This wasn't the ending Mater Dei wanted. But this team's resiliency will be remembered.
INDIANAPOLIS -- Mike Goebel knew the tears were coming.
The 69-year-old head coach isn't one to wear his heart on his sleeve. But this time, he couldn't hold it in. That's the impact this Mater Dei football team had on him.
The Wildcats played for a state title at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday afternoon to conclude a season full of ups and downs. Their resiliency is what will always stick with Goebel. He'll always hold them dearly in his heart.
"They mean everything," Goebel said. "They’ve been so faithful, worked so hard, done so much. It just didn't work out, that's all."
Mater Dei fell 21-9 to Andrean in the IHSAA Class 2A state championship. Similar to the rest of their season, there were highs and lows for the Wildcats during a tense title game.
IHSAA state football: Mater Dei falls in Class 2A championship to Andrean
The defense played lights out in the first half. Seniors James Ralph and Tyler Martin forced fumbles with strip-sacks. Senior Nicholas Boots was in the backfield early and often for tackles for loss. It was a war of attrition as neither team could break free for a score in the first 24 minutes.
"I'm very proud of our defense," Boots said. "They gave it their all. Just once we made a mistake, it felt like it tumbled over and over. Can't do much about it now."
Mater Dei had the momentum to start the second half thanks to big plays from a few juniors. Mitch Adler blocked a field goal. Mason Wunderlich broke through for a 22-yard rushing touchdown, the first score of the game and the longest rush of his career.
Except, Andrean's Dh'mari Wright blocked Mater Dei's extra point. Something changed after that.
"Psychologically, I think that blocked extra point hurt us," Goebel said. "But they didn’t give up. Never question the attitude and effort of these young men."
On the ensuing possession, Drayk Bowen broke through for a 29-yard rushing score to put the 59ers in front. While Mater Dei briefly retook the lead on a 31-yard field goal from Camden Marx, momentum already had swung in Andrean's favor.
Most of that was thanks to Bowen, a five-star, two-way player and Notre Dame commit. His 2-yard touchdown bumped Andrean's lead to 15-9. A few possessions later, he forced a fumble as Mater Dei was backed up inside its own 20. Next play: Another touchdown, Bowen's third.
"He's a hell of a runner and we had a tough time," said Ralph. "We came out and made some big plays in the first half but we just couldn't come through in the end."
Goebel added: "(Bowen) is just in a class all by himself in 2A."
This crop of seniors has made plenty of highlight-worthy plays over the past four years. They guided the Wildcats to two long postseason runs and three straight wins in the West Side rivalry over Reitz.
They consider themselves forever grateful to have been a part of Mater Dei's winning tradition. These are moments they'll carry with them for the rest of their life. Memories they'll be able to tell their children about someday.
"Not many guys get this opportunity. I got to be one of them," Boots said. "I'm really going to miss these guys. But you know it always has to come to an end at some point."
Ralph became emotional when discussing the impact this program has had on him and his family. He called it a "blessing." The Mater Dei fans will certainly remember his sack dances and constant pressure of opposing quarterbacks.
But perhaps what he's most appreciative of is having Goebel as his coach. There have been plenty of difficult practices and early-morning workouts, but he's glad to have learned from a legend.
"Coach Goebel is an amazing man, coach, mentor and teacher," Ralph said. "He’s helped so many people in this program. Best coach in Indiana."
While Mater Dei will miss this senior class, the Wildcats will return plenty of high-level players next season. Wunderlich will be back as a three-year starter at quarterback. Joey Pierre will head the rushing attack again. Adler and Clay Martin also were among the team's top tacklers.
Goebel has high hopes for his team moving forward.
"We've got a lot of good young players coming up," Goebel said. "I think we built off last year's semistate run by making it to state. Hopefully next year, they'll set their sights on making one more step."
The seniors passed along plenty of lessons. Future players will hope to continue the success. How they carried themselves will be remembered the most.
Their effort, determination and work ethic embodied the spirit of Mater Dei football.
"Never take a play off. You only have a short time," Ralph said. "People don't realize how quickly this flies by."
Senior Eli McDurmon added: "If you come together and work hard through the offseason, you can make it up to Indy. You can play here and hopefully bring Mater Dei a second state championship one day."
Contact Courier & Press sports reporter Hendrix Magley via email at hendrix.magley@courierpress.com or via Twitter @TweetsOfHendrix.
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Indiana high school football: Mater Dei loses in Class 2A state finals
