Jeff Chaney
Sports Scene
The Midland football team accomplished something this year that it had not done since the 2003 season – finish the regular season with a 9-0 record.
Along the way, the Chemics won their first Saginaw Valley Association championship in five years.
“Anytime you can go 9-0, it’s an outstanding accomplishment,” coach Eric Methner said. “We play some good competition in our league, so this is rewarding.
“Winning our league is no easy task,” he added. “I think three of the last four years we were 8-1, and that one loss kept us from winning it, so it’s nice to get over the hump.”
The Chemics got over that hump thanks to an efficient offense led by quarterback Alec Johnson, who has thrown over 1,000 yards, 11 touchdowns, and only three interceptions.
Also thanks to a stout defense, which is led by a very athletic defensive line of Steven Elmer, Brady Harbron, Terrence Thomas, and Tyler Sauve.
For all that Midland has done this year, the Chemics will get to host at least two Division 2 playoff games, starting when they host Marquette October 27 at 1 p.m.
The Redmen come into the game with a 5-3 record.
“I don’t know a whole lot about them,” Methner said. “They are in the UP and play a mixed schedule – they play some smaller schools. I looked a little bit at some video, and they appear to be a ground-oriented team. They are a downhill football team.”
That may not matter come game time.
“We are playing great defensively,” Methner said. “It’s been a great season so far.”