Middletown shuts out Scranton Prep

BETHLEHEM – Sometimes history repeats itself. Last year Middletown defeated Scranton Prep 40-13 and advanced to the Semi-Finals.

This year, Middletown’s speed was too much as the Blue Raiders defeated Scranton Prep 35-0, in the PIAA Class 3A quarterfinals at Bethlehem Stadium’s Frank Banko Field on Friday night. They advanced and will play the winner of the Conwell-Egan vs. Palisades game being played today.

Missing from last night’s game was the Blue Raiders’ star running back Jose Lopez. No problem. Leading the running attack was Brady Fox and Tre Leach. The duo combined and rushed for 186 yards and four touchdowns.

With time running down in the first quarter, Brady Fox capped off a 50-yard drive on six plays. Fox went in from two yards out and Middletown led 7-0 with two seconds left in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Blue Raiders’ Tre Leach intercepted a Leo O’Boyle pass. Middletown took over on the Prep 42. Eight plays later Leach finish the drive going in from four yards out and the Blue Raiders led 14-0.

Late in the first half, quarterback Scott Ash completed passes to Ryan Hughes (51 yards) and Chris Plummer (21 yards). Fox went in from one yard out with 14 seconds remaining in the first half. Middletown went into halftime with a 21-0 lead.

Fox added his third touchdown run of the night in the third quarter. A two yard run extended the Blue Raiders lead, 28-0. The Blue Raiders used a trick play with 17 seconds remaining in the game. Tyreer Mills got the ball and threw it to Leach for the 10-yard touchdown pass.