You don’t need a calendar to know what time of the year it is. Driving down highway 58 this week one could see Mr. Tilley with the square bailer running wide open; within 24 hours, the final cut of the season is in the barn. Ladies & gentlemen, boys & girls…it’s time for high school football.
With the departure of a 4-year workhorse known now as Mr. 5K, the Midway Greenwaves football team has been as big of a mystery as Lane Kiffen’s UT Vols. A young and unproven quarterback, a defensive end as a starting running back, a skyscraper of a receiver that hasn’t fully played to his stature. Sure, we’ve all heard the “theory” that the Waves are going to pass more this year. But did anyone honestly believe it could or would happen?
The sorsn staff traveled highway 27, past the famous “custom” painted broken-down tow truck landmark, to the home of the Wartburg (does anyone refer to them as Central?) Bulldogs to take a gander at the 2009 Greenwaves. It was a totally new look to the Midway offense on Friday night. We were not disappointed.
It was obvious early that the Waves were going to pass the ball on this night. After a few incomplete passes, QB Thomas Viar began connecting with his receivers…primarily Jack Henderson on curls and out-routes into the flat. But after a few reps to get warm, it was time for the long ball. Everyone remember Coach Moser calling out his star receiver, Wakon Roberson, in the pre-season interview? Well, Wakon got the message and he responded. Wakon and Viar connected on a 40+ yard reception down the Midway sidelines to the end zone. However, somehow Roberson managed to not break the plan when his entire 6’5 frame landed IN the end zone and he was spotted at the one yard line. Dillion Davidson punched it in for the Waves on the next position. A missed PAT and the Waves took a 6-0 lead in the 1st quarter.
The Midway defense would give up some big runs in the 1st and into the 2nd quarter, largely due to missed tackles, but always managed to recover and force the Bulldogs to punt or turn the ball over on downs. Defensively, Tyler “T-Mac” McMahan, Mike Murphy, Colt Johnson, and Kevin Allison all had solid games.
With under 3 minutes to go in the half, the Midway passing attack went to work. Wartburg’s corner, Adam Spence, proved to be one of Midway’s best players as he would be whistled for pass interference repeatedly. He simply was not able to cover Wake N Bake Roberson. The Waves drove down the field and Matt Oliver would drive it in for the Waves from about 10 yards out. Henderson would get the 2-point conversion and the Waves took a 14-0 lead into the half.
The game slowed miserably for both teams in the 2nd half. A muffed punt-return by the Waves gave the Bulldogs some life but they simply could not cash in.
With a 14-0 lead at the start of the 4th, the Waves were happy just keeping the ball on the ground.
Take-aways:
A couple fumbles on the QB-RB exchange and a couple fumbled snaps (all of which the Waves recovered), is of concern but hopefully is just the product of first-game jitters. However, missed tackles that gave up some big plays is something that the Coaches will address this week. In addition, the lack of a kicker is also a major kink in the Waves armor. Golden Toe, where are you?
The Waves will not have long to enjoy the victory as the Harriman Blue Demons come to the Emerald Forest Friday night for a big region showdown.
Check out the SORSN Photo Galleries for photos and video clips from the game.