A tattoo on Bryce Hayman’s left biceps represents the Michigan City senior quarterback’s philosophy.
“I live by the motto, ‘Height doesn’t measure heart,’” the 5-foot-9 Hayman said. “That’s all my life. It doesn’t bother me. I played against 6-6 guys from Homewood-Flossmoor last week. It doesn’t faze me anymore.”
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It didn’t faze him Saturday.
Hayman threw three touchdown passes and ran for a score as the Wolves posted a 28-10 Duneland Athletic Conference victory against Chesterton.
Hayman completed 15 of 29 passes for 165 yards — with two TDs to Demetrius Garrett — and ran for 61 yards on 14 carries.
The game was completed Saturday after it was postponed Friday night because of inclement weather. Chesterton (1-2, 0-1) led Michigan City (2-1, 1-0) by a 10-7 margin in the first half with 7:38 left when play was halted .
“It wasn’t pretty, but it was a win,” Hayman said. “There’s a couple plays I’d like to have back, some throws, but a win’s a win.”
Michigan City coach Phil Mason agreed the best is yet to come for Hayman.
“Bryce didn’t have a great game,” Mason said. “Even though the stats look pretty good, he was off on some things.
“Bryce is really good. But he’s not as good as he’s going to be. He missed some opportunities. But he’s such a competitor, such a winner, he wants to be a perfectionist.”
Michigan City held Chesterton scoreless the final three-plus quarters. Senior defensive end Chase Triplett, a Purdue recruit who left the game Friday with a stinger and played Saturday, liked the Wolves’ intensity.
“We came out flat (Friday) and that’s not Michigan City football,” Triplett said. “(Saturday) was a beautiful day and we played the right way. We played with fire, especially on defense.”
Chesterton coach Mark Peterson sensed the tide turned overnight.
“When you cancel a game, emotions are high and all the energy and momentum — momentum was standing in the end zone right around the time they called the game,” Peterson said. “It had been on our side (Friday). When you come back on the field, it’s hot and humid and muggy, kids are still out of rhythm. It threw things off for us and for them. Not taking anything away from Michigan City, we just didn’t execute.
“We didn’t play our best (Saturday) and we probably played closer to our best (Friday). There’s a lot to build on.”
Michigan City won its third straight game in the series against Chesterton.
“You’re glad you won, but you’re frustrated because of the weather, the flow, the holiday weekend,” Mason said. “Preparation now for next week is kind of tight.
“You have to ask people to give up a day you traditionally try to give your coaches because they work so hard. You’re just glad to get out of here with a win.”