INDIANAPOLIS — Merrillville senior defensive back Keith Edwards Jr.’s approach was relatively simple.
That didn’t change even when Edwards covered New Palestine junior tight end Mason Oglesby during the Class 5A state championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday. Oglesby has offers from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Purdue, among others.
“Ball in the air, I just go up and get it,” Edwards said. “That’s what I do. I’m a go-getter. I go get the ball.”
The 6-foot, 180-pound Edwards got the ball twice, snagging two interceptions during Merrillville’s 38-17 loss in its first state final since winning it all in 1976.
Edwards, who also had six tackles against the Dragons (14-0), made his first interception during the first series of the game, and the Pirates (11-3) converted it into a touchdown when junior quarterback Michael Hill Jr. scored on a 1-yard run.
Merrillville’s Keith Edwards Jr., center, waits for the snap during the Class 5A state championship game against New Palestine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (Michael Gard / Post-Tribune)
On Edwards’ second interception late in the third quarter, with the score tied 17-17, he kept hold of the ball as his helmet flew off.
“Keith was awesome,” Merrillville coach Brad Seiss said. “He plays our nickel position, where he plays a lot of slot-man coverage, or he has to go be a flat defender. He played great coverage.
“Obviously, Oglesby is a really good player for them. They tried to take a couple shots, and he was right there to make plays. That was huge for us to be in the game, to force a couple of turnovers. He did a good job of helping us out.”
Edwards transferred to Merrillville from Brother Rice in Chicago after his junior year, and he meshed well with his new teammates.
“This team brought me into a good brotherhood,” Edwards said. “I felt like I was close to them already before I even stepped onto the field. … They just helped me. When I was down, they brought me up.
“Coming here was a big move, and I just felt accepted.”
Merrillville’s Keith Edwards Jr. heads to the sideline during the Class 5A state championship game against New Palestine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (Michael Gard / Post-Tribune)
Edwards missed four games after suffering a concussion in Week 2. He still entered the game against New Palestine, which won its fifth state title in 12 seasons, with 83 tackles and two interceptions.
“Keith, that’s my dawg,” Merrillville senior defensive back Warren Brown III said. “Great player. He played his heart out. Two picks in the state finals game, that’s kind of crazy. … I’m so proud of him.”
Seiss expressed his pride in the Pirates, who lost Hill to an injury midway through the second quarter after he completed 8 of 10 passes for 62 yards against the Dragons.
“The thing I’m most proud of our guys, I was a little bit nervous, just the fact that we finally broke through, being happy getting here,” Seiss said. “But we went toe to toe with them for three quarters, taking it 17-all into the fourth. Ran out of steam, made some mistakes. I could’ve done things better as well. But all in all, I’m just proud of the fight the guys had.
“(The seniors are) winners. They won two regionals and represented our school and finally broke through to get to state. I hope their hard work shows younger Pirates that not only getting here is possible, but winning here is possible. You’re talking about a team that’s won 28 straight games, and we went toe to toe with them.”
Seiss said Hill, who set team records for completions and yards in a season, likely suffered a broken left collarbone.
“We leaned a lot on him all year,” Seiss said. “I feel bad for him, as hard as he worked and wanted to help lead this team and showcase his talents in front of the entire state. You feel sorry for him because he’s a really good kid.”
Merrillville’s DJ Bowles carries the ball during the Class 5A state championship game against New Palestine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (Michael Gard / Post-Tribune)
Senior DJ Bowles replaced Hill and completed 13 of 20 passes for 137 yards. He connected with senior wide receiver Mikel Smoot on a 55-yard touchdown to draw the Pirates to 17-14 with 29 seconds left in the first half.
Entering the game, Bowles had completed just 2 of 3 passes for 22 yards and a touchdown but had 12 catches for 166 yards as a receiver.
“I had to fill his shoes, and that’s big shoes to fill,” Bowles said of Hill. “He got us here, obviously. I just had to play the game like I know how he’d want me to play. I had to do my job.
“We just stick together. That’s what I really love about this team. We stick together no matter what, thick or thin. We play our heart out every single play. I’m just so grateful for my team. I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”
Seiss praised Bowles’ performance.
“DJ stepped in and made a nice touchdown throw to get us back in the game and did a great job,” Seiss said.
Merrillville’s Mikel Smoot picks up yards during the Class 5A state championship game against New Palestine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025. (Michael Gard / Post-Tribune)
New Palestine snapped the tie with a touchdown with 8:44 left in the game and added two more scores.
“We came a long way,” Brown said. “It’s kind of heartbreaking. But I’m grateful to be here. First team since 1976 to go to state, first semistate in history — it’s an amazing feeling. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
“The last 10 years of my life built to this moment. All of us seniors left it all on the field. I’m truly proud of this group. It’s so wonderful to see the growth and the men they’ve become over the years.”
