RB Marshawn Lottie comes up big for Washington on night with lots of injuries

SOUTH BEND — The phrase “next man up” was taken to the extreme Friday.

Washington’s comfortable halftime lead quickly disappeared as the Panthers battled leg injuries in the sweltering August heat and a suddenly rejuvenated Hammond Central squad.

But the Panthers put together a 10-minute drive to add a touchdown, then executed a goal-line stand late in the final 2 minutes to take home a 27-20 victory.

With the first-half starters battling injuries, Washington coach Todd Stammich turned his rushing attack over junior Devin Devries, a receiver who had caught a 78-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Devries rushed for 36 yards in a crucial 15-play, 72-yard drive in the fourth quarter. Junior Jeremy Johnson also had huge carries, including a 1-yard sneak that enabled the Panthers to reclaim a 27-13 lead with 8:27 left in the game.

Scores:Indiana High School football scores for Week 1

“Luckily, every skill player we have learned to play fullback over the summer, since it is an important position for us,” Stammich said. “I didn’t know we had this depth, and it paid off tonight.”

Hammond Central quickly answered with a 50-yard touchdown pass from Anthony Huber to Jordan Woods, then recovered a fumble on the Panther 34 with 3:22 left in the game. The Wolves drove to the 3-yard line, and on fourth down a rushing attempt by Ahkeem Harrington was stuffed at the 1 by a swarm of Washington defenders, and the Panther offense was able to close out the win.

► Washington got the season started with a great first quarter, taking the opening kickoff and marching 80 yards in nine plays. Marshawn Lottie capped the drive by outracing the defense down the right side for a 14-yard touchdown run.

► The defense then added to the fun, as Jason Dockery made a leaping interception and returned the pick 86 yards for a score. Lottie then ran in the two-point conversion, and the Panthers led, 14-0.

► Hammond Central’s first three drives were all deep in Washington territory, but the Panthers held each time. Early in the second quarter the Wolves had first-and-goal on the Panther 2, but an interception from Lottie stopped the threat.

► After the Lottie interception, Dockery found Devries open in the flat, who outraced the Wolves defense 78 yards for the touchdown. The Panthers led 21-0 at halftime.

► Hammond Central scored on its first two possessions of the third quarter.

► Lottie led the Panthers with 71 yards rushing, while Dockery threw for 94 yards. 

Quotable

“These kids are a joy to coach, and they overcame a lot tonight. ... “he heat was a real factor tonight, but when we were fresh, we played well,” — Washington coach Todd Stammich

Game Summary

WASHINGTON 27, HAMMOND CENTRAL 20

Hammond Central. 0. 0. 13. 7 — 20

Washington. 14. 7. 0. 6 — 27

Scoring Summary

First Quarter

W - Marshawn Lottie 14 run (kick failed), 6:01

W: Jason Dockery 86 INT return (Lottie run), 3:41

Second Quarter

W - Devin Devries 78 pass from Dockery (Miguel Romo kick), 5:38

Third Quarter

HC - Jordan Woods 42 pass from Anthony Huber (Juan Ramirez kick), 9:10

HC - Akheem Harrington 2 run (kick failed), 5:27

Fourth Quarter

W - Jeremy Johnson 1 run (kick failed), 8:27

HC - Woods 50 pass from Huber (Ramirez kick), 6:22

Individual Statistics

RUSHING - Hammond Central: Harrington 15-129, Woods 2-3, Demitrus Jones 2-(-2), Huber 4-(-4). Washington: Lottie 15-71, Ty’Shaun Grundy 12-44, Devries 7-36, Johnson 6-26, Dockery 7-5.

PASSING - Hammond Central: Huber 5-12-2, 142 yds., 2 TD, Daniel Reeves 1-1-0, 3 yds. Washington: Dockery 2-2-0, 94 yds., 1 TD.

RECEIVING - Hammond Central: Woods 5-142, Jeremiah Ruth 1-3. Washington: Devries 1-78, Lottie 1-16.

Up next

Washington, 1-0, will host Bremen, 0-1, Friday. Bremen lost its opener to LaVille, 14-12.