MC takes to the air in victory

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MICHIGAN CITY -- Maybe it's just semantics, but there's a big difference between sitting in the cellar and standing on a foundation. Friday night, Michigan City seemed to come another brick closer to a finished product with an exciting 34-28 homecoming win over LaPorte.

Quarterback Nathan Scully put up PlayStation numbers against the Slicers, throwing for 307 yards and three touchdowns on 11-of-13 passing; none more clutch -- and different -- than the two fourth-quarter TD passes he threw.

The first was a perfectly wound spiral to Rodney Washington on a quick slant with 3:10 left to play. Washington caught it just behind the safety and streaked 66 yards for the tying score. Washington's alleged razzle-dazzle move across the goal line cost Michigan City 15 yards on the extra point that ended up failing, so the game was still tied at 28-28.

After Scott Boeckling intercepted Dustin DeMuth's pass attempt to Matt Heinen at midfield on LaPorte's next play from scrimmage, the Wolves drove to LaPorte's 25 in three plays. With 1:08 left, Scully feathered a touch pass over Heinen into the arms of tight end Ryan Sosinski just over the goal line.

"We told Nathan last week that the training wheels were coming off and we were going to open up the playbook for him," Michigan City coach Craig Buzea said.

Did Scully ever respond.

"I've been waiting for it all year," the 6-3 senior said. "I thank Coach for having the confidence in me and giving me the chance to lead and take this team into my hands."

While the Wolves (3-5 overall, 2-4 Duneland) controlled the air, the Slicers (1-7, 1-5) won the ground battle. Workhorse running back Carlton Austin bruised Michigan City with 147 yards rushing on 25 carries and two scores. Every time it seemed the Wolves had the Slicers pinned on fourth down, Austin would spring for 11 or 16 yards to rally LaPorte.

"There's no question (the late interception was a factor), but the name of this game was that we've got to be able to stop somebody," LaPorte coach Bob Schellinger said. "When we get a score and go up and then defensively let them right back in, you can't have that."

Scully's favorite target was DaQuavay Sherrod, who caught four passes for 146 yards.

"I'll take all the PlayStation numbers we can get as long as we're on top," Buzea said.