The Mathews High School varsity football team came up just a little short in its regular season debut on Friday night, falling to the Middlesex Chargers, 21-14.

Playing in the new Syd Thrift Athletic Complex at Middlesex High School, the Blue Devils gave the Chargers a tough game from start to finish. After Middlesex jumped out to a 7-0 lead, the Devils came right back to tie things up on a 7-yard touchdown run by Cody Correll.

Trailing 21-7 in the third quarter, freshman Jalen Matthews picked off a Charger pass and returned it 35 yards for the score. Mason Kent successfully converted both PAT kicks for the Devils. Neither team managed to add any more points in the final quarter, although Mathews had their chances.

“Down the stretch, we had opportunities,” said MHS head coach Ryan Wenner. “We just didn’t execute.” Turnovers proved to be costly for Mathews, as the Blue Devil offense coughed up the ball five times. Correll was the leading rusher for Mathe...