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Tigers Take On Redhawks

photo by Marcie Bolton

photo by Marcie Bolton

Tuesday October 25, 2011

By Marcie Bolton

   Home-field advantage in the Vermont high school D-I football quarterfinals was on the line as Champlain Valley Union hosted Middlebury on a cool autumn afternoon.  Middlebury had their eyes on the prize as the third seed, which they succeeded in attaining with a 27-21 victory over the Redhawks.  Call it an echo of last year’s win where the Tigers won 27-6 over CVU on Doc Collins’ field.  

   With a bang, CVU scored a TD in the first five minutes of the game.  CVU’s defense came on strong and the Tigers did not did not score in the first quarter.  In the second quarter Middlebury’s first score came when Patrick Foley ran in a three-yard touchdown.   Unfortunately the PAT went astray, keeping the score 7-6.  CVU lengthened their lead to 14-6 on a quarterback keeper on third and goal.  A 92 yard drive by Middlebury paired with a 2 point conversion brought the Tigers and the Redhawks to a tie.  Middlebury was down a touchdown 21-14, after CVU senior QB Drew Nick scored on a one yard run in the final seconds of the half.  
Whatever Coach Smith said during halftime really worked, because the Redhawks did not score the entire second half.  In the third quarter, Middlebury brought CVU down from their lead when Dillon Robinson shoved and scored in a quarterback keep, with a one-yard push right through the heart making it 21-21.  The rest of the second half was a defensively managed game for both sides, where the struggle for ball control dominated the middle of the field. With just under two minutes to go in the game, MUHS elected not to go for it on a fourth down and three on their own 38 yard line. Middlebury now punted back to CVU, this proved to be the key play of the game. CVU fumbled the ball in receiving the punt, and Jordan Connor was there to seize the ball.  The ball and the game were now Middlebury’s.  With 38.6 left on the clock Dillon Robinson ran for four yards into the end zone, gaining the lead for the first time, ultimately winning the game.  
Marshall Hastings had 17 carries and 131 yards, with some great moves.  

Mitchell Clarke said the Redhawks were tough competitors and (MUHS) were well matched.  He mentioned how the Tiger coaches are a big part of their success.  That paired with their love of winning.  “We know how to win.  Our coaching staff puts us in places to win, and we love to win.” Mitchell said.  The Tigers have home-field advantage Friday night against the Colchester Lakers, and it should be a good game.         

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