MIDDLETOWN >> Much like a carnival game, the Middletown Mustangs keep knocking down each bear that pops up on the arcade gallery machine.
Middletown’s latest victim was three-time defending North Central League I champion Fort Bragg, 14-6, on Friday night at Bill Foltmer Field in Middletown. The homecoming win keeps the Mustangs perfect in league play at 5-0 while the Timberwolves (3-3, 3-5) have now been all but mathematically eliminated from winning a fourth straight NCL I varsity football title.
That’s not to say the Timberwolves went easily or quietly because that wasn’t the case. They went down swinging like the champions they’ve been the last few seasons, according to Middletown coach Bill Foltmer.
“We had to stop them four times from inside the 4-yard line,” Foltmer said of a final-second goal-line stand by the Mustangs, who put themselves into a precarious situation when a poor punt snap set up Fort Bragg in Middletown territory in the final minutes.
The Timberwolves pounded away with their running game but ultimately lost possession on downs at the Middletown 1-yard line. The Mustangs then ran out the clock.
Middletown opened up a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a 22-yard pass from Luke Holt to Trey O’Neill, the only pass completion for Middletown all game. Fort Bragg closed to 7-6 in the second quarter with more special teams helps from the Mustangs, who shanked a punt that traveled only 10 yards.
“We gave them a short field and they took advantage and scored,” Foltmer said.
A missed extra-point kick allowed Middletown to hold the lead at 7-6, and the score remained unchanged until Middletown running back Isaiah Moore scored on a 22-yard run with 11 minutes left to play.
“They (Timberwolf defense) packed the box against us, which we see all the time,” Foltmer said. “We had some guys open on passes but couldn’t complete them.”
Middletown’s defense kept Fort Bragg in check most of the night, according to Foltmer, and the goal-line stand at game’s end was the cherry on top.
“It was a great stand,” Foltmer said. “I’m really proud of the kids.”
Foltmer also credited the Timbewolves with making the Mustangs work hard for the victory.
“Fort Bragg played us tough,” Foltmer said. “It wasn’t easy.”
Moore led the Mustangs on the ground with 98 yards on 15 carries. Drake Harbison, who is recovering from a high ankle sprain, carried the ball five times for 18 yards before spraining his ankle again.
Colton Hall recovered a fumble and had a quarterback sack for the Mustangs while RH Hess intercepted another pass.
Middletown, 6-1 overall, has now won six straight. The Mustangs are on the road next Friday at St. Helena before returning home Nov. 3 to play Willits.
“If we win one of those two games were league champions,” Foltmer said.
