October 23, 2004

Schafer sends Culver Academies to upset win

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL: CLASS 3-A

Ross Schafer kicked a 19-yard field goal in overtime to give the Culver Academies Eagles a dramatic 17-14 victory over Tippecanoe Valley in Class 3A, Sectional 19 action Friday night.

The Eagles set up Schafer's heroics by forcing Viking running back Bryan Wong to fumble on the first play of Valley's overtime possession.

Valley stopped the Eagles at the 2-yard-line after three downs, setting up coach Andy Dorrel's decision to go for the winning field goal.

Neven Fingerhut rushed for 184 yards on 22 carries, including a 92-yard touchdown run that tied the score at 14-14 with 2:52 left in the fourth quarter.

Wong, Valley's leading rusher, had 84 yards on 20 carries. The Vikings were hurt by four fumbles, one interception and a blocked punt. The Eagles did not turn the ball over.

This is the Academy's first playoff victory since beating South Bend St. Joseph's, 35-14, to win the 2000 sectional title.