JACKSONVILLE - The Middleburg Broncos have had a frustrating season so far in 2019. They have lost leads of 17 and 19 points in the second half only to come up short on the final scoreboard. Whether it was defensive lapses or untimely turnovers on offense, the season was starting to point in the wrong direction. All that changed as the Broncos defense forced four turnovers and the offense scored nearly at will for a 42-7 win to spoil homecoming at Englewood High School on Friday in Jacksonville.

"I feel good we didn't turn the ball over and I am really proud of how we were able to overcome the injury bug that has hit us hard lately," said Middleburg head coach Karl Smeltzer, now 1-3.

The win was huge for the Broncos because they will start district 2-6A play next week in what coach Karl Smeltzer describes as "brutal" with powerhouses such as Robert E. Lee (3-1, ranked eighth in 6A, loss to Bartram Trail) and Lake City Columbia (4-0, ranked second in 6A, blew out Trinity Christian 38-7), who many consider the top team in Florida.

"It really boosts our confidence, and honestly we should have two more wins but now we know what we are capable of doing when we put a four quarter game together" said quarterback Joe Justino.

Linebacker Steven Henrikson echoed those thoughts.

"When we as a defense get takeaways and our offense continues to score points and limit turnovers; which is what was stressed in practice this week, we can play with anyone," said Henriksen.

Against Englewood, the Broncos scored two first quarter touchdowns on a 40 yard run by Trevor Shearin and a seven yard run later in the quarter by Brody Senn for a 13-0 lead. Unfortunately for Shearin he would not return after the run as he suffered a lower body injury scoring the touchdown.

"I was worried because when we lost Trevor we were already down a tailback so my second string full back had to play first string tailback for us," added Smeltzer.

Kicker/quarterback Joe Justino added an early second quarter field goal for a commanding 16-0 lead. However, Englewood would strike back quickly on a 76 yard run by Jahquez Mitchell to keep the Rams within striking distance.

Justino would answer back with a beautifully throwN 56 yard touchdown pass to Laron Bryant midway through the quarter for a comfortable 22-7 lead.

After the Bronco defense forced a three and out, Justino and Bryant hooked up again for a 33 yard touchdown pass late in the half for a 29-7 lead.

"We felt we had an advantage on the outside with our weapons at reciever and I thought Joe (Justino) did a great job exploiting that for us," said Smeltzer.

Englewood would desperately try to score in the final moments of the half with some assistance from a pass interference penalty on the Broncos that put the Rams on the Middleburg 38 yard line. Englewood would advance the ball to the five yard line with seven seconds left before halftime. They would get three chances to score in those seven seconds thanks to a personal foul on the Bronco defense adding one untimed play for the Rams. However, the defensive line on the final play of the half got a push and sacked the Rams quarterback five yards behind the line of scrimmage to end a dominating offensive and defensive first half performance.

"We had a great week of practice and the coaches did a great job of preparing us for their speed on offense," said Bronco senior lineman Cole Leclair.

The second half played out much like the first half with Bronco safety Taj Gonsalves intercepting a third down pass on the Rams opening possession to the 23 yard line. Unfortunately, a block in the back penalty started the Broncos at the Rams 46 yard line. Justino would call his own number later in the drive and run 17 yards for the touchdown and 35-7 lead.

Middleburg would add one more score on a six yard touchdown run by backup quarterback Luke Padgett with just under two minutes left for a final of 42-7. Side note: I wrote the Governor's office to see if it's a state law that at least one member of a Middleburg sports team must include the last name Padgett. When I hear back I will inform Clay Today readers.