Explosive Plays Power Middletown past Kent Island, 27-10
September 13, 2025
STEVENSVILLE, Md. — Middletown (2-0) leaned heavily on explosive plays on offense and a strong defense to head on the road and pick up a 27-10 victory over a solid Kent Island (1-1) team on Friday evening at Kent Island High School.
The Knights, led by Senior QB Brittin Poffenbarger, had two touchdowns of 80 yards or more, paired with three interceptions on defense, that were too much to overcome for Kent Island. Middletown really clamped down on defense in the second half, holding the Bucs scoreless after the break.
The Buccaneers, however, started off the game strongly, receiving the opening kickoff and driving all the way down to the Middletown 3-yard line. The drive stalled, however, and kicker Spencer Chappell knocked through a field goal from 20 yards out to give Kent Island the 3-0 lead. The initial possession of the game for the Bucs took up nearly half of the entire first quarter.
Kent Island would take a 3-0 lead into the second quarter, seemingly holding the Middletown offense in check. The Knights failed to convert on 4th and short in Kent Island territory early in the second half, but the Middletown defense forced a quick three-and-out, which gave the Knights the spark they needed. A fast-paced drive was capped with a 3-yard rush by Poffenbarger to give Middletown a 7-3 advantage.
After another three and out for Kent Island, the Knights took over backed up against their goal line after a punt, but that would prove to be no problem. Running back Ryan McLister cut to the outside and found running room down the sideline and ran 92 yards to the house to extend the Middletown lead. The extra point was blocked, so the Knights took a 13-3 lead.
Only a minute later, however, Kent Island answered right back with a big play of their own. Quarterback Trace Klapaska connected with receiver Chase Helfenbein for a 64-yard touchdown to cut the Knights lead to 13-10. Middletown would immediately fumble on its next possession, so it seemed the momentum had fully shifted back in favor of the Bucs. But, a 41-yard field goal attempt by Kent Island was blocked right before halftime, and Middletown would take a three-point advantage into the locker room.
Middletown received the second half kickoff and wasted no time extending their lead. Just over 30 seconds into the third quarter, Poffenbarger rolled to his right, evaded the pressure, and flung the ball down field into the waiting arms of receiver Clinton Lee who took the ball 80 yards for a touchdown. The Knights extended their lead to 20-10.
At this point, the Middletown defense had Kent Island in a vice grip. The Buccaneers had next to no success moving the ball in the second half, with the Knights forcing three takeaways.
The Knights added another touchdown late in the third quarter on a 16-yard pass from Poffenbarger to Nathan Borawski to take a 27-10 lead, which would be the final score.
Middletown will return to action next weekend as the Knights host a big matchup with Frederick County power Oakdale. Kent Island will hit the road next weekend and face-off against Easton.
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