WILLITS — Kickoff, touchdown followed by kickoff and another touchdown. That”s how it went for the fast-starting Middletown Mustangs in a 27-12 North Central League I junior varsity football win over the Willits Wolverines on Friday night in Willits.
Middletown”s Justin Rainey returned the opening kickoff 75 yards for a touchdown and then kicked the extra point to put the Mustangs (1-0, 4-0) on top 7-0 before fans of either team were comfortable in their seats. On the ensuing kickoff, Willits fumbled the ball and Robert Carey returned it 45 yards for a touchdown to make it 14-0 as Rainey added the extra point.
Middletown bumped its lead to 21-0 later in the first quarter on Connor Armstrong”s 16-yard pass to Carey.
The Mustangs added an insurance touchdown in the third quarter on Albert Ruske”s 7-yard run to make it 27-6.
Willits scored its touchdowns in the second quarter and fourth quarter.
Coleman Drew rushed for 117 yards and Ruske added 102 to spearhead Middletown”s offense. The Middletown defense forced six more turnovers, including four interceptions. Scott Kelly had two of those picks while Drew had an interception and a fumble recovery. Wyatt Jones was the leading tackler with eight, Joshua Robolledo had seven, and Gabriel Guzman added six.
Middletown hosts Fort Bragg on Friday at 5:30 p.m.
