Dialog reporter
WILMINGTON – Salesianum had a 13-0 lead over top-ranked Middletown midway through the second quarter of the teams’ football showdown on Oct. 13, but the visiting Cavaliers scored three different ways on their way to a 19-13 win in front of a sellout crowd at Baynard Stadium.
The teams were tied at 13 when the second-ranked Sals sacked Middletown quarterback Drew Fry on a fourth-and-six deep in Salesianum territory with 4:47 to go in the third quarter. On the second play of the Sals’ possession, however, Cavaliers defensive back Tamar Teagle stepped in front of a Zach Gwynn pass and returned it 40 yards for the decisive touchdown.
The teams traded punts until Middletown got the ball back with 5:40 to go in the fourth quarter. The Cavs were able to run out the clock, coming up with several key plays to extend the drive. Fry picked up five tough yards on one run to convert a third down, and he followed with a 12-yard pass to Kenny Edelin on the next play. Kedrick Whitehead then ripped his longest run of the night, galloping for 28 yards. Finally, on a third-and-nine, Fry hit Edelin for 17 yards, essentially putting the game out of reach.
The contest started with Salesianum receiving the opening kick and grinding out a 65-yard scoring drive. All but 19 of those yards came on the ground, with Carson Salvo doing most of the work. One of the passes was to Garrett Million for 13 yards on a third down, setting up the Sals at the Middletown nine. The team needed all four downs, as Salvo scored from a yard out to complete the six-and-a-half minute drive.
Salesianum’s defense forced a Cavs punt halfway through the second quarter, and the home team took over at the Middletown 40. Sallies faced a fourth-and-six and decided to go for it, resulting in a play for the highlight reel. Gwynn ran toward the right toward the Cavs’ sideline, reversed course and scrambled nearly all the way back across the field. He spotted Michael DiNardo all alone along the left sideline and floated the ball into his arms. DiNardo went into the end zone nearly untouched. The point after was no good, but Sallies led, 13-0.
The elation in the home stands was short-lived, however, Cavaliers kick returner E.J. Washington disappeared into a pile of humanity, but no whistle blew, and Washington emerged on his feet and a step ahead of the nearest defender. A few seconds later, it was 13-7.
The Cavaliers held the Sals to a three-and-out, and they got the ball on their own 27 with 3:35 to go in the half. Fry took over on this drive. He threw a screen to Larry Griffin for 15 yards. On a second down, he scrambled for 12. Later, he found Nick Johnston for 36 yards, putting the Cavs at the Sals’ 12. Middletown found itself facing a fourth-and-eight at the 10, and Fry rolled right, hitting a diving Johnston in the end zone with just three ticks left on the clock. The point after was wide, and the game was even at 13 heading into the half.
The Sals could not get the offense cranking in the second half, committing two turnovers and punting twice.
Salesianum (4-2) wraps up a four-game homestand next Friday as William Penn visits for a 7:30 p.m. start. Middletown (6-0) travels to Upper Darby (Pa.), also on Friday at 7:30.
