The formula for success was simple enough Friday for Merrillville.
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A heavy dose of running back Davion Ervin propelled the Pirates to a 20-14 victory over Portage in Duneland Athletic Conference play.
Ervin ran for 155 yards on 31 carries while the rest of the Pirates (3-1) combined for 40 total yards against the Indians (2-2).
A steady rain fell throughout the game, presenting a challenge for the Pirates’ spread offense.
“With the conditions, we couldn’t do exactly what we wanted,” Merrillville coach Brad Seiss said. “It was really big for us to be able to run behind our offensive line. Davion did a good job finding the holes and avoiding negative plays.”
Ervin accounted for all three Pirates TDs with runs of 12, 5 and 20 yards.
“Everything was working,” he said. “We ran simple plays, we didn’t do anything special. The offensive line had a push, and I took it. We knew we couldn’t throw the ball because of the conditions.”
The Indians knew what was coming. Only they couldn’t stop it.
“Merrillville is a challenge in terms of defending the whole field,” Portage coach Darren Rodriguez said. “It challenged us to get more space. We had to defend sideline to sideline. They’re aggressive, they’re fast and they move around a lot.”
The Merrillville defense locked down late, including a game-clinching stop on fourth-and-2 from Merrillville’s 18 with 1:26 remaining.
“We made a few adjustments on defense,” Seiss said. “Portage is a good offensive team, so we feel good about the way our defense played in the second half. Our kids did a great job.”
Merrillville quarterback Cameron Wright completed four passes for 30 yards in unfavorable conditions. He also completed a 2-point conversion pass.
“In these elements, you talk about ball security, and more importantly I think it’s the mentality of not letting it affect you,” Seiss said. “You don’t want to feel like you’re wet; you’ve got to just accept the conditions.”
David Herrod rushed for 50 yards on 10 carries for Portage. Adrian Melendez’s 46-yard TD put Portage on the board. Later in the first half, Herrod broke free for a 30-yard TD.
Portage quarterback Anthony Maceo ran for 78 yards on 22 carries.
“He’s growing as a quarterback,” Rodriguez said. “We always knew he could be a good running back, and he really ties into our running game. He’s doing a great job making reads and doing the things we’re asking him to do.”
Brandon Vickrey is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.