With senior quarterback Zach Bundalo returning this season, Lake Central had the answer to one very important question.
But the Indians needed weapons to complement the 6-foot-4, 225-pound Bundalo.
Lake Central found one Friday night in junior wide receiver Keysean Wigley.
The 5-11, 160-pound Wigley caught five passes for 127 yards in the opener against Munster, including three receptions that each gained over 30 yards — three vital plays in Lake Central’s 10-3 win.
“He’s been working since he got in the program,” Indians coach Tony Bartolomeo said of Wigley. “He came through because he put in the time. It was just a matter of him getting an opportunity.”
Wigley’s most important catch came with Lake Central (1-0) facing a 3-0 deficit against Munster (0-1) in the third quarter.
The Indians had a third-and-34 after an offensive pass-interference penalty. Needing a big play, Wigley evaded a jam at the line of scrimmage and found enough room to haul in a 37-yard pass.
“I got off the line fast, got separation, saw the ball, looked it in and made the catch,” Wigley said.
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Sophomore running back Ricky Guerrero ended that drive with a 6-yard touchdown run that put the Indians ahead for good. Wigley, however, wasn’t done.
On another third down, Wigley gained 42 yards on a pass that bounced off a Munster defender. Bundalo extended the play by scrambling and then found his favorite target open down the middle.
“I bought some time because I knew he was open,” Bundalo said. “I felt that if I could put out there enough to give (Wigley) a chance, he’d make the play. And he did.”
While Wigley was the star, he’s just one of several options Bundalo has when he drops back to pass.
Senior wide receiver Joe Wells displayed his playmaking ability by returning the game’s opening kickoff for a TD, although it was wiped out by a penalty. Senior Quincy Tribble and junior Mateo Cedano also factored heavily into Lake Central’s rotation at wide receiver.
All four of those receivers built their chemistry with Bundalo during offseason workouts that started one week after Lake Central was eliminated from the 2017 playoffs.
“We were throwing and catching a lot, usually twice a week,” Bundalo said. “When it got cold, we’d go inside. It all started there.”
Dave Melton is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.