Photo courtesy of SMWC Athletics

BY SMWC Media Relations

Whiting, Ind. — Saint Mary-of-the-Woods pounded out 256 yards rushing and the Pomeroys’ defense dominated en route to a 28-10 victory to open the 2023 season at Calumet College of St. Joseph on Saturday night at Ray Gallivan Stadium. 

Sophomore Patrick Perea scored two touchdowns, running for a 10-yard first-quarter TD and capping off the night with a 25-yard TD pass from Jeremiah Tosky. 

While Perea averaged 23 carries per game in 2022, the Pomeroys showcased a balanced running attack to open the 2023 season. 

Keandre Jones paced SMWC with 70 yards on eight carries, and Tosky had 59 yards and two TDs. Freshman Derron Hazzard had nine carries for 51 yards and freshman Peyton Emberton added 38 yards on nine carries. 

“Everybody contributed. Our offensive line did a tremendous job. We’ve notoriously been a passing team but we threw a little curve ball tonight,” head coach Blaine Powell said. 

Through the air, Tosky battled back after an interception on the opening drive to complete 7 of 16 attempts for 139 yards and the touchdown to Perea down the right sideline. Devron Johnson had a team-high three receptions for 89 yards. 

SMWC’s defense held the Crimson Wave to 132 total yards, with 115 coming through the air and 17 on the ground. 

Di’lon Harvey had 9 tackles, including five tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. 

Austin Petrillo, Jesse Lara and Carter McKee chipped in seven tackles and McKee had a big interception. Kerry Lacey added an interception for the Pomeroys. 

“Our defense dominated and we expect that every week,” Powell said. 

Powell said the Pomeroys’ execution wasn’t on target early in the game, but they persevered.

“As the game moved on, we stuck with what the gameplan was and made the plays when we needed to,” Powell said.