MUNSTER | The third quarter was nearly over and Munster fans were wondering aloud: "Where's Justin Gill? Is he hurt?"
The 6-foot-5 wide receiver didn't catch a pass until the final 30 seconds of the third quarter in Friday night's Northwest Crossroads Conference showdown with Andrean.
Not to worry. He was just laying in the weeds, ready to pounce. And once he did, Times No. 2 Munster rallied to score all its points in the final quarter and shock No. 4 Andrean, 19-14.
"We have so many different receivers, I wasn't worried," Gill said of his slow start. "The offensive line stepped up huge, which allowed me time to get open and Mark (Strbjak) made the throws."
Gill and Strbjak hooked up for two jump-ball TD receptions deep in the right corner and Strbjak later hit Kyle Wargo on a 14-yarder for the game-winner.
Michael Phipps ensured the victory with 2:08 remaining by intercepting Richard Schmidt inside the Mustangs' 30.
"The defensive coaches teach us rules like always watch the ball and follow your assignment and, as long as you do, you'll be fine," Phipps said. "They really drill it into us. It's almost second nature."
Kyle Menefee's 20-yard touchdown run and Schmidt's 64-yard scoring pass to a wide-open Mike Skinner gave Andrean (2-2, 0-1) a 14-0 at the half.
"That (comeback) tells a little bit about our character," Munster coach Leroy Marsh said. "This is one of the nicest and most determined teams you can coach.
"We made some adjustments at halftime, mostly attitude. The keys for us were patience and persistence. We play very well on emotion."
Munster (4-0, 2-0) survived despite failing on a pair of PAT attempts, and its defense had a big say in the outcome by stopping the 59ers on a 4th-and-1 at the hosts' 40 with 5:27 left to play.
"I just hope we learn (from this) and become better and when playoffs begin, we're ready to roll," said Andrean coach Phil Mason, stunned and barely able to speak. "We're better than how we played tonight."
PREP FOOTBALL
No. 2 Munster 19, No. 4 Andrean 14
Mustangs quarterback Mark Strbjak threw for three touchdown passes as the hosts rallied for a 19-point fourth quarter.
