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2022 Snapshot: Middletown

Middletown QB Kellen Davis (photo from Twitter: @KellenDavis13)

It has been a rough go at it for Middletown over the past decade. The Middies haven’t had a winning season since 2011 and have gone a combined 6-50 over the last six years with just three wins in the Greater Miami Conference (all against Oak Hills). Now, head coach Don Simpson feels he finally has the players and resources to make the program competitive. The challenge that lies ahead, is learning to win, which is much easier said than done.

The weight of turning this program around will be put upon the shoulders of the Class of 2023. “This will be a senior led team with a lot of playing experience,” Simpson says.

With nine starters back on defense, Middletown will lean on this group to help guide them out of the abyss. The Middies must take a sense of pride on this side of the ball and play much better than the unit that gave up 31.1 points per game in 2021.

On offense, Middletown must stay healthy in the trenches where there is a lack of depth. The skill players are talented but must do a much better job getting into the end zone if this team is to turn things around. The Middies have scored 30-plus points just once in their last 23 contests and 14 points or fewer 17 times in that span.

Middletown matches up better against GMC teams than it has in a while. It all comes to the desire of wanting it more than their opponents if they are to turn this train in the right direction.

Division I, Region 4
2021 RECORD: 1-8, 1-6 GMC
COACH: Don Simpson (5-31 at Middletown, four years; 5-31 overall)

HONOR ROLL
Majaden Lewis, Sr, DL – One of the best players you don’t know about. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Lewis tallied 63 total tackles and two-and-a-half sacks as a junior to earn Second Team All-GMC honors. He has offers from UMass and Youngstown State.

Ronan Cassanova, Sr, LB – The heart-and-soul of the Middies defense. Cassanova was a Second Team All-GMC selection as a junior after recording 63 total tackles, one-and-a-half sacks, one forced fumble and an interception. He has offers from Tufts, Carnegie-Mellon, Marist, Gannon and Kenyon.

James Franklin, Jr, WR – Broke out the last half of 2021 with 10 receptions for 310 yards and all four of his touchdowns catches over the Middies last five tilts. He was named Second Team All-GMC for his efforts.

OTHER RETURNEES
Lemond Chambers Jr., Sr, RB – A two-way workhorse in 2021. Chambers, Jr. has the tools to become a 1,000-yard rusher this fall. He has 305 yards rushing, two scores on the ground, 87 total tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in his career. Chambers, Jr. has an offer from Findlay. 

Kellen Davis, Sr, QB – A load to bring down at 6-foot-3 and 230-pounds. As Davis goes, so goes the Middletown offense. He has thrown for 1,715 yards with 13 touchdown passes and three rushing scores in his career.   

Brock Sorrell, Sr, OL – Will be called upon to provide leadership on the o-line. A healthy Sorrell is going to be a huge asset up front. 

Demarco Powell, Sr, WR – The top receiving target for Davis who is ready to be a difference maker as a senior. Powell had 18 receptions for 324 yards and two touchdowns in 2021.

Trevon Bryant, Sr, DB – The leader of the secondary, Bryant was in on 17 total tackles and had a fumble recovery as a junior. He has an offer from Otterbein. 

Christian Printup, Sr, DL – Will team with Lewis to form a stout Middies d-line. Printup tallied 39 total tackles with a sack and a forced fumble a year ago.

NEWCOMER
AJ King, Jr, K – The transfer from Hillard Darby has already established himself at the varsity level. King brings stability to the Middies kicking game.

PLAYOFF HISTORY
(seven appearances, 5-7) – 2020, 2011, 2010, 2009, 1990, 1989, 1987

2022 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/19/22 – at Loveland (2-8 in 2021) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 08/26/22 – FAIRFIELD (6-5)– 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/02/22 – HAMILTON (2-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/09/22 – LAKOTA EAST (7-4) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/16/22 – at Mason (4-7) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/23/22 – SYCAMORE (6-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 09/30/22 – at Colerain (5-6) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/07/22 – at Princeton (11-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/14/22 – LAKOTA WEST (11-2) – 7:00 PM
Fri – 10/21/22 – at OAK HILLS (0-11) – 7:00 PM

 

 

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