Records fall in title game
In the process of winning the state championship, Center Grove set a number of Class 6A finals records.
Many of them were set by junior running back Tyler McCoy. His title-game records included most points (18), most touchdowns (3), most rushing attempts (27), most rushing yards (193), most rushing touchdowns (3) and longest touchdown run (38).
Team records included most rushing yards (312), fewest pass attempts (five), fewest pass completions (five), fewest offensive plays allowed (52, by both teams), most first downs by rushing (15), most interceptions (1).
Another individual Class 6A title-game records included longest punt return (17 yards by Will Smithey).
‘Second is as good as the first’
Center Grove won its first state championship in 2008, a memorable 36-33 thriller against Carmel.
Yet as special as that moment was, for coach Eric Moore title No. 2 is just as thrilling as title No. 1.
“The second is as good as the first one because it’s undefeated,” Moore said. “And it means something so special.”
Harbinger of things to come
When Center Grove jumped to a 7-0 lead on the opening drive on a 38-yard touchdown run by Titus McCoy, defensive lineman Jovan Swann said he knew the Trojans weren’t going to be denied in their bid for the state championship.
“It was a beautiful thing,” Swann said. “When your offense is rolling and your defense is getting some stops … we kept working. That’s what it’s about. Perfect effort.
“Once we’re rolling, you can’t stop us. That’s what happened.”
Quietly loud contribution
Senior running back Lee Clinker, who rushed for 293 yards entering the game, ran for 61 yards on four attempts, including a 37-yard run.
“It feels great just to do my part for the team and really being successful,” Clinker said. “The offensive line worked their butts off all game. We just had to execute, and we executed to get those yards.”
Making each other better
Center Grove’s offensive and defensive lines have been a pillar of strength all season.
For that, senior defensive lineman Cameron Tidd credits the fact the lines go against each other each day in practice.
“We make each other better,” Tidd said. “That’s what it’s all about. (A state championship) couldn’t be better.
“We couldn’t go out any better way.”
For the seniors
Junior running back Titus McCoy credited the Trojans’ senior class for leading the way to a championship.
He can’t thank of a better way to send them off with, well, a championship.
“The senior leadership was amazing throughout this whole year,” McCoy said. “It feels awesome to send them out a blue ring.”
Mental Attitude winner
Penn quarterback Camden Bohn, who will continue his football career at Harvard, was the Class 6A winner of the Phil N. Eskew Mental Attitude Award.
Bohn, who also plays varsity basketball, threw for 139 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 88 yards and touchdown in the championship final.
— Staff Reports
