Even after the end of the historic win streak and the surprising loss to Boonsboro, the Knights are still in an advantageous position. Tonight against Tuscarora, the Knights have a chance to climb above the .500 mark for the first time this season.
“It would be pretty cool to get over .500 tonight,” said Heon. “We definitely went through some rough patches early.”
The Knights began their season with a loss to a formidable team in Westminster, but the loss to Boonsboro in week three was what had people in Middletown worrying.
“I wouldn’t call it a rough start,” said Heon. “We’re coming through it together as a team.”
Middletown came through last week against Walkersville, taking down the Lions, 13-12. Walkersville hadn’t beaten the Knights since 2004. That was certainly one streak the Knights didn’t want to come to an end.
“Last week we decided we would wipe the slate and start all over,” said Knights safety Nick Forbes. “Starting with Walkersville it was a new season.”
Nick Welch led the Knights rushing attack with 125 yards on 14 carries for one touchdown.
Welch’s 25-yard touchdown run was pivotal to give the Knights some breathing room late in the first quarter. The score gave the Knights a 10-0 lead that they would not give up for the remainder of the game.
Welch has been a staple on offense for the Knights so far this season. He leads the team with 581 yards on the ground to go along with eight touchdowns. Welch is averaging an astonishing 145 yards per game.
Tonight, Knights injured starting quarterback, junior Will Davis, will be active, but is unlikely to see the field at any point.
Senior Patrick Moore has been the Knights quarterback since the first game of the season, and has done a nice job stepping in for Davis.
Moore has connected on 20 of his 41 attempts for 184 yards and one touchdown. Moore put in an efficient performance against the Lions last week, completing all four of his passing attempts for 44 yards.
The Knights defense has a big challenge ahead of them tonight in the Titans offense. Against Frederick last week, the Titans put up 42 points by halftime en route to a 49-6 blowout. The win improved the Titans record to 3-1.
The biggest challenge the Knights will face is shutting down the speedy and talented running back for Tuscarora, Rodney Dorsey.
“He’s no different than any other running back we’ve played,” said Forbes. “We just want to play physical football.”
Dorsey returned a kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown in last week’s game, and later ran for a 46-yard touchdown. Dorsey touched the ball five times and scored on two of those touches.
“We’re going to keep him contained, and inside,” said Heon. “We want to get on his legs and tackle him low.”
The Knights only challenge won’t be Dorsey, the passing game led by Spencer Mott has proven to be dangerous as well. Mott connected on a 28-yard touchdown pass to JD Sheridan last week.
The Knights are hoping to step up and face this challenge, unlike some other games this season.
“We’re just trying to come together as a team and get that next win,” said Forbes.
