by GRAFTON, Ohio — The Midview Middies closed out their regular season in dominant fashion Friday night, defeating the Amherst Comets 41-20 on senior night behind an explosive offensive performance. Running back Jace Wright led the way with 285 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 34 carries as Midview consistently found ways to move the ball and keep Amherst’s defense on its heels.
Both teams entered the season finale with identical 4-5 records and 1-5 marks in the Southwestern Conference, looking to finish the season on a positive note. However, Midview’s ability to produce big plays on the ground, through the air and on special teams proved too much for the Comets to handle.
Amherst threatened to score first, driving all the way to the Midview 1-yard line. The Middies’ defense stood tall, stopping the Comets on fourth down to force a turnover on downs. Midview immediately capitalized as Wright broke loose for a 58-yard run. Two plays later, he finished the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run to give the Middies a 6-0 lead.
After a short Amherst punt gave Midview favorable field position, quarterback Brennen Newton connected with wide receiver Peyton Ansel for a 36-yard touchdown pass. Ansel created separation from his defender to extend the Middies’ advantage to 13-0.
The Comets answered with a drive of their own, highlighted by receptions from Jack Coleman for gains of 13 and 21 yards. Anthony Passerrello finished the possession with a 1-yard touchdown run, cutting the deficit to 13-7.
Midview responded spectacularly on the ensuing kickoff as Ansel found a seam and returned the ball 96 yards for a touchdown. Amherst continued fighting, eventually putting together another scoring drive capped by an 8-yard touchdown run from tight end No. 1, making it 20-14.
The Middies needed just two plays to answer. Wright ripped off a 35-yard run before Newton connected with sophomore wide receiver Kellen DeSimone for a 43-yard touchdown pass. Midview carried a 27-14 advantage into halftime.
The Middies continued their offensive dominance after the break, leaning on Wright to extend their lead. The running back ripped off gains of 34 and 16 yards before finishing the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run, increasing the advantage to 34-14.
Amherst attempted to make things interesting in the fourth quarter when Christan Vorhees connected with wide receiver Ethan Wilheims for a 22-yard touchdown pass. However, Midview quickly shut the door on a potential comeback. Wright broke off a 20-yard run, and Ansel added
a 28-yard reception from Newton to move the Middies into scoring position. Wright then capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, sealing the 41-20 victory.
Midview’s offense consistently delivered explosive plays, while its defense made crucial stops whenever Amherst threatened to build momentum. The Middies finished their season finale with an impressive performance in front of their home crowd on senior night.
Players of the Game
Midview RB Jace Wright: Wright powered the Middies’ offense with 34 carries for 285 yards and three touchdowns. His explosive runs repeatedly put Amherst under pressure, and his fourth-quarter touchdown helped secure the victory.
Amherst QB Anthony Passerrello: Passerrello finished 9-of-15 passing for 278 yards and added 60 rushing yards on 17 carries and a rushing touchdown. His dual-threat ability helped the Comets remain competitive throughout the conte
