La Porte, New Prairie High Schools Combine For Massive Pep Rally Ahead of State Championship Games

It’s not every day that two rival schools are found in the same gymnasium on the same night, cheering for each other and wishing each other good luck. But that is what happened with the La Porte High School Slicers and the New Prairie High School Cougars in the LPHS gym on Tuesday. A flood of orange and black covered one half of the gym, while another flood of blue and gold covered the opposite side. Chants of “We are LP” matched those of “We are NP,” and fans cheered and clapped along to the opposing school’s songs.

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Why? Because for the first time ever, both the 5A La Porte High School and 4A New Prairie High School football teams have made it to the state championships in the same year. These rivals, 11.3 miles apart in distance, will both travel down to Lucas Oil stadium in Indianapolis this weekend to compete. The teams have both achieved a great feat this football season, and the two schools felt the need to celebrate the accomplishments of the boys through a joint pep rally.

“We wanted to bring everyone together because of the common cause and everything we’ve got going for us,” New Prairie High School principal Greg Dettinger stated. “I think it went even better than we expected. It’s just a great teaching moment. I don’t think any other two high schools have ever done this in the nation. It’s historical, because it’s bigger than just football. It’s about life, and I think tonight we did a great job teaching kids about life.”

These life lessons showed rivals putting aside their differences for one night to celebrate each other’s achievements.

“I’ve never seen a display of sportsmanship and community cohesiveness as I’ve seen tonight,” Traci Kling said.

Both teams are extremely thankful for the support from their fans and the unification that this season has brought their community.

“I think it’s great that the community has rallied behind us and has our back through this journey,” La Porte team captain Noah Boardman said. “It’s new to our school, and it’s new to our community, so it’s really cool to have them with us. I’m just really excited. Nothing like this has ever happened before, so it’s a great feeling. I’m really proud of my team.”

The pep rally featured speeches by the head coaches and alumni of the team, performances by the schools’ cheerleaders and Poms teams, "minute-to-win-it" games played by the football players, and a huge “Cupid Shuffle” dance to end the night.

“This was the best night we’ve had in La Porte in a long time,” community member Rhonda Kazmierzak stated.

The evening also included touching tributes and a moment of silence for the guardian angels that each team has had this season. New Prairie has devoted its season to alumnus Jamie Middlebrook, a New Carlisle firefighter who died in the line of duty this past August. New Prairie running back Tyler Weller, a junior firefighter who was close to Middlebrook, points to the sky after scoring touchdowns to honor his fallen brother, and the boys wear stickers on their helmets.

La Porte understands this pain. La Porte’s Jake West, who passed away September 2013 at practice due to an undetected heart condition, would have been a senior football player this year. The boys have adopted the motto “Play for Jake,” and they keep Jake in their hearts during every game.

Julie Schroeder, mother of West, shared, “I am extremely overwhelmed by the support that this community has shown my family. My heart races being here tonight watching all these young men and women out here. Knowing that Jake meant a lot to them sure means a lot to me. I’m so excited for the boys, and for New Prairie as well.”

Overall, the evening proved to be a great success for members and fans of both schools.

“This event was absolutely phenomenal, and it really brought both communities together,” New Prairie teacher Kelle Cartwright offered. “I went to La Porte High School, but I teach at New Prairie, so this, for me, is such an exciting moment. I’m excited for both teams and I wish both teams well.”

The Cougars will play New Palestine on Friday, November 28, at 3:30 PM EST, and the Slicers will play Indianapolis Cathedral on Saturday, November 29, at 7:05 EST. Good luck to both of the teams as they battle for their respective state champion titles.

“I think our chances Friday are great and I think [La Porte’s] chances Saturday are awesome as well,” Dettinger offered. “I really think both of us can bring it home.”​