Greyhounds second in close competition

By RICHIE HALL

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WESTFIELD – The best of high school athletics was on display last Saturday at the IHSAA Unified Flag Football state championship game at Grand Park.

Reigning state champion Carmel staged a stirring comeback after trailing Fort Wayne Carroll for most of the game, taking the lead late in the second half. But the Chargers scored with 1:13 to play and secured a 44-40 victory over the Greyhounds.

Despite coming up short, Carmel still showed remarkable courage and determination to overcome a large deficit in the first part of the game. And the Greyhounds also received a major honor after the game as two of their student-athletes received the Bobby Cox Spirit of Unified Mental Attitude Award.

“I was super proud,” Carmel coach Jamie Stephen said. “The first half was a bit difficult but they persevered, they didn’t give up and in the second half we gave it our all and it was a close game. Less than a touchdown away.”

The Chargers took an 18-0 lead in the first half. Carmel got on the board when Will McKee threw a touchdown pass to Charlie Harter and then ran a two-point conversion. Carroll scored again to take a 24-8 lead, but on the final play of the half, McKee threw a TD pass to Stone Stephenson. McKee scored another two-point run to put the Greyhounds up 24-16 at halftime.

Carroll scored the first touchdown of the second half and then converted a point for a 31-16 lead. McKee quickly responded with a touchdown run. Carroll scored again to take a 37-22 lead with 11:42 left.

Carmel then mounted a big comeback, with McKee throwing three touchdown passes in the next nine minutes. Harter caught a TD throw with 10:13 left, then Cameron Broady made a big catch with 6:30 left to bring the Hounds within 37-34.

The Greyhounds got their go-ahead touchdown with 2:33 left when Josh Ott made a great catch despite tight defense. Carmel now had a 40-37 lead. But on fourth down, Carroll’s Micah Livingston threw a long ball across the field to Isaac Chapman, who caught it for a touchdown. The Chargers made a one-point conversion, and that would be the final point of the game.

Stephen said the Greyhounds were playing “a whole new team out here this year” and said there were “a lot of people who were looking forward to being part of the Unified team after last year’s win.” I think If we can make it here, the momentum will continue and only create more hope for the future of our program.”

Carmel received a major honor after the game when two of its student-athletes, Joe Gasta and Hannah Pettee, received the Bobby Cox Spirit of Unified Mental Attitude Award.

“They’ve brought amazing things to the team,” Stephen said. Pettee played on the Unified team all four years; Stephen said Pettee “brought cheer to everyone.” Athletes, partners, boys, girls, no matter what, she is always there for you. Joe is on the field more. He’s out there keeping everyone cool and calm, and that’s another piece we need.”