The Middletown Cavaliers, ranked second in the DeSPN index immediately went to the passing game last night showing-off their new quarterback. Sophomore, #8 Drew Fry threw for 222 yards and 6 touchdowns as Middletown built a 34-0 halftime lead and never looked back. After their initial possession ended with a turnover on downs the Cavaliers scored a touchdown on the last six drives, all Fry TD passes, prior to the half. It was quite the coming out party for a young player who garnered much pre-season hype around the state. After the game Fry stated off-season workouts and his freshman year in which he learned from now former Middletown QB Vincent DelPercio really paid-off, last nights results support that.
The first score of the night came after #8 Fry quickly took a 3-step drop and fired a dart to senior WR, #6 Anthony Delpercio. The experienced senior DelPercio, grabbed the 13 yard TD neatly keeping both feet inbounds towards the front corner of the end zone. The extra point kick was good and Middletown led 7-0 with 5:18 left in the first quarter. Caesar Rodney’s next possession ended with a punt, the Riders third in a row and the Cavaliers quickly doubled their lead. Senior WR #6, A. Delpercio hauled in his second TD when his QB, #8 Fry found him for a 4 yard pitch and catch. Senior kicker, #87 Justin Gotthold calmly booted the point after, 14-0 Cavaliers with 3:43 left in the opening quarter. Caesar Rodney’s offense came back out for only three plays, fumbling the ball away. The turnover gave the Middletown offense a short-field to work with and allowed the Cavalier offense another chance to come out firing, and that’s what they did. Senior SE #2, Jalen Whitehead caught a short pass, danced around one defender and sprinted over the goal-line. Adding the extra-point Middletown now led 21-0 nearing the end of the first quarter.
Caesar Rodney had its best play of the night when senior kick-returner #42, Nhaighere Wills returned the ensuing kick-off 60 yards into Middletown territory. The Rider offense managed to get a first down converting on a fourth down running play, but two more penalties, which plagued the Riders all night gave the ball back to the home team. That’s when #8 Fry went up top to again find SE #2, Jalen Whitehead for a 65 yard TD pass, his fourth of the game. This time the extra point kick sailed wide but the Cavaliers had a commanding 27-0 lead early in the second quarter. From there it was more of the same junior WR #7, Ken Edelin caught an 11-yard TD pass making the score 34-0 at halftime. The new starting QB in Middletown was almost carried into the locker room at halftime. Fans at the game were very impressed with his poise and accuracy but many said they knew this coming, it was expected. Throwing five TD’s in your first varsity game, in the first half of your first varsity game, expected?!?! Tough crowd, gotta love Friday night lights in Middletown.
The second half would feature a running clock, junior RB #3, Kedrick Whitehead scored from 3 yards out in the third quarter. Kick up, kick good, Middletown 41 Caesar Rodney 0. The Young Gun, sophomore QB #8, Drew Fry no doubt the player of the game, added one last TD pass before the scoring was halted. Connecting with fellow sophomore WR #16, Nick Johnston for a 22-yard TD pass. After the extra point kick the score stood Cavaliers 48, Riders 0, and that’s way it stayed until the end. The Cavaliers face a much bigger test in week 2 as they travel to Bill Cole Stadium in New Castle to take on highly-ranked William Penn. Caesar Rodney is one thing but Drew Fry better be ready for whole other beast in his second varsity game. Should be interesting!