by Elyria, OH – On a rainy Friday night, the Elyria Catholic Panthers hosted the Midview Middies at Dan Reaser Stadium. The Panthers came into the game searching for their first win of the season after falling to the Mayfield Wildcats. The Midview Middies came into the game looking to extend their winning streak after a win over the North Olmsted Eagles last week. The Middies did not let the rainy weather stop them as they came out with a dominant force and did not let up until the final snap.
The Middies were able to use the weather to their advantage when the Panthers’ punter fumbled the snap out of bounds, putting the Middies on the 11-yard line. Junior quarterback Shay Williams handed the ball off to junior running back, Michael Passerello Jr who carried the ball for a 6-yard gain. Williams handed the ball off to senior wide receiver Cameron West who carried the ball for a 3-yard gain. Williams kept the ball and raced into the end zone for a 3-yard rushing touchdown. The holder fumbled the snap so the extra point failed, making the score 6-0 with 6:02 left in the 1st quarter.
The Middies were able to capitalize on a fumble by the Panthers. Senior wide receiver Dior Jones recovered the fumble to give the ball back to the Middies. Williams handed the ball off to junior running back, Marcus McMahon who carried the ball for an 11-yard gain. Williams handed the ball off to Jones who carried the ball for an 8-yard gain, securing another 1st down for the Middies. Williams handed the ball off to Passerello who picked up another 7-yard gain and put the Middies at 1st and a goal.
Williams continued his impressive night as he dashed into the end zone for a 4-yard rushing touchdown. The Middies failed on the 2-point attempt, putting the score at 12-0 with 33 seconds left in the 1st quarter.
The weather made it hard to practice ball security. The Panthers fumbled the ball and it was recovered again by Dior Jones. The Middies stormed downfield on a series of carries by Jones and McMahon. Despite a sack by junior defensive linemen, Kylan Connors, the Middies were still able to find their way into the endzone. Williams found a wide open McMahon and threw him a 29-yard touchdown. Williams handed the ball off to McMahon who converted the 2-point attempt, making the score 20-0 with 6:00 left in the half.
The second half was a defensive standoff. Both sides defenses forced multiple 3-and-outs and had numerous sacks. With minutes left in the game, the Middies were able to race into the end zone once again. Williams handed the ball off to Passerrello who evaded the Panthers’ defense and picked up a 23-yard carry. Williams handed the ball off to McMahon who remained elusive. He raced back into the endzone for a 36-yard rushing touchdown. Senior kicker, Ethan Morris came on and scored the extra point, making the score 27-0 with 3:02 left to play.
This week’s player of the game was quarterback Shay Williams for the Midview Middies. He boasted a statline of: 5 for 10 / 46 Passing Yards / 1 Passing TD / 13 Carries / 47 Rushing Yards / 2 Rushing TDs / 1 Fumble.
The Elyria Catholic Panthers look to secure their first win of the season as they travel to Vermilion next week to take on the Sailors. The Midview Middies look to extend their winning streak as they host the Amherst Comets.
