Seven is the biblical number of completion. So every Sunday, we’ll highlight our 7 Takes from a particular game that we covered during the week. These “7 Takes” make up a complete game summary, highlighting key factors that led to the outcome. Our seventh complete game we provide 7-Takes from is a good ole fashioned rivalry between Middleburg and Clay.
Take 1
It took just two plays for Clay to score against Middleburg. Gino Addison put them on top with a 30-yard touchdown run. Addison finished with 195 yards rushing, and 4 TD’s vs Middleburg. Helping the Blue Devils build a 33-7 second quarter lead, Addison ran hard and aggressive in his opportunity in the backfield. Addison and company have been great additions to Clay from Bradford. Leading rusher freshman Iyan Addison (554yds rushing, 7 TDs) has contributed mightily to the team as well.
Take 2
Clay proved that this year they are deeper in several key positions, and have other playmakers to contribute. Payton Dykas was one of the leaders in the entire area in receiving yards and touchdowns in 2022. In 2023, he leads the team in receiving with 354 yards and 5 TDs. He finished with 67 receiving yards, and almost broke one at the end of the game to win it for Clay. However, with defenses like Middleburg keying on Dykas, the Clay offense had other playmakers step up like wide receiver Neo Addison (junior), and junior Antonio Thomas. The hard running wide receiver Thomas had 5 receptions for 90-yards and a touchdown versus Middleburg.
Take 3
Quarterback Merrick Rapoza has shown he can do it with his arm and legs this year. Against Middleburg, the junior tossed a 15-yard touchdown to the corner of the end-zone in the first half. He also finished with 55-yards rushing giving him 368 yards and 4 TDs on the season. The big 6’3, 215 pound quarterback was a big reason Clay built a 33-14 halftime lead.
Take 4
Middleburg found itself down 33-14 to Clay at halftime. Broncos head coach Ryan Wolfe could have vented the frustrations and disappointment that most certainly every player and coach on his staff was feeling at the time. Yet instead of lighting a fire under them with his words or actions, Wolfe chose to let them light that fire under each other, simply reminding them “two years ago we were down 20-0 to Clay”, said Wolfe. Then, he just walked away. After the game, coach Wolfe credited his staff and coordinators for making the correct second half adjustments to put the players in position ot win the game.
Take 5
A fumble by Clay on their first drive out of halftime, gave Middleburg the sign they needed for a comeback. Jacob Lohse dislodged the football, and it was recovered by Lawson Padgett. For Middleburg to make a comeback their defense would have to step up. Not only did the team create the turnover, but they capitalized on it as well by scoring. Crucial adjustments by the defensive coordinator allowed the Broncos to shut the Blue Devils out in the second half.
Take 6
Gut check time. Middleburg clawed their way back into the game, but still trailed 33-28 midway through the fourth quarter. In the second half, Austin Cruce and company completely shut down the Clay offense. Like a Cruise missile seeking and destroying, several players on the unit came up big in the second half to put pressure on the quarterback. Players such as BJ Carter, Kendric O’Neal, Emanuel Cassan, and Tucker Cody made life difficult for Clay. The secondary featuring Vondarius Lane Jr, senior Errick Fryer (who would get a big stop on defense), and Hasani Scott who tackled and recovered the last second field goal attempt by Clay, all came up big. They protected a 2-point lead for the last 6 minutes in the game, impressive.
Take 7
Middleburg made plays on offense at crucial moments thanks to several playmakers. Jaydan Jenkins (who also played defense) hooked up with several receivers in the game including senior Braydan Street to get the Broncos in scoring position. Jarren Rosier showed why he’s always a threat on the field with his speed. Yet the powerful Bronco offensive line led by Micah George, Luke Green, Charles Little, Noah Montoro, and Gage Isbell established itself in the second half. They’d hand the ball to Landon Nalepa, who was used to bull-doze his way into the end-zone for scores. The game winner by Nalepa occurred with 6-minutes to play in the fourth.
