From the opening kickoff, both teams brought intensity. Early defensive stands led to traded punts, and it looked like fans were in for a slugfest. But midway through the first quarter, Port Jervis senior quarterback Dylan Fox connected on a deep strike down the seam for a 50-yard touchdown, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and giving the Raiders a 7-0 lead.

Middletown answered with a promising drive of their own. Behind strong runs from their running back and some crafty play-action, the Middie Bears found the end zone to tie it at 7.

Port Jervis began to impose their will in the second quarter. A bruising ground attack tallied over 100 yards in the first half alone, setting up a pair of quick scores. A short touchdown run made it 14-7, and after a fumble recovery on the next kickoff, the Raiders struck again with a 12-yard toss pushing the lead to 21-7. Middletown chipped in a field goal before halftime to make it 21-10, but the momentum had clearly swung.

The third quarter belonged entirely to Port Jervis. Their defense stiffened, forcing back-to-back three-and-outs, while the offense turned short fields into points. A 38-yard run and a pick-six blew the game wide open, extending the lead to 41-10.

Though Middletown showed some fight with a fourth-quarter touchdown, the Raiders kept their foot on the gas, tacking on two more scores, including a highlight-reel 60-yard run that had fans on their feet and the Bell within reach.

The Raiders’ defense forced three turnovers and allowed just one touchdown after the first quarter.

With the win, Port Jervis not only retains the Erie Bell but sends a strong message across, the defending state champion Raiders are for real. For Middletown, it’s a tough loss in a heated rivalry, but one they’ll surely circle next season.