There was a moment of panic for Paris Hewlett when Credell Prather Jr. was sidelined with a broken wrist in the second series of Morton’s game against Highland in the season opener.

Hewlett was the backup quarterback.

But there was one small issue for him.

Hewlett had never taken a true snap at quarterback. He hadn’t even taken practice reps at quarterback.

The extent of Hewlett’s game-time quarterback experience was taking a few snaps in the wildcat formation. Hewlett was “shocked” when Prather went down.

Except he couldn’t show it.

“I had to be the calm person,” he said. “No one knew what to expect because I had never played at quarterback.”

The Governors (8-1) lost to Highland, but Hewlett led them to seven straight victories before Prather returned and replaced him last week against Clark.

It’s safe to say Hewlett is a competent backup. He completed 49 of 88 passes for 1,092 yards and 17 touchdowns with no interceptions. Hewlett also rushed for 328 yards.

The 6-foot junior led Morton to impressive wins over Lake Central and Lowell to start what is now an eight-game winning streak. It was Morton’s first victory against the Red Devils since 2014.

Morton coach Sean Kinsey said the offense never fell off. It was just a different feel with Hewlett back there. Hewlett was more of a running threat.

“He just kept getting better and better,” Kinsey said. “He has done a good job for us.”

Hewlett went back to his roles as a wide receiver and defensive back last week. Prather completed 14 of 19 passes for 202 yards and four TDs in a 49-0 victory over Clark.

Kinsey was noncommittal about using Hewlett in certain situations against Hobart on Friday in the Class 4A Sectional 17 opener.

“I can’t let everything out of the bag,” Kinsey said.

Prather, a senior, has a deeper understanding of the offense, Kinsey said. He has played at Morton for four years.

Hewlett was at Bishop Noll his freshman year and then Calumet last year. He was in Scott Middle School, a feeder school for Morton, in eighth grade.

Kinsey was familiar with him when he returned.

Both quarterbacks are helped by some top-notch skill players. JoJo Johnson, a junior, has caught 19 passes for 286 yards and two TDs and has rushed for 423 yards and nine TDs. Johnson is averaging over 10 yards per carry. Marcus Hardy, a 6-3 junior, has caught 24 passes for 703 yards and 14 TDs. Tirae Spence, a 6-foot senior, has 20 receptions for 314 yards and eight TDs.

Hewlett’s first love always was quarterback. He’ll likely be the starting quarterback next year. For now, though, he’s happy to move back to receiver to add another threat.

The Governors are expecting a full house for Hobart, and Hewlett can’t wait.

His teammates are prepared, he said. Morton is a team with big-play capabilities, while the Brickies will try to shorten the game with their running attack.

“We are ready for this,” he said. “We haven’t had much competition since Lowell. This is going to come down to grit and whoever wants it more.”

Injury update: Andrean coach Chris Skinner said Nick Flesher, the team’s best skill player, is practicing with limited contact. He won’t return against Bowman in the first round of Class 2A Sectional 33 on Friday. The 59ers (6-3) are heavy favorites against the Eagles (3-5) and likely will play Boone Grove (9-0) in the second round of the sectional.

Rankings: Merrillville is ranked No. 4 in Class 6A, Valparaiso is ranked No. 2 in Class 5A, and Boone Grove is ranked No. 6 and Rensselaer is No. 10 in Class 2A by The Associated Press.