Marion survives injury, busts into playoffs with win over DeWitt

MARION – That rapidly-closing window of playoff opportunity just got flung wide open by the Marion Indians.

Marion's defense forced four turnovers, highlighted by two interceptions from defensive back Logan Fuller, in their fourth shutout of the season to earn a playoff spot with a 10-0 win over DeWitt Central in a Class 3A District 6 regular-season finale Friday at Thomas Park.

'This is the team I thought we'd have coming into the season,' Marion Head Coach Tony Perkins said. 'They have to rise above the injuries and things like that, and tonight they played like it was their last play.'

Marion (4-5, 3-3 Class 3A District 6) was indeed bit by the injury bug again, as tailback Kory Walsh left the game just before halftime with an undisclosed injury and did not return. Walsh rushed for 70 yards and the game's only touchdown. In his place, junior Nick Kramer lined up at tailback for the first time this season and performed admirably, toting the ball 13 times for 47 yards. Kramer also returned an interception to the DeWitt 10-yard line on the first drive of the second half to set up a Marion field goal.

'It's always next man in,' Kramer said. "They chose me, and I just did what I could."

After losing four of its last five entering the game, Marion was playing for their playoff lives and responded in a big way. The Indians' defense limiited DeWitt Central (4-5, 3-3 Class 3A District 6) to 169 total yards. DeWitt had averaged 41 points per game in their last three games.

'Our line did a good job and our backers were filling the holes,' said Fuller, whose two interceptions both snuffed out DeWitt Central drives in Marion territory. 'Just a great job overall.'

Marion opens the playoffs on Wednesday at West Delaware, while DeWitt Central travels to top-seed Decorah.