Munster gets off to quick start against Portage

Updated: August 13, 2011 10:38AM

PORTAGE — Munster traveled to Portage to scrimmage the Indians on Friday in a final tune-up for both teams before the regular season begins.

The Indians began the first possession of the evening on their own 35 and ran into a spirited Munster defense, the first three plays accounting for no yards rushing and an interception by Munster’s Colin Mudroncik.

The Indians got a little rhythm going after the turnover, driving 65 yards for a score before turning the ball over to the Mustangs offense after the allotted 15 plays.

The Mustangs wasted no time once they got their hands on the ball as Nick Brajak sprinted 65 yards off right tackle on the first play from scrimmage. The Mustangs scored a total of three times in their 15-play allotment, including a 2-yard dive by Christian Leonakis and a 53-yard scoring strike from Mark Strbjak to Oliver Sutter.

“That was a typical scrimmage,” said Munster coach Leroy Marsh. “We saw some good things, we saw some bad things, it was good to get out and hit somebody different after a hot summer and two-a-days. We managed to get playing time for 70 kids tonight.”

The next set of plays was first and goal from the 10-yard line. The Indians took possession first and scored on a 10-yard pass play on the first snap from scrimmage. After an interception in the end zone, the Indians struck twice from 10 yards out on consecutive plays, with a quick pitch to the left by Travis Frank and a quarterback scramble by Jacob Helmer. The Mustangs answered with three scores of their own on runs of 10 and 4 yards, to go along with a 10-yard pass.

The third session of the scrimmage involved 12 plays starting at the 35-yard line. The Indians overcame two penalties and scored on the eighth play of the possession on a 5-yard pass from Kris Knies to Rashaan Coleman. A breakdown by the Portage defense on the final snap of the possession resulted in a 35-yard score on a counter around the right end.

“We have a young team and it’s a little disappointing to let up a touchdown on the first snap,” said Portage coach Jeromy Flowers. “We really didn’t prepare for Munster; most of our preparation was for Mishawaka.”

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