Story by Hank Hutcheson '23
 

Entering the game, both Middlesex and Groton remained winless, so energy was high along the sidelines as the teams prepared for kickoff. Middlesex won the toss and elected to defend first, sending out kicker Hayden Girolamo '23 to start the game off. Following tradition, the MX sideline greeted the kickoff with a resounding "BOOM!" as the game began.

Captain Charlie Haight '23 was able to shed his blockers a few times and bring down the ballcarrier in the backfield, bringing his signature energetic stomps and screams every time, but apart from that, Groton's run game was nearly unstoppable throughout the game; coming out in a "pro set" with 2 running backs, the visiting Zebras alternated between pounding inside runs and quick outside handoffs to quickly march down the field and score on the opening drive, accentuated by a deep snag by one of Groton's receivers.

The bright spot of the game for Middlesex was surely the stellar special teams work throughout the game. Following the opening drive touchdown, captain Alijah Clark '23 screamed past the offensive line and blocked the extra point attempt. Later on, Will Tydings '23 blocked a Groton punt to give the home team great position past midfield. Additionally, the special teams unit recovered 2 of their own punts; some great spin applied by Girolamo '23 caused the ball to glance off of a Groton returner, allowing the MX squad to jump on the ball and keep possession.

However, the offense just wasn't as synced up as their opponents, and an early play that sidelined captain Bo Bensley '23 further limited the offensive firepower. Despite the amazing efforts from the Middlesex crew, Groton's pass rush was too dominant, allowing no time for quarterback Ty Fein '24 to look down the field, save one deep ball to captain Chester Boynton '23, who had created early separation from his defender. Unfortunately, the offense was unable to answer Groton's production, and Middlesex lost the game, 26-0. Now, the team looks ahead to Friday, October 14th, where they will take the field at Nobles and seek their first win of the season.