The Midway Greenwaves had their first home game of the season last Friday against the visiting Whitwell Tigers. After some clarification from Josh Narramore and Coach Wheaton, this was at least the second meeting between the 2 schools; the first coming in a playoff game during the early ‘90s……which didn’t end in Midway’s favor.
Whitwell received the opening kickoff and started the game in decent field position. The first play of the game was ugly for the Waves. A vicious blow from a called late-hit, resulted in a season-ending injury to young Cody Schommer. Thoughts and prayers go out to Cody as he begins his recovery.
Whitwell would move the ball down into Midway territory before having to punt. Midway would take over at the 20 and begin moving the ball. Sophomore Shandon Lyle would make a circus catch along the visiting sidelines. Then freshman Zach Herron would reel off a nice run. The Waves began putting together a nice drive; a drive that was capped off by senior quarterback Thomas Viar connecting with sophomore Logan Davidson for a Midway touchdown. Logan Davidson, one of the smallest guys on the field, proved that a good football player doesn’t have to stand 6’4”. Davidson put in an All District performance in the home opener. 
With 2 minutes remaining in the 1st quarter, the Greenwaves were up 8-0.
Whitwell would answer; putting together several long runs to tighten the score 8-6 and that’s how they would enter the half.
The Waves would get the ball to start the 3rd quarter and would lean on their senior quarterback’s arm. Viar delivered. Hitting his targets to move the ball down the field; including connecting with sophomore Christian Moore to move the ball inside the 5-yard line. Midway would later drive the ball in. The following 2-point conversion failed and proved to be costly.
The turning point.
Following the 2-point try, Midway’s youth surfaced as they let their emotions take over resulting in after-the-play nonsense that led to personal fouls and player ejections. As a result of the penalty, Midway would have to kickoff from the practice field, or for our older readers, former home of Buster the Mule. Whitwell would take the kickoff the distance…returning it for a TD, tying the game, and even worse – taking the momentum of the game.
Whitwell would later tack on another TD to take their first lead of the game. Midway would answer. Christian Moore would get his hands on the kickoff and race down the Midway sidelines….met stride for stride by Coach Gabe Patterson….for a Midway touchdown. The 2-point conversion was good and Midway was back on top, 22-20, with three minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter.
But the lead didn’t last long. At the start of the 4th, Whitwell would rebound to recapture the lead….a lead they would not relinquish again.
With a final score of 22-34, the game ended in a loss for the Greenwaves. However, the game did deliver some valuable experience. As you read this article, you may have noticed the word “sophomore” a few times. Without question, this is a young team; however, it is an athletic team. With the exception of costly personal foul penalty, the young Waves played some smart football. Viar is surrounded by youth; however, with his leadership (and his arm) this team can put together some wins. And it may just start this Friday as Midway welcomes Pickett County to SOR.
You can see pictures from the game under the SORSN Galleries.