(South Bend, IN) - For the second straight week, New Prairie spoiled a South Bend high school homecoming. After a victory against St. Joseph last week, the Cougars visited School Field on Friday to take on John Adams.

 

Early in the first quarter, blown coverage yielded a 39-yard pass play for the Eagles, but that was about the only offense Adams could muster all night. A successful fake punt to open the second quarter was their only other highlight.

 

The Cougars, however, provided plenty of highlights, starting with a 23-yard touchdown catch by a wide-open Isaac Fronk. It was the junior tight end’s first varsity reception.

 

The Cougars’ big men dominated the line of scrimmage, leading to rushing touchdowns by junior Zach Henrich and senior Brock Sinka. A 53-yard punt return touchdown by senior Reece Lapczynski broke the game wide open.

 

Then New Prairie took to the air. A 37-yard pass to senior tight end Matt Sorce set up a 20-yard touchdown catch by Lapczynski. The only blemish in an otherwise impeccable first half was a 70-yard Beau Kmiecik punt return negated by a penalty.

 

But that was no matter. New Prairie took a 42-0 lead into halftime. Another Henrich rushing touchdown capped off a punishing drive to begin the second half. New Prairie’s JV reserves took it from there. Final score: 49-0.

 

Senior quarterback Kmiecik completed eight of nine passes for 115 yards and three touchdowns. He also led the rushing attack with 74 yards. New Prairie’s defense had its best game of the year, holding Adams to only 86 total yards. Harrison Groves led the defense with nine tackles. Trenton Klute and Reed Robinson each had fumble recoveries.

 

Things now get interesting for New Prairie. The Cougars host their own homecoming next Friday against undefeated South Bend Riley, then end the regular season with Penn and Elkhart.