Midlothian bounces back on homecoming for crucial district win against Everman

Travis M. Smith October 15, 2019 Football, Midlothian High School 1,997 Views

By Travis M. Smith | KBEC Sports

The Midlothian defense held Everman under 150 total yards to highlight a homecoming victory in a near-must win game Friday night.

The 33-14 victory at Midlothian ISD Multipurpose Stadium improved the Panthers to 5-2 on the season and 3-2 in District 5-5A.

HOW THEY STAND

Midlothian is currently tied with (5-2, 3-2) Burleson in the third and fourth spot of the district standings. Aledo and Burleson Centennial are currently atop the standings with a 4-0 and 4-1 district mark, respectively, while (4-2, 2-2) Cleburne, (4-2, 2-2) Waco University and (1-5, 1-3) Everman are currently outside of the playoff picture.

*Midlothian quarterback Nicholas De Los Santos is lifted into the air following one of his two rushing touchdowns Friday night against Everman. (KIRK HOLT/KBEC SPORTS)*

BY THE NUMBERS

Midlothian backup quarterback Nicholas De Los Santos scored a pair of rushing touchdowns for the Panthers, ultimately finishing with game-high 93 yards on 15 carries. De Los Santos, who is in for the injured Tate Corbin, also completed 2-of-his-5 passes for 34 yards.

Darren Greeson (10-76) and Jeremy McCoy (12-49) each added rushing touchdowns for the Midlothian offense that amassed 360 total yards with 326 of those coming on the ground.

Laine Martin (9-46), Ethan Hill (8-31) and Riley Angel (2-24) also ran well for the Midlothian ground attack.

Everman quarterback Juan Davis completed 7-of-his-15 passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns in the second and fourth quarters. Aaziah Flores (1-4) and Devon Broglin (2-52) were on the receiving end of his two passing touchdowns.

Davis also tied with Errick Mills for the team lead in yards (13) on 14 and seven carries, respectively. As a team, the Bulldogs rushed 23 times for 32 yards (1.4 YPC).

Midlothian picked up 20 first downs to the nine gained by Everman. The Panthers were also the more disciplined team, committing just one 15-yard penalty to the 6 flags for 53 yards of Everman.

TATER AND TODD’S TAKEAWAYS

Tater Beard and Todd Hemphill serve as the play-by-play and color commentators for the Midlothian Panthers. The two will provide insider insight following each Panther football game this season.

1. The Panthers like to control the clock and, with a deliberate approach on offense, they can control the game. Unlike most teams in the state, the Panthers are very comfortable taking their time, which serves as an advantage by limiting snaps for the opposing offense. The approach also allows the defense to only need to make a stop or two to swing the game.

2. You can scheme as much as you want, but JT Cavender will come through. Every offense is cognizant of his location, yet he is still finding ways to make impactful plays on the field. His distinctive talents are only highlighted more by an exceptional overall defense.

3. Nathan Humphreys is having fun and playing well, often serving as the hypeman for the Panthers on the field.

Humphreys has been playing in all three phases for the Panthers, and continued that with a catch for a touchdown last week and big hits from the safety position. He then showed off something more Friday night.

On a kickoff, Humphreys ran down the field on coverage and — as the ball hit between two Everman players — he dove, grabbed the ball mid-dive and toe tapped in mid-air, ultimately getting the Panthers the ball back. It was just yet another play that showed his heart and exceptional athletic ability.

4. Slot backs Jeremy McCoy and Darren Greeson are not only getting good runs off the edge, but their blocking downfield has been nothing short of impressive. Trevor Blankenship has ferociously blocked down the field and become a threat as a wide receiver. The three players had big plays to continue drives all night long.

Shane Reasonover drills a kick Friday night against Everman. (KIRK HOLT/KBEC SPORTS)

5. Kickers are not the focus of most people’s attention — at least not until they miss a field goal or shank a punt. Shane Reasonover has been as good as you can get all season long, kicking field goals over 30 yards on the season and kickoffs that have controlled the length of the field. You never appreciate the kicking game unless you don’t have it

6. After every game, most will question at least one decision or play call by the head coach. Friday night, head coach Doug Wendel made the best call of the evening and it can’t be debated — it also came after the final buzzer.

After an important district win, the entire football program stayed and watched the Panther Regiment perform. The Regiment did not do halftime due to Homecoming festivities. Wendel has not only changed the culture for football but is fostering an environment of unity within the school.

Be sure and follow Tater and Todd on Twitter @mhspantherradio and tune-in on Friday nights at http://mixlr.com/mhs-radio–2/.

UP NEXT

The Panthers will enjoy a bye week in Week eight and return to action Friday, Oct. 15 against (5-2, 3-2) Burleson. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Elk country.