Midlothian rushes for over 320 yards and four touchdowns in close win over Burleson
Midlothian turned to its running game Friday night as the Panthers defeated Burleson, 34-23, in a District 5-5A game at MISD Multi-Purpose Stadium.
The Panthers (6-2, 4-2) moved one step closer to a playoff berth thanks to their triple-option attack. Midlothian’s running game accounted for 324 yards and four scores on 53 carries. The Panthers have two games left in district play.
Burleson (5-4, 3-4) has lost four consecutive district games. The Elks have one game remaining in two weeks at home against Cleburne.
The Elks made things interesting scoring back-to-back touchdowns in the second half to close to within 28-23 with nine minutes to play.
Game was over when: With 1:44 to play, Midlothian fullback Laine Martin put the Panthers up 34-23 with a three-yard scoring run. The Panthers drive covered 79 yards on 16 plays, all runs. Midlothian converted four third downs during the match.
Play of the game: Facing a second-and-17 late in the second quarter, Midlothian quarterback Tate Corbin hit Nathan Humphreys for a 50-yard score. The touchdown answered the Elks first touchdown of the game and put Midlothian up 21-7 with 2:10 to play before halftime.
Offensive player of the game: Midlothian slotback Austen Thomas was the Panthers leading rusher with 10 carries for 91 yards. He scored Midlothian first touchdown on a 14-yard run. Five of Thomas’ carries were good for 10 plus yards.
Defensive player of the game: Burleson’s Ben Quirino recovered a fumble with 6:45 to play in the second quarter. The Elks took advantage of the miscue to score their first touchdown of the game seven plays later on a three-yard run by Caleb Lewis.
Unsung hero of the game: After a timeout, Midlothian’s defense stuffed Burleson quarterback Jacob Amador’s two-point conversion run with nine minutes to play. A successful conversion would have put Burleson within three points of the Panthers.
What’s next? Burleson has the week off. Midlothian plays at Cleburne at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2
This story was originally published October 26, 2018 at 10:21 PM.