The matchup of St. Marys and Inman in the Class 1A state championship turned out to be an instant classic. 

Thanks to a late go-ahead touchdown, St. Marys was victorious 44-41. 

“It feels good to coach a great group of individuals who make every practice fun but (are) still focused on the things that matter,”  St. Marys coach Kyle Schenk said. 

Inman struck first getting a comfy 12-0 lead until Keller Hurla and the Bears finally got their offense clicking. 

Hurla and the Bears offense went on a 22-0 run to end the half before Inman would score to make the score 22-19 at halftime. 

A turnover-riddled first half plagued both teams as there were a combined four fumbles from the teams. 

Inman struck first blood again in the second half thanks to a touchdown run from Samuel Shober. 

Hurla and St. Marys scored once again and the Class 1A state championship continued this back-and-forth affair. 

The Bears led 38-33 at the end of the third when Inman hit paydirt to take a 41-38 lead that held until the final seconds of the game. 

Hurla took matters into his hands once again and ran for the game’s final touchdown to make the score 44-41 with 13 seconds remaining.

“Keller is special because he shows the discipline and focus needed to be successful in all aspects of his life,” Schenk said. 

The Bears intercepted Inman in the closing seconds and started the championship celebration.