INDIANAPOLIS — After a couple of series by Columbus North and host Perry Meridian on Friday night, a lightning delay suspended play for 30 minutes.
It took a little bit for the Class 6A No. 5 Bull Dogs to get going, but once they found their rhythm, there was no stopping them. They broke open a close game by pulling away late for a 41-13 Conference Indiana win.
“It was not an opportune night early on for offensive football,” North coach Tim Bless said. “We kind of got ourselves adjusted to playing in the rain.”
The scoring did not break open until the second quarter, but it was the Falcons (2-5, 2-3) that struck first. Quarterback T.J. Comer, who is the backup for starter Jalen Lee, threw to D’Andre Miles, who made a great one-handed catch away from his body to put Perry Meridian on top.
It would be all North from that point forward in the first half. After running back Mitchell Burton took it to the 1-yard line, quarterback Triston Perry ran it in from there to tie the score.
“(The offensive line) is one of the most important units in football and that is why it all starts up front,” senior tackle David Redding said. “We struggled a bit coming out, but ultimately we figured it out.”
On the next Bull Dog drive, Burton had a big 22-yard run with a key block by Tristan Bailey from the left side of the field. With the first half starting to wind down, Bailey would be rewarded when Perry found him from 17 yards out for a 14-7 lead at the half.
The Falcons were within 20-13 in the fourth quarter before North (7-0, 5-0) put the game away. With the Falcons threatening, Harley Huser picked off a pass with 8:58 remaining. On the ensuing possession, Bailey caught his second touchdown pass of the game from 35 yards out for a 27-13 lead.
On the next Perry Meridian possession, J.D. Harris intercepted a pass for the Bull Dogs.
“When the quarterback dropped back and put the ball in the air, I had to go and make the play,” Harris said.
Burton then scored his first touchdown of the game from 27 yards out to put the game on ice.
