Football: Freshman Chemics dominate Chargers 41-0

by Jason Wolverton

The Midland High freshman football team returned the opening kickoff for a score en route to 35 first quarter points Wednesday as the Chemics defeated Dow High 41-0 at H.H. Dow High School.

The Chemics scored early and often on a Dow defense that seemed overwhelmed by Midland’s big-play ability. TJ Wilson picked up the opening kick and reversed to the other side of the field before turning up the sideline for a score just 15 seconds into the game.

After a Chargers’ three and out, Wilson took the handoff on the first play of the following series and raced 37 yards for his second touchdown of the game. Dow went three and out again and after a nice David Walter punt return, quarterback Paul Lynch punched it in from five yards out.

Just like that, it was 21-0 less than halfway into the first.

“We talked all week about how they’d come fired up on their home field and to be ready for them,” said Chemics’ coach Tim Kipfmiller. “We told them how important it was to come out there and go hard right off the bat and set the tone of the game, so I was really pleased we were able to do that.”

Another Dow three and out led to great field position for Midland as they started on the Chargers’ 10. A few plays later, Lex Hollenbeck would run it in around the right edge to make it 28-0 with the PAT.

The Chemics finished off their first quarter barrage with 42 seconds to go when Avery Chatman shook a few tackles before
breaking free for a 41 yard TD.

“We knew we had an uphill battle all season if you looked at our mutual opponents,” said Dow coach Jason Watkins. “We couldn’t afford to come out and make a couple of mistakes early and we did, and they made us pay for it. They’re a good team.”

The Chemics added their final score of the game with about seven minutes to go in the second. After the Chargers’ defense made several big plays near the goal line to stuff Midland, Lynch punched it in from a yard out on fourth and one to make it 41-0.

The entire second half was played under a running clock as neither team found the end zone in the final 24 minutes of the 2008 freshman season.

“I’ve been really proud of the kids all year,” said Kipfmiller, whose team finishes the year with a record of 5-2-1. “It’s good to end the season like that and have the kids play so hard. “

Watkins’ said he has also been happy with his kids this season, as the Chargers finish the season 2-6.

“I’m proud of our kids and their effort,” he said. “I appreciate all the parent support we got all year. Hat’s off to Tim Kipfmiller and his coaching staff… that’s a coach and a staff that respect the game of football.”

The Chemic and Charger junior varsity teams will meet Thursday at 6 p.m. at Midland Community Stadium, before the regular season closes with the varsity matchup Friday at 7 p.m. The Chemics have already clinched a playoff berth with their opening round opponent being announced this weekend.

Photos by Cory Butzin & Jason Wolverton