by The Midview Middies (3-4) and North Ridgeville (5-2) Rangers battled, with the home team crawling its way back into it. However, the visiting underdogs outlasted the favorites, 35-28. The first quarter was defense-heavy. Even when it looked like North Ridgeville had a chance, it came crashing down with an interception.
The pass was picked off by senior running back Hunter Anderson. In just three plays for 59 yards, Midview would fully capitalize on the turnover with a six-yard touchdown by quarterback Ethan Elbert. In the second quarter, the Rangers began the period by kicking a field goal. Shortly after the score by the home squad, Dior Jones responded in tremendous fashion. with an 85-yard kick return. Dior would give his team a 14-3 lead with 8:30 to go in the half.
However, North Ridgeville kept its composure. They would piece together a blistering four-play, 68-yard drive. This resulted in a touchdown by Joey Wilson with 7:03 left in the half. Once again, the Middies answered the bell. Elbert would find Dane West for a 54-yard bomb. However, the home team dug deep, forcing a fumble. That led to them nailing a field goal to trim the lead to one possession. Middies went into the half with a 20-13 gap.
Midview would then return the favor knocking the ball loose as well. In turn, that put them in a position to tack on three points. With it still being anyone’s game, Ridgeville’s Zach Barnhart would be able to cut the lead to four and then two. His two-point conversion try would be successful.
With the game hanging in the balance, Elbert stepped up in a big way. He connected with Zachary Wallace on a 60-yard toss for six. However, Midview swatted the PAT, keeping it a one-score affair. However, the visiting team kept finding the extra energy to extend their advantage once more. Micheal Passerello would punch it from a short distance. The Middies PAT was blocked again, but they still led, 35-21.
Just 6:40 remained on the score and Rangers needed a quick score to give themselves the best possible scenario to snatch a win. It seemed like they were about to stun Midview, especially after a ridiculous 85-yard kick return for six. But, when push came to shove, the Middies stood tall in the end. Even with them gifting the visitors a chance to tie, defense defense ended it with 1:26 left, stopping a comeback.
Player Of The Game:
Midview Middies QB Ethan Elbert: 10/12 271 YDS 3 TD 55 RUSH YDS
