Early defensive touchdown propels Reading to first title in school history

DETROIT, Michigan- Trailing six to zero and punting the ball back to Breckenridge, the Reading Rangers needed a big play.

This came on back-to-back plays as Caleb Miller pinned Breckenridge at their one-yard line with a punt and then on the next player Miller came around the edge and sack the quarterback and force a fumble.

“I just had to work past by guy and hit his arm,” Miller said. “Elijah Strine jumped on it for the touchdown.”

Strine’s recovery was the first fumble recovered in the end zone in a state final in MHSAA history. It also gave the Rangers a swing of momentum.

“It gained a lot of momentum for us,” Miller said. “We were down and they scored first and we weren’t use to that.”

Entering the game, the Reading defense had only allowed 49 points on the entire season. The Rangers allowed 20 points in their 39 to 20 win, over Breckenridge.

“Credit to our defensive coordinator, Brad Affholter and my son Brett Bailey they prepare them,” head coach Rick Bailey said. “I’ll be honest with you though, it’s not the X’s and O’s, but the Jimmy’s and Joe’s.”

The Rangers also only allowed 198 yards and only 21 rushing.

While the defense dominated the game, the offense would take advantage for Reading.

Hunter Midtgard would score two touchdowns on five carries for 69 yards.

“We usually average a lot more than that,” Midtgard said. “Big credit to Breckenridge.”

While Midtgard scored two touchdowns on the ground, Ethan LoPresto carried the load as LoPresto ran for 129 yards on 16 carries.

“I usually average a lot on the ground,” LoPresto said. “I give credit to their defense for being able to stop us on offense.”

Reading and Breckenridge were both making their first appearance in the state title game. Reading would walk away with their first ever state title.