In its first two games, Griffith was outscored a combined 83-6 by Michigan City and Whiting.
A jump-start was needed.
So the Panthers turned to sophomore Carson Crowe at quarterback. Griffith coach Ben Geffert said Crowe flashed big-play ability with the freshman team and in cameo appearances with the junior varsity.
“We had maybe 150, 200 yards of total offense — we needed some type of spark,” Geffert said. “We always knew we had Carson in our back pocket.
“I wouldn’t say the other QBs were doing anything wrong, we just wanted to give him a shot and see what he could do.”
The change has proved worthwhile.
In just his second varsity start, Crowe ran 16 times for 128 yards and three touchdowns in Friday’s 35-20 Greater South Shore win at Calumet.
Crowe has rushed for 261 yards and five TDs in his two starts.
“We weren’t getting the right people the ball at the right time,” Crowe said. “We’re doing that now and getting it to guys in space and letting them work.”
Griffith (2-2, 2-0) rushed for 218 yards against Calumet.
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“Our offensive line was outstanding and the tailbacks gave great fakes, so there were a lot of holes to run through,” Crowe said. “We changed something up at halftime and were getting more looks against their defensive line with our designed read (option) plays.”
While his legs are Crowe’s calling card, Geffert believes his arm will come along. Crowe completed 8 of 15 passes for 90 yards and a TD.
“Carson is a guy who’s gonna do a lot of damage when he’s in space,” Geffert said. “He hasn’t shown it yet, but he has a cannon that’s waiting to be let loose.
“He’s still learning to put touch on the ball and to throw to open guys with catchable balls, but he has time. He’s a young buck.”
Geffert has been most impressed with Crowe’s poise, especially as a sophomore.
That was exemplified when Crowe bounced back from a third-quarter interception with two TDs and two drives inside the opponent’s 10-yard line.
“He has such ability to just go to the next play,” Geffert said of Crowe. “He’s about as even keel as you can get.”
The cool-as-a-cucumber Crowe thinks the ship has been righted.
“We have some juice right now,” he said. “We’re rolling. We’re meshing and we’re not going off the tracks.”
CJ Peters is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.