Dragons torch Whalers

MIDDLETOWN 37 NEW LONDON 12

MIDDLETOWN — The promise of wind and frigid temperatures kept a lot of football fans away from Rosek-Skubel Stadium on Wednesday night.

It was cold, but the conditions were calm, and those who did not show missed another 48-minute showcase from Middletown’s defense — and a 19th straight Blue Dragons regular-season victory.

Middletown scored on its first play from scrimmage, a 41-yard run by DaJuan Lomotey, and converted three of New London’s four turnovers into points in the first half as the Blue Dragons cruised to a 37-12 nonconference win.

“The defense was awesome,” Middletown coach Sal Morello said. “We took control early. We talked about coming out fast, telling the kids, ‘Don’t keep this team around and don’t let them believe.’ ”

Middletown is one of four Class L teams that unofficially had a playoff berth in the bag, along with defending champion Hand, Naugatuck and Maloney (8-1), entering the game. When Windsor visits Wednesday, the CCC Division II East title will be at stake — and a chance for the Blue Dragons to clinch another 10-0 regular season.

New London (5-4) had to win this one, its finale against Norwich Free Academy, plus receive help in order to be in position to qualify in Class L.

The Whalers’ hopes were dashed early. Following Lomotey’s score, New London went three and out and had its punt blocked. Anthony Pappa recovered and Tyreece Lumpkin scored three plays later. Matthew

Aresco’s extra-point try hit the right upright, leaving the Dragons with a 13-0 lead.

New London’s next punt was blocked as well, but Middletown ended up fumbling the recovery. With the ball back in their possession, the Whalers gave it away again, this time bungling the snap. Middletown recovered on the 6-yard line, where senior quarterback Jonta’e DempseyBrown threw to Lumpkin on the first play for the score.

“The defense definitely played a major role in our success tonight,” Lomotey said. “We really try to have our defense up and always playing together. Our defensive definitely was the key to our success.”

Middletown ran only 37 offensive plays and had just 180 yards of total offense, but it sufficed. Lomotey got the most touches of any back — seven — and gained 70 yards. Xzavier Reyes, Middletown’s featured back, had only three carries. He got banged up in last week’s win over Platt and was well enough to run the ball, but Morello only wanted to use him if it made sense.

“We took control so early that we tried to be smart with Reyes,” the coach said. “We didn’t get many opportunities on offense, with the quick score and the turnovers, but I’m happy with the way we played. I’m never going to be satisfied, but we did what we had to do today.”

Aresco kicked a 32-yard field goal midway through the second quarter to give Middletown a 23-point lead. New London got some of that back on its possession — and helped along the way by three Dragons personal foul penalties — when Jacob Commander (99 yards rushing) scored on an 8-yard run.

Lomotey scored on a 15-yard run with 3:17 left to give Middletown a 30-6 lead at halftime.

Despres had two picks in the game. Dempsey-Brown was 7 of 11 passing for 91 yards and the TD to Lomotey, and he also had an interception, his sixth of the season.

New London scored a touchdown on the game’s final play. Middletown’s defense has allowed 93 points in nine games.

Middletown hasn’t lost a regular-season game since its 2016 regular-season finale — to Windsor. Morello said the Blue Dragons will take Thursday off before putting their energy into the game plan for the Warriors (7-2), who are currently the sixth seed in Class L. Middletown is third in the eight-team race.

“Then we start our preparation Friday for a very good Windsor team,” Morello said. “It’s going to be a heck of a football game.”