MIDDLETOWN >> Shuffling the Middletown backfield didn”t hurt the Mustangs in a 33-7 victory over the Cloverdale Eagles in North Central League I junior varsity football action on Friday night at Bill Foltmer Field.
With two starters out of action — one because of injury, one because of grades — Ty Chorjel drew the start at halfback and didn”t disappoint as he gained 112 yards on 11 carries, including a 6-yard touchdown run in the second quarter that staked the Mustangs (4-1 league, 7-1 overall) to a 19-7 lead. Freshman Tristan Carlisle also stepped up, according to head coach Tony Hart, gaining 58 yards on eight carries.
Middletown scored on a 17-yard reverse by Gabe Guzman to go up 6-0 only to watch Cloverdale return the ensuing kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown. The Eagles added the extra point to take a 7-6 lead. The Mustangs came right back to grab a 12-7 lead as Rob Carey connected with Elija Seames on an 18-yard touchdown pass.
Following Chorjel”s TD run, the Mustangs scored again on Carey”s 11-yard TD pass to Guzman. Carey kicked the extra point to make it 26-7.
Middletown”s second-team offense scored its first touchdown of the year on a 3-yard Luke Holt run in the fourth quarter.
Carey completed six of 11 passes for 57 yards and the two touchdowns.
Anchoring Middletown”s defense, each with eight tackles, were Chorjel and Donnie Elder. Guzman intercepted a pass while Josh Wilson and Nick Billeci had sacks.
Middletown returns to action Friday night in Lakeport against Clear Lake (3-2, 6-2). Kickoff is 5:30 p.m.
