Ryan Kleinschmidt gave the Indians problems all game long

In a rematch of last year’s 3A State Championship game, Indianapolis Bishop Chatard got the better of South Bend St. Joseph’s for the 3^rd time in 5 years, beating them 21-7. The win was a record 11^th championship for Chatard. RB Ryan Kleinschmidt ran for 136 yards to go along with 2 touchdowns and QB Max VanVliet won the Phil N. Eskew Mental Attitude Award.

Big games are all about statements, and Chatard’s #9 ranked defense, at allowing 11.21 points per game, made a big one forcing a 3-and-out on the very first possession of the game. Shortly after, they got a big play out of senior RB Ryan Kleinschmidt when he took off for a 45 yard touchdown run, putting them on the board first at 7-0 midway through the first quarter.

The Trojan defense continued to stop the Indians and Chatard’s offense found the end zone again on another Kleinschmidt touchdown, who ran 8 yards for the score. After another defensive stop, the Trojans closed the half with another touchdown with a pass from Max VanVliet to TE Henry Hill for a 15 yard score, leaving the Trojans up 21-0.

The Indians found their footing early on in the 2^nd half and scored on a 4^th and goal on a QB dive by Nick Carmola, capping an 8 minute drive and making the score 21-7. Their defense made a great stop and their offense gained momentum and was threatening to score, but a costly interception by Nick Carmola ended their comeback chance.

In his 11^th year with the Trojans, Head Coach Vince Lorenzano has now won 5 state championships. He knew St. Joseph was going to be a tough opponent, especially after playing them in state last year and in ‘07. 

“We knew they were going to be a physical team,” Coach Lorenzano said. “They’ve beaten a lot of good teams and it was a physical, physical game. We just wanted to control the line of scrimmage and run some clock (in the 2^nd half). They play hard, we play hard, and its two tough teams.”

This championship also serves as a milestone for the school as a whole, being that this is Chatard’s record 11^th state championship. Lorenzano praises the program and is happy he has been able to build on its successful history.  

“It’s a tribute to the school and the kids that have been playing all these years and the coaches who have come through the program.” Lorenzano said. “It’s a great school that’s all about taking care of each other and loving each other.”

Senior RB Ryan Kleinschmidt was the star of the game and has had an outstanding career for the Trojans. Lorenzano had nothing but good things to say about Kleinschmidt, especially who he is as a person.

“It’s the work ethic about him,” Lorenzano said. “He’s a great kid, it’s the smile on his face, he never misses a practice and he’s always willing to work hard.”

Kleinschmidt echoed those comments, attributing his performance to the big guys up front who dominated the line of scrimmage throughout the whole game.

“I think everybody did a great job.” Kleinschmidt said. “You got to give all the credit to the guys up front and the defense. I’m happy for everybody and I think everybody deserved it.”

Congratulations to the Bishop Chatard Trojans for winning the Class 3A State Championship!


TO SEE THE HIGHLIGHTS CLICK HERE!

TO SEE THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH COACH LORENZANO CLICK HERE!

TO SEE PHOTOS FROM THE GAME CLICK HERE!

TO SEE THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH RYAN KLEINSCHMIDT CLICK HERE!