The Andale Indians are back on top in Class 3A.
Andale won its second consecutive state championship on Friday at Gowans Stadium with a 38-6 victory over Hayden. The Indians have now won nine state championships in program history, with six coming in the last seven years.
After a scoreless first quarter, Andale got a 1-yard touchdown run by Sam Harp, putting the Indians up 8-0 with 7:37 left to play in the half. Lane Parthamer picked off Hayden quarterback Connor Hanika, which then set up a 5-play, 63-yard drive resulting in a fumble recovery for a touchdown by Hunter Grimes.
Hayden struck back to start the second half with an 11-play, 69-yard drive with Hanika finding Kade Mitchell for a 7-yard touchdown with 7:18 left in the third. After a Harp interception, two plays later, Ethan Eck recovered a fumble that resulted in a 46-yard touchdown run by Harp. Jack Horsch scored a 5-yard touchdown with 56 seconds left after a Hayden punt.
Harp put the finishing touches with a 22-yard touchdown run with 9:22 left and also added an interception late in the game. Harp had 144 yards rushing on 17 carries and three touchdowns while going 4-for-7 passing for 72 yards and a touchdown. Cruz Keiser was the Indians’ receiver with three receptions for 58 yards. Parthemer, Eck and Grimes each had nine tackles to lead the way defensively for the Indians.
Andale finishes the season 13-0 and will seek a third consecutive state championship next fall with a 26-game winning streak. Andale graduates 21 seniors who finish their high school careers with a 49-2 record and three state championships.
