Middletown Begins Redemption Tour With 32-0 Win Over Arlington

Photo Credit: Nick Elia

A bitter taste of defeat is never easy to overcome.

Over the last two seasons, the Middletown Middie Bears have felt the agony of losing to the Monroe Crusaders in back-to-back Section title games. Entering the 2026 season with an extra chip on their shoulders, Middletown knew it had something to prove in its season opener.

The Middie Bears didn't disappoint.

From the moment I walked onto Faller Field, I felt the crisp, fresh air. Cheerleaders sang and danced, families gathered in the bleachers, and players warmed up for another marathon of a season. The atmosphere felt like more than just another football game.

It felt like the beginning of a redemption tour.

Middletown opened its season with a dominant 32-0 win over Arlington in Week 0.

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Middletown Sets the Tone Early

Middletown established control early.

Arlington gave Middletown five free yards with an offside penalty to begin the game. Andy Aristhene then eluded multiple defenders on a 24-yard carry, bringing Middletown inside Arlington's 15-yard line.

A 15-yard penalty pushed Middletown back to the 39, but the setback didn't matter. Middletown quarterback Jojo Royal connected with Aristhene for a 38-yard touchdown, giving Middletown an early 6-0 lead.

Middletown running back Andy Arishene (7) celebrating after a touchdown

Photo Credit: Nick Elia

Arlington tried to respond on its opening possession, but Middletown's defense quickly forced a punt.

Penalties disrupted Middletown's next possession before Arlington committed a costly late hit. The penalty gave the Middie Bears a fresh set of downs and moved them into Arlington territory.

Royal connected with Aristhene again, but Aristhene fumbled, giving Arlington possession at its own 11-yard line. Middletown's defense made sure the turnover didn't hurt.

Nick Keenan was sacked in the backfield, eventually forcing another empty Arlington possession.

Middletown's explosive offense quickly went back to work. Royal displayed his pocket precision by finding Mario DeGiorgio for a 34-yard gain.

Ryheem Tinsley finished the drive with a rushing touchdown on the next play, extending Middletown's advantage to 13-0 with under three minutes remaining in the opening quarter.

Royal Keeps the Offense Rolling

Arlington continued to struggle to establish any offensive rhythm, while Middletown kept finding explosive plays.

Royal's brilliance in the pocket continued, as he connected with newcomer Zayden Phillpotts to move the Middie Bears into Arlington territory early in the second quarter. A holding penalty pushed Middletown back 10 yards and created a 1st-and-20 at midfield.

However, Middletown responded once again.

Royal took off for a 31-yard touchdown run, giving Middletown a commanding 20-0 advantage. Arlington had few answers for an offense that was firing on all cylinders.

Jojo Royal rushing into the red zone against Arlington.

Photo Credit: Nick Elia

Middletown's Defense Slams the Door

While Royal and the offense produced points, Middletown's defense shut down Arlington.

The Middie Bears consistently pressured Arlington and prevented its offense from establishing any sustained momentum. Kavon Harrison added to the frustration by intercepting Logan Kulk's pass with under two minutes remaining in the first half.

Arlington showed signs of establishing its rushing attack to begin the third quarter, as a Middletown penalty helped push Arlington to the 41-yard line.

The Middie Bears responded again.

A timely sack stalled Arlington's momentum and eventually forced another punt as Arlington failed to generate offensive momentum again. Something that haunted them all game long.

Tinsley and Phillpotts Finish the Job

With its defense controlling the other side, Middletown's offense continued adding to the lead.

Royal connected with Aristhene for 19 yards, moving Middletown to Arlington's 44-yard line. Moments later, Tinsley darted out of the backfield like a space rocket for a 29-yard touchdown.

Middletown's Ryheem Tinsley rushing with the football.

Photo Credit: Nick Elia

His second rushing score extended Middletown's lead to 26-0 with 7:28 remaining in the third quarter. Middletown later moved inside Arlington's 20-yard line with another chance to score. However, Nick Galli intercepted Royal in the red zone as Arlington regained possession at its own 20.

Once again, Arlington couldn't capitalize.

The third quarter ended without Arlington scoring, as Middletown added another touchdown.

Royal connected with Phillpotts for an 11-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 32-0. From there, Middletown completed the shutout and secured a statement victory to begin its season.

DSS Player of the Game: Jojo Royal

Photo Credit: Nick Elia

Royal's performance, throwing for 230 yards on 10-of-17 completions paired with 30 rushing yards for a total of three touchdowns (2 TDs, 1 Rush TD), earned him DJ's Sports Show Player of the Game honors, presented by CrossFit TakeBack.

After the game, I asked Royal what message Middletown wanted to send in its season opener.

“After last year, we didn't start off as strong, but this year we definitely wanted to set the tone, set the standard to show what Middletown got this year,” Royal said.

The First Step Toward Redemption

A Week 0 victory can't erase the pain of losing consecutive Section title games. However, Middletown couldn't have asked for a much stronger first step.

The Middie Bears scored with their dynamic aerial attack and on the ground with their turbo backs, while their defense never allowed Arlington to find the end zone. Even when penalties and turnovers created adversity and unnecessary long delays, Middletown consistently responded.

Middletown will look to carry that momentum into its next test on Thursday, Sept. 10, to face the Cornwall Central Dragons at 7 p.m. ET.

If this season truly is a redemption tour, the first stop sent quite a message.

Listen to the Middletown Minute:

Go beyond the article and hear DJ Hamilton's postgame conversation with Player of the Game Jojo Royal following Middletown's 32-0 win over Arlington.

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