The Waynedale News

Dynasty and domination are a few words that come to mind when a sports team at any level wins three championships in a row. That's exactly what Bishop Luers accomplished last Friday night. A three peat, that's a first in the storied history that is Bishop Luers Football.

To take the domination statement even further with this latest Knights win, Luers has captured championships 4 out of the last 5 years and an amazing 7 out of the last 13 years. Why stop there? For Luers Head Coach Matt Lindsay, it is his ninth state championship, tying him with Sheridan's Larry Wright for the most ever in Indiana!

Unbelievable.

As for the actual game, the Knights started off a bit shaky when Quarterback James Knapke (Ka Nap Kee) fumbled inside his own 30-yard line. The Wildcats of Mater Dei looked to get the early advantage however the Knights aggressive defense stood tall and drove the Wildcats backwards.

The Knights quickly regained the momentum by efficiently mixing the pass and run. Eventually Knapke connected on a huge 36-yard pass to Wide Receiver Chris Williams to the Mater Dei 2 yard line. The drive was capped by a strong run by Tailback Jaylon Smith. Luers took this slight 7- 0 advantage into the 2nd quarter.

However as the 2nd quarter began it seemed that Luers was in for a fight. Mater Dei marched down the field with an inspired rushing attack led by Tailback Cody Hess. The Wildcats finally scored when Quarterback Dane Maurer called his own number on a keeper and ran into the end zone from 27 yards out. The score was tied at 7.

Luers was not phased by the Wildcats score. The Knights immediately recaptured the momentum when Tyvel Jemison took the ensuing kickoff 53 yards into Mater Dei territory. The Knights methodically marched down field on an 8-play drive. Knapke hit Wide Receiver Michael Rogers for a 12-yard touchdown to give the Knights the lead, which they would never relinquish.

Luers offense and defense both played phenomenally throughout the remainder of the game. Mater Dei was forced to punt on the next 6 possessions. The potent Knights offense took advantage of their defensive counterparts superb play.

Moments before halftime Running Back Tyvel Jemison scampered 33 yards for a touchdown, which made the halftime score, Luers 21, Mater Dei 7.
Just as the 3rd quarter began Nick Morken and subsequently Jaylon Smith both scored on rushing attempts, which ultimately snatched all hope that Evansville's Mater Dei had.

As the clock winded down a familiar scene unfolded yet again, just as the past two years, the Bishop Luers Knights were 2A State Champions. The Knights played phenomenal on all sides of the ball. This was truly a team victory.

Offensive standouts for the Knights were Senior Quarterback James Knapke and Running Back Jaylon Smith. Knapke completed 17 – 25 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns. Smith had 130 yards and two touchdowns as well.

Congratulation Knights, three in a row!