The speedy Ohio State recruit closed the curtain on his high school career with a night to remember in Cathedral's 42-18 win over Westfield for the Class 5A state championship. McLaurin accounted for 196 all-purpose yards and scored three touchdowns as the Fighting Irish claimed their fourth consecutive state title (first in 5A), becoming the first program to win championships in three different classes.
"He forces the entire game plan," Westfield coach Jake Gilbert said of the 6-foot, 190-pound McLaurin, who also made an interception on defense. "Where you kick it, how far you can kick it. He affects everything. There are plays that he doesn't make, but he still makes the play. A shanked punt has more to do with him than the pressure. A short kickoff with bad coverage is because of him.
"He's outstanding. In my mind, he's the best football player I've seen."
Fifth-ranked Cathedral (10-5) won its 11th state championship, tied for second with Fort Wayne Bishop Luers in Indiana; Bishop Chatard owns 12 titles. It was the ninth title for Cathedral coach Rick Streiff, tying him for the most titles along with Sheridan's Bud Wright and Fort Wayne Luers' Matt Lindsay.
The Shamrocks were also hurt when a good drive ended with a McLaurin interception in the end zone.
Cathedral's Collin Barthel was 13-for-17 passing for 177 yards and one touchdown, a 41-yarder to a streaking McLaurin in the first half. The Irish led 21-3 at halftime and pushed it to 28-3 midway through the third quarter on a 28-yard run by McLaurin.
He added a 47-yard touchdown run up the right sideline later in the third quarter to put Cathedral ahead 35-11.
"He's such a gifted athlete and our assistant coaches were absolutely outstanding at getting him the ball in some spots where he could make plays," Streiff said.
Streiff said it was up to others to figure out if it was an IndyStar Mr. Football type of performance. McLaurin also deflected talk of individual accolades.
"I just wanted to do what it took to win," he said. "Being a senior leader and a captain, I wanted do what I could to give us a chance to win. (Mr. Football) is not really on my mind because I don't control that. I just wanted to play at a high level today and enjoy this with my team."
Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.
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