Playoff drought is over for Middies

Community pep rally planned for Thursday night

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By Skip Weaver, Staff Writer Updated 8:17 AM Monday, November 2, 2009

SHARONVILLE — The Middies have realized the dream.

It’s been 18 years since Middletown High School’s football team played in the postseason. That drought ended Saturday afternoon, Oct. 31, when the visiting Middies rallied for a strong second-half performance and a 49-28 triumph over Princeton.

“This is awesome,” Middletown Athletic Director Gary Lebo said while standing on the Middies’ sideline as the final seconds ticked off the Viking Stadium clock. “This is very special. I’m very proud of the coaching staff and these kids. They all have worked very hard and deserve this.”

Senior Jerry Gates provided the spark Middletown needed by returning a kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter. Gates then added touchdown runs of 80 and 76 yards also in the third quarter to spring his team into the playoffs.

Gates totaled 314 all-purpose yards, with 156 rushing and 158 return yards.

“We are in the playoffs baby,” Gates said. “It’s a dream come true.”

The Middies will learn this afternoon who they will play in the first round of the playoffs when the official pairings are released. Speculation is that the Middies will be ranked seventh in Division I, Region 4 and play Moeller, who lost to St. Xavier 13-10 on Saturday.

With the Middies’ win, a community pep rally is planned for 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, in the high school gym. Following the pep rally, the Middletown Football Coaches radio show will be broadcast live inside the gym from 7 to 8 p.m. on WPFB-AM (910).

“What great support,” Middletown coach Jason Krause said of the fans. “They were here in full force today and we hope they will be back with us next week. We’re glad to be going to Week 11 and giving something back to them.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2852 or sweaver@coxohio.com.

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