Explosive second half leads Panthers to third state title
For the third time in school history, Snider is football state champions.
The Panthers knocked off Decatur Central, 33-6, in the 5A title game on Friday, November 25, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Snider surged to victory with a strong second half in all three phases of the game. Senior running back Uriah Buchanan rushed for touchdowns of 80 yards and 95 yards and caught a 26-yard touchdown pass. He finished with 264 yards of offense. Senior quarterback Ke'Ron Billingsley accounted for a rushing touchdown and passing touchdown for the Panthers.
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On defense, Snider held their opponent out of the endzone for the second straight game, and limited Decatur Central to 158 yards of offense. Senior linebacker Lukas Rohrbacher tallied 13 tackles and an interception, while junior linebacker Landen Fry had 9 tackles and a pass break-up.
Special teams played a significant role in Snider's win. Kickers Mang Tung hit a 47-yard field goal and Chase Wennemar added a 18-yarder to put more points on the scoreboard. Decatur Central also had two high snaps that sailed over the Hawks' punter's head and gave Snider outstanding field position.
Snider senior linebacker Jake Tippmann was named 5A Mental Attitude Award. He holds a 4.8 grade point average, and is the valedictorian for the Snider Class of 2024. He is the son of Snider head coach Kurt Tippmann, who won his 150th career game at the IHSAA State Finals. Youngest brother, Sawyer, is a sophomore lineman on the team, as well.
Snider finished the season 13-1 and also shared the Summit Athletic Conference championship with 2A state champion Bishop Luers.
A celebration was held Tuesday, November 28, at Snider High School to celebrate the state champion Panthers. Captains Ethan Dodson, Levi Overholser, Will Kelso, Uriah Buchanan and Jake Tippmann presented the trophy to Fort Wayne Community Schools and superintendent Mark Daniel, Ph.D. Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters, a Snider alumnus, read a proclamation from the Allen County Commissioners declaring November 28, 2023 as Snider Football State Championship Day in Allen County.
The 2023 state title joins championships won in 2015 and 1992--both in Class 5A. The Panthers were state runners-up five previous times (2012, 2004, 2002, 1986 & 1981).
Snider is one of 31 high schools that partner with PSM for athletic training, strength & conditioning curriculum, nutrition, athletic rehab and other sports medicine services for Panther student-athletes. Learn more at www.parkviewsportsmedicine.com.