Lapel’s first-half surge fuels 42-13 victory over New Castle

Lockhart throws three touchdown passes, Miller rushes for 142 yards as Bulldogs improve to 5-0

Staff Report

LAPEL — Lapel scored all 42 of its points before halftime, combining an explosive passing attack with a productive ground game to defeat visiting New Castle 42-13 and remain unbeaten in an Indiana high school football matchup.

The Bulldogs built a 14-0 first-quarter lead, then erupted for 28 points in the second quarter to take a 42-0 advantage and running clock into the break. Lapel improved to 5-0.

Max Lockhart completed seven of nine passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns. Jaxson Cripe turned both of his receptions into scores, finishing with 75 receiving yards, while Griffen Stow caught two passes for 59 yards and a touchdown.

Jack Miller led the rushing attack with 142 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries, averaging 12.9 yards per attempt. Freshman Krayson Riggs added 56 yards on seven carries, and Evan Borkowski contributed a rushing touchdown.

Lapel finished with 448 yards of total offense, gaining 238 through the air and 210 on the ground.

The Bulldogs’ defense matched the offense’s strong start, holding New Castle scoreless throughout the first half and limiting the visitors to 150 total yards for the game. Will Gilbert led Lapel with eight tackles, including three for loss. Keaton Hartley added seven tackles and one for loss, while Ko recorded six tackles, including 1½ behind the line of scrimmage. Borkowski added an interception and a 24-yard return to his rushing touchdown, helping Lapel make an impact on both sides of the ball.