It was a classic game that you come to expect between Midway and Coalfield. Knotted up at 7 a piece at half, it was a defensive show down. But the Waves stalled in the 3rd and Coalfield was able to build a lead and escape with a 19-16 win.
Coach Moser knew it was going to be a tough match-up for his young line. Coalfield’s front line consisted of experienced seniors and they have 2 quiet large and quick running backs. However, the Midway defense, aka The Black Shirts, played well, very well. Daniel Chinn, Sam “I Am”, Matt “I’m a lover not a fighter” Crabtree, and many more that will go unmentioned played their butts off.
Midway had to play without the big man, Jon Russell, who had surgery to repair his foot but the injuries did not stop. A look down the sidelines and it seemed half of the Waves had ice packs on their shoulders. Blake Bray, the primary RB and DE, suffered a possible dislocated shoulder and would miss the 2nd half. Wide outs David Langley as well as Josh Lloyd also suffered injuries.
The Waves looked worn down in the 3rd quarter and started the 4th quarter slow as well. However, the Waves caught fire in the 4th with some big plays down the field. The Highlight Reel also got started. Woody connected with Bredwell several times on short passes into the flat which Bredwell was able to turn up field for some big yardage.
The Waves would punch in a score to pull within 5 with just minutes to go. Coalfield would take possession and look to keep the ball on the ground and run out the clock but would be stopped thanks to the freshman..yes, the freshman running back Ray Robinson was filling in for the injured Bray at defensive end and came up HUGE. Back-to-back tackles for losses would give the green team a chance. The Waves would take over, deep in their own territory and in desperate need of a big play when they got it. Seth Lyle (#19), the receiver that transferred from Loudon, made an outstanding play…the play the receivers are supposed to make. He cut his route off in front of the defensive back, preventing the interception and hauled in the reception from Woody and turned it up field for a big gain.
Unfortunately for the Waves, the big plays would run out. Woody would go deep to Austin Parkison but AP would be squeezed out by the Coalfield deep men and the Jackets would come up with the interception, ending the Green Wave run and sealing the 19-14 win.
Other than the 3rd quarter, the Waves played a very emotional and hard fought game. It was great to see the passion return to the Green and White.
The Waves will again be on the road this Friday at Watertown.