(LaPorte County, IN) - New Prairie and Michigan City got their football seasons off to an early start this year by scrimmaging each other over the summer. The hard work has paid off. Both teams won regional championships Friday night.
New Prairie traveled to Lowell. The game was nip and tuck much of the way. New Prairie pulled away in the 4th quarter with a 48-yard touchdown pass from Marshall Kmiecik to Ben Fronk. Kmiecik sealed the deal with a 70-yard scramble on a 3rd and 10 broken play. The Cougars came away with a 28-14 victory.
Michigan City hosted the 10-1 Valparaiso Vikings. Their contest was the definition of a nail-biter. The Wolves jumped out to an early lead but let it slip away, allowing Valpo to force overtime in the final moments. The Wolves punched their ticket to the 5A semi-state in the second overtime with an 18-yard field goal. The final score was 31-28.
The late-season success of both teams is reminiscent of the 2014 football season, which saw New Prairie and LaPorte advance to Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis for the state championship. The Cougars and the Wolves are now one step away from that opportunity. New Prairie will host Northridge next Friday for the Class 4A semi-state crown. Michigan City will host Zionsville at Ames Field.
