Middletown running back Sean Williams powered the Islanders to a 22-6 victory over Tiverton on Thursday night at Portsmouth High School, scoring twice to lead his team’s ground attack.

Williams, wearing No. 2, carried the load for Middletown throughout the contest, finding the end zone twice in the convincing win. Jack Silvia added another touchdown for the Islanders to help secure the victory.

Despite the lopsided score, Tiverton quarterback Jonathan Rybak kept the game entertaining with exciting throws throughout the contest, showcasing the arm talent that could make the Tigers a fun team to watch this season.

Middletown head coach Matt Kestler expressed optimism about his team’s prospects heading into the regular season, noting his squad’s youth but highlighting their strong offensive line and solid running back depth.

For Tiverton, despite having a smaller roster this year, the Tigers showed flashes of potential that suggest they will be competitive as the season progresses. Rybak’s performance under center provided a glimpse of what the Tigers can accomplish through the air.

Tiverton’s #7 Hamza Mehmood scored a touchdown for the Tigers late in the second half to make the score 22-6. 

The 22-6 final score reflected Middletown’s balanced offensive attack and ability to control the game on the ground, setting a positive tone as both teams prepare for their upcoming regular season campaigns.

Photo gallery by Justin Walker/What’sUpNewp

Justin Walker is a Newport County native who specializes in sports, portraits, weddings and events as a freelance photographer around New England. Justin has over a decade of experience starting in college covering high profile events, collegiate and professional sports in Washington, D.C. His photojournalism and freelance work can be seen in various local and national publications. Check out his work at justinlwalkerphotography.com!

Ryan Belmore is the owner and publisher of What's Up Newp. He took over the publication in 2012 and has grown it into a three-time Rhode Island Monthly Best Local News Blog (2018, 2019, 2020). He was named LION Publishers Member of the Year in 2020 and received the Dominique Award from the Arts & Cultural Society of Newport County the same year. He has been awarded grants for investigative and community journalism, and continues to coach and mentor new local news publications nationwide. Ryan...