Munster gets ‘needed’ win over Morton
By John O’Malley Post-Tribune correspondent September 14, 2012 11:42PM
Updated: October 16, 2012 6:13AM
MUNSTER — Besides getting used to a much bigger school, meeting new friends and fitting in with new teammates, Munster’s Seth Gutwein had to mentally clear a big hurdle in order to perform at a high level.
After transferring from Class 1A West Central to 5A Munster, Gutwein has demonstrated his physical skills while overcoming any doubts he might have experienced from a mental standpoint.
In Friday night’s 21-7 come-from-behind win over Morton, Gutwein rushed for 95 yards on 15 carries and scored three touchdowns, leading the Mustangs (2-3) over the Governors (2-3).
“This was a game we had to have,’’ Gutwein said. “It really helps our team. We knew we had to get this one. We feel like there’s still a chip on our shoulders, because we still want to win our conference.’’
Gutwein scored a pair of TDs — each from a yard out in the second period — helping Munster turn a 7-0 deficit into a 14-7 halftime lead.
Gutwein sealed Munster’s win with a 47-yard run to Morton’s 5-yard line with about two minutes left, then scored from 3 yards out with 1:49 remaining to clinch the win.
“We really needed (a win) big-time,’’ Munster coach Leroy Marsh said. “It was a great team effort — I’m proud of the kids and the coaches. We’ve had a tough month. This was a big win for us. We knew it would take an effort like this to beat them.’’
Morton coach Roy Richards was livid after the game. After congratulating Munster’s players and staff, he showed his frustration with the loss by breaking his clipboard over his knee.
“We thoroughly dominated the first half and we’re down 14-7,’’ he said.
“Then, we dominated again in the third quarter, but we just couldn’t get anything going. It’s very frustrating. It wasn’t effort. The effort was there. I don’t get it.’’
The Mustangs could have had a bigger halftime lead, but Matt Childs hit the right upright on a 25-yard field goal attempt following a blocked punt by Gutwein in the first period. Munster than failed to get its kicking team on the field in time for a 21-yard attempt before the first half ended.
