Welcome to Faller Field, where the Middletown Middie Bears are set to host the Port Jervis Raiders. In a historic rivalry that began in 1897, this New York matchup is one of over 100 featured games in the 23rd season of the Great American Rivalry Series. 

In their last 21 meetings, these two programs have been very competitive, with Middletown owning an 11-10 edge over Port Jervis. However, in their most recent matchup, the Raiders dominated the Middie Bears 55-21. The Raiders controlled all aspects of the game while forcing three turnovers and only allowing one touchdown after the first quarter. Middletown will be looking to avenge their loss from last season and return to their 2023 form, when they recorded a 9-2 season. 

Mark your calendar for September 26th, as 5,000 fans anxiously await another installment of the “Erie Bell Game.” 

We Know Friday Nights 

MVP

Ryheem Tinsley Jr
Middletown

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Justin Stewart

Middletown

Justin has excelled both academically and athletically throughout high school, earning High Honor Roll recognition all four years as well as a Scholastic Gold Key Award for his artwork. He is a dedicated football player who is always training, learning, and pushing himself to improve both on and off the field. Justin also has an entrepreneurial spirit and is constantly exploring ideas and opportunities to start his own business. His drive, creativity, and determination reflect the well-rounded student-athlete he has become. After graduation, Justin hopes to play college football in South Florida and pursue a degree in business or a sports-related field. He is determined to take football to the professional level while also building a future that combines his interests in sports, business, and entrepreneurship.
Thomas Andriac

Port Jervis

Tommy is a true example of what it means to be a scholar athlete. He is a four-sport varsity athlete, competing in football, tennis, track, and volleyball all while being ranked second in his class with a 109.45 GPA. Tommy is also an all-state musician who ranks in the top ten clarinetists in New York State. After high school, he plans to become an anesthesiologist and provide for his future family the best he can while proving to himself that he can be the best.

GAME SUMMARY

The 148th Erie Bell Game added another thrilling chapter to one of the oldest rivalry’s in the country. Middletown started the game strong, as QB Joseph Royal found WR Ryheem Tinsley Jr. for a 55-yard touchdown to take a 6-0 lead just a few minutes into the game. After both teams traded turnovers and punts, Middletown took over with 27 seconds left in the first quarter. From there, Middletown controlled the clock using their run game and went on a 10-minute drive, ending with a QB keeper that found the endzone to extend their lead. Port Jervis put together a good drive, but they weren’t able to get off one final play, sending it to halftime with Middletown up 13-0. Coming out of half, Port Jervis put together a good drive, but the Middie Bears forced a fumble to take over. After the Raiders defense forced a punt, they went on a long drive of their own, as their QB used a keeper of his own to put Port Jervis on the board and cut the deficit to 13-7. To start the 4th quarter, Middletown extended their lead as Joseph Royal punched in his second rushing touchdown of the night. On the ensuing possession, game MVP Ryheem Tinsley Jr. came up with his second big play of the night as he intercepted the first Port Jervis pass. The Raiders were not giving up as they forced a fumble of their own and looked to mount a late comeback. However, the Middie Bears slammed the door shut as a pick 6 further extended the lead, bringing the final score to 28-7. Middletown won back the Erie Bell and moves to 4-0 on the season as Port Jervis falls to 2-2.