In a closely contested high school football matchup, the Newburgh Goldbacks lead the Middletown Bears 21-7 at halftime, following a dynamic first half at Fowler Field. Newburgh dominated the first quarter, scoring three touchdowns, but Middletown rallied in the second quarter, managing to put points on the board and gain momentum.

Middletown's offense showed improvement in the second quarter, with quarterback Anthony Russo stepping in for the injured Jojo Royal. Russo's leadership culminated in a touchdown, narrowing the gap against a Newburgh team that initially appeared to be running away with the game. Despite their struggles, Middletown's defense tightened up, limiting Newburgh's scoring opportunities.

As the first half drew to a close, a controversial timeout was called by Middletown, leading to a brief discussion among officials about the game clock. Ultimately, they decided to reset the clock to 16 seconds, allowing Newburgh one last chance before halftime. However, a penalty for an illegal fair catch on the ensuing punt set Newburgh back, and they opted to take a knee, ending the half without further scoring.

Looking ahead to the second half, Middletown will start with the ball, making their opening drive crucial for their chances of a comeback. With a record of 1-4 but 1-0 in divisional play, the stakes are high for the Middie Bears as they aim to turn the tide against the Goldbacks. The game continues to unfold with the potential for a thrilling second half.