By the time Merrillville’s season opener rolled around Friday night, junior quarterback Michael Hill Jr. was ready.

But that wasn’t necessarily true in the run-up to the game — and his first varsity start.

“I was nervous all week,” Hill said. “I got with my sports psychologist. I sat down with her. We talked it out. Once I put the cleats on, it was just another day, another game.”

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Hill showed his poise and composure against visiting Andrean. He completed 19 of 23 passes for 278 yards and four touchdowns as the Pirates, ranked No. 3 in Class 5A in the preseason state coaches poll, won 41-14.

Hill impressed Merrillville coach Brad Seiss.

“He played really well in the first half,” Seiss said. “He made some good decisions. We gave him some pretty easy throws with t

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