Middle’s Nigel Case Propels Panthers to Playoffs

The key for upstart teams is to take care of business. This means being victorious in contests they are supposed to dominate.
While some established clubs proved too much to handle, Frank Riggitano’s resurgent Middle Township team has reeled off an impressive 5-3 record and a third-ever berth in the sectional tournament.
The veteran coach returned to the sidelines for the first time since 2000 to help “restore the roar” of the Panther gridiron program. The former Lower Cape May and Susquehanna University standout, led Middle to 49 victories during his previous tenure. Since Riggitano stepped down a dozen years ago, four coaches garnered just 23 victories for what is normally a very proud and accomplished athletic department in Court House.
But all coaches, no matter how inspirational or gifted, rely upon key players to lead and perform on the field. A player who has helped ensure that the 2012 Panthers win the games they should is running back outside linebacker Nigel Case.
The 5-10, 200-pounder ran for 94 yards and scored two touchdowns in his team’s first victory of the season, a 42-8 demolition of Pleasantville in week three. Against Vineland the following Saturday, Case rumbled for 176 yards on just seven totes, including a 67-yard gallop and another two scores in Middle’s 36-6 romp over the Fighting Clan.
The team’s third win in a row, 41-21, over Ocean City, saw the senior pick up 63 yards on the ground to go along with six tackles on the defensive side of the ball. After a not-so-close loss to undefeated Cedar Creek, Middle returned to the win column with a hard fought 25-12 decision over Bridgeton, Oct. 26. Case was outstanding with 174 yards rushing and a touchdown.
Last weekend, with a rare sectional playoff berth on the line, Middle responded with a 27-7 victory over Buena. Case showed his versatility with an 85-yard interception return for a touchdown along with a 30-yard fumble recovery TD. A 54-yard scamper from the running back position was called back due to penalty.
At 5-3, Middle now awaits a playoff opponent and, of course, the traditional Thanksgiving Day battle with Lower Cape May on Nov. 22, a game they’ll be favored to win.
“I love football because it’s a contact sport,” said the 17-year-old Case. “You need everyone’s help to win. I like running the ball and breaking tackles.”
The senior played youth basketball in his native Cape May and also competes in the 100 meters and javelin in track and field. The Whitesboro resident has made obvious contributions to Middle’s success from the defensive perspective.
“To be a good linebacker you’ve got to read your keys and take on blocks,” said the son of Ricardo and Andrea Case. “It’s a matter of being physically and mentally ready for every situation.”
Case said the best part of his game is “power.” He bench presses about 270 pounds, although he’d like to do more weight training during offseason workouts while balancing his summer job at a Rio Grande hamburger business. “There are some advantages to being a running back as well as a defender because you usually know what the guy with the ball is looking to do.”
Case, who hopes to draw enough interest to garner a college football opportunity, doesn’t set personal goals. “I just go out to play hard, work hard, and help the team get better,” he said. “Things do not come easy. You have to work hard and never give up. You have to keep playing no matter what.”
As for the annual Turkey Day game, Case noted that “most of the players already know each other” and that it’s usually “a friendly game.” When asked about playing for Riggitano, Case said the coach provides an atmosphere “that is serious and fun at the same time, but we get stuff done.”
Riggitano’s return to the sideline coupled with the contributions of players like Case has almost assured that the Panthers will win the games they must.
Reach Rossi at joerossi61@comcast.net