FOOTBALL: EC Central Ends Morton’s Sectional Reign

Hammond- The four time defending sectional champion Morton Governors had their sites set on title #5. Morton opened up the post-season with East Chicago Central, a team they have defeated three straight times, and two straight times in the sectional semi-final.Morton and East Chicago played earlier this season in East Chicago where Morton defeated the Cardinals 19-6 and held NIU commit Martayveus Carter to just 29 yards.

 

At the start of the game it looked like it was going to be more of the same as Morton took the early advantage. The Govs converted on huge third downs, eventually leading to a couple scores. Morton went into the break up 21-12. Quarterback Torey Armstrong was 6-8 passing for 76 yards, he also had four rushes for 23 yards. Carter had 10 rushes for 55 yards and two touchdowns in the first half for EC.

 

East Chicago came out in second half looking to prevent the Governors from scoring on their opening drive, and the Cardinals did just that. East Chicago would strike in the third quarter on a 62 yard touchdown run by Carter, his third rushing touchdown of the game. Although Morton was still up 21-19 still after the third quarter, the EC defense made some adjustments and kept the Governors off the board.

 

With about 9:46 in the game Carlos Fernandez found Carter for his fourth touchdown of the day, giving East Chicago a 26-21 lead. That five point margin would hold up as Morton was shutout by East Chicago in the second half. Not only did the Cardinal defense hold EC off the board, but they held Morton to 70 yards total in the second half. This was East Chicago’s first sectional win versus Morton.

 

Carter finished with 24 carries and 168 yards with 3 touchdowns, he also caught 5 passes for 57 yards and a touchdown. “It’s an awesome win, people doubted us all week, we came in to this game as a family, we worked as a family, and we won as a family.” Carter said. “We told everyone that someone has to step up on this team, and fair enough I was the one who stepped up this week. I am the heart and soul of this team, we all stay together.” Carter said about his performance.  “Marty is a wonderful player, he is so special to this whole team and to me.” EC Coach Stacy Adams said.

 

“Third time’s the charm, third year in a row facing these guys we finally beat Morton, they are a great football team.” Coach Adams said about the victory. “It’s just another game it’s not over yet we have to take it one game at a time, and can’t look ahead.”