Englewood HS- A reluctant 0-3 Middleburg steered onto Maurice Bacon Field for an encounter with Englewood Friday evening, facing a Rams team who held an overall record of 1-2 this season. Unbeknownst to all in attendance, the Broncos would capture their first win of the season captivating the attention of local sports fans and upcoming opponents.
“It was really good to get our first win. We came together as a team and worked hard all four quarters. We have been practicing to improve our natural team chemistry,” -Broncos’ quarterback Joe Justino.
The flip of a coin warranted Englewood the rights to a second half deferment. With the advantage in tow, Trevor Shearin scored Middleburg’s first touchdown with 7:57 remaining on the clock as the Broncos took a 7-0 lead over Middleburg. While back in possession of the ball, the Rams offense couldn’t get going. An interception by Calvin Suggs boosted the Middleburg defense early on in the quarter.
This would place the ball back into the hands of Bronco’s quarterback and kicker Joe Justino for two successful first downs. With 4:49 left in the first, Brody Senn charged across the field for a second Broncos touchdown ending the first quarter 13-0, Middleburg.
An uphill battle awaited the Broncos offense in the second quarter as Englewood’s Daron Dukes, Brian Hernandez and Chivas Parrish played outstanding defense. Middleburg would eventually score off of another field goal increasing the lead to 16-0. Daylight suddenly beamed across the field as Jahquez Shaw ran a seventy-nine yard touchdown which would be the first of the evening for the Rams. The score now read 16-7 with 8:12 left in the second quarter, Middleburg.
The Ram’s touchdown would give Justino the opportunity to touch the ball once more for Middleburg. This resulted in a touchdown pass to Laron Bryant as 6:23 remained in the second quarter. The score board read 22-7, Broncos.
After the Englewood turnover on downs, Justino would launch a pass to Taj Gonsalves obtaining yet another touchdown increasing Middleburg’s lead to 29-7. The Rams’ would drive the ball to the goal-line, however an unsuccessful first and goal would end the half as the Broncos led by 21 points.
Englewood’s second half come back attempts were short lived as Gonsalves intercepted a pass and gained 10 yards for a Broncos first down. Justino reluctantly ran the touchdown and kicked the extra point tipping the third quarter score to 35-7 as 5:43 remained in the quarter. The third quarter would close as Middleburg displayed sheer dominance throughout.
The Broncos would encounter a tougher Englewood defense topping off the fourth quarter as Trent Tyson and Dukes would deliver pass break ups. Unfortunately, the Rams offense would not improve as they would be plagued by turnover on downs once more. While a little over two minutes remained in the fourth quarter, Luke Padgett would dash across the field for a Broncos touchdown. To end the scoring on the evening.
Englewood is now 1-3, and will contend against St. Augustine (3-1) later this week. Middleburg has improved to 1-3 to move forward to face powerhouse Lee (3-1).
Middleburg hopes their big win over Englewood can stampede towards more wins in their season. While Englewood will try to catch St. Augustine napping after their emotional rivalry game against Bartram.
