in the third quarter who to plow ahead for a 39-6 lead into the fourth quarter.
“Every single one [of my defensive teammates] are dogs,” Kaehr said. “We’re not afraid to hit. Last year, we had better size, but this year nobody is afraid to hit.”
As Adams Central ran away from Linton-Stockton for their first state championship win since 2000, the Jets came had some near-record breaking performances to help them.
Roach’s three rushing touchdowns ends up one shy of the 2A championship record of four, the Adams Central’s four defensive interceptions ends up one shy of the 2A record as well. However, its seven rushing touchdowns on the day is good for a tie of the 2A record held by the 1997 Jimtown Jimmies.
“Everybody chooses what offense they want,” Mosser said. “This works for us, its been our culture [and] its been our system, our kids believe in it. It means an awful lot for us as a run-based team to come in here and do what most teams don’t do.”
A rushing attack led by Roach — who added on 142 rushing yards to pair with his aforementioned three touchdowns — is able to bring home a state title to Monroe after being on the sideline of three losses as a ball boy and backup.
“It’s just a surreal experience,” Roach said. “We have the best community in the whole state, our fans are so supportive. At 6:30 in the morning, everyone lined the streets as we were leaving cheering for us.”