Junior running back Josh Broach ran over Midland newly-installed 4-3 defense for 193 yards on 31 carries, scoring four touchdowns, leading the Yellow Jackets to a 31-26 victory last night in their 2009 season opener at Midland’s Grande Communications stadium.

Broach scored all of the Yellow Jackets’ TDs - scoring in every quarter - on runs of 1,1, 6 and 22 yards.

The offensive line opened plenty of holes all night long for the elusive running back, from whom Coach Scott Smith said he was expecting big things this season.

Senior quarterback and Division 1 San Diego State recruit Adam Dingwell, whom Coach Smith also expects to have a great season, started off the season well by completing 13 of 18 passes for163 yards to six different receivers in Rockwall’s balanced offense. 

Scott Loy and Will Beasley each caught four passes, for 70 and 54 yards, respectively. Luke Wardell, Spencer Edwards, Reed Loftis and Josh Broach also grabbed passes.

Midway through the third quarter, it appeared the Yellow Jackets could be on their way to a rout. After the Dawgs scored the opening touchdown of the game, Rockwall scored 24 points in a row – on three TDs, 3 PATs, plus a 31-yard Travis Shinn field goal. But Midland’s defense stiffened and their offense came alive, scoring twice in a row - once after an intercepted pass - bringing the score to 24-21.

Broach then scampered 22 yards for his fourth TD, giving Rockwall a 31-21 lead. Midland scored once more but their two-point conversion failed and time ran out.

For their efforts, Rockwall also outgained Midland in first downs, 19-17.  Rockwall rushed for 229 yards on 41 carries to Midland’s 168 yards on 29 carries, but Midland had more passing yardage, 188 to 158 yards. Midland’s Jack Bolger completed 20 of 24 passes to eight different receivers for 181 yards.

Midland had six penalties for 45 yards compared to the Yellow Jackets’ four penalities for 35 yards. Neither team lost a fumble, but Midland did intercept one of Dingwell’s passes. Rockwall averaged 47 yards on three punts, compared to Midland’s 41 yard average on two punts.

In other Class 4A District 10 action, Greenville beat Forney, 25-19, Richardson Pearce beat Sachse, 49-28 and Carrollton’s Newman Smith lost to Denton Guyer, 34-28.

District 10 favorite Highland Park opens its season tonight against Red Oak and Carrollton Turner plays Terrell. 

Rockwall-Heath begins season play this Friday night at Sherman, while Royse City opens Friday night at Atlanta.  

In area private school action, Rockwall Christian lost to Wautaga Harvest Christian lasts night, 28-6.

ROCKWALL 31, MIDLAND 26

Rockwall  7  7  10  7 – 31

Midland    7  0  7  12 – 26

You can also read another account of the game in Midland’s Reporter-Telegram at: http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2009/08/29/news/top_stories/doc4a98b0f95da4c656871028.txt