Thanks to stellar Slicer defensive play, this is as close as Hobart got to the end zone: about an inch from the goal line.
Something LaPorte’s opponents will soon learn: Don’t let Charles Salary see a lot of green.
Photos and story by Mike Kellems
(Click on photos to enlarge)
The LaPorte Slicer football team moved to 2-0 on the young season following a phenomenal defensive effort that played out over two nights, Aug. 29-30, 2014, at Kiwanis. LaPorte overcame rain, lightning and more to shut out Hobart, 21-0.
In a bit of deja vu, the game was postponed 23 hours following foul weather Friday evening. The game got off to a delayed start that night due to lightning, then just made it through the first quarter before being halted by more lightning. LaPorte was able to put one score on the board Friday, a touchdown by record-setting player Charles Salary. In the 2013 season, the Slicers’ game at Hobart was also postponed for a day due to weather.
Once the game resumed Saturday evening, LaPorte struck late in the second quarter on an Eric Mazany pass to Luc McCarty that put the Slicers up 14-0 at halftime.
Hobart controlled the game much of the third quarter but failed to score as LaPorte’s defense made a goal-line stand and denied the Brickies’ entrance into the Slicer orange end zone. LaPorte sealed the deal with another touchdown by Salary, making the final score 21-0.
Prior to the start of the game Friday, a brief ceremony was held to dedicate Kiwanis Field following its extensive renovation. In addition to new turf, the track was resurfaced, a new scoreboard with LED graphics was added, and the stands received a brilliant orange coat of paint along with new aluminum bleacher seats. Additionally, two large areas for handicapped-accessible seating were added. LaPorte took the field and “sliced” a large orange ribbon held by the dignitaries in attendance.
LaPorte moves into conference play at Valpo next Friday. Game time is 7 p.m.
Slicer sophomore Owen Strieter (21) intercepts a pass. At right is Slicer Jeremy Curry.
Slicer defensive back Jeremy Curry trips up a Brickie, a touchdown-saving move.
Salary scampers into the end zone for one of his two touchdowns.
LaPorte’s Gino Francesconi breaks up a Brickie pass.
Slicer Ryan Downs wraps up a Brickie.
Casey Cornett kicks the extra point following LaPorte’s first touchdown.
LaPorte’s defense shone during the game.
The final