Lynott decided to scrap Middletown 's traditional multiple-I formation in favor of a spread offense.

"We have a lot of talented receivers that we had to get on the field and quarterback who can throw," Lynott explained. "It was something that we worked on before the season. So, it was there if we needed it. We just thought it was a change we needed to make."

One of the biggest beneficiaries of the move was junior Justin Boyer, who was a major catalyst in the Knights' 21-7 victory over previously unbeaten Clarksburg on Friday night in the first round of the Class 2A West playoffs.

Boyer caught touchdown passes of 11 and 21 yards from senior quarterback Rob Michels, as Middletown (8-3) took control of the game with its aerial attack.

In his second start of the season, Boyer caught eight passes for 84 yards in what he described as the most memorable game of his career.

It wasn't long ago that he was buried on Middletown 's depth chart at receiver.

"I worked hard in practice and showed 'em what I got," said Boyer, who spends most of his time at defensive back. "I finally got my opportunity in a game."

The Knights outplayed Clarksburg in every phase of the game.

Aside from a 57-yard touchdown run from Avery Graham in the first quarter and a 53-yard burst by Mark Small in the third, the Coyotes (10-1) were, for the most part, ineffective on both sides of the ball.

It was a measure of payback for Middletown after being blown out, 33-7, at Clarksburg in last year's 2A West championship game.

The Knights will have a similar opportunity in next week's 2A West final against unbeaten Century (11-0 after Friday's 35-6 win over Liberty), which handed Middletown a 21-7 loss on Sept. 26 in the first game on its new field.

"Century is the team we really wanted," Michels said. "We were embarrassed after the first game, watching them celebrate on our field with fireworks and everything going on in the background. We have something to prove next week."

Michels completed 17 of 32 passes for 206 yards against Clarksburg.

Most of his damage was done in the first half, when he completed 14 of 23 passes for 155 yards and three touchdowns.

During one stretch of the first half, the Knights converted five straight third downs with passing plays.

Michels' second touchdown pass to Boyer occurred on a third-and-15 play from the Clarksburg 21 with 7:36 to play in the second quarter.

Then, on the Knights' next possession, Michels found Boyer for 6 yards on third-and-5, for 11 on third-and-10 (although a pass interference call wiped out that catch and gave Middletown 4 additional yards and a first down) and for 17 on third-and-9.

"The other day, I saw Justin hanging his head. He didn't have a good practice on Thursday. I told him to hang in there because we are going to need him," Michels said. "He has developed into a great receiver. He was huge for us tonight."

That 13-play, 68-yard drive eventually culminated in a 3-yard scoring pass from Michels to junior tight end Will Lyons with 1:44 left in the second.

As much as the first half was about passing offense for Middletown , the second half was about defense.

The biggest sequence occurred after Small's big run gave Clarksburg the ball on Middletown 's 6-yard line.

After three running plays moved the ball down the to 2, Graham took a handoff around the right side on fourth-and-goal.

After breaking an initial tackle attempt, he was hit as he lunged toward the goal-line by the Middletown 's Tyler Strawsburg.

The ball was knocked loose and rolled out of bounds, turning a potential touchdown for Clarksburg into a touchback for the Knights.

"That was huge," Lynott said. "Our defense played a great game."

Post your comments » Round 2: Snow expected to fall today, Wednesday Fast on the heels of the largest 24-hour snowfall to hit the Frederick County since 1983, meteorologists are predicting another round of heavy snow and wind to hit today. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning Monday afternoon for the area, including Frederick County, and said 10 to 20 inches of snow is possible by Wednesday night. Weather-related closings, delays A list follows of weather-related closings and cancellations for this week. Fire and police blotter Police search for robber School closures cause makeup schedule revision Even though Frederick County Public Schools are closed today -- using the sixth snow day this school year -- the school system will not hold school on the Monday Presidents Day holiday as the first scheduled snow makeup day. Crowds pay respect to fallen marine Even U.S. Marines couldn't hold back tears Monday at the viewing of their colleague, Sgt. David Smith. The procession to the Frederick Christian Fellowship Church was led by Frederick County Sheriff's deputies. Dressed in full military regalia, Marines carried Smith's casket into the church followed by family members as more Marines stood at attention.