GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The storied rivalry between Middleburg and Clay delivered another instant classic Friday night, as the Broncos escaped with a 28-27 road win over the Blue Devils, thanks to a late touchdown from Travis Pinkard and a game-sealing interception from Kadin Hanifen.
Middleburg (3-0) leaned on its ground game early, with Pinkard setting the tone. The senior running back opened the scoring with a 1-yard plunge and followed with an 11-yard touchdown run to push the Broncos ahead 13-0 in the first half. Clay (0-3), however, showed resilience.
Quarterback Landon Martin led the charge, finding Kade Williamson on a 10-yard touchdown pass, then hitting MiKeise Battle on a highlight 37-yard strike to trim the deficit to 14-13. Moments later, Nehemiah Bailey capped a drive with a 4-yard rushing score, and Martin added a two-point conversion to give Clay its first lead, 21-14.
Middleburg answered with fireworks of its own. Quarterback Mason Bacus connected with Jordan Williams on a 50-yard touchdown bomb, and Brock Araujo’s extra point tied the game at 21.
Barcus passed for 157 yards and a touchdown in the contest. Jordan Williams caught 3 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown on the night. Bacus has passed for 491 yards and 6 TDs on the season. Williams has 251 yards and 5 TDs on the early year.
With just over two minutes left, Clay surged back in front on Martin’s 1-yard touchdown run, though a missed PAT kept the lead at 27-21. Clay also got great efforts on defense sophomore Adam Whigham led the team in tackles next was Jvian Cobbert and J McCloud (7 tackles each)
That left the door open, and Pinkard slammed through it. On a must-convert fourth down, Bacus found his receiver to keep the drive alive, setting up Pinkard’s spectacular 30-yard touchdown run. Araujo’s kick gave Middleburg the 28-27 advantage.
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On Clay’s final possession, Hanifen stepped in front of a Martin pass for the decisive interception, sealing the Broncos’ dramatic victory. Middleburg defense stepped up big as Darius Swilley (15 Tackles, sack), Mason Peevy (14 tackles), and Dominic Swilley (13 tackles) led the team in stops.
Pinkard was the difference maker. He rushed for 138 yards and 3 touchdowns in the game. For Middleburg he and Braydon Ventura who leads the team with 215 yards rushing have made up for star Gino Addison missing a game. Martin tallied two passing scores, one rushing touchdown, and a two-point conversion for Clay finished with an amazing 230 yards rushing.
Head Coach Ryan Wolfe and Middleburg (3-0), winners of their first two contests, now turn their attention to Zarephath. They have Ridgeview and Orange Park on the horizon, both teams have upset opponents this year. Clay (0-3), still seeking their first win, will look to rebound at home against Tocoi Creek.
