Portsmouth Runs Over Middletown 21-6 in Thanksgiving Day Game

The Portsmouth Patriots used a nearly unstoppable rushing attack to defeat the Middletown Islanders 21-6 on Thanksgiving Day.

1st quarter

The game started off fantastically for Middletown. On the opening kickoff, senior running back Rico McCray returned the kick 90 yards for a touchdown. The crowd erupted and the Islanders jumped out to a very early 6-0 lead. The point-after was missed and the game was all Portsmouth after that.  

Portsmouth responded quickly with a rushing attack that was difficult to stop all day for Middletown. Sophomore Austin Szczepaniak rushed for a touchdown after an 11-play, 68-yard drive for the Patriots. The point-after was good and Portsmouth led the game 7-6.

With 6:22 to go in the first quarter, the Islanders were driving down field when Dylan Garcia threw an interception that gave the ball right back to Portsmouth.  

Portsmouth then returned the favor by throwing an interception to #84 for the Islanders, Dylan Atibagos. With 3:10 to go, the Islanders were making an attempt to take the lead, but Portsmouth's defense held strong and forced Middletown to punt the ball. Ben Willet plowed through the Islanders' defense, setting up a first and goal for Portsmouth, who then fumbled on the one-yard line, with Rico McCray recovering for Middletown. 

This brought the first quarter to a close with the Islanders behind 7-6.

2nd Quarter

Portsmouth scored the only touchdown in the second quarter, on a touchdown run by 6'1" senior Ben Willet, who proved to be a running thorn in Middletown's side all day. The point-after was good and the Patriots led 14-6.

Middletown drove down field but couldn't score, and the first half came to a close with Portsmouth leading the Islanders 14-6.

3rd quarter

The third quarter saw both teams get a little chippy and the smack talk increased. There was a lot of shoving and talking after plays had ended. The two teams repeatedly gave the ball back to each other in a third quarter that saw no scoring from either team. That's how the third quarter ended with the score still 14-6 in favor of the Patriots.

4th quarter

The fourth quarter saw the Islanders make an effort to get back in the game but come up short. On Portsmouth's next possession, they scored the only points of the second half as Ben Willet again score a rushing touchdown. This put the Patriots up for good 21-6 and the game and the "Turkey Bowl" for Middletown was over.  

Final score:

Portsmouth: 21, Middletown: 6

After the game Rico McCray was awarded the sportsman of the game award by the Portsmouth team

The offensive stats for Middletown showed how tough the day was. Despite several penalties by Portsmouth (9 for 80 yards and 5 turnovers), the Islanders finished the day with the one touchdown and 101 total yards in offense.  

Portsmouth finished the day with a big effort from senior Ben Willet. He ran the ball 34 times for 230 yards and two touchdowns. The Patriots finished the day with 365 yards in total offense.  

Middletown has no time to rest. Head coach Andrew Leys has to get his team ready as they take on Rogers Tuesday night in the playoffs. The winner moves on. The loser's season will be over.