(Indianapolis) — Bart Curtis said earlier this week that the biggest key to Warsaw’s tournament run was turnover margin.

That was also the key to their state finals demise.

Decatur Central took advantage of five Tiger turnovers and claimed its first state football championship with a 38-24 triumph over Warsaw in the IHSAA 5A football final at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Hawks broke open a 7-7 tie in the second on the first of three Fa’Rel Carter touchdowns. After a Tiger fumble, Decatur Central would make Warsaw pay, as Bo Polston connected with Kasmir Hicks for their second touchdown of the night to make it 21-7.

After a Decatur Central field goal made it 24-7, Warsaw answered just before half with a 47-yard field goal from Mason Smythe to close the gap to 24-10.

Brody Duncan gave the Tigers a lift right out of the locker room with a 61-yard touchdown run and Warsaw trailed 24-17.

That’s as close as the Tigers would come, as Carter continued to run wild, scoring again on runs of four and 74 yards in the second half. On the night, the speedy tailback racked up 170 rushing yards.

Warsaw ran the ball well in its flexbone attack. Duncan led the way with 101 yards, while Tucker Reed added 99 and Quinton Brock tallied 98.

Warsaw quarterback Drew Sullivan was held in check most of the night, tossing two interceptions. He did manage to connect with Ethan Egolf for a late touchdown. The former Sports Michiana “Student-Athlete of the Week” was also recognized as the winner of the Phil Eskew Mental Attitude Award by the IHSAA.