MIDDLETOWN – One have a look at Middletown Excessive Faculty’s offensive and defensive strains makes it clear that the Blue Dragons know their means across the weight room. However there’s additionally a cerebral side to their bruising type of play.
Earlier than Thursday’s 36-0 win over visiting Bristol Jap, two-way senior beginning lineman Juel Ocasio was one of many gamers breaking down recreation movie to get each attainable edge.
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That further finding out definitely paid off. Ocasio had three of Middletown’s 10 tackles for loss and was one of many offensive linemen who helped the Blue Dragons rush for greater than 250 yards.
“It was simply numerous movie watching,” mentioned Ocasio, who led Middletown with six tackles. “I used to be watching movie all day. I knew what they have been going to do, who they have been going to dam and who they weren’t. I just like the physicality as a result of we by no means hand over.”
It took simply six performs for Middletown to take the lead. Junior working again Nick Cyril scored on a 14-yard run. He added a 51-yard run to increase Middletown’s result in 14 earlier than the top of the primary quarter.
Cyril added a 61-yard landing scamper within the second half. He completed with 148 dashing yards and three tackles on protection.
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“We work in observe and we attempt to make an announcement each play, that’s what we work for,” Cyril mentioned. “It’s simply how exhausting we work and we try to make an announcement for the season.”
Middletown’s Matteo Fletcher related with Juan Albrincoles on a landing cross early within the second quarter to provide the Blue Dragons a 20-0 lead.
Fletcher, who ran for 58 yards and threw for 108 extra, added a 30-yard TD run one play after a jarring hit by Albrincoles compelled Middletown’s second takeaway.
Cyril’s 61-yard run capped the scoring.
Bristol Jap tried to match Middletown’s physicality, however an early interception, a blocked punt and a misplaced fumble made the job all of the tougher.
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“We’re not small both so we thought it was a great matchup, a great measuring stick for us,” Bristol Jap coach Anthony Julius mentioned. “Clearly, that’s Middletown’s recreation. They’re a really bodily soccer group, they showcased it tonight. We did a great job of bottling up their offense, hitting them within the backfield and doing a little actually good issues. I do know the scoreboard would not present that, however I’m proud of our effort.”
Mario Walker led Bristol Jap with 56 dashing yards, and he added three receptions and 6 tackles. Anthony Alvarez led the Lancers with seven tackles.
Nevertheless, it was Middletown’s protection that stole the present.
Mar’ion Wynn intercepted a cross on Bristol Jap’s first offensive play. Victor Bonet added 5 tackles.
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“We leaned into (our gamers) being bodily and never solely being huge, but additionally with the ability to transfer the best way they do and maintain that tenacity all recreation,” Middletown coach Dario Highsmith mentioned. “I’m undoubtedly happy with how they confirmed up right now.”
Participant of the sport
Juel Ocasio, Middletown: The senior OL/DE had six tackles, three tackles for loss and helped Middletown rush for greater than 250 yards.
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“All the youngsters have hours of movie watching through HUDL and that helps. They purchased into numerous issues that we taught them this 12 months. Actually, simply take the group on their very own, take possession. I inform them, it’s their group as a lot as it’s mine, if no more.” – Middletown coach Dario Highsmith.
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Middletown 36, Bristol Jap 0
BRISTOL EASTERN 0 0 0 0- 0
MIDDLETOWN 14 6 0 16-36
M-Nick Cyril 14 run (run failed)
M-Cyril 51 run (Victor Bonet run)
M-Juan Albrincoles 13 cross from Matteo Fletcher (run failed)
M-Fletcher 30 run (Cyril run)
M-Cyril 61 run (Cyril run)
Crew data: M 4-0; BE 0-4.
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This text initially printed at Middletown soccer pairs movie examine with physicality for dominant win over Bristol Jap.