Cloudland’s season opener was spoiled by Mother Nature.
The ‘Landers fell 28-14 to Midway in a game that was called with 3:41 left in the first half. The game had a total of four weather delays.
Cloudland opened the game with a strong statement.
After Walker Gouge returned the opening kickoff into Green Wave territory, the senior caught a pass from Bryce Birchfield on 4th and 13 to cap the opening drive. Landon Barnette added the two-point conversion to give CHS an 8-0 lead four minutes into the game.
Midway, however, responded by scoring the next 21 points before the game went into a lightning delay with 1:41 left in the first.
Once action resumed, Cloudland’s defense forced a fumble and jumped on the ball at the Midway 4. A few plays later, Barnette scored from five yards out as CHS trimmed the lead to 21-14.
The Green Wave scored on a 58-yard run from Tate Mason on the next play from scrimmage as Midway pushed the lead back out.
During the next Cloudland drive, the game moved into another weather delay with 6:46 left in the first half.
The game resumed with the ‘Landers continuing the drive before a fumble at midfield stalled the drive. Lightning, however, forced another delay with 4:33 to play in the second.
After a brief delay, the Cloudland defense stood strong and forced Midway to a fourth and goal, but the game moved into a fourth delay that proved to be the final one.
Barnette had 10 carries for 68 yards and a score. Gayvn Shell had 10 carries for 35 yards.
Gouge and Birchfield connected for 57 yards in the passing game.
Tate Mason led Midway with 194 yards on 10 carries with three touchdowns.