Midview coach Jack Armstrong felt a new feeling at Ross Field at Edward T. Adelsburg Stadium after renovations were completed this month.
In their Week 1 game against Westlake, the Middies had a strong second half and opened the season with a 34-14 win on August 23.
“Midview is already a special place and last night was even more special and there was even more excitement in the air,” Armstrong said. “The kids were excited. We came out and got one (win). It was a great feeling.”
Midview and Westlake were tied 7-7 at the start of the second quarter, and the score was 14-14 at halftime.
Midview pulled away in the second half, shutting out the Demons and scoring 17 points in the third quarter.
“We shot ourselves in the foot with a lot of penalties in the first half. I think that was partly because of the new guys in the starting lineup,” Armstrong said. “I think after halftime the guys kept believing in themselves. We showed that we are the football team that we are. We are proud of them. They had a tough time in the first half. They responded with a good attitude.”
Quarterback and Elyria Catholic transfer Shay Williams led the game in his first start after battling for the starting quarterback position in a three-way battle during the preseason, rushing for 77 yards (the most on his team) and throwing a 14-yard touchdown pass to Michael Passerrello.
“The good thing about Shay is he’s a really good runner, which gives us a lot of flexibility in our offense,” Armstrong said. “He refused to force the ball and make good decisions. Overall, we thought he made good decisions, and we were happy with them.”
In addition to Williams’ legs, the Middies’ backfield featured a running back committee consisting of Marcus McMahon, Passarrello and Cameron West. Their running attack achieved 256 rushing yards.
Westlake’s offense was led by quarterback Sam Brucchieri, who scored a touchdown on the ground. Midview’s defense allowed 164 yards. The Demons’ other touchdown was a fumble return by Jake Ostrowski.
“I think our defense is well-coached and they did their job,” Armstrong said. “Their quarterback is a very good quarterback and we kind of contained (Bruchierri). We didn’t allow him to make any explosive plays, that was the main thing. The defense really stepped up in the second half.”
Midview made its first 1-0 start in Armstrong’s career. The Middies will host North Olmsted on August 30.
Westlake fell to 0-1 and will host Rhodes on August 30th.
