A Roncalli win would place two area teams in the state finals for the third time since Franklin Central (4A) and Roncalli (3A) reached the title games in 1988 and ’89, with the Rebels coming away with the ’88 crown against Tipton.
Roncalli (9-4), which has won eight state championships, pummeled visiting Delta 49-12 Friday for its 100th playoff win. The Rebels have not been to the state finals since 2005.
The Rebels’ improving defense held the state’s leading rusher Zach Mills to 37 yards on 21 carries, and defensive back Justin Saylor knocked down five passes.
Meanwhile, Roncalli running back Nate Fries ran for 133 yards, two touchdowns and scored the team’s first touchdown on a 10-yard pass from quarterback Robbie Strader, the first of his two TD strikes.
The 4A semistate is down to Roncalli vs. East Central (11-2) and South Bend St. Joseph vs. No. 2 Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger. The Rebels defeated East Central 31-10 earlier this season.