THIS DAY IN REGION FOOTBALL HISTORY: 9/23

1949 – Pete Rusinski’s Roughriders ride rough shot over the Horsemen of Horace Mann 31-0. It’s the third of 10 straight wins for ECR, who would add another mythical championship to the collection for their efforts during the ‘49 season.

1966 – The Wirt Troopers moved their winning streak to five with a 49-0 dismantling of the East Gary Eagles. All everything QB Jerry Perkins had a another big night to lead the Troopers. All told the Wirt wonders would win 22 straight on the field.

1966 – East Chicago Roosevelt, coached Chet Lukawski, downs Gavit 32-6. The win is part of an 8-1 season for the Roughriders. It would be the last one loss or less season for one of Northwest Indiana’s most successful programs.

1977 – The defending state champion Merrillville Pirates hand the next state champion (Portage) their only loss of the season; a 34-7 whoopin’ at the old Demarree Field. It’s the 10th of 15 consecutive wins for the Pirates dating back to the start of the ‘76 season. These two teams will have a date with each other and with destiny just six short weeks later. Check back in early November for more on that one.

1977 – Nick Voris and his Clark Pioneers move to 5-0 by smashing EC Roosevelt 35-12 on their home slag pile in the Robertsdale section of the city.

1988 – Hammond High, on their way to the school’s only regional title, disposed of the West Side Cougars 35-6 at Krueger Field. The ‘Cats went on to finish 11-2. It’s the second and final time the program would win 11 games in a season.

1994 – Jim Sherer and his Hammond High Wildcats go to the Hessville section of town where the shutout the Morton Governors 27-0 to improve to their record to 5-0. The ‘Cats would not be defeated during the regular season. It’s the seventh and final time Hammond High would go through a regular season without losing a game.

2011 – Two legendary coaches; Leroy Marsh and Russ Radtke, square off one final time. When it’s all said and done, it’s Radtke and the Griffith Panthers who a get a late touchdown to win a close one 20-13 at the Marshlands.