VIDEO: Middle explodes in first half, wins opener

KALR GIULIAN: Two TDs and two blocked punts in Middle’s 35-7 win

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

SEABROOK — The Middle Township High School football team was fully prepared to play its season-opening game Thursday.

The Panthers scored touchdowns on each of their first five possessions and held Cumberland scoreless until the final two minutes of the contest in a 35-7 thrashing of the Colts under steamy conditions.

Karl Giulian’s 77-yard run on Middle’s first play from scrimmage was a harbinger of things to come as the Panther offense was crisp and efficient throughout the entire first half.

Quarterback Cameron Hamer scored from 13 yards out three plays after Giulian’s long run as Middle took the lead before the game was two minutes old.

A couple of long runs by David Hayes and a 20-yard run by Giulian set up Giulian’s one-yard score later in the first quarter.

After Carson Haas tackled a Cumberland running back for a loss on a fourth-and-one play, Middle drove 52 yards for another score, Hamer hitting Giulian with a five-yard touchdown pass.

Middle then recovered a fumble on a bad shotgun snap by Cumberland and Hamer hit Matt Marino for a 29-yard scoring pass three plays later to make the score 28-0.

Following the first of two blocked punts by Giulian, Hayes ran in from nine yards out as Middle took a 35-0 lead at the break.

Giulian ran four times for 104 yards and Hayes rushed eight times for 82 yards.

Defensively, Middle made 12 tackles for losses, including seven sacks. Giulian had three tackles for losses, Kyle Matthews posted three sacks and Drew Harris recorded an interception.

Kicker John Carlson made all five of his extra-point attempts.

Cumberland prevented a shutout when Rae Robinson hit Ryan Williams for a 32-yard touchdown pass with 2:02 remaining in the game.

Middle (1-0) is at Seaford (Del.) next Friday, Sept. 7.