Class 2A state semifinal
No. 5 Eastern Tech (11-1) vs. Middletown (11-1)
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
OFFENSIVE LEADERS
Eastern Tech
Passing: Brad Hager, Sr., 45-for-93, 695 yards, 16 TD, 6 INT
Rushing: Josh Cannella, Sr., 129 carries, 693 yards, 10 TD; Kenyon Crawford, Jr., 96, 682, 6; Sayvon Norman, Jr., 87, 573, 7
Receiving: Devonn White, Sr., 12 receptions, 251 yards, 5 TD; Chris Pomory, Sr., 13, 249, 7; Norman, 11, 92, 1
Middletown
Passing: Michael Pritts, Jr., 79-for-122, 1,301 yards, 17 TD, 4 INT
Rushing: Sam Michels, Sr., 218 carries, 1,438 yards, 18 TD
Receiving: Ben Lewis, Jr., 45 receptions, 865 yards, 13 TD
DEFENSIVE LEADERS
Eastern Tech
Tackles: Dan McManus, Sr., 80 tackles; Brandon Jones, Jr., 67; Cannella 54
Quarterback sacks: McManus 11; Jones 7
Interceptions: Nick McElfish, Sr., 4; Cannella 3
Middletown
Tackles: Ian Tolino, Sr., 94 tackles
Quarterback sacks: Ben Lewis, Jr., 8
Interceptions: Hunter Lumley, Sr., 3; Zach Welch, Soph., 3
OUTLOOK:
Eastern Tech will be on the road for the first time in the playoffs this season. The Mavericks defeated Dundalk, 42-0, and City College, 7-6, to claim their fourth straight Class 2A North Regional title. They’ve won five of the last eight regiona crowns.
It wasn’t easy last week but Eastern Tech pulled out the come-from-behind win over the Knights. Trailing 6-0 late in the fourth, quarterback Brad Hager hit Sayvon Norman for a 12-yard gain and Kenyon Crrawford had a big run during the Mavericks’ final drive.
With about two minutes left, running back Marquiese Bannister carried the ball from the eight-yard line to the one, setting up his game-winning touchdown.
Running back Sam Michels carried the ball 25 carries for 107 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Michael Pritts was 8-for-10 passing for 136 yards and a touchdown.
The defending state champion Mavericks must make an hour and a half bus ride to Frederick to face Middletown, which will be arguably their toughest test of the season.
