Reading shows Rangers why they are the defending champs

Published 5:49 pm Saturday, November 9, 2019

By Staff Report

READING — There is a reason why Reading in the defending Division 8 state champion.

The host Rangers play outstanding defense and Cassopolis found that out first-hand in a 28-6 loss to Reading in the district championship game. The final score was not indicative of the game, however.

Reading (10-1) and Cassopolis (10-1) would go scoreless in the opening quarter as both defenses proved worthy of their high praise.

The host Rangers were able to get on the scoreboard first when running back Hunter Midtgard helped Reading take advantage of a short Cassopolis punt. Midtgard capped the drive with a six-yard run and then tacked on the two-point conversion for good measure.

The game would stay that way the remainder of the first half as the visiting Rangers finally found some footing on defense, but continue to struggle to gain any yards.

A special teams play to start the second half got Cassopolis right back in the contest as the Reading kickoff got away from the Rangers around the 15 yards line, but was picked up by Ahsan Hart, who weaved his way through the defense after picking up the ball around the five-yard line, for a touchdown.

Cassopolis failed on the conversion attempt, but it had cut the Reading lead to 8-6.

While the visiting Rangers could not move the football, the home team had little trouble.

However, Cassopolis’ defense continued to rise to the challenge, stopping Reading on downs multiple times inside the 30-yard line to keep it a two-point contest heading to the final 12 minutes of play.

Reading has a large and physical offensive and defensive line, which paid dividends in the fourth quarter as over a six-minute stretch, the host Rangers scored three times to seal the victory and a spot in the Division 8 regional final, which it will host when Lenawee Christian comes to town.

Cassopolis turned the ball over four times in the second half, all on interceptions. It also drew numerous penalties, most of which were for illegal motion prior to the snap of the football.

In the end, Reading outgained Cassopolis 353 to 78 yards in total offense. Cassopolis was held to just three first downs.

Midtgard finished the night with 102 yards on 16 carries. Elijah Stine, who scored a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns, finished with 72 yards rushing. The third touchdown in the final 12 minutes was a 13-yard David Bignell reception from Porter Mauk.

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