Pioneers Shutdown at Skyline Showdown

The Neers traveled across the river today, to face the Middletown Middies at UC's Nippert Stadium. In last years opener, In last years opener, SK faced AA stalwart Newport Central Catholic, but Coach Marksberry and his staff want to prepare their boys for the speed that Louisville's finest bring to the field, and they may have gotten more than they expected. Middletown, 10-2 in 2009, lost 21 seniors, SK 11-2 in 2009, also lost their fair share of talent as well, both teams entering the game after promising scrimmages last week. Most knowledgeable football fans knew SK had their work cut out for them, but I'm not sure many would have predicted a Middletown shutout. The Pioneers looked good coming into Nippert Stadium lined up by their numerical jersey numbers. They looked fired up before the start of the game on the toasty turf. SK kicked off to start the game and it looked even more promising when Parker Deters picked off a Middletown pass, giving SK great field position. Those high hopes dimmed when SK failed to put a dent in the Middletown defense, starting a trend that continued throughout the game.

SK’s offense was anemic and barely eeked out 100 yards of offense for the afternoon. SK's defense seemed to be on the field for most of the first half, SK mustering only one two first downs during the game's first thirty minutes.

Middletown's sophomore QB, Jalin Marshall was the difference maker today. When SK appeared to have him stopped for a loss he would make a play, usually a big play. The Middies scored seven in quarter one, then went on to tally twenty points in the second quarter, taking a 27-0 lead into the half. The good sized SK crowd was quiet although it is likely that's not the way the locker room was.

The second half wasn't anything to write home about but SK didn't fold like a deck of cards, they played hard and were actually able to drag Marshall to the turf a few times. Bottom line, this was an amnesia game, the boys need to learn from their mistakes and come out willing to improve. Dixie is up next, the Colonels are 1-1 after beating Beechwood. SK will get their first glimpse of Dixie QB, Zeke Pike, one of the top rated Jrs in the nation. SK will have to be up to the task, I'm betting we'll see a different team come Friday night.


Time to get the season going.


Powell breaks up the Middie pass play.



Jake Schneider loses his hat after downing a punt. Penalties against both teams would bring the ball back for another punt.


Cheerleaders doing the "old" routine to the school fight song.


Lawrence lets this past fly in the first half.


Coach Herbst gets fired up after his team came up with the turnover.