La Porte and Chesterton both entered Friday night’s Duneland Conference game looking for some offense. The Slicers had scored only 7 points in their last two games after putting up 20 in their opening night upset win over New Prairie. Chesterton had scored a total of 25 points in their first three games, all losses. The Trojans also lost starting quarterback Sebastian Boswell to a season ending knee injury the previous week.
Both teams offensive struggles continued through the first quarter and a half. There were nine possessions in the scoreless first quarter, five for the Trojans, four for the Slicers, all ending in punts. Each team managed just one first down.
The Chesterton offense came to life scoring three touchdowns in nine minutes of second and third quarter play. The Trojans got on the board when talented running back Garrett Lewis broke loose for a 55 yard touchdown run at the 5:20 mark of the 2nd quarter. Alex Drewes kicked the extra point to make it 7-0.
Chesterton forced a Slicer punt on the next possession and were able to score a second touchdown with 27.9 seconds remaining in the half. The drive covered 67 yards in nine plays. Drewes made it 14-0 with the extra point.
La Porte received the second half kickoff after an extended halftime break for Chesterton’s Homecoming festivities. The Slicers fumbled at their own 19 yard line setting up a one yard touchdown run by quarterback Brady McCormack three plays later. Once again, Drewes kicked the extra point giving the Trojans a 21-0 lead at the 9:23 mark of the third quarter.
The Slicer offense came to life in the late third and early fourth quarter driving 73 yards in eight plays. The drive was capped by an Aiden Penziol to Keigan Henckel 3 yard pass. Jack Doty kicked the extra point making it 21-7 at the 10:37 mark of the fourth quarter.
The Trojans capped off scoring with a 4 yard Lewis run with two minutes remaining in the game. Drewes kicked his fourth extra point making the final 28-7.
Penziol was 19-36 passing for 89 yards. Henkel caught six balls for 39 yards and a touchdown. Ollie Kring had nine catches for 16 yards. Joey Kirk and Vann Warner caught two passes each for 11 and 23 yards. Jon Laine ran nine times for 50 yards. Tre Beghtel added 12 yards on eight carries. Chesterton defended the Slicers’ short passing game well, allowing catches but very few yards after the catch.
Slicer inside linebackers RJ Carnes and Kyle Freel were named the Salisbury and Spence Edward Jones Players of the Game.
Chesterton moves to 1-3 on the season and 1-1 in DAC. They will host Valpo next Friday. The Slicers fall to 1-3 on the year and 0-2 in the DAC. They will host Lake Central Friday night at Kiwanis Field, kickoff at 7:00 pm. The game will be broadcast on WCOE 96.7 the Eagle. Pregame at 6:45.
