Adams Central (13-0) enters semi-state Friday one win away from achieving something that only Indianapolis Cathedral was able to do from 2010-2014: playing in five straight state finals. This is made possible thanks to a 42-28 comeback home win over Eastbrook in regionals.

However, things did not start off so smoothly in that contest as Eastbrook jumped out to an early 14-0 lead in the second quarter, which was easily Adams Central’s largest deficit of the season. Adams Central’s junior quarterback Jamison Roach said his team started the game off “flat” and needed to “get back to playing Jets’ football.” That they eventually did which began with a Jamison Roach TD run to cut the deficit in half with 2 minutes left in the first half. 

From there, the Jets caught fire to start the second half as they scored an additional 14 more points on Vance Miller’s 35-yard touchdown run and Roach’s second TD run. In a game filled with dramatic moments and an energetic atmosphere in Monroe, the stage was set for an epic climax. While Eastbrook had the response almost every play throughout this game, the Jets came away with clutch plays in crucial moments. 

Following a Ryder Gipson TD run, Eastbrook was looking to tie the game on a PAT. Senior Keagan Hallis came into this game converting 56-58 PAT’s all season long and already made the first two with ease. But on this PAT, Cam Fravel was at the right place at the right time and in desperation blocked the PAT. Now that score is 21-20 Jets and momentum staying in the home team’s favor. 

While the Jets extended it to 8 at 28-20 in the 4th, Eastbrook responded with a Bodie Howell TD run and a Matt Slater 2-point conversion. Howell finished his final high school football game rushing for 176 yards on 31 carries and 3 touchdowns. However, on the very first play on Adams Central’s next drive, Vance Miller found a huge hole and took it 63 yards for a score to take a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Miller finished with 191 yards on 15 carries and 2 touchdowns. Jamison Roach said those two plays were a critical part behind the Jets’ emotional comeback win over Eastbrook. 

“Those plays got us back in our rhythm, and the seniors really took the lead to get us back on track,” said Roach. “No one wanted this to be our last game and we pulled together and figured out how to win.”

That senior leadership will be critical entering tonight’s semi-state game at Andrean (11-1). Last season, the Jets defeated Andrean 20-13 led by two rushing touchdowns from then-Senior Matt Heiser on their way to a state championship. Andrean is coming off of a 55-32 win over Southmont. The dynamic connection of quarterback Brady Elish (7-8 passing for 111 yards and a TD) and wide receiver Tyler Vo (11 catches for 155 yards and a touchdown) were sensational in the passing game. 

Andrean is clearly an improved squad from a season ago-particularly in the passing game. Based on the program’s history of gridiron tradition and excellence, the entire state knows they have the ballers on both sides of the football to make plays in November. Look for Andrean linemen such as Jaden Lofay-who had 10 tackles against Southmont-to be crucial in trying to slow down Adams Central’s Wing-T offense, and especially with the duo of Roach and Miller.

The Jets also utilize Thomas Laughlin behind those two in key runs, and Joey Everett has become a lethal playmaker in the passing game when counted upon. One name that could be crucial tonight is Senior Braylend Reber-whose 6’4 frame as a tight end/wide receiver makes him an immediate threat in play action situations. 

As far as the gameplan is concerned, Adams Central is not going to change to what has gotten them to 4 straight state finals appearances and knocking the door for their fifth. 

“We know what we are getting into going to Andrean this year so that helps,” said Roach in preparation for semi-state. “We just have to work hard at practice this week and keep pushing to get better every day.” 

Of note, with Adams Central’s regional win, they will move up to Class 3A starting in 2026 due to success factor.