Morton coach Mac Mishler has become accustomed to seeing senior running back Dontell Harris Jr. shine.
Then there are games like the Governors’ Great Lakes Athletic Conference showdown with Hammond Central on Friday.
“Dontell’s been that guy for us since his freshman year,” Mishler said. “A lot of people don’t remember because COVID year was short, but Dontell started at corner for us as a freshman. Then we transitioned him to running back. He’s just always been that kid with our program.
“He’s led the way offensively, and really the last two years he’s been our No. 1 guy in terms of carries, yards, touchdowns, all that kind of stuff. He’s carried the load. So as a senior, we expect that, and we expect more. And (Friday night) was more.”
Indeed, Harris was the catalyst, rushing for 201 yards and five touchdowns as Morton dominated the visiting Wolves in its 56-3 victory.
“It was really just being humble and trusting my teammates to get the win and do what they were told,” Harris said. “Everybody did what they were supposed to do. I did my job, they did their job and that’s what made us prevail.
“I really just want to thank my teammates and my coaching staff for helping us get this win. It was a team effort.”
Harris entered the game with 486 yards and six TDs for the Governors (4-3, 1-0). The 5-foot-9, 180-pounder ran for 1,136 yards and 10 scores last season.
“It’s really just having a better bond and connection with my teammates, especially my O-line,” Harris said. “It’s really just trusting them and trusting myself to work harder and get better.”
Mishler noted the veteran nature of the unit.
“We have a lot of really good skill players, and we have a really good offensive line,” he said. “That offensive line, with the exception of one guy, has been together for the last two years. They’ve learned and grown together as a group.
“And Dontell has been our starting running back for almost three years. He has experience in big games like this.”
Harris also had an interception against Hammond Central (4-3, 0-1), one of four picks by Morton. Martel Kelly had two, and DaVierre McNair returned one 80 yards for a TD.
The Governors had two fumble recoveries, one by Division I prospect Freddy Brown and another that Jalen Arnold took back 40 yards for a TD.
Morton quarterback Holland Harris threw for 151 yards and two TDs, one each to Lebron Hill and Demario Spence, Morton’s big and talented wide receivers. The 6-6 Hill, who has offers from Central Michigan and Toledo, had four catches for 88 yards, including a 30-yard TD.
Standout Hammond Central running back Dashawn Woods exited the game after four carries. Greg Dotson had eight catches for 108 yards for the Wolves.
Hammond Central beat Morton 49-20 during the regular season last year and then 27-26 in a sectional game.
Dontell Harris hadn’t forgotten.
“I and my teammates really took it personal,” he said. “It was really just about us. We had to make a statement. The last two games we played them, unfortunately we did not come out on top. But like I said, it was personal. We locked in and just got the win, and now it’s on to the next.”
Mishler expressed similar sentiments.
“It’s a big win for us,” he said. “It’s a rivalry game. Our conference is small now because of consolidation. To beat the team on the other side of town is always a great thing. To do it this way is a good steppingstone.”
