Grapevine receiver making dual threat pay off

Every team is fortunate to have a standout receiver, but when there’s another threat to throw to, as well, the benefits start mounting.

Much attention has been given to Grapevine’s ability to move the ball via the passing game this season. And while quarterback Alan Bowman has been seeing success in throwing to receiver RalphLauren McCauley, the Mustangs’ attack is even more successful due to added talent.

Madux Middaugh, a senior wide receiver now into his third year on varsity at Grapevine, is making a name for himself as another “go-to” set of hands.

The 5-11, 185-pound Middaugh said he spent the offseason focusing on his footwork and getting out of his breaks.

“Being explosive coming out of my break and running crisp routes has been the difference in being able to make a play on the ball,” Middaugh said.

Middaugh has also been an asset in other ways.

“I’ve always been a physical blocker,” he said. That added dimension has made the difference on several plays and is always a valued characteristic for a receiver downfield.

What also motivates Middaugh will not be revealed.

He said part of his pre-game ritual is to be taped up by a specific trainer and writing a message on the first layer of tape, which is then covered by another layer.

“I write a secret message on the first layer and no one sees it,” he said, not divulging what the notes say.

With more emphasis on throwing the ball more this year, Grapevine seems to have a nucleus of talent to make it a productive part of the offense.

“We’re prepared to know our assignment in any situation,” Middaugh said, making the varied defenses they face a non-issue. “Depending on the defense, we can run most any play. We have been very efficient in the amount of plays we’ve been running and are successful more time than not compared to last year.”

So, is Bowman’s completion percentage up over 68 percent because Middaugh is catching more balls, or is he getting more balls thrown his direction because of double coverage on McCauley?

“I’d hope to say it’s because I’m catching more balls,” Middaugh joked, “but I’m sure it’s a combination.”

Even with quickness being more of a trait for Middaugh than speed, he said he’s able to use that ability in the open field.

“I’m not the fastest guy around, but I am quick,” he said. He has been playing the position since he was about 6 or 7, he said, with a short stint at running back.

The goals now, in addition to making the playoffs and a long postseason run, include adding to his all-district selection from last season.

The other key attribute for Middaugh has been his leadership. The guidance of a senior amongst an otherwise younger team is helping the chemistry, which is needed for successful teams.

“As a team, our chemistry is at a peak,” Middaugh said. “It’s higher than it’s ever been and we feed off each other and play for our brothers and not for ourselves. We’re confident of where the season is going.”

This story was originally published September 28, 2015 at 2:57 PM with the headline "Grapevine receiver making dual threat pay off."