MERRILLVILLE, Indiana -
The Semi-State match-up between Carmel and Merrillville Friday night may have been over with before it had even started.
The Greyhounds pounced on the Pirates in the first half for 35 total points, and may have been even more relentless on defense, leading to a final score of 42-0. With the victory, Carmel will be heading to their fourth straight Class 5A state championship.
Senior Quarterback Adam Shaffer, in his first year in the starting quarterback role after 2008 Mr. Football Morgan Newton graduated, put the Greyhounds on top 7-0 on their opening possession after connecting with Senior Wide Receiver Jon Schmidt for the touchdown.
It was the defense's turn next, where the Greyhounds caused Merrillville Junior Zach Raspopovich to throw his second interception of the game when Junior Defensive Back Matt Seward made a diving catch for the pick.
During the second quarter, Shaffer led the Carmel down the field where he handed the ball off to Junior Running Back Devin Brinson for a short rushing touchdown. Very next possession, Junior Running Back Jesse Hollander made his own trip to the end zone to put Carmel up 28-0.
To put the finishing touches on what seemed to be a perfect first half for the Greyhounds, Shaffer led his team down the end zone one more time and connected with Senior Nick Logan to put the Greyhounds up 35-0. Carmel would ultimately score one more time in the second half, winning the game 42-0.
The Greyhounds pounced on the Pirates in the first half for 35 total points, and may have been even more relentless on defense, leading to a final score of 42-0. With the victory, Carmel will be heading to their fourth straight Class 5A state championship.
Senior Quarterback Adam Shaffer, in his first year in the starting quarterback role after 2008 Mr. Football Morgan Newton graduated, put the Greyhounds on top 7-0 on their opening possession after connecting with Senior Wide Receiver Jon Schmidt for the touchdown.
It was the defense's turn next, where the Greyhounds caused Merrillville Junior Zach Raspopovich to throw his second interception of the game when Junior Defensive Back Matt Seward made a diving catch for the pick.
During the second quarter, Shaffer led the Carmel down the field where he handed the ball off to Junior Running Back Devin Brinson for a short rushing touchdown. Very next possession, Junior Running Back Jesse Hollander made his own trip to the end zone to put Carmel up 28-0.
To put the finishing touches on what seemed to be a perfect first half for the Greyhounds, Shaffer led his team down the end zone one more time and connected with Senior Nick Logan to put the Greyhounds up 35-0. Carmel would ultimately score one more time in the second half, winning the game 42-0.
