North Judson falls 35-20 to Providence in Indiana Class 1A State Championship

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind -- Top-ranked North Judson is seeking its first state title in program history after three previous trips to Indianapolis ended in defeat, the last one back in 1986. The Blue Jays lead the state in scoring with 54.1 points per game, a 46.9-point margin of victory, while ranking second defensively, allowing just 7.1 points per game.

First quarter action, on 2nd and 8 from their own six, Providence fumbled the ball. Grason McDaniel scooped it up for a 6-yard fumble return touchdown, giving North Judson an early 6-0 lead. However, it would be their only score of the first half.

Providence on the other hand rattled off three straight touchdowns with the last one coming with two seconds left in the first half with giving the Pioneers the 21-6 lead at half.

With 3:27 left in the third quarter, Blue Jays' Jesiah McDaniel found his path down the middle for a 13-yard rushing touchdown.

However, their two-point conversion attempt failed as the team trails 21-12. With 3:53 left in the game, the pitch to Kole Wilcox who goes across for the touchdown and after a successful two-point conversion. It's suddenly an eight-point game.

Pioneers' Preston Kempf out of the shotgun, spins and rushes for a 46-yard touchdown, sealing the deal as Providence went on to win their first state championship in program history, 35-20.

North Judson's Brock Benson was awarded the Blake Ress mental attitude award for Class 1A football.

North Judson finishes their season at 14-1.