Midway Comes from Behind to Romp Over Oakdale 41-20
By Terry Futrell
When the Oakdale Eagles took a 20-19 lead over Midway in the third quarter Friday evening, fans had hopes for a repeat of the previous week’s come-from-behind victory over Jellico. Then, with the Eagles driving downfield for another score, disaster struck – Midway intercepted a pass and drove for the go-ahead score, never to look back again. Holding Oakdale scoreless, the Green Wave took control and scored 14 more points in the final quarter to defeat Oakdale 41-20 in District 3A competition.
Midway began their opening drive from their own 49-yard line. After three quick pass completions by Emmett Hegland for 38 yards and a 4-yard run by Ty Mason, Midway had a first down on the Oakdale 7-yard line. Mason then scampered into the end zone and Midway successfully kicked the point after, taking a 7-0 lead before Oakdale touched the ball.
Oakdale began their drive on their own 39 but went three-and-out and punted back to Midway, who took possession on their own 33-yard line. Ten plays later, thanks to two personal foul penalties, Midway had advanced the ball a total of two yards. At this point Hegland hit Mason down the right sideline for 60 yards and Midways second touchdown. The Green Wave missed the point after and led 13-0 as things looked dim for the Eagles.
Oakdale returned the kickoff to their own 40-yard line, but once again went three-and-out and punted. Thanks to a toughened Oakdale defense and penalty, Midway lost ten yards and punted from their own 28-yard line.
Both teams failed to move the ball in their next possessions.
Taking possession on downs at the Midway 45, Oakdale quickly advanced to the one-yard line on runs of 12, 18, 3, and 4 yards coupled with a Midway penalty. Quarterback Tyler Boyer ran the ball up the gut for an Oakdale touchdown. The point after was blocked and Midway led 13-6.
Taking the kickoff at their own 42-yard line, the Green Wave quickly responded as Hegland ran the ball twice for 14 yards, followed by a 1-yard run by Mason. An Oakdale penalty moved the ball to the 27-yard line. From their Hegland hit Caleb Goodman for a 27-yard touchdown. Midway missed the point after and led 19-6.
Not to be outdone, the Eagles took the kickoff at their own 39 and in ten plays advanced to the Midway one-yard line. Boyer again ran up the middle for an Oakdale touchdown. Hunter Boyer ran the 2-point conversion and Midway led 19-14 going into halftime.
A fired-up Oakdale team took possession on their own 49 to open the second half. Boyer hit Zeke Moore on the very first play for 30 yards. Five plays later the Eagles were on the four-yard line knocking on Midway’s door. Tyler Boyer hit Hunter Boyer for a 4-yard touchdown. The Eagles converted on a pass and took a 20-19 lead.
Beginning their next drive at their own 31, Midway once again went in reverse thanks to the Oakdale defense and a Green Wave penalty. Midway punted from their own 15.
Oakdale returned the punt to the Midway 35 and moved downfield to the 15-yard line. An Oakdale penalty moved the ball back to the 29. Boyer’s pass was underthrown and intercepted by Midway’s Seth Gordon, who returned the ball to the Oakdale 32-yard line.
Hegland once again took control and quickly racked up runs of 7 and 6 yards. Mason then scampered in for a 19-yard Midway touchdown. Hegland ran the 2-point conversion and Midway led 27-20.
On the fourth play of Oakdale’s next drive, Mason intercepted a Boyer pass and returned it to the Oakdale 46. Seven plays later, Hegland hit Gordon with a 19-yard pass for a touchdown. The point after was good and Midway led 34-20 early in the fourth quarter.
Oakdale quickly moved the ball down to the Midway 20 but fumbled and Midway recovered at their own 35. On the first play of the Green Wave drive, Mason ran for 49 yards and later punched the ball into the end zone on a 12-yard run. The point after was good and Midway led 41-20.
Oakdale could not respond and Midway headed South of the River with a 41-20 victory.
Midway’s offensive duo of Emmett Hegland and Ty Mason racked up some impressive stats in the game. Hegland completed 14 of 22 passes for 229 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Hegland also ran 10 times for 59 yards. Mason ran the ball 22 times for 160 yards and three touchdowns.
For Oakdale, Tyler Boyer connected on 10 of 19 passes for 85 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions. Boyer also rushed 11 times for 28 yards and two touchdowns. Hunter Boyer rushed four times for 22 yards. Eloy Vera caught four passes for the Eagles for 23 yards. Tyler Boyer and Vera each had nine tackles, and Nelson Allen tallied eight tackles for the Eagle defense.
Oakdale travels to Wartburg next Friday and Midway makes the long trip to Cosby.
Thanks to Morgan County Executive Brian Langley for preparing game stats.