West Lafayette Jr-Sr High School

On Friday, October 3, the West Lafayette Red Devils lost a thrilling 44-43 overtime game to the Logansport Berries, decided by a controversial officiating call. West Lafayette started strong, with Blake Biddle scoring on a 78-yard touchdown run. After an Andrew Richardson interception and a Cal Elias fumble recovery, the Red Devils capitalized with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Fielder Melchi, leading 14-0. Another turnover, recovered by Dylan Salazar, set up a 2-yard touchdown run by Kojo Steffey, pushing the lead to 20-0 by the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, Korbyn Keen kicked a 36-yard field goal, while Logansport answered with an 8-yard touchdown. The Red Devils' defense held strong, stopping a 4th-down play, and West Lafayette led 23-7 at halftime. The third quarter saw Logansport score quickly, but West Lafayette responded with a 29-yard touchdown pass to Keaton Bartlett, making it 29-13. After a Berries special teams touchdown, Kojo Steffey’s 67-yard run set up a Chase Zhou touchdown, extending the lead to 36-19. In the fourth quarter, both teams traded big plays, with Logansport scoring defensively and later tying the game at 36-36 with a field goal with 1:44 left. In overtime, Zhou’s touchdown and Keen’s extra point put West Lafayette ahead 43-36. Logansport scored and attempted a 2-point conversion for the win. Initially ruled short, the ball trickled into the endzone, and after a lengthy discussion, officials awarded Logansport the recovery and points, ending the game in a heartbreaking 44-43 defeat for the Red Devils. Key Performers The defense was led by JJ Weida with 17 total tackles, Dylan Salazar added 16, and Gio Pacheco with 15. The offense was led on the ground by Kojo Steffey 159 yards and score, Biddle running for 48 and a touchdown. Biddle threw for 182 yards and 2 touchdowns, with Melchi adding 6 receptions for 50 yards and a score along with Keaton Bartlett adding 4 receptions for 54 yards and a score.