The Niners did it once again. On Friday night the Andrean High School Niners took on Calumet New Tech High School’s Warriors in the 3A ISHAA sectional championship, and the Niners dominated the game - which allowed them to gain their third straight championship title.
Andrean’s recent post-season history is an impressive one, with the school having won state last year, winning six championships within the last seven years, and they have not lost a single game in two years. All of this added up to give the school an incredible amount of confidence about Friday’s game. Andrean’s student section were positive about ending the night with a victory, but they’re taking each win one at a time.
“It’s not to say that don’t already wish we had plans for Thanksgiving in Indianapolis, but we don’t want to be too pushy about it.” Aleah Rivera, a senior at Andrean, explained. Olivia Santaquilani, also a senior, said that being in this position once again doesn’t mean that they’re not going to fight hard along the way. “I feel like the boys are hungrier to get each title more than they were last year. They’re really determined to get far.” Cameron Hughes, a senior as well, also added in that no matter how far they go - their fans will always be behind them. “We just really need them to stay humble and for them to know that we love them. Supporting this team is what we put all of our energy into.” Hughes stated. “They’re focused on the game and going forward but we’ve got their back.”
Within seconds of kick off, Andrean already had scored their first touchdown. The theme of the school completely dominating a game is common, so it was no wonder on how the game unraveled. The “Fighting 59ners” almost ended the night in a shutout against Calumet, but the Warriors scored their only touchdown in the fourth quarter, which ended the night with a 62-6 score.
While Andrean has the possibility of making history by being the first team to ever make it to state three times in a row, Calumet already made history this season. The Warriors won a record number of times this past season and Friday marked the first time in decades that the team made it to a sectional championship. Even though the scoreboard was probably hard to look at for the the coaches and fans, some of their players enjoyed the moment despite everything else. Andrean kept a double digit lead for the entire game but that didn’t stop the players from shredding on the air guitar, dancing in place, and shouting out words of encouragement at every chance they got. So, it may of seemed like the Niners had the better night, but the Warriors didn’t let their spirits go to waste.
As the Warriors walked off the field for the last time that night, all of the attention was on championship plaque. The team may of broke a piece off the trophy almost right after they were handed it, but that only because they went appropriately insane over the plaque. Each of the captains kissed the gold plated wood, the team practically dog-piled themselves over it, and they all got their hands on the piece - right after a quick selfie with a coach.
Jake Paliga, the quarterback for Andrean, said that they can relish in their win but it’s focusing on their next game against the Jimtown High “Jimmies” is a main priority. “We’ve got to take it one step at a time now, though, because we’ve got to play three really great teams from here on out. It’s been a great season and our record really shows that.” Paliga explained. “I’m glad it’s been with these guys as well. I love this team, they’re my brothers, and all of them will be my family for the rest of my life.”
As the team started to dissipate some parents were still on the field snapping dozens of pictures, and congratulating them on their win. Roberta Berg was one of them. Her son Trevor is a senior running back, and when asked she agreed with the everyone’s consensus on how hard working the Niners are. “I’m really proud of his whole team, because Trevor’s job really isn’t complete without them. The fact that he gives them all of the credit makes me really proud because it shows that it’s a team effort and there’s not just one star.” Berg said. “It’s just a special group of kids. I want them to go far just because they truly deserve it.”
If they make it to state or not, Andrean has an incredible season under their belt and a past to be proud of. And that’s all anyone can ask for.