In a thrilling high school football matchup, the Newburgh Goldbacks triumphed over the Middletown Bears with a final score of 35-13, solidifying their position in the division. The standout player of the game was Newburgh's senior running back Bruce Montgomery, who delivered an impressive performance with 207 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 23 carries. Montgomery's explosive play was particularly notable in the first and fourth quarters, despite a quieter second and third quarter.

Middletown's quarterback Anthony Russo, stepping in for Jojo Royal, showed promise with a completion rate of 17 out of 23 passes for 164 yards. However, the Bears struggled to recover from a 21-point deficit established by Newburgh in the first quarter. Despite a late-game surge that brought them within one possession, Middletown could not close the gap.

With this victory, Newburgh improves to a 4-2 record overall and 2-1 in the division, setting the stage for a crucial upcoming game against Pine Bush, which will determine second place in the division. Meanwhile, Middletown falls to 1-5 for the season and will look to regroup in their next home game against Valley Central.

The game also featured a recognition ceremony for the players of the game, with Montgomery and Russo receiving accolades for their performances. As the season progresses, both teams will aim to refine their strategies, with Newburgh needing to address penalty issues that arose during the match. The Goldbacks are eyeing a potential playoff run, while Middletown seeks to build momentum in the coming weeks.