MISHAWAKA — Gary Downey enjoys sharing the wealth.

"I can't take all of the credit for my success," said Penn's senior running back. "The guys on the offensive line are working hard to open up all of those holes, so I can't thank them enough for all of their efforts. Our defense has had a lot to do with it as well for doing a great job of getting us good field position.

"I guess that's why we've got so much better as a team as the season's went on. We've grown together and gotten closer because everyone is working together for the same thing, which is winning."

The 5-foot-8, 180-pound Downey did his fair share to help the Kingsmen claim a share (with Mishawaka and Washington) of their 24th straight Northern Indiana Conference championship by carrying the football 166 times for 916 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Downey hopes to get a lot more touches Friday when No. 5 Penn (10-1) travels to Steele Stadium to battle rival and No. 8 Mishawaka (10-1) for the Class 5-A Sectional 2 title.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. with the winner moving on to play Portage (6-5) or No. 8 Merrillville (10-1) in next week's regional.

The game will be televised by WHME (Channel 46) on a tape delay Friday at 11 p.m. and 9 a.m. Saturday. WGCS (91.1 FM) and WHFB (99.9 FM) will have the live broadcast.

Used primarily as a spot runner last season, Downey wanted to show the coaches he had what it took to be a difference maker.

"If I wasn't here (Penn) working on drills, I was spending all of my free time either lifting weights or running," Downey said during a break in Monday's film session. "I even spent some time running with an old parachute tied to me in order to build up my endurance. I just wanted to prove myself because I've never been one to quit or give up in anything I do."

All of Downey's offseason dedication has paid off in the postseason with 296 yards and two scores in wins over Goshen (28-7) and Adams (14-7).

"I think all of this helped because I'm now more stronger and in the best shape I've ever been in," said Downey, who also plays baseball. "I might not be the quickest runner, but I've found by keeping my legs moving forward that I've become pretty tough to bring down. I'd like also like to think I've got pretty good instincts and field vision, which have both helped me help the team out."

Downey's dedication is what sold Penn coach Cory Yeoman.

"Gary has really come into his own, especially during the playoffs," Yeoman said. "He's always been a hard worker, but what he did during the offseason really helped transform him into a leader and a great example for our younger kids to follow.

"He's a tough, physical kid that's always got his motor running full speed. He's the type of kid who will do whatever you ask of him without question or hesitation."

Although Downey's production landed him on the NIC second team, it wasn't enough back on Oct. 2 when Mishawaka ended Penn's 153-game NIC winning streak with a 26-10 triumph. Downey tallied 72 yards on 16 attempts.

"We know they've got a great team with a lot of great players," Downey said. "It's going to be a tough challenge, so we have to be more focused and better prepared this time around."

Staff writer Matt Kopsea:
mkopsea@sbtinfo.com
(574) 235-6315