Colts open season on the road with 2-0 victory over Westshore
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LAKEPORT >> After a long Middletown drive that consumed almost all of the first quarter ended with a lost fumble that Westshore recovered at its own 1-yard line, the Colts scored the only points of the game thanks to Elijah Tucker.
Tucker tackled a Cardinals player in the end zone for a safety, the only points either team scored in a 2-0 Middletown win in the season opener Saturday for both of these pee wee youth football teams at Don Owens Stadium in Lakeport.
“It wasn’t how we drew it up all week, but we will take the win for Week 1,” Middletown head coach Cody Smith said. “I’m very proud of my entire defense. They came out ready to be physical and make plays.”
Middletown’s defense held the Cardinals underwater on offense, Westshore finishing with minus-27 yards on 18 plays. Danny Yell led the Colts with five solo tackles and Tucker finished with three tackles and what proved to be a game-winning safety.
“He was all over the ball on every play,” Smith said of Yell. “It was fun to watch.”
On offense, Middletown finished with 144 rushing yards on 33 carries. Eli Hartley led the way with 75 yards on 10 carries, Tucker added 48 yards on 11 carries, and Jaxx Salter finished with 21 yards on only two carries. Colton Smith was 1-for-2 passing for 31 yards, connecting with Tucker for the completion.
“Obviously by the looks of the score we need to take care of the ball better and reward ourselves at the end of our long, impressive drives, but I was very happy with the way our line blocked and our backs ran the ball all game,” Smith said.
Middletown (1-0) remains on the road next Saturday to play Lower Lake (1-0). Westshore (0-1) visits Sonoma (0-1).
