Jacob Kusich delivered on both sides of the football as North Marion remained unbeaten with a 28-23 victory over Philip Barbour in Philippi.

Kusich caught seven passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns while also intercepting two passes on defense. His second interception came with just 1:24 remaining and effectively sealed the victory for the Huskies.

Philip Barbour struck first behind a 6-yard touchdown run from Landyn Carpenter, but North Marion answered immediately when Kolson Brown connected with Brian Poindexter for a 69-yard touchdown. Poindexter later added a 2-yard rushing score to give the Huskies their first lead.

Brown and Kusich connected for touchdown passes of 33 and 18 yards, with Brown finishing 12-of-19 for 238 yards.
The Colts refused to go away. Carpenter finished with 133 rushing yards and also found Mason Jones on a 26-yard halfback touchdown pass before halftime. Later, Jones connected with Tristen Price for a 65-yard touchdown to pull Philip Barbour within five.

After forcing a North Marion three-and-out, the Colts had one final opportunity to take the lead. But Kusich stepped in front of a pass for his second interception of the night, securing the win.
North Marion improves to 3-0, while Philip Barbour falls to 2-1.

Hear from head coach Daran Hays on Kusich’s standout performance, Brown’s continued development at quarterback and why the Huskies believe their best football is still ahead of them.

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