Game Story: Midview 41, Lakewood 14

[Michael Deneen]

Midview and Lakewood met on a chilly October evening at First Federal Lakewood Stadium. The Middies are ranked #2 in the area by the Plain Dealer, and entered the game with a 7-0 record. Lakewood entered the game 0-7 and coming off a loss to previously winless Westlake. For much of the evening, the game went as expected....but during the third quarter, the Rangers played their best 12 minutes of football all year, coming back to make this an interesting game.

It was "Pink Out" night, as students dressed in pink gear to increase breast cancer awareness. Players, cheerleaders, and band members also had pink accessories for the cause. The sky was ominous before kickoff, and a steady rain started early in the first quarter. The intensity varied from drizzle to "Old Testament", as the hearty crowd was soaked. There was even hail at one point, sending fans looking for any sort of cover.

The Rangers defense kept the game close in the first quarter, as a Chris Massey sack and Tremayne Swanson interception limited the powerful Middie offense to one touchdown. Midview led 7-0 after the first quarter, and stretched the lead to 21-0 at the half. A missed field goal on the final play of the half prevented the damage from being even worse.

The rains cleared before halftime, allowing the marching bands to put on their shows. The Lakewood band was joined by the 8th graders from the Harding and Garfield Middle School bands for one song, the Beatles "Hey Jude". The lopsided score had many fans expecting Midview to get a 30 point lead in the second half, which would put the OHSAA "running clock" in motion. However, the Rangers had other ideas.

Lakewood received the second half kickoff and put together a 72 yard touchdown drive to make the score 21-7. Key plays included a 28 yard screen pass from Jack Witri to Michael Goolsby. The scoring play was a 46 yard touchdown pass from Witri to sophomore Walter Johnson. On the next drive, the Ranger defense forced a Middie fumble. Giovanni Averyheart recovered the ball for Lakewood, setting up a first and ten at the Midview 49. The Rangers scored a seven play touchdown drive, capped by a six yard touchdown pass from Witri to Michael Goolsby. James Marshall's extra point made the score 21-14 with 3:42 left in the third quarter. What had been a blowout had quickly turned into a one-possession game.

Ranger fans were feeling excitement...and it was fueled on the next Middie drive, when the Rangers forced yet another fumble. Tremayne Swanson recovered a Midview fumble on the Middie 48 yard line with 2:20 left to go in the third quarter. Ranger fans were starting to dream of an epic comeback upset....Lakewood had the ball in a one possession game, and had taken all the momentum from Midview. The dream was short-lived however....the Rangers went "three and out" on the drive, punting back to Midview. The third quarter ended with a 21-14 score. Midview pulled away in the third quarter, scoring 20 unanswered points against a tiring Ranger squad. An interception by Andrew Nicholson helped to slow the Middies, but they controlled the final quarter nonetheless.

Lakewood will travel to North Ridgeville next week for a 7pm game on Friday.
Their final game will be at home on October 30 vs. Amherst Steele

Editors Note: Due to dental work earlier in the day, Alex was unable to attend. Sorry, no photos.

[Peter Grossetti]

http://lakewoodobserver.com/forum/viewt ... =7&t=22186