by Frank Aceto

Associate Sports Editor

Bedford -- Madison junior quarterback Mitch Krotz completed all three of his passes as the Blue Streaks tied the game at 7-7 with an impressive 79-yard drive on their opening possession.

Krotz attempted four passes and had just one completion the rest of the way.

So, one might ask, why did Madison abandon the aerial attack?

Don't ask the Tallmadge defensive players.

"I was a little surprised," senior defensive back Craig Siesel said. "They [the Blue Streaks] threw it around on their first possession. They moved the ball really well."

If the Blue Streaks had a scouting report on Siesel, they had a good reason not to throw.

Siesel had seven interceptions, one off the school record, after the first 12 games.

But Tallmadge had shown some signs of vulnerability against a productive passing game.

Besides Madison's impressive drive, the Parma Padua Franciscan Bruins put together a strong drive late in the first half during the Blue Devils' 30-17 win Oct. 31. The Bruins reached the end zone in the final seconds, thanks to their passing game.

Tallmadge, however, shut Padua down the rest of the way.

Maybe the Blue Devils would have done the same thing against the Blue Streaks. Either way, Tallmadge's defense has been stout throughout the season.

In their first 12 games, the Blue Devils have held their opponents to less than double digits six times.

"Our goal in every game is to stop the run," senior defensive end Andrew Roy said.

They certainly have.

No team has found much running room against Tallmadge in 2008.

Roy's dominating presence certainly has played a role.

He finished with five solo tackles, three assists and shared a sack with sophomore defensive lineman Eddy Simmons against the Blue Streaks.

Simmons had a stellar day, too.

He had six solo tackles, three assists, two tackles for a loss and a sack.

Other major contributors on defense included senior defensive lineman Nick White (five solo tackles, two assists and one sack) and senior linebacker Nick Thompson (five solo tackles, two assists and one sack).

Thompson, who also helped standout senior tailback Tyler Fortner rush for 256 yards with his stellar blocking from the fullback spot, really had to dig deep.

Thompson hurt both his knee and finger against Madison.

It's safe to say Thompson probably felt far more agony once he left the field. He refused to let such aches and pains bother him during the game.

"We had to kick it in gear and give everything we had on defense," Thompson said. "We knew if we played to the best of our ability, we would win."

E-mail: faceto@recordpub.com

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