Defense shines, Midlothian falls to Arlington Sequin in 2023 football opener

By Travis M. Smith | Ellis County Sports

ARLINGTON — It is tough to say whether a defensive showcase or an offensive learning curve was unveiled between Midlothian and Arlington Sequin Thursday night at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington. 

The Cougars carried a 7-0 lead into the half and built a two-score lead by the end of the third quarter, eventually winning week one 21-7. 

Midlothian held Sequin to 189 total yards of offense, with 131 coming on the ground.

The Panther offense struggled mightily in the opener, mustering just 144 total yards. Midlothian did manage to pick up four more first downs (14-10).

Senior quarterback Drew Wendel completed 9-of-his-17 passes for 76 yards. He faced pressure early and often, too, resulting in several sacks or tackles-for-loss and negative-23 yards rushing.

Senior fullback Michael Garber led the Midlothian backfield attack with 13 carries for 49 yards, while senior Slater Callahan rushed 9 times for 39 yards and the lone Panther touchdown (11 yards with 10:37 to play in the fourth quarter). Bryant Wesco pulled in 5 passes for 47 yards. 

Midlothian lost a pair of fumbles. 

UP NEXT

Midlothian travels to Lion Memorial Stadium for a 7 p.m. kickoff Thursday against (0-1) Ennis. The Lions fell to Waxahachie 22-16 in the 102nd Battle of 287 in week one. 

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Travis M. Smith, @Travis5mith

tsmith@kbec.com