Tyler Littlejohn tries to shake Portage defensive back Kyle Green.
Photos and story by Mike Kellems
(Click on photos to enlarge)
The LaPorte Slicer football squad ended the regular 2014 season the same way it started, with a win. LaPorte traveled to Portage and downed the Indians 34-14.
Despite an early Indian interception that led to a touchdown, the heart of the Slicer squad would not be diminished. LaPorte went into the locker room down 14-10 following a 53-yard touchdown run by senior standout Charles Salary and a 29-yard Casey Cornett field goal.
That momentum gained late in the first half was all that the Slicer squad needed for the second half. The LaPorte defense not only held the Indians scoreless in the second half, they aided their cause with interceptions by Owen Strieter and Matt Otwinowski. The Portage offense struggled under pressure from the Slicer defense, which allowed only single-digit yards in the second half and no first downs.
On the offensive side of the ball, LaPorte scored 24 unanswered points in the second half after seeing production from wide receivers Tyler Littlejohn and Brian McGuire. Quarterback Eric Mazany and record-setting running back Charles Salary also connected time and time again on the ground. Mazany, who missed the previous five games due to injury, connected with several passes and ended the game with 91 yards. Salary ended the regular season with another outstanding performance and an unofficial 1,975 yards.
The Slicers drew a bye to start post-season play and will get an extra week to prepare for their sectional semifinal game against nemesis Michigan City. LaPorte, who was defeated last week by the Wolves in double overtime 34-31, travel to Ames Field on Friday, Oct. 31.
Running back Charles Salary stiff-arms a defender.
QB Eric Mazany heads for the sideline and another Slicer first down.
After catching a Mazany pass, Littlejohn goes vertical to avoid three defenders.
Slicer sophomore Owen Strieter intercepts a Portage pass.
Slicer Head Coach Bob Schellinger reacts to an official’s call that negated a long pass.
The final