Indians rally to knock off ex-coach

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PORTAGE -- Big plays by Jake Dixon and Austin Orlich gave Portage a thrilling 20-14 overtime victory Friday night over Michigan City.

The Wolves (2-5, 1-4 Duneland) led 14-7 on two Adam Harmon scoring runs (7, 3 yards). With its back against the wall, Portage (5-2, 3-2) drove 80 yards in 10 plays to tie it with 3:15 left in the fourth.

Sophomore Eric Melcic (11-of-23, 143 yards) completed five straight passes to set up Dixon's 10-yard TD run on a direct snap. The sophomore DB also picked off two passes, both halfback options by Harmon. His last pick in OT ended the game. Harmon lofted a high ball to QB Nate Scully, giving Dixon time to grab it.

"I was covering their guy on a slant," Dixon said, "and saw the QB release. It hung up there like forever."

He now has five interceptions.

"Jake's a helluva player; an incredible athlete. He got it done," Orlich said. "It feels good to beat Buzz (MC coach Craig Buzea, ex-Indians coach)."

The Wolves got two first downs after the tying TD but had to punt. Portage then drove to the MC 10, thanks to Orlich's 30-yard sideline grab on third down. Orlich then carried to the 3. With 2.5 seconds left Joey Higgins' 22-yard field goal to win was low. 

Higgins, a senior, made a 30-yarder near the end of the first half but it was negated by penalty (illegal participation). His ensuing 46-yard try was short.

MC won the OT toss and chose defense. Orlich ran 7 and then 3 yards for the score. The PAT was blocked by Tracy Rivera. It had no chance as the snap was on the wrong side of the holder.

That opened the door for MC to pull the upset. Scully hit Harmon for 7 yards then scrambled for a yard. Orlich then pressured Scully, forcing a throw into the turf. Then, instead of running, workhorse Harmon (20 rushes, 72 yards) threw the game-ender.

"Our defense did a nice job, our kids stepped up," Indians coach Mark Peterson said. "It was a helluva call if it goes for a TD," he said of the final play. They have a very good team; their record's not indicative."

He called Orlich, a senior RB-LB, "a great athlete. He had that big catch, QB hurry and scored the game-winner. The O-line was fantastic, Dixon had big-time plays and Keenan Ruyzga some big catches.

"We kept our poise. We wanted to keep their offense off the field so we ran early. Late, we felt we could pass the ball on the perimeter. Our pass protection has gotten better and Eric is coming of age. Dixon still has untapped potential."