CULVER - The LaVille Lancers can officially check off a box on their list of things to do during this high school football season. A 2022 Hoosier North Athletic Conference Championship. Paul DeWitt scored five times to lead Class 2A No.3 LaVille to a convincing 42-0 victory over Culver Community to lay claim to the HNAC title outright. "It was nice to experience success following the time and effort these guys put in during the off-season," said LaVille head football coach Will Hostrawser. "Winning the HNAC was a goal this season - to achieve it feels good for sure." LHS will enjoy this one for the weekend, but then go back to work as they prepare for the opening round of the Indiana High School Athletic Association state tournament. LaVille will play host to Whiting on Friday, October 21. Kick is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Lancer Field. Coach Will Hostrawser's Lancers were very business-like in a winning effort against the Cavaliers. A methodical 9-play, 65-yard drive strictly on the ground allowed the Lancer offensive line to take charge of the line of scrimmage. During the 4:08 drive, DeWitt was the featured back, carrying the ball six times for 38 yards.A 15-yard jaunt by Owen Smith and an 8-yard run by Noah Richhart kept things moving along. Brandon Nettrouer came on to add the extra point. Culver was able to move the ball on its opening possession, taking the ball down to the LaVille 31. A fine pitch-and-catch from Cavs quarterback Jason Cadle to Ethan Binion for an 18-yard completion converted a key 3rd-and-7 play into LaVille territory. But LaVille's defense forced a pair of incomplete passes and CHS gave the ball up on downs. The first quarter ended with LaVille on top by seven before an explosive second quarter. DeWitt carried the ball seven straight times during a 46-yard drive as the Lancer senior crossed the goal line from two yards out. The PAT was wide right. On Culver's next drive, the Cavaliers just could not solve the Lancer defense and were forced to punt. LaVille's Ross Wagoner broke through the line to block the punt attempt. Then, as the ball rolled along the grass, DeWitt came along and scooped up the ball and hustled in for the final five yards. DeWitt also punched the 2-point conversion in as the Lakeville guests took a 21-0 lead. Then right before halftime, LaVille got great field position when the LHS defense shut down a 4th-and-1 attempt by Culver to get the ball at the Cavalier 33-yard line. Lancer quarterback Collin Czarnecki and the LaVille offense went right to work. Czarnecki lofted a pass down the right sideline for Smith. The 6-foot-1 senior made a terrific grab, getting the necessary one foot inbounds to complete a 32-yard connection near the goal line. DeWitt took the ball the final yard to give LHS a 28-0 lead. "As a unit, the defense really did a nice job pursuing the football," explained Hostrawser. "Pursuit is effort getting to the ball on a play away from your position - it takes effort to pursue the football - I thought our guys really stepped up in that area as there were numerous gang tackles all over the field." Culver took the opening kick of the second half to the LaVille side of the 50. Binion and Shuman toted the ball to help set up a 1st-and-10 at the Lancer 45. Looking for a big play, Cadle dropped back to pass, but his attempt was deflected by LaVille's Jonathan Neese and picked off by Richhart. The Lancers put the final points on the board when DeWitt powered his way for a 19-yard TD run. The drive was highlighted by a 27-yard completion from Czarnecki to Ross Wagoner. The LaVille defense picked up its third shutout of the season. It was also the sixth time the defense allowed one score or less on the season. DeWitt finished with 135 yards on 22 carries and four rushing touchdowns. Smith rushed six times for 101 yards, including the 60-yard TD run. "Once again Paul DeWitt ran between the tackles with purpose," said Hostrawser. "He has been doing that all season - and the Culver game was no exception.  Owen brought a good edge running attack - he has really improved his lateral cutting ability this season which allows him to spring big runs each time he touches the ball. It was a big run in the third quarter to really break the game open for us." Czarnecki, in for the injured Lucas Plummer, handled the offense, completing 3-of-4 passes for 64 yards and no interceptions. "Playing QB brings additional pressure as there are a lot of timing necessities in our offensive scheme - it can get overwhelming quick," said Hostrawser. "However, Collin stepped right in and did a fantastic job for us. Our team has a lot of confidence in Collin's ability to run the offense. I thought for the most part our timing was on cue during the game. With additional reps in practice, Collin will get even better." Culver finishes the regular season with a 5-4 record and will play host to North Newton in the first round of the Class 1A state tournament on Oct. 21. "Against Whiting we must be able to defend the pass," Hostrawser noted of the Oilers. "Our secondary performance will be tested Friday night - so we will be focusing on that area during our preparation this week." HOOSIER NORTH ALL TIMES EASTERN CONFERENCE ALL GAMES W-L Pts OP W-L Pts OP Streak LaVille 7-0 297 69 9- 0 381 75 Won 9 North Judson 6-1 302 77 8- 1 403 87 Won 1 Knox 5-2 279 130 6- 3 367 199 Won 3 Triton 4-3 233 180 6- 3 333 190 Won 1 Culver 3-4 118 228 5- 4 168 244 Lost 1 Pioneer 2-5 142 232 2- 7 164 294 Lost 5 Winamac 1-6 78 254 2- 7 125 281 Lost 1 Caston 0-7 58 337 0- 9 82 396 Lost 13