MICDS Soars Into Football Playoffs With Convincing Win Over University City

When University City quarterback Andre Williams galloped 55 yards, setting up the Lions' first TD, MICDS coach Josh Smith knew his Rams were in for a dogfight. The Rams opened the game on an aerial TD, 16 yards Thomas Militello to Foster Bundy. U. City missed its extra point and the Rams clung to a one-point lead.

U. City features gifted athletes with speed to burn. The MICDS stood its ground, and kept the speedy backs and receivers mostly under control.

From there, MICDS took control and pounded U. City relentlessly for a satisfying 50-18 victory. Smith pronounced to his post-game huddled team they’d just won the district championships. There was plenty of hooting and hollering.

A good football team has three strong components: offense, defense and special teams. The Rams defense was special on this warm late October district game on the Lions’ well worn turf.

The Rams defense came up with three particularly big plays. With seconds until half, Michael Scherer, linebacker separated a U. City back from the ball and gritty senior linebacker Chris Hiemenz scooped up the loose ball and rambled almost 50 yards for the TD and a bulging 29-6 halftime lead.

Late in the game, Peter Schlafly partially blocked a punt deep in U. City’s own territory, setting up an easy one-yard plunge by the Wildcat back Michael Scherer. Senior defensive back Foster Bundy grabbed an errant Williams throw in the end zone, putting the exclamation point on a hard-fought win.

Thomas Millitello, headed to Division I football, likely in the Ivy League had another productive day, notching TD’s 25-26-27-28 on the season.

He threw a pair to Jack Howell (17 and 38 yards) and 16 and 8 to Bundy. “It’s really fun to watch our quarterbacks and receivers work together,” said an obviously pleased coach.

Junior Denzell Conway scored the district clincher on a five yard run with just 1:15 remaining in the game.

The U. City quarterback was a threat to score anywhere on the field. He set up the first score for the Lions on a nifty 55 yard run down to the MICDS two yard line. He ran another TD in from the 37 yard line in the third quarter and Mario Wallace returned a punt 50 yards for the Lions final score of the game.

“Thats a great win,” said Smith, “our ticket is punched and we are able to continue into the playoffs.” There is no Show Me Bowl talk at this time. “We’re just playing them one at a time,” he said with a grin from ear to ear. A record of 9-0 is a statement indeed.