Morton gets on track with big plays against Gavit

HAMMOND | If there's one thing missing from Morton's offensive attack, it's been the threat of big plays.

It's been on the mind of Morton head coach Roy Richards, and he hoped the Governors could prove their ability in generating big plays against Gavit Friday.

With the post-season looming next week, Morton showed how capable it is of the quick strike, beating Gavit, 44-0.

Morton’s Kendall Huff accounted for three touchdowns – rushing for one and hauling in a pair of passes – while quarterback Jimmy Glidewell tossed three touchdown passes.

“This team can win a lot more football, if we can stop with the penalties and turnovers,” Richards said. “I'm proud of the guys. This is what could have been a meaningless game, but they handled it.”

As Morton's offense rolled, Gavit had problems just making first downs. The Gladiators couldn’t handle the Governors’ defensive line, rushing for minus-72 yards.

“What more can you say,” Gavit head coach Robert Robinson said. “(Morton was) great up front. When things started to go south, we hung our heads.

“We've shown flashes of good play, but then we've also shown flashes of the last couple of years.”

No plays better illustrated Robinson’s point than a couple midway through the fourth quarter.

The Gladiators' faked a punt deep in their own territory as Ramiro Cazares connected with Brandon Kretchmer for a 27-yard pass play. Cazares’ pass was the longest offensive play for Gavit.

Three plays later, it appeared that the Gladiators had their first score, but Xavier Copeland drew a flag for offensive pass interference, erasing a 57-yard touchdown reception.

“We show signs of playing for 48 minutes, but then we also play immature at times,” Robinson said.

Morton led at halftime, 14-0, but the Governors were hardly playing error-free. Glidewell threw two interceptions, none more costly than his second pick, halting the Governors' drive at Gavit's 12-yard line.

Morton drew nine penalties for 75 yards while Gavit had 11 penalties for 68.

The Gladiators’ Eleazar Henderson led all rushers with eight carries for 64 yards.

Torey Armstrong and Gino Alavanga each had a 1-yard touchdown run for the Governors.