Warsaw triumphs in semi-state finals game against Merrillville

WARSAW, Ind. -- This week's edition of Under the Lights saw the Merrillville Pirates and Warsaw Tigers face off in the IHSAA semi-state finals.

Abc57's Giselle Valentin was at Warsaw high school Friday night with a recap of the game.

Warsaw made history and clawed their way to their first ever state championship appearance.

Late in the first quarter, Warsaw found the end zone with a touchdown from Drew Sullivan. However, the extra point was blocked, holding them to a 6-0 lead.

The game quickly turned when Merrillville responded with JQ Johnson broke loose for a 75-yard touchdown, bringing Merrillville right back into the game.

Second quarter action with Sullivan delivering again with a 44-yard run into the end zone, bringing the score to 13-7. Pirates putting pressure, Dermot Bogard made a crucial touchdown and with an extra point, the Pirates took the 14-13 heading into half.

In the fourth quarter, a powerful 11-yard run from Brody Duncan, the Tigers' lead 29 points, with a successful two-point conversion.

The Warsaw Tigers won the semi-state finals championship against the Merrillville Pirates 31-14.

Warsaw makes school history punching their ticket to Indianapolis for a shot at a state championship. Warsaw will face off Decatur central next week in the state finals.