In a commanding display, the Newburgh Goldbacks took an early lead against the Middletown Middie Bears, scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter of their high school football matchup. The Goldbacks, led by standout running back Bruce Montgomery, opened the game with a 66-yard drive culminating in a 24-yard touchdown run by Montgomery, putting them ahead 7-0.

Middletown struggled to respond, going three-and-out on their first possession, which set the stage for Newburgh's second offensive series. Despite a procedural penalty that pushed them back to a 2nd and 14, the Goldbacks maintained their momentum. Montgomery continued to dominate, showcasing his speed and strength with a series of impressive runs, including a 21-yard gain that brought Newburgh deep into Middletown territory.

Montgomery scored again with an 8-yard touchdown run, extending the Goldbacks' lead to 14-0 after a successful extra point by kicker Steiner. By the end of the first quarter, Montgomery had amassed 94 rushing yards and two touchdowns, highlighting his pivotal role in Newburgh's offensive strategy.

As the game progressed, Middletown faced challenges, particularly on the offensive line, following the graduation of key players from the previous season. The Bears' attempts to establish a rhythm were thwarted by Newburgh's aggressive defense, which consistently pressured quarterback Rousseau and disrupted plays.

With 5:53 remaining in the first quarter, Newburgh's head coach Billy Bianco called a timeout to regroup after the team faced a play clock issue. The Goldbacks' strong start and Montgomery's performance set a challenging tone for Middletown, who will need to adjust quickly to avoid falling further behind in this homecoming matchup.