In a thrilling matchup, the Middletown Middie Bears showcased resilience and offensive prowess, overcoming early season struggles to take a commanding lead against Valley Central. After a rocky start to the season, where they faced significant deficits in previous games, Middletown found their rhythm early, scoring on two of their first three drives and establishing a 13-0 lead in the first half.

The game began with Middletown correcting a special teams error, successfully converting a PAT after a previous mishap. This momentum was crucial, as the team had struggled to recover from early deficits in past games, including a narrow loss to Cornwall and a close contest against Newburgh. The Middie Bears' ability to start strong was a welcome change for the team and their supporters.

Valley Central, on the other hand, aimed to build momentum on offense but faced challenges against a determined Middletown defense. Despite a promising return by Logan Young, the Vikings struggled to maintain consistent offensive drives. Quarterback Luke Watson attempted to rally his team, but a series of incomplete passes and a failed fake punt left Valley Central unable to capitalize on their opportunities.

Middletown's ground game proved to be a significant factor, with running backs Jelani Graham and Jaden Faison making impactful plays. Graham, in particular, demonstrated his strength and agility, bulldozing through defenders and contributing to the team's offensive success. However, penalties plagued Middletown's progress, with multiple holding calls stalling promising drives.

As the first half progressed, Middletown continued to assert their dominance, leveraging their running game while Valley Central struggled to find their footing. The Middie Bears' ability to adapt and capitalize on their opponents' mistakes set the tone for the remainder of the game, leaving fans eager to see if they could maintain their momentum in the second half.