In a thrilling first half of high school football, the Middletown Bears surged ahead of the Monroe Woodbury Crusaders with a score of 12-3, showcasing a strong offensive performance. The game, held on senior night at Fowler, saw Middletown capitalize on key plays, including a 19-yard touchdown run by Jelani Graham and a 12-yard touchdown pass from Anthony Russo to Aidan Barbosa.

Despite an early field goal by Monroe Woodbury, Middletown quickly regained momentum, with Russo demonstrating impressive passing skills, particularly in connecting with Barbosa. The Bears' offense was effective, with every drive except one taking place within the red zone of their opponents. However, a late penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct could have complicated their two-point conversion attempt, but the coaching staff opted to assess the penalty on the extra point instead.

As the first half concluded, Middletown's defense held strong, preventing Monroe Woodbury from capitalizing on any scoring opportunities. The Bears' performance was particularly notable given the challenges faced earlier in the season, including the loss of starting quarterback Jojo Royal to injury. Russo's growth and confidence in the role have been evident, and his connection with Barbosa has become a key element of their offensive strategy.

With the halftime score set at 12-3, Middletown fans celebrated a successful first half, leaving the team poised for a strong second half against a Crusaders squad that entered the game with a 7-1 record. The Bears will look to maintain their lead and secure a victory as they continue their season.