by Larry Chowning
The Middlesex High School Chargers football team defeated the Mathews Blue Devils Friday night 33-9 in their season opener at MHS in Saluda as running back and defensive back Adam Smith scored three touchdowns, had two pass interceptions on defense, and kicked three extra points.
The Chargers first touchdown came with 7 minutes left in the first quarter when Smith blocked a Blue Devil punt that rolled into the end zone and was recovered for a touchdown by defensive end Jo Mari Gonzalez. Smith kicked the extra point to make the score 7-0.
In the second half, Smith added another touchdown on a 4-yard touchdown run to make the score 20-3. The score came with 8:30 left on the clock in the third quarter. A bad snap caused Smith to miss the extra point.
The Charger defense, led by Landon Norwood, Jaden Reed and Austin Lundy, kept the Blue Devils offense off-balance most of the game. Norwood and Lundy stayed in the Blue Devils backfield disrupting plays.
The Blue Devils only touchdown came in the fourth quarter when the offense drove to the Chargers one-yard line and the quarterback scored on a sneak play. The extra point was no good making the score 26-9.
The Chargers will travel to Cumberland Friday to take on the Dukes in a 7 p.m. game.
