Indians reach playoffs for first time since 2002

Sandwich's Tim Schmitt runs over a Manteno defender during the second quarter of Friday's game.
MIA AIGOTTI/ Special to the BEACON NEWS

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SANDWICH -- It has been six years since Sandwich last made the playoffs, but that ends this year. With a 27-6 win over Manteno on Friday night, the Indians guaranteed themselves a playoff spot with one more game remaining.

Patience was the key for Sandwich (6-2, 3-2 Interstate Eight Conference), both for this long awaited trip back to the playoffs and for the Week 8 game.

Sandwich held the ball for the final 10:40 of the contest, running its way into the playoffs. This final possession started at the Indians 3-yard line and ended at the Panthers 2. The drive consisted of 16 runs, seven first downs, and 95 yards. The offense closed the game out, but it was the defense setting it up with a huge play of its own.

Manteno (3-5, 2-3) was in the red zone for the fourth time of the tilt, failing in each of its last two attempts. The Panthers scored in the first quarter from 1-yard out. Sandwich needed to get a third stop in a row. The Indians were able to get the play they needed, and while some would think the fumble recovery on 2nd-and-goal was the key play, coach Derek Avery pointed one play prior.

"The play before their 250 pound full back gets down to the one and instead of letting him in we keep playing hard. You never know what can happen," Avery said.

Patience paid off as the defense let up the yards but kept the Panthers off the scoreboard.

Fullback Nick Futrell needed to show patience as well. After entering the game with over 130 carries so far this season, he had just two for 14 yards at halftime of Friday's game. On the first offensive play of third quarter, Futrell ran for no gain. Patience. On the same drive, Futrell took off on a dive play from midfield and rumbled for his first touchdown of the game. He followed that up with an 84-yard touchdown run on his very next touch, and ended the evening with 194 yards on 14 carries.

Manteno runs a four wide receiver shotgun offense, while the Indians run tight formations and rely on the running game. However, it was Sandwich that benefited from the big play while the Panthers had to nickel and dime their way down the field. Futrell had two long runs, Troy King added a 77-yard score, and Tim Schmitt started it off with a 64-yard dash of his own on the first play from scrimmage for the Indians.

"We have kids back there that can hurt you quick," Avery said. "They run well, block well, carry out their fakes and they found some seams tonight."

Manteno did move the ball well using the short passing game and mixing in the run. Fullback Dustyn Sadler carried the ball 14 times for 106 yards. Quarterback Brandon Ringler connected on 18 of 32 attempts for 164 yards. He found five different receivers and didn't throw an interception.