Middletown scores 44 first-half points, improves to 2-0 in league standings
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MIDDLETOWN >> Headed toward the tough part of their schedule, the Middletown Mustangs throttled the Upper Lake Cougars 50-0 in North Central League I varsity football action Friday night at Bill Foltmer Field.
Much like a 46-16 road win a week earlier at Cloverdale, Middletown (2-0 league, 3-1 overall) had this one neatly tucked away by halftime with a 44-0 lead.
“We had a bunch of big plays early,” Middletown head coach Kurtis Woodard said of his offense and special teams, all of which contributed to the runaway victory. “Our defense did its job … they never had a long drive.”
Upper Lake (0-2, 0-4) was operating without one of its key players, running back Brody Blancas, which didn’t help the Cougars’ cause. Middletown also didn’t have one of its top players as Jon Hawkins (rolled ankle) was held out as a precaution.
“He probably could have played if we had needed him,” Woodard said. “He’s hobbling on it.”
Middletown had a 16-0 lead after one quarter on the strength of Trenton Griffith touchdown runs of 6 and 8 yards. He also added the two-point conversion run after the first score. The second conversion was a pass from Blake Costlow to John Finney.
The Mustangs put the game with a 28-point second quarter, just two points fewer than they scored in the first quarter against Cloverdale the previous week.
Tyler Galamay got things rolling in the quarter with a 13-yard run for a 22-0 lead. Each of the Mustangs’ next three scores covered some serious real estate.
- Costlow connected with Hayden Xavier on a 65-yard screen pass and Griffith added the conversion run to make it 30-0 with 7:14 left in the half.
- Ryan Halverson scored on a 57-yard run with 5:22 remaining to make it 36-0.
- Finney broke loose on a 78-yard touchdown, Halverson adding the conversion run, as time expired in the quarter, making it 44-0.
If that wasn’t enough, Galamay returned the second-half kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown, his second kickoff return in as many games (he scored on a 71-yard return against Cloverdale).
“That was another big run for him,” Woodard said of the sophomore playing his second year of varsity ball.
A running clock prevented the score from becoming ever more lopsided.
Middletown’s starters quickly gave way to the reserves as the score got increasingly out of hand, but the Mustangs’ reserves aren’t bad either. Griffith carried the ball only six times for 31 yards while Galamay finished with 77 yards, also on only four carries. Finney, a sophomore, led the team with 90 yards on three carries while Halverson had just the one run that went for a touchdown.
Costlow went 3-for-6 passing for 154 yards.
“Our line did well,” Woodard said. “Everything is coming together.”
Middletown’s next two games are huge. The Mustangs are home again this Friday to play Willits (1-0, 3-0) before hitting the road to take on St. Helena (2-0, 4-0).
“We’re excited about it,” Woodard said of the Mustangs’ upcoming schedule.
Upper Lake has been shutout in all four of its games this season and in six straight games dating back to last year. The Cougars return home next Friday to play Clear Lake (2-0, 2-1).
Middletown beat Upper Lake 32-6 in the JV game.
