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The Lafayette Central Catholic offense used all manner of scoring vehicles -- big rushing gains, methodical drives and lengthy pass plays -- to record a 38-7 victory over Indianapolis Scecina Memorial in the Class A championship game.

The triumph for the Knights (15-0) completed a marvelous season and three-year run. It was their third consecutive state title with an undefeated record. They became the first school to accomplish that feat since the state tournament began in 1973.

Also, their winning streak moved to 45 games, second in Indiana history behind Bloomington's 60-game string from 1967-73.

Central Catholic standout Danny Anthrop accumulated 255 rushing yards and three touchdowns in just 23 carries against Scecina. Anthrop totaled 51 all-purpose touchdowns this season.  Knights quarterback Austin Munn passed for 93 yards and a touchdown against Scecina. Timmy Mills caught three passes for 83 yards and a TD.

It was the fifth football state championship for No. 1-ranked Central Catholic. The Knights, coached by Kevin O'Shea, outscored their six postseason opponents 281-27.

Scecina (11-4) got on the scoreboard with a 33-yard reception by Matt Deering in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Robert Rennick passed for 86 yards and the TD. David Tarver led the Crusaders with 34 rushing yards.

Scecina, ranked No. 6 in the state coaches' poll, was playing in its first state championship game since winning Class 2A titles in 1990 and 1991. Ott Hurrle was the Crusaders coach then and now.

LCC’s John Schrader named Eskew Mental Attitude Award Winner
Lafayette Central Catholic senior John Schrader was selected by members of the IHSAA Executive Committee as this year’s winner of the Phil N. Eskew Mental Attitude Award in Class A Football.

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

Schrader maintains a 3.85 GPA and ranks fourth in his senior class of 64 students. Schrader plans to study Engineering at either Purdue or Notre Dame.

Schrader’s peers have recognized his leadership by electing him to office each year of high school. He was treasurer of the Student Council his freshman and sophomore years, class president his junior year, and Student Council president this current year. His Academic Super Bowl team elected him captain and the school faculty approved his induction into the National Honor Society. He also has attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

Besides football, Schrader will look to earn his fourth varsity letter in swimming this winter and also participated in track as a freshman.

He is the son of Jim and Lisa Schrader of Lafayette.

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, the IHSAA’s corporate partner, presented a scholarship check for $1,000.00 to Lafayette Central Catholic High School in the name of Schrader.  Since 1989, more than $745,000 in college scholarships have been presented by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance to deserving high school students in Indiana.

Lafayette Central Catholic Coach Kevin O’Shea
“The ability for us to run the football was the difference. Danny (Anthrop) got off to a great start. Obviously he’s a great football player but the rest of our players up front did an outstanding job. Big plays and defense were the key.”

“Our defensive staff has done an outstanding job all year. That starts with my brother Tim (defensive assistant coach) all the way down to the rest of our staff. We will enjoy No. 45 (45 consecutive wins) all winter long.”

“Our seniors have been our leaders all season long. I’m really going to miss them. I’m so proud of what these kids have accomplished.”

(On winning three straight undefeated state championships)  “It will sink in here eventually. You don’t think about those things three years ago. But I think 5-10 years down the road…it will be something no one can take away from them.”

“Discipline, defense and I really believe the way our older players treat our younger players and the way they put expectations have made our program successful.”

Lafayette Central Catholic Senior Danny Anthrop
“Early on we struggled but we made some adjustments on offense and made some big plays and we changed our defense to stop their offense. I never thought I’d be able to share this (three championships) with my teammates.”

Indianapolis Scecina Coach Ott Hurrle
(On finishing as runner-up) “This doesn’t stink. We were one of two teams to get here. We were 11-4 in the state championship game instead of 5-5 or 4-6 like we have been the last few years. We had great senior leadership and have a lot of talent coming back next year. There is no shame in losing to (Lafayette Central Catholic).”

“There’s a reason they are 45-0 and three time state champs.”

(On LCC’s Danny Anthrop) “He’s obviously very good. That’s why he’s going to Purdue. We’d hoped we’d do a better job tackling him.”

“David Tarvar filled his spot in practice this week and he gave us some good looks. I think I did a lousy job of calling the defenses. We played hard and didn’t quit.”

(As to the Scecina offensive effort) “The issue was that we didn’t do a good job of getting to the second level (of the LCC defense). Their linebackers did a great job. I think that was a main difference.”