A ‘relief ’ for Madry

DB’s first 2 INTs of the season part of dominant defensive effort

Merrillville defensive back A’Veyawn Madry was without an interception through the first four games, but it wasn’t for lack of opportunity.

“I’ve been right there. I just gotta bring them in, that’s all it is,” the junior said.

Madry brought two in Friday, making a pair of interceptions as part of Merrillville’s defensive clinic in its 46-7 win at Michigan City.

The Pirates (5-0, 3-0) scored 46 unanswered points in the first half, forcing a running clock in the second half.

“It was for sure a relief,” Madry said of the interceptions. “The guys in front of me were getting pressure on the QB, and I had to capitalize. I just gotta keep making those kinds of plays.

“I’ve kept my head up, and the coaches coached me up and worked on a lot of coverage stuff with me, as well as just making sure I’m looking the ball in. I had a third interception because I was down, and then it popped out, but I wasn’t gonna argue it.”

Merrillville coach Brad Seiss said Madry has a 4.0 GPA and is the type of intelligent player you want in the secondary.

“He’s able to recognize formations and able to make adjustments on the fly based on how they line up, and that is huge for us,” Seiss said. “When a defensive lineman messes up, it’s a 5-yard gain. When it’s a linebacker, it’s a 20-yard gain. But when a defensive back messes up, it can go for a 99-yard TD. Having smart guys back there is important.”

The Pirate held the Wolves (2-3, 1-2) to just 22 yards on 26 carries. Seiss was pleased with his team’s adjustment following

Michigan City quarterback Gio Laurent’s 96-yard TD pass to Kaydarious Jones on the third play of the game.

“It starts with the pressure,” Seiss said. “We did some different things disguising our coverage, and (Laurent) was confused on where the help was coming from. That was a huge testament to our kids.”

Jaden Clark had the other interception for Merrillville, which turned the three interceptions and a turnover on downs into touchdowns.

“We build off each other as a team,” Madry said. “Whether it’s a turnover, good play or good stop, our offense feeds off of that. We have those guys on offense that we know we can trust to make a score.”

Senior Jeremiah Howard had five catches for 205 yards and two scores, both from Aahric Whitehead. Peter Rodriguez had three touchdown runs, while Darius Schultz added two.

Madry said it felt good to be on the other side of the matchup that saw Michigan City win by at least three touchdowns in the previous two meetings.

“They have been whooping us, so it felt good to reverse that score,” he said.

CJ Peters is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.