(Hobart, IN) - New Prairie brought home a sectional football title for the second straight year Friday night.
On the road at Hobart, the Cougars’ offense struck early and often, scoring all their points before halftime. A fast start has become the Cougars’ calling card. They’ve outscored opponents 91-20 in the first half of their first two playoff games.
Junior Brock Sinka’s interception on the opening drive led to a rushing touchdown by senior Noah Mungia. On the Cougars’ next possession, junior quarterback Marshall Kmiecik faked a handoff to Mungia and broke free for a 70-yard touchdown, making the score 14-0 after only three plays.
The Brickies broke off a long touchdown run early in 2nd quarter to get on the board. But every time Hobart scored, New Prairie answered. The Brickies were gaining momentum until a turnover gave New Prairie the ball back with over six minutes left in the half. Two plays later, Noah Mungia scampered 53 yards for a touchdown, making it 28-7. Hobart mounted another scoring drive before halftime, but New Prairie scored three more times to take a 49-14 lead into the locker room.
New Prairie’s reserves played much of the second half. Mungia finished with 227 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Kmiecik ran for 125 yards, scoring two touchdowns on the ground and throwing for two more. The Cougar defense turned in three pass interceptions.
New Prairie came away with a 49-28 victory. They’ll host Northridge next Friday for the regional championship.
