Middletown's Andy Aristhene and Anthony Russo power Middletown over Warwick in a comeback victory.

Middletown's Andy Aristhene (left) and Anthony Russo.

Midhudsonnews/Sal Interdonato

Middletown—Andy Aristhene and Anthony Russo helped power Middletown over Warwick in a comeback victory after a tough season opener against Rye in Week 0. Meanwhile, Warwick, coached by Gregory Sirico, is coming off a strong 2024 season where they finished 8-2 and kicked off the 2025 season with a 28-14 home victory against Wagner.

The game began with two five-yard penalties against Warwick’s offense during their first drive, which contributed to a slow start. Warwick was able to get a fresh set of downs and get past midfield. Middletown’s defense made crucial stops to force a turnover on downs after Warwick recovered a forced fumble, which resulted in a loss of yards.

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For Middletown, it was three and out on their first opening drive after a pre-snap motion penalty that cost them five yards on third down as both teams remained scoreless midway through the first. A 15-yard pass interference penalty on Middletown’s defense on Warwick’s second offensive drive allowed them to advance the ball to midfield. 

Warwick was able to get the ball to Middletown’s 28-yard line but was unable to score before time expired, as both teams went scoreless in the first.

Warwick scored early in the second quarter, marking the game's first score, following a touchdown by running back Giacomo Abbate that gave Warwick a 7-0 lead after the converted field goal. Russo had his pass intercepted by Warwick defensive back Nicholas Vicciardo during Middletown’s next offensive drive on 2nd & 9; the pass was intended for Aristhene.

With less than five minutes remaining in the half, Warwick quarterback Danny Lupkovich threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Matthew Desrats, giving the Wildcats a 13-0 lead and igniting Warwick's offense. However, Middletown’s offense would respond, beginning to find its rhythm offensively as it advanced into Warwick’s 25-yard line while still seeking its first score of the game. 

Trailing 13-0, Middletown needed to score. It didn't take long, as they'd score their first points of the game with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Russo to Aristhene, making it a one-score game after kicker Miguel Segovia Jr. successfully kicked a field goal to make it 13-7 heading into the half.

“I knew that was going to be a crucial drive for us,” said Russo after Middletown’s 21-13 win at Faller Field. “We needed points on the board. That’s what got us going. We knew the middle of the field was going to be open, and I trust this guy (Aristhene) with my life. I knew he was going to go up and get that.”

Warwick linebacker Aaron Callender intercepted Russo's pass intended for Aiden Barbosa, ending Middletown's first offensive drive of the second half. However, Middletown’s defense stepped up again, forcing a turnover on downs on Warwick inside their five-yard line, where they capitalized on Warwick’s error after Aristhenes' four-yard rushing touchdown tied the game up at 13 apiece.

Lupkovich and Warwick looked to answer back as he sneakily rushed to get Warwick inside Middletown’s 35. Ludkovich would find receiver Jackson Miceli, but a pass interference called on Middletown allowed Warwick to advance the ball to Middletown’s 10-yard line with 2:27 left in the third.

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Middletown’s defense responded with two big defensive stops, including a loss of five yards for Warwick on second down. This pushed Warwick back to the 16-yard line, making it 3rd & Goal, eventually forcing a turnover on downs as the defense provided stifling resistance once again.

The fourth started with both teams still tied at 13 apiece, but Middletown looked to change that after a 27-yard pass from Russo to receiver Joseph Royal to get them inside the 20 at Warwick’s 15-yard line. Two plays later, Russo would power his way for four yards into the end zone to give Middletown their first lead of the season, capitalized with a two-point conversion to Royal, giving them a 21-13 lead with under eight minutes to go in the game.

Warwick looked to respond, starting with a rocket pass from Ludkovich to Quenten Liciaga to get them inside Middletown’s 25. Warwick was able to get to Middletown’s one-yard line after a Ludkovich sneak as they looked to get back to tie the game. However, a false start on Warwick’s offense resulted in a five-yard penalty that pushed them back to the six.

It came down to fourth and goal for Warwick’s offense as Ludkovich looked to sneak it in from Middletown’s eight-yard line, ultimately coming up short of the end zone to force a turnover on downs. Middletown's defense delivered a crucial performance, securing their first victory of the season with a 21-13 comeback win over Warwick.

“You’ve got to do it for the brotherhood,” Aristhene said. “We kept our heads high and we finished strong.”

Middletown’s Player of the Game was junior running back Andy Aristhene, who finished with 46 receiving yards and 47 rushing yards for a combined 93 all-purpose yards, scoring two of Middletown’s three touchdowns. Coach Tim Strenfel and Middletown will look to go 2-1 as they play their rival, Port Jervis, in the first of three straight road games beginning Saturday, September 20, at noon Eastern time.