The Middlesex football team jumped out to an early lead and hung on late for a 26-21 win over Rivers in ISL football action on Friday, October 11. The win pushed the Zebras record to 3-1, which is the program's best start in 21 years.
Middlesex received the opening kickoff and marched down the field on a 60 yard, 13 play drive that culminated in a 9 yard touchdown run by junior Frankie Forrest. A key play on the drive was a conversion on 3rd and long on a completion from quarterback Luke Felago to wideout Orion Saunders. The extra point try was blocked, and Middlesex was up 6-0.
After the defense forced a three and out, Middlesex regained possession at its own 35 yard line and once again drove the field for a score. This time Forrest found the end zone from 7 yards out and Sam Elfner's point after was good, making the score 13-0 Middlesex with 8:16 to go until halftime.
Rivers responded with a touchdown drive of their own, scoring on a 10 yard pass and adding the extra point to bring the score to13-7 with 4:40 remaining in the first half. Middlesex moved the ball again, the key play being another Felago to Saunders completion on 3rd and 14, but the drive stalled and a field goal attempt was no good, making the score 13-7 Middlesex at the half.
Rivers took the second half kickoff and drove the field to score to go up 14-13 with 10:27 to go in the third quarter. Middlesex once again responded by driving down the field and on a key third down play, Felago evaded the rush and found a wide open Forrest in the corner of the end zone for a 13 yard touchdown. A two point conversion attempt was no good and Middlesex was back on top 19-14.
Both defenses tightened a bit into the fourth quarter, when Middlesex appeared to put the game away on a 3 yard touchdown run by Forrest which made the score 26-14 Middlesex with 2:49 to play. Rivers would not go quietly, however, hitting a 74 yard touchdown pass on their very next play to make the score 26-21 and then forcing Middlesex to punt to get the ball back just 55 yards away from a game winning score.
The Middlesex defense stepped up with the game on the line and got the ball back by forcing three incompletions and stopping a fourth down scramble two yards short of a first down. A kneel down ticked off the final seconds and the Zebras had secured the hard fought win.
Forrest's four touchdowns were a highlight of the day, as was his tough running that gained several yards after contact. Credit also goes to the offensive line for helping secure those three rushing touchdowns.
Middlesex returns to action on October 19 when they square off against another 3-1 team in St. Mark's in Southborough at 3:00 pm.
