Middleburg FL- The Middleburg Broncos defeated the Ribault Trojans 14-0 on Friday night to earn their first victory of the 2023 season. It’s been a gruiling schedule for the Broncos, with the toughest schedule in Clay county, and one of the toughest in Northeast Florida. Their opponent’s posted an 11-1 record before coming into this game against a 3-1 Ribault team. So the Broncos were battle tested, and looked to use all that experience for their benefit at home.
Middleburg and Ribault would go scoreless in the first half, however in the second half saw the Broncos get on the board first. Senior Austin Cruce took the direct snap, and powered his way untouched for a touchdown.
Middleburg scores! They lead Ribault 7-0 3rd qtr pic.twitter.com/BJWBF9DvpF
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 23, 2023
Running behind the great blocking of his offensive line, Cruce looked like a freight train coming down a track, as Ribault dfenders seemed to not want to get in the way of that “A-Train”.
Middleburg would score again when Jaydan Jenkins lined up in the backfield with the direct snap and followed his offensive line to the endzone for a score. The line of Micah George, Gage Isbell, Charles Little, Noah Montoro, and BJ Carter really controlled the line of scrimmage against Ribault.
Middleburg scores! They lead Ribault 7-0 3rd qtr pic.twitter.com/BJWBF9DvpF
— Duval Sports (@DuvalSports) September 23, 2023
Ironically, it was Homecoming for Middleburg, and Austin Cruce was named Homecoming King. That’s all the scoring the Broncos would need on the night, as the Middleburg defense would shut out Ribault on the evening. The Trojans had not been held scoreless this year. Cruce played linebacker as well, and leads the team in tackles.
For Ribault, it was a frustrating night on offense as they couldn’t get anything going. Their defense held up for two and a half quarters, but was worn down by the fourth quarter back the big Middleburg offensive line.
Ribault faces Jackson (1-3) next week, while Middleburg will face Ridgeview (1-3), looking for their second win in a row. Every game can’t be homecoming, but Middleburg will look to play like it is in the weeks going forward.
Photos by Heather Isbell
