Walkersville Unbeaten for First Time in 24 Years After Beating Middletown 27-3

by Alec Parker photos by Michael Tauriello for Walkersville High School’s Lion’s Pride

Undefeated, undefeated, undefeated. That was the sound of the crowd after Walkersville defeated their biggest rival in Middletown 27-3. This game was a big one, not only was this a rivalry game, but a winner take all of the first place seed in the division.

The first quarter was a tough one to watch, as both teams could not really get anything going. Walkersville played some great defense, pushing Middletown back as they tried to march down the field. Overall the first quarter was a feel out moment, to see what each team was going to throw at each other.

The second quarter is when the offense started to pick up for both teams. Middletown was the first to strike with a short field goal at the beginning of the second quarter. Now it was Walkersville’s turn to strike back. After a short kick by Middletown; Walkersville had tremendous field position. The team pushed down the field until around the Middletown 33 yard line. Then the play happened that sparked the crowd, and the team right up. Number five senior Chad Gleason ran the ball to the outside then broke a few tackles, and juked about four Middletown guys, and scored his 15th rushing touchdown of the season.

What a play by Chad, but it couldn’t have been completed without numerous blocks by the offensive line, and the wide receivers down field. However the second quarter wasn’t over there, Walkersville got the ball back after number two junior Josh Polce made the most incredible interception with one hand due to having a cast on his other hand; “this is how he got his nickname ‘Dell’, and he just plays to end, and makes one handed catches.” said senior Colin Heller. Again Walkersville’s defense played the no fly zone, and stopped Middletown right in their tracks. As the second quarter was coming to an end Walkersville pushed the ball own to the Middletown goal line, where Walkersville scored their second touchdown to make the score 14-3 going to halftime.

During halftime Walkersville celebrated the 1977 football team. They were the last team to win the state championship for football at Walkersville. It was a great moment for our school. “They deserve it — they worked long, and hard for that title, and soon this team will be up there with them.” said senior Garrett Allen

Now the second half. Again another slow start, and two defensively minded teams not giving up an inch. A few times both teams had chances to score, but could not quite get there. Then came the fourth quarter.

Once again Walkersville played great offense, and spectacular defense. Walkersville scored on two separate occasions in the fourth quarter. One came by Ty Littleton, and the other by Tyler Gleason; both of these guys are power backs who can punch right through a defense. Good job to those two, and to the offensive line who just crushed in this game, opening holes, and pancaking any defenders. At the end, the Walkersville crowd did its signature hey hey goodbye song to the Middletown crowd, and team as Walkersville moves on to 10-0 and having home field advantage in the playoffs.

Walkersville will face Century who is 8-2 on the season. The winner of that game will play the winner of the Middletown-Liberty game in the regional finals.

This was great game for the seniors on senior night. Congrats Patrick Pope, Chad Gleason, Jake Borowski, Donovan Key, Alka Matamba, Jake Parson, Daryl Thompson, C.J. Barndollar, John Rollison, Jaxon Harris, Bryan Johnson, Jacob Yingling, Cody Huffer, Garrett Lowe, Kimani Veira, Noah Ferguson, and Kyle Daggett. You guys have played your hearts out all season. “I couldn’t be more proud of our team tonight. We came out and made plays when we needed to and in the end, we came out with the W.”,said senior Bryan Johnson.

“The seniors deserve this moment, because they have been playing every game like champions. And what champions deserve? Respect.” said sophomore Mike Pollack

“The Lions played great fundamental football. The defense gave up three points to a team that averages over 40 points. The offense scored 27 to a team that gives up around four points a game. We dominated both sides of the field tonight.” said sophomore Carter High

“This was football at its finest. Walkersville played great time management. As well as running the ball successfully outside the tackles. I couldn’t more proud for a team that bands together like this.” said senior Colin Hess

Walkersville has been great throughout these ten games, but now it’s time to settle down, and focus on the next game. The first playoff game. This is the first step back to where Walkersville were last year… States. It’s time, and the students and community couldn’t be any more excited.