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Warren Central's perfect record in state championship games remained intact thanks to some timely and huge plays in a defense-dominated finale against Carmel.

The Warriors topped the Greyhounds, 7-6, in the first Class 6A state title game in Indiana history. Warren is now 8-0 in championship games in three different classes dating to 1984.

The action grew tense and dramatic just after Adam Kremer connected on his second field goal to give Carmel a 6-0 edge with 5:02 left in the third quarter.

With 14 seconds left in the quarter, Warren's Darion Howard recovered a Carmel fumble. On the next play, Warriors quarterback Jeff George hit Zachary Gegner with an 18-yard touchdown pass, putting Warren ahead by a 7-6 count after the extra point.

Carmel's Austin Roberts appeared to return the ensuing kickoff for a 96-yard touchdown, stunning Warren's fans. However, most of the return yardage was negated by an unnecessary roughness penalty.

With 3:07 remaining in the game, Warren's Mykelti Williams intercepted a Greyhounds pass and returned it 40 yards to the Carmel 18-yard line. However, the Warriors couldn't move the ball and attempted a 38-yard field goal. Carmel's Joey Scott blocked it.

Taking over at their own 13, the Greyhounds couldn't move the ball, and Warren closed out the victory.

Warren's George completed 12-of-26 passes for 131 yards and the touchdown. Gegner caught five for 74 yards. Defensively, Katrell Moss led the Warriors with 13 tackles. Howard had 10 tackles and two sacks.

Carmel's Shakir Paschall rushed 24 times for 113 yards. Isaac James added 41 rushing yards. Defensively, Anthony Mazza and Wade Murdock each had seven tackles.

Warren's Jayson West became the first coach to win back-to-back state titles at different schools. West led Lawrence Central to the Class 5A title in 2012. 

West's Warren team, ranked No. 7 in the state coaches poll and No. 8 in the Associated Press poll, finished at 11-3.

Coach Kevin Wright's Carmel squad, ranked No. 4 by the state coaches and No. 6 by the Associated Press, completed its year at 10-4.

Also of note, with this the first 6A game, George now holds championship game records along with his father in passes attempted, completed, yardage and touchdown passes. The younger George became the first individual to throw a TD pass in the first 6A final while his father was the first to throw a TD pass in the first 5A final back in 1985.

 Listen: Warren Central coach Jayson West comments | Carmel coach Kevin Wright comments

Carmel’s Victor Roe named Eskew Mental Attitude Award winner
At the conclusion of the championship game, the IHSAA Executive Committee named Victor (Vic) Roe of Carmel High School as the winner of the Phil N. Eskew Mental Attitude Award in Class 6A football.

Vic maintains a 4.0 GPA while taking multiple advanced placement and honors classes. He is a member of the Greyhound Freshmen Mentor Program at the school and is extremely involved with outreach in the Carmel community. He has been on numerous mission trips to provide for underprivileged children while also providing assistance in the food pantries at multiple area churches.

A three-year starter, the defensive lineman serves as a team captain, was an All-Conference selection the last two seasons and was All-State last year. In addition to football, he also wrestles in the 285 pound class for the Greyhounds and throws shot put on the track and field team. He is the first three-sport male athlete at the school since 2004.

Vic is the son of Gary and Elizabeth Roe of Carmel. He is planning to pursue a double major in English and Secondary Education at Indiana University.

Each year the IHSAA Executive Committee selects a senior player who was nominated by his principal and coach and was determined to have best demonstrated mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability. The award is named in honor of the IHSAA’s third commissioner from 1962-76.

The Indianapolis Colts presented a $1,000 scholarship to Carmel High School in the name of Victor Roe. The Colts have been the presenting sponsor of the entire football state tournament since 2009 and are sponsoring the Phil N. Eskew Mental Attitude Award for the first year.