On a cool and clear night, the Middlesex varsity football team took to the field under the lights for their first ISL game of the season. There was excitement in the air and a big crowd surrounded the field.  The game proved to be a back and forth battle from start to finish, which gave fans plenty of reasons to be excited about the upcoming season.
 
First game jitters set the tone for the early going, as both teams went quickly three and out on their first series.  On the second possession for the MX offense, the team started to click and gained momentum, both running and passing the ball.  The team faltered a little when it reached St. Mark’s 20 yard line but on 3^rd and 10 Nick Andonian ’13 rolled out and hit wide receiver Nick Widen ‘13 on a 22 yard strike that opened the scoring in the game.  Sam Carlin ’15 added the point after for a MX lead of 7-0. 
 
St. Mark’s was still trying to find their offensive rhythm in the 2^nd quarter when the MX offense scored their second TD on a 26 yards run by halfback Hasani Figueroa ’14.  The point after was missed but MX had a 13-0 lead.  The lead did not last long, however, as St. Mark’s went to the air on their next possession moving the ball effectively down the field and scored on a 10 yard pass with 2:00 remaining in the first half.  St. Mark’s added a two point conversion to close the scoring in the first half with MX holding a 13-8 lead.
 
To start the 2^nd half, St. Mark’s moved to a total run game, taking advantage of their size on the offensive line.  The MX defense played well but needed time to adjust to their change in offensive tactics.  St. Mark’s eventually scored to take a 14-13 lead in the 3^rd quarter.  The Lion’s successful ground game moved into the fourth quarter and continued to give MX trouble but on a fourth and goal from the 7 yard line defensive end, Steve Zawada ‘15 and outside linebacker Sam Carlin ’15 sacked the quarterback successfully completing the goal line stand and keeping the score at 14-13.  The MX defense, led by seniors Will Kreitler, Nick Wiiden and Rob Zawada, then stiffened holding off St. Mark’s, and giving the offense good field position. 
 
On the first play after a short punt Nick Andonian again connected with Nick Widen for a 52 yard go ahead score.  The MX 11 then went for a two point conversion on a pass from Andonian to Kreitler, once again taking back the lead at 21-14.  The Lion’s were not finished with their scoring however, and answered the MX touchdown with one of their own just inside the 5 minute mark of the 4^th quarter.   St. Mark’s went for the tie with a kick that was unsuccessful, leaving MX up by one.   The defense answered the call twice in the last 5:00, holding St. Mark’s to only one first down in two offensive possessions and preserving the hard fought 21-20 victory.