Kathy Kerler-Mowen | For The Register-Herald
MIDDLETOWN — Cordis Berard rushed for 176 yards on 13 carries and scored a career-high five touchdowns to lead Eaton to a weather delayed 34-3 win over Middletown Madison Saturday, Sept. 28.
The game was originally scheduled for Friday but was postponed due to heavy rain and high winds, remnants from Hurricane Helene. The Eagles were already at Madison on Friday when the decision was made to move the game to Saturday morning.
“First and foremost, I think our kids did a great job handling the adversity of hearing about a delayed kickoff as we arrived at the field,” Eaton coach Brad Davis said. “From that point then, obviously then learning that the game would be postponed until the morning. So, all in all I think our leaders did a great job of demanding our focus. We emphasized the importance of making good decisions about nutrition, hydration, and rest Friday night and then getting fired back up early in the morning. So, again, just a great job by our guys.”
The Eagles got off to slow start once the game began and led just 7-3 at halftime. The Eagles lone score was a Berard 40-yard run in the first quarter.
“We started a little slower than what we would have liked, but some of that is a credit to Madison and their players and coaches,” Davis said. “We got going in the second half and took control of the game and came out with a win.”
Eaton took control in the second half with its running game. As a team the Eagles rushed for 229 yards.
Eaton drove down the field on its first possession of the third quarter and scored a on 15-yard TD by Berard to make it a 14-3 game.
After the defense forced Mohawk punt, Berard raced 50 yards for his third touchdown of the game and 21-3 lead.
Eaton’s defense rose to the challenge on the next series when Presley Stewart came up with an interception.
The offense capitalized as Berard added his four score of the game, this time from less than 5-yards out to extend the Eagles lead to 27-3.
In the fourth, Berard rumbled into the end zone for a 14-yard TD to give the Eagles a 34-3 lead and forced a running clock for the remainder of the game.
“We thought the turnover-takeaway battle would be a critical area we had to win, along with the kicking game and field position. We did a great job winning both of those,” Davis said. “Our ball carriers and center, and holder and snappers really did a great job considering the elements. I want to give a little shout out to our ball boy, he did an amazing job. That may sound a little funny but that was such an important aspect of the day.
For Davis, it was another week of going 1-0, which has been the Eagles mantra for several years.
“One and Oh, this week,” Davis said. “Proud of the guys. Big one coming up this week with Monroe.”
Eaton (5-1, 2-1 SWBL Buckeye) returns home this Friday, Oct. 5 to host Monroe for homecoming.
Reach Eddie Mowen Jr. at 937-683-4061 and follow on X @emowenjr.
