Middletown mounts thrilling comeback against Newberg

In a thrilling comeback, the Middletown Bears narrowed the gap against the Newberg Goldbacks, trailing 21-13 after a strong second-half performance. The pivotal moment came when head coach Tim Strenfell opted for a gutsy play call, allowing running back Jelani Graham to push through for a crucial first down early in the third quarter.

Middletown's momentum surged following a 46-yard pass from quarterback Anthony Russo to receiver Aiden Barbosa, setting the stage for Graham's 7-yard touchdown run. This score marked a significant shift in the game, as the Bears capitalized on two costly penalties from Newberg, including a personal foul for unnecessary roughness that extended their drive.

Despite a missed extra point attempt after the touchdown, Middletown's offense demonstrated resilience, reminiscent of their previous comeback against Cornwall. With 7:41 left in the third quarter, the Bears are now within striking distance, showcasing their determination to overcome a 21-point deficit.

As the game progresses, all eyes will be on Newberg to see if they can regain control and maintain their lead against a revitalized Middletown team eager for victory.