TAMPA — After a sluggish first half and down by six, Middleton scored 27 unanswered points to roll past host Alonso 27-6 Friday
Key play: Up by six, Alonso chose to start the second half with an onside kick. Middleton senior Amar Mcrae scooped up the ball and rambled 11 yards. Eight plays later, Middleton's Frederick Davis Jr. snuck in from the 1 to give the Tigers what would be the winning touchdown. "I'm not going to apologize for that," Ravens coach Reggie Crume said. "If you follow me, you know I am aggressive. I won't stop being that way."
Key drive: After Middleton's score, Alonso went three and out, handing the ball back to a punishing running attack that quickly hit when sophomore Johnnie Brown rushed for a touchdown from 76 yards out four plays later.
Key stats: After putting up 65 yards of total offense in the first half, Middleton executed a punishing running attack behind Curtavian Simpson, William Garrett and Brown, who combined for 151 yards and two touchdowns in the second half. Tigers quarterback Cyrus Wade benefitted from the rushing game by airing things out for 141 yards and two touchdowns.
Final word I: "We made some adjustments at half. We have a bruising running attack that just could not get on track in the first half, and it was able to take hold in the second." — Middleton coach Fred Reid
Final word II: "You just have to believe." — Middleton defensive co-captain Marc Joseph, addressing his teammates after the game
