ORANGE PARK – In a game relying on quick-strike scores from both teams, the Orange Park High Raiders had the final blast to defeat Middleburg High 34-22 in a game that seemed more like a Derek Kurnitsky run and gun basketball game Sept. 22 at Orange Park High School. Kurnitsky, the Orange Park High basketball coach, was coincidentally the public address announcer for the game.

With the loss of starting quarterback A.J. Mealer earlier in the season, wide out Terrance Johnson became the prime signal caller for coach Tom Macpherson, and with senior wideout Marquise Brown and friends using speed downfield, the Raiders finally displayed the much-anticipated athleticism that permeates the team.

“I know I may sound like a broken record but with eight sophomores starting on defense we still need practice and game experience heading into district play. I do feel that we are improving at a good pace,” said Macpherson.

Both teams were looking for their first wins of the season with Middleburg (0-4) coming in with not just game losses to Menendez, Clay and Fleming Island, but also Hurricane Irma caused losses to team members homes and property. Orange Park (1-3) with losses to Oakleaf, Nease and Atlantic Coast, seems to be rebounding from the Mealer loss with some stability on offense.

“Terrance has improved so much in the last two weeks since his first start at Atlantic Coast,” said Macpherson. “He is really adjusting to his strengths and making better decisions.”

Both coaches also acknowledged the loss of Fleming Island High football player Ben Johnson in their pregame preparations. Johnson, a sophomore, died three days after collapsing in a weight room workout at Fleming Island High School last week.

“We know life is much more important than a football game. Coach Smeltzer (Middleburg head coach) and I wanted to honor him with a moment of silence tonight” said Macpherson.

From the opening moments of the game it was clear that these two programs were going to go all out to get that elusive first win of the season. The Broncos took advantage early on their opening drive mixing their passing and running game. After a key catch for a first down by wide receiver Trevor Todd and a key run by running back Tyler Bryant that would set up first and goal at the Orange Park three yard line. Tailback Andrew Thomas would score on the next play to end a six minute drive by Middleburg for a 7-0 lead.

The Raiders would waste no time

driving down the field highlighted by a spectacular catch by Marquise Brown to the Middleburg 40 yard line. Two plays later, on third down and six, Johnson would run 36 yards to the endzone to tie the game at 7-7 in a drive that took less than two minutes.

After trading punts, Johnson to Brown struck again in fast fashion with Brown snagging a 21 yard scoring pass with nine minutes left in the half to put Orange Park up 14-7. Brown started the drive with a 37 yard run with running back Zykiem Sermons barreling to the 21 on the next play.

Broncos q uarterback Garrett Blanchett went into a one man show on the ensuing drive with two fourth down conversion runs wrapped around runs by Tyler Bryant and Kevin Littles before a nine yard pass to Littles got the ball to the one yard line. Blanchett would score the touchdown and the two-pointer to put the Broncos up 15-14.

Three minutes later, Johnson to Brown again thwarted the Bronco effort; this time setting up a 33 yard scoring pass to Sean Dixon for a 21-15 halftime lead.

With two minutes until halftime, Middleburg snuck in a 10 yard run from Bryant before the break to go into the locker rooms up 22-21.

Brown would open the third quarter with a kickoff return to midfield that set up an eventual 26 yard scoring pass to Deonte Domineck in less than 90 seconds.

Even faster after a Middleburg punt after four downs, Johnson would blast 58 yards to paydirt for his second score and a Raider 34-22 lead in just four minutes.

“That’s who we are and that’s who want to be. Any coach who knows me knows I would like to snap the ball within 12 seconds” said Macpherson in reference to his up tempo style of play. “I think our offensive coaches did a good job of narrowing our playbook to put our kids in positions to be successful.”

Both teams had scoring opportunities in the fourth quarter, but defensive stands; one a blocked field goal by Middleburg, another a sack from Raider defensive tackler Kendy Charles and the final, an interception from Raider cornerback Kadin Elmore that sealed the game for Orange Park.

Orange Park will need the fast-pace offense again as the equally fast-paced Ridgeview High Panthers visit Orange Park High School on Friday in a key district 5-5A match.