(Elkhart, IN) - New Prairie would have liked to close out the regular season with their offense firing on all cylinders. Instead, they had to eke out a rain-soaked victory on the road at Elkhart Friday night.
New Prairie’s opening kick pinned Elkhart at their own 15. 45 seconds later, the Lions took advantage of relatively dry conditions and a mix-up in the Cougars’ backfield, scoring on an 84-yard passing play.
Then the rains came—and didn’t stop.
For most of the first half, on offense the Cougars couldn’t get out of their own way, struggling with penalties and ball security. A running play on third-and-30 turned into a lost fumble. An errant snap on a punt in the second quarter dribbled out of the back of the end zone for an Elkhart safety.
The Cougars regrouped at halftime, made some adjustments, and, despite the relentless rain, found an eight-point deficit not too much to overcome.
New Prairie put together a solid four-minute-long drive, culminating in a nine-yard touchdown pass to senior Reece Lapczynski. Senior Owen Chalik put the Cougars ahead with a 17-yard field goal in the fourth quarter. After Elkhart fumbled the ball away, New Prairie mounted another punishing drive. Senior Brock Sinka created some needed cushion with a four-yard touchdown run with under four minutes to play.
Senior quarterback Marshall Kmiecik threw for 158 yards on eight completions. Three of those went to his brother Beau for 80 yards. Lapczynski added 74 receiving yards on four catches. Sinka carried 10 times for 37 yards. Sophomore Reed Robinson added 31 yards on the ground.
New Prairie’s defense once again proved stout. Aside from the big pass play on the opening drive, they held Elkhart to only 60 total yards. 15 different Cougars registered a tackle. Junior Hayden Scott led the defense with nine tackles and a fumble recovery. Senior Matt Sorce and junior Harrison Groves each had a sack.
New Prairie finishes the regular season 7–2, 4-1 in the NIC North, good for second place. The Cougars got a tough draw for sectionals, opening tournament play next Friday against 7–2 Hobart.
