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Led by a stout defense and an efficient running attack, unbeaten and No. 1-ranked Lafayette Central Catholic captured a 31-6 victory over Fountain Central to continue its dominance in Class A state football.

The state championship was the Knights' second straight and fourth overall. Coach Kevin O'Shea's team also extended its winning streak to 30 games with its second consecutive 15-0 season. The Knights, who were champions of the Hoosier Heartland Conference, are 47-3 over the last four seasons.

The 2010 football crown was the second state title in a span of 20 days for the Lafayette school. It won the Class A volleyball championship on Nov. 6.

The Knights led only 7-6 at halftime but used an interception by Austin Mitchell and a fumble recovery by Cody Christopher to set up second-half touchdowns. The Knights amassed 204 rushing yards in the game, led by Danny Anthrop's 93 on six carries.

Coach Rick Malone's Fountain Central team, ranked No. 4 in the Associated Press poll and No. 6 in the State Coaches poll, finished its season at 13-2. The Mustangs, champions of the Wabash River Conference, were playing in their fourth title game and seeking their second state championship. They lost 52-0 to Lafayette Central Catholic in last year's state final.

Andrew Mitchell gained 59 rushing yards for the Mustangs, who totaled 136 on the ground. Mitchell also passed for 56 yards on four completions in eight attempts.

Central Catholic’s Cody Christopher named Mental Attitude Award Winner
Lafayette Central Catholic senior Cody Christopher 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.

Christopher maintains a 3.6 GPA and is interested in studying pre-dentistry though he is undecided on which college he’ll attend.

He’s involved in numerous extra-curricular activities outside of sports. He serves as president and treasurer for the 4-H Fair Horse and Pony Club, is a member of Young Life, a Christian organization, and is treasurer for the Interact Rotary Club.

Christopher was selected as the 2009 Most Valuable Offensive Back for his football team, was named All-Conference, Junior All-State, and also was the team’s leading receiver. Besides football, he also played basketball and ran track for the Knights.

He is the son of Mark and Julie Christopher 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 Christopher.  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 Lafayette Central Catholic Coach Kevin O’Shea
“What was great about the win is that I think this program is established now.  Last year we had a fantastic group and everybody expected us to win.  This year we had graduated eight guys on each side of the ball.  It was a project each and every week and we got better every game.”

“We played great defense and we kept our composure today.  With the punt return and turnovers we were able to get ourselves some short fields and we have feasted on that all year.  We have been a good defense all year long versus the run.  To take away their three 1,000 yard runners today was an exceptional job.  Kudos to my brother, Tim (O’Shea). He is the architect of this defense.  I’m glad our turnovers didn’t hurt us and we were able to capitalize on theirs.”

“Our players seem to thrive in the third and fourth quarters and our depth wears a lot of opponents out.  We did a great job of not panicking and playing our game - that is a credit to our players.”

“When they went on that long drive, it changed the complexion of the game because they established themselves and we had to wake up and start playing some football.  They had us on the ropes a little bit, but our kids didn’t quit.”

“Our team this year had great teachers the year before them.  The class before them were workaholics.  This class likes to have their fun, but they learned that if you want to get to the next level, we needed to follow our motto this year, “Work Wins.”

“Danny (Anthrop) played hurt today.  He’ll have surgery on his wrist next week.  His performance was limited and he sacrificed today for his teammates because he was limited with what he could do with the ball.”

(On the Win)
“It’s great to share it with family on Thanksgiving.  When your daughter is cheering, your son is on the field with you, my wife and mother and other daughter are in the stands, and my brother and father were on the field, it means a lot.  This is a family for us here.  We’re not a program where you don’t feel wanted.”

Comments from Fountain Central Coach Rick Malone
“This group of kids has done all the right things.  If you’d told me three years ago that we’d be in the next two state championship games, I’d have told you that you were nuts.  But the kids gelled as a team.  It wasn’t about individuals, it was always about the team.  After last year’s finals (52-0 loss to Lafayette Central Catholic), they got in the weight room, they paid attention.  With these seniors it was never, “hey, look at us, we’re seniors,” it was always about the team.  We are not the biggest team in the world but the heart these kids have shown to get here two years in a row is more than I could have asked of them.  It’s been a wonderful couple seasons.  It’s been wonderful having the community behind us.”