A fourth ranked Midway Middle School gave it all they had Wednesday during the middle school playoffs, defeating a tied-for-first Sampson in overtime and gaining a ticket to the championship game. The final score was 20-14.

Midway would first get on the board after a pass from Dark Horse James Evans to Lajaun Ashley was picked up by Raider Jordan Thompson, who ran it in 25 yards for the touchdown.

Although the Raiders would fall short on their two-point conversion attempt, they would lead with roughly 5 minutes left in the first quarter, 6-0.

Following the kickoff, the Dark Horses would quickly move the ball into Raider territory, finding themselves on the 3-yard line.

The score would come seconds later after Evans scored off a 3-yard run into the end zone. The game would stand tied 6-6 after Sampson’s two-point attempt failed.

As the contest entered into the second quarter, the Raiders would find themselves behind the ball on their own 45-yard line.

After working the ball down the field with 4:33 to go in the half, the Raiders would lasso another six off a 4-yard run by Jeremy Robinson.

The Raiders were successful with a two-point conversion pass from Taylor Calcutt to Raheem Thomas to take the lead 14-6.

Each team would have another opportunity to score before the close of the first half, but both teams fell short.

As the game continued into the third, both teams again would attempt to get on the board, but a defensive battle would hold the score 14-6, Midway’s game.

With 8 minutes remaining in the ball game, Sampson would gain possession on their own 42-yard line. Although the Horses would find themselves in Midway’s territory, an intercepted pass turned the ball over to the Raiders in their own back yard.

Midway would be held by Sampson and forced to punt. The short punt would find its way into the arm’s of Sampson’s Seileak Washington, who returned it into the end zone.

An added two-point conversion tied it up 14-14 and sent the teams into overtime.

Sampson would attempt their four plays first, but would fall short, giving Midway a chance at the championship game.

The Raiders would take the ticket on their third play.

The game will be played Thursday, Nov. 12, 6 p.m. at Clinton High School.

Jessica Wagner can be contacted at (910) 592-8137 ext.122 or reached by e-mail at siphoto@intrstar.net