In their previous week, the Chesterton football team made some costly errors and then compounded those issues offensively during their game against Michigan City. The team knew they needed to work through some of those kinks with great preparation for their opponent this past Friday night, Laporte. In this game, the boys saw their efforts pay off. They played in a hostile environment but were up to the challenge. The Trojans bounced back with an impressive performance in all three phases of the game, winning 28-7, making certain to keep the Slicers winless on the season.
In the first quarter, adversity struck quickly when the Trojans lost senior quarterback, and team leader Brady McCormack to injury. The ailment would cause McCormick to be sidelined for the rest of the night. Despite the loss of their starting quarterback, several things kept the Trojans in command of the contest. First, the defense played a near shut out, allowing one score when they already had a 28 point lead. Next, the Trojans won the special teams battle. The Trojans had excellent punt returns from both senior CJ Perez and junior Gus Wisch. The kickoff unit also made great plays, giving the Slicer offense worse field position.
Things were made easy for the offense even when McCormick was taken out, because he already had the offense clicking. Before the injury, McCormick had piled up 40 rushing yards on one drive. He also scored the first touchdown, which unfortunately was the play resulting in his injury. Although the injury would muddle in the minds of the offense for a bit, the team was prepared for such an event as this. McCormick passed something besides the ball, this time, his playbook wristband, and gave it to his slot receiver, Perez. Perez kept composure and led the offense well for the rest of the game.
“I wasn’t really that nervous. I knew what I was doing. Coach Kania and Coach Pete were definitely big helps for me”, Perez stated.
The offense also responded well, as they would have their usual bulk of rushing yards from junior tailback Andrew Goveia. Senior fullback Kaden Summer would have a great game blocking for Goveia and would touch the ball several times (12 receiving yards, 36 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown). The “Chesterton Hogs”, as the offensive linemen are referred to by the team, led the way to 348 rushing yards, 228 of them coming from Goveia carries.
Perez did have a couple hiccups as the new quarterback, but after the initial jitters wore off, he settled into an excellent tempo. Against the Slicers, making reads of defenses as a quarterback looked natural for Perez, despite having lined up at receiver in the previous three games. Wisch then took over at the slot receiver position, and the offense made a smooth transition.
The team didn’t use their usual load of quarterback runs for fear of another QB getting hurt, but the team ran the ball effectively anyway. One key factor to any offensive success is production on third and fourth down. Against MC, the team faced 13 third down situations, and only got three first downs. Against Laporte, CHS faced 10 third downs and got the first down five times. Defensive Coordinator Wally McCormack is a big preacher on the notion that great defensive games are achieved by all eleven guys simply doing their job. On Friday, CHS only allowed Laporte to gain six first downs and 69 total yards. All eleven guys certainly did their job at Laporte.
“Coach McCormack and Coach Chestovich do a really good job of getting us prepared for the game. Everyone did their responsibility that game so it helps. When everyone on the defense does their job, it’s really hard to beat us,” junior defensive back Logan Chestovich said.
One key factor for the Trojans was that they never let up when they had the lead. Two years ago, the Trojans had a 14 point lead against Laporte, and lost the game. This year, the team entered the second half winning by 14 and kept grinding to win by 21.
“The score never really matters. You just gotta play each drive like it’s 0-0 and do your job,” Logan Chestovich said.
Perez has great chemistry with all his varsity receivers (Wisch, junior Michael Rone, junior Patrick Mochen, and junior Louis Raffin who is currently injured) and his backfield buddies (Goveia, Summer, and junior Fullback/Tight End Dylan Bradford) since he had a successful JV season with them last year. Chesterton will play with Perez at quarterback and go into each game without alarm. Teammates anxiously wait for updates on their friend’s condition, since there is some uncertainty surrounding McCormack’s injury.
Chesterton competes in the “Meridian/Campbell Showdown”next Friday, playing on arch rival Valparaiso High School’s turf. The nickname comes from Meridian Road (Chesterton) or Campbell Street (Valpo) which both CHS and VHS are located on. The Trojans have not won the “Meridian/Campbell Showdown” since 2014. Last season against the green, McCormack went down due to an injury and Perez stepped in. Chesterton ended up losing, but Perez showcased his hard work and flair, connecting with Raffin for a long passing touchdown. The team is ready to rally behind both Perez and McCormack to get the win against the Vikings, and take home the milk jug trophy that Valparaiso will bring to the game. For several years, the winner of the game takes home a milk jug that is painted half maroon with a Trojan head, and half green with a Viking head. The seniors are getting their last chance to snag the trophy from Valparaiso, and pushing extra hard in practice this week to deliver a victory.
