Lafayette Jeff's 'wildcat' caged by Fishers

FISHERS -- Looking for a spark in an attempt to snap a four-game losing streak, Lafayette Jeff football coach Andy Kennedy went with a more extensive use of the wildcat formation Friday night at Class 5A state champion Fishers.

The move did give the Bronchos a brief lift when sophomore Matt Johnson went 54 yards for a touchdown on the opening play of the second quarter for a 6-0 lead.

But the Tigers blocked the extra point, and Tyler Lassic returned the ensuing kickoff 87 yards for a touchdown to send Fishers off and running to a 42-21 Hoosier Crossroads Conference victory.

Johnson finished with 73 yards on six carries and completed 3 of 4 passes for 28 yards. Senior starter Nick Scheumann was 9 of 13 for 50 yards passing.

"We used (the wildcat) more tonight than we have the last few weeks," Kennedy said. "The last time we used it that much was probably the Harrison game.

"We just thought maybe it would spark our offense a little bit and give us a little energy. Nick is a good enough athlete obviously to go out and catch the ball, so it kind of gives us a little change of pace."

Following the kickoff return, Fishers' Seth Riley intercepted a Johnson pass and returned it 31 yards to the Jeff 11 to set up a touchdown. The Tigers (6-2, 6-2) added another score just before halftime and led 21-6 at the break.

"I didn't feel we played with a lot of emotion tonight," Fishers coach Rick Wimmer said. "You hate to say it's a tough game to get up for emotionally, but our kids know the records of teams and stuff like that."

After the Tigers built the lead to 28-6 going into the fourth quarter, the Bronchos (2-6, 2-6) scored on a 24-yard run by Darian Green and a two-point conversion pass from Scheumann to Justin Ulmer. After Fishers scored again, Green returned the kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown.

Jeff had trouble containing Fishers sophomore Connor Christiansen, who completed 13 of 15 passes for 176 yards and three TDs. He also carried five times for 41 yards and a score.

"They have one of the best O-lines I've seen in high school football," Kennedy said. "They're good, and they're kind of hitting their stride and finally starting to put some points up these last few weeks. They had a quarterback change early in the year, and now, I think their offense is starting to click a little bit."

The Bronchos finish the regular season Friday at home against Westfield.

"I think our guys, if they stay focused and work hard, I think good things can happen," Kennedy said. "We were obviously missing some guys starting tonight. We have some health issues this time of year, and hopefully, we'll get those guys back for next week."