Munster's Gill 'having a blast'

Munster quarterback Joe Gill throws a pass earlier this year against Morton.
(Jeffrey D. Nicholls/Post-Tribune)

Font Size

Email

Bookmark

Black Text

White Text

Joe Gill doesn't have fond memories of his junior season as Munster's quarterback.

The Mustangs couldn't get over the hump and struggled through a 3-7 season last year.

As the leader of the offense, Gill tried his best to make a difference. In fact, Munster coach Leroy Marsh indicated he might have tried to do too much.

"We weren't a very good football team last year,'' Marsh said. "I think Joe tried to carry us at times, but eventually realized he couldn't. I think last season was very frustrating for him.''

Gill admitted he was frustrated with the 2007 campaign, but confessed Wednesday, he's having loads of fun this year.

"We couldn't finish last year,'' he said. "We played not to lose, instead of playing to win. It got real frustrating, because we couldn't make the big plays when we needed to. This year, we're making those plays more often, playing more as a team, and, we have better chemistry.''

Better chemistry. More unity. Making big plays. More confidence. Dramatically different results.

Last week, the Mustangs (7-3) won their first sectional game in five years, blanking Lake Central, 23-0. It was Munster's first playoff win as a Class 5A program.

"I'm having a blast this year, just because we're winning,'' Gill said. "It's definitely more fun to win than it is to lose. Oh yeah, I'm really enjoying it.''

Gill said the Mustangs have concentrated more on team results this season, instead of individuals worrying about statistics or breaking records.

"We're just trying to play this season as long as we can,'' Gill said. "Our goal is to go 1-0 every week.''

Gill's brother, Justin, the team's leading receiver with 30 catches and five scores, has noticed a difference in his older brother this year.

"He's making much better decisions this year, is reading defenses better, has much better accuracy and a stronger arm,'' Justin said. "He's more loose and knows the plays better.

"He seems like he's having a lot more fun this year. He's having more fun because everyone loves each other. It's not about one person -- it's about the team.''

Gill has completed 53 percent of his passes (96 of 181) for 18 touchdowns, and a single-season school-record 1,526 yards, while throwing only six picks.

Gill understands what it will take for the host Mustangs to beat Merrillville (7-3) in their Sectional 1 semifinal matchup Friday night.

"We have to take care of the ball and not make many turnovers, and our defense has to step up like usual,'' he said. "They've been helping us out a ton.''

While Justin and Aaron Estrada, who has 26 catches and seven touchdowns, catch the majority of Joe's passes, Gill has spread the wealth. He's completed at least one pass to 12 different receivers.

"I have so many receivers I trust this year,'' Gill said. "Last year, I didn't know if I could throw to this guy, or that guy. This year, I trust all of my receivers to catch the ball. They do, and they do a great job.''

Marsh has noticed a couple of other things Gill has improved on this fall.

"He's done a nice job of making the proper reads and throwing the ball to the person the pass is supposed to go to,'' Marsh said. "He doesn't try to force the ball to his brother, or anyone else.''

Perhaps more importantly, Marsh appreciates the way his quarterback reacts after each play.

"I really like his resiliency,'' he said. "He doesn't let things bother him. He doesn't let one bad play spoil the next 10.''

Gill believes his greatest asset as a quarterback is his vision.

"I'm aware of my surroundings,'' he said. "I can feel the pressure, but I'm still able to look up field and get my receivers the ball.''

If Gill continues to play as well as he has all season during the playoffs -- he completed 14-of-23 passes for 198 yards and a TD in heavy rain against Lake Central last week -- there's no telling how far Munster could go.

"Joe's really become a major weapon for us,'' Marsh said. "He's played very well for us all season long. One of the reasons we're having a successful season so far is because of the success he's been having.''