Video: Rising from the ash - Middletown Strong
MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — The
Middletown (Calif.) football program has always been a great rallying point for the small rural communities of Cobb Mountain, Hidden Valley and Middletown in Northern California.
"It's Middletown football," said Ron Kelly, the father of two boys in the program. "It's what we live for."
The 1,300 residents of Middletown and beyond had to fight for their lives starting Sept. 12 when the third-most destructive wildfire in California's fiery history ravaged through town.
The Mustangs take the field during their home game against Fort Bragg last Friday night.
Photo by Ed Oswalt
More than 1,900 structures and 1,250 homes were destroyed in the blaze, which also claimed four lives and countless pets and wildlife.
"I'm kind of speechless about what happened to this town," said Kelly, who lost his home and auto repair business. "It's amazing how strong this town is. We're a strong town."
A month after the inferno, MaxPreps Director of Photography Todd Shurtleff, freelance photographer Ed Oswalt and Senior Writer Mitch Stephens attended Middletown's first home football game since the blaze, a North Central I League game against rival Fort Bragg.
What we found was that the school and football field, virtually untouched by the destruction due to the heroic work of firefighters, proved a refuge and healing ground for players, fellow students, parents and residents alike.
The result of the game — a 28-14 Fort Bragg victory — meant little. What really counted were the stories, community, strength and compassion shared in one memorable evening in Middletown.
As Kelly said succinctly, Middletown is one strong town.
View photo gallery from last Friday's varsity home game against Fort Bragg
A destroyed property across the street from Middletown High School while a girls soccer game takes place in the background.
Photo by Mitch Stephens
Rubble from an apartment complex two blocks from Middletown High School.
Photo by Todd Shurtleff
A mangled "Children at Play" sign across the street from Middletown High School.
Photo by Mitch Stephens
Middletown players during the national anthem.
Photo by Mitch Stephens
From a marquee in the parking lot at Middletown High School.
Photo by Mitch Stephens
A bike angel puts one of 200 bikes together during a Saturday giveaway at Middletown Middle School.
Photo by Mitch Stephens
The Middletown school parking lot displays what an entire town feels.
Photo by Mitch Stephens
More than 200 bikes were lined up before the giveaway Oct. 10 at Middletown Middle School.
Photo by Mitch Stephens
Local residents sharing their praise for public service workers.
Photo by Mitch Stephens
Middletown senior Coleman Drew (7) said he always knew the community "had our backs. But never more than tonight."
Photo by Ed Oswalt
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American Red Cross: Go to “Western Wildfires” at
www.redcross.org.
* California Cadet Academy: Fundraising at
www.disasterrelief911.org.
*
El Molino High School: Crowdfunding benefiting
Middletwon High School athletics at
https://www.gofundme.com/MiddletownMustangs.
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Middletown High School: Checks should be made out to Middletown High School. The
address is: Middletown High School, C/O Bill Roderick, principal, 20932
Big Canyon Road, Middletown, CA, 95461.
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Santa Rosa Birth Center: Baby clothes and other supplies for children,
www.santarosabirthcenter.com.
* Sonoma Academy: Crowdfunding benefiting Middletown High School athletics at
http://www.gofundme.com/middletownhighsa.
*
Tri Counties Bank: Go to
www.tcbk.com
