Pick a winner
Wigley earns turnover belt as Lake Central gets 5 INTs in win
Jalen Wigley had Lake Central’s “turnover belt” slung over his left shoulder.
There’s no doubt the junior defensive back earned it.
Wigley had two interceptions Saturday as Lake Central posted a 13-7 Duneland Athletic Conference win against visiting Michigan City.
The 5-foot-6, 150-pound Wigley was part of an excellent defensive performance from the Indians (3-3, 2-2), who had five interceptions in their upset of the Wolves (2-4, 1-3).
“We worked all week in practice,” Wigley said. “I just put myself in position to get those picks. Luckily, I caught them.
“We just balled out — everybody. The linebackers, D-line, DBs, we all played a great game for four quarters.”
There was uncertainty for Lake Central coach Tony Bartolomeo if Wigley would be available for the final two quarters, when he had both of his interceptions.
Wigley vomited at halftime. He was sick all week, with a cough, runny nose, shortness of breath and nausea.
“What a great performance by him,” Bartolomeo said of Wigley.
Wigley took a matter-of-fact approach.
“I knew I had play through it,” he said.
Michigan City coach Phil Mason addressed his team for several minutes after the loss. He emphasized the season isn’t over, but a refocus is needed.
“We just didn’t execute on offense,” Mason said. “Plain and simple. We didn’t get things done when we should’ve. We tried to change things up to get things
going, get some more kids involved and change some sets, and it didn’t happen.
“This is not a reflection of the team we are. We’ll reach deep, keep working at it and find a way to get better.”
Wigley’s first interception helped set up Mateo Cedano’s 21-yard touchdown pass to Diego Garcia to give Lake Central a 10-0 lead with 6:04 left in the third quarter.
A 14-yard TD run from Kaydarious Jones drew Michigan City within 10-7 with 8:04 left in the game.
Lake Central stopped Michigan City on fourth down with 3:19 left, taking over at the Indians’ 38. Sir Felix Garcia, who to that point had 10 yards on 16 carries, broke loose for a 47-yard gain to the Wolves’ 15.
That play led to Derek Baldin’s 28-yard field goal with 1:38 left. Baldin had kicked a 37-yarder for the game’s first points after Garcia returned the opening kickoff 65 yards.
Out of timeouts, Michigan City started its final possession at the 14 with 1:31 left.
The Wolves advanced to their 36 before Caleb Griffin intercepted a pass at Lake Central’s 40, a fitting end to the game.
Carter Schuster and Marco Ciapponi each a first-half interception for Lake Central, which ended a three-game losing streak to Michigan City after last having won in the series in 2015.
“We have a great group of kids,” Bartolomeo said. “It’s nice to see all their hard work get some success.
“It’s a great win against a great team. We played with a lot of emotion, and I’m so happy for our guys.”