The Warsaw Tiger football squad is heading to the 5A State Championship game next Saturday after winning their first ever semi-state with a 31-14 win over #3 Merrillville Friday night at soggy,blustery Fisher Field. 

The Tigers will play #4 Decatur Central in the 5A final Saturday at 7pm at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. 

Warsaw jumped out to an early lead, forcing the Pirates to punt on the opening possession of the game. The Tigers took over at their own 16 yard line, and marched 84 yards in 7:47 to take a 6-0 lead. The extra point was blocked. 

Merrillville tied the game on a 75 yard run by JQ Johnson two plays into their second drive, and the extra point gave the Pirates the lead.

Warsaw then had to punt, giving the Pirates a chance to take control of the game. 

But the Warsaw defense made a play. 

Tristan Wilson picked of a pass at the Pirate 45--the first of 3 interceptions and 4 turnovers generated by the Tiger defense. 

Warsaw would turn that Merrillville miscue into points on a 24-yard run by Drew Sullivan to give the Tigers the lead back at 13-7. 

Merrillville would score again and take a 14-13 halftime lead into the locker room. 

Warsaw took the opening possession of the 3rd quarter down the field and Mason Smythe kicked a 19-yard field goal to put Warsaw ahead 16-13. 

Then the defense made the play that ultimately turn the tide. 

LB Cohen Heady dropped back into coverage and picked off Jordan Sander's pass, then raced to the south end zone for a score that put the Tigers up 23-14. 

Heady would intercept a second pass in the 4th quarter and recovered a fumble that removed all doubt. 

Sullivan ran for two scores and Brody Duncan ran for another. 

The win was the 10th win of the season for Warsaw, tying them for most wins in a season with the 1964 and 2001 teams. Ironically, the 10th win of the season came at the expense of Tiger football legend Brad Seiss, who was the star running back and linebacker of the 2001 team. 

Check back for state finals ticket information!