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Fishers was new to the Class 5A state championship game, but the Tigers played like a seasoned unit in their 38-19 victory over Lawrence Central.

Fishers, ranked No. 9 in both the Associated Press and Coaches polls, captured its first state title in only the fifth year of its football program. Coach Rick Wimmer's Tigers, 14-1, defeated four top 10-ranked opponents in their march through the postseason.  Wimmer, who coached Zionsville to the 1987 Class 3A title, joined Dick Dullaghan, Mo Moriarity and John Hart as the only coaches to win state championships at two schools.

Fishers defensive lineman Taylor Halstead enjoyed a huge night, recovering a fumble that led to a touchdown and making 7 ½ tackles and four sacks. Tigers quarterback Koby Orris completed 12 of 22 passes for 191 and four touchdowns. Dakota Slaughter caught six passes for 90 yards and a touchdown.

Coach Jayson West's Lawrence Central team, ranked sixth by the Associated Press and eighth in the Coaches poll, also was playing in its first football state championship game. The Bears, who upset top-ranked and defending state champion Warren Central in their sectional opener, went on to garner their first sectional title in 13 years. They finished 13-2.

Lawrence Central quarterback Tre Roberson rushed for a net 74 yards and passed for 198 on 15-of-23 with one touchdown and one interception. Roberson's electrifying, 41-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter pulled the Bears within 17-13 before Fishers took control.

Fishers’ Koby Orris Named Mental Attitude Award Winner
Koby Orris of Fishers High School was selected by members of the IHSAA Executive Committee as this year’s winner of the Phil N. Eskew Mental Attitude Award in Class 5A Football.

The award, named in honor of the IHSAA’s third commissioner who served from 1962-76, is presented annually to a senior in each classification who best demonstrates excellence in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability.

Orris was a Hoosier Crossroads All-Conference pick this season, served as team captain the last two years and has earned three varsity letters in the sport. He also was an Honorable Mention All-Conference selection in baseball last year for the Tigers.

Orris maintains a 3.9 GPA and is a member of the school’s Student Council, National Honor Society, the Student Athletic Council and also helped as a Freshmen Orientation Leader at the school. He is undecided on his college plans but is interested in studying Exercise Science.

Andy and CeCe Orris of Fishers are his parents.

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, the IHSAA’s corporate partner, presented a scholarship check for $1,000.00 to Fishers High School in the name of Orris. Since 1989, more than $707,000 in college scholarships have been presented by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance to deserving high school students in Indiana.

Comments from Fishers Coach Rick Wimmer
“We had a great run of players for five years.  Each year, each team has taken us a little further.  For this team, it was their year and their time.”

“I’m so happy for our players and coaches.  Our community and administration has been very supportive.  I’m not so sure early in the season we looked like a state championship team.  But we never went into a game thinking we couldn’t win it.  That’s why we were here.”

“On offense, we were kind of spotty in the run game, but we got some big yards when we needed them.  We got some good plays on the perimeter to keep them spread out and keep them guessing.”

“Our defense played outstanding.  It’s hard not to say we didn’t give up some big plays, but we were very physical on defense.  We made big plays when we needed to on offense.  As the game went on our confidence grew.  Our special teams played well and didn’t allow any big returns, and the fake punts helped.”

“Taylor Halstead was relentless tonight.  He never quits.  The sacks were key for us on defense.”

“Our pass rushers kept (Tre) Roberson in the pocket and our coverage downfield was really good.  But he’s too good of a player to not give up some big plays.”

Comments from Lawrence Central Coach Jayson West
“Fishers did everything they had needed to do.  They went for some things early and made it (fourth down plays) and that set a tone they were able to maintain for the game.  We went for some things to and didn’t make it and it hurt us.”

“They controlled the ‘edge’ and that’s where we play. When you take the perimeter away from us we’re going to be in trouble, and hats off to Fishers for being able to do that.”

(On QB Tre Roberson)
“He’s the best football player in the state of Indiana. A very special kid. Credit Fishers for containing him … it’s hard to do.”

(About injuries with four linemen out)
“That’s part of the game, no excuses.  It changed some things for us the last couple of weeks but we’re here and that’s what it’s all about.”

“We’re fortunate to have so many kids who have worked hard and bought into the program.  Nobody expected us to be here but here we are.  This shows how a program can have a positive effect on an entire school and a community (looking at LC crowd in the stands).”