Middlebrooks sets school rushing yards record

On a night when Kyle Middlebrooks went into the program’s record book, the Fountain Valley football team took a giant step forward toward the CIF playoffs.

Middlebrooks rushed for 178 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries — doing so in just three quarters of play – on Nov. 13 to help rush the Barons past Marina, 42-0, in the Sunset League and regular-season finale for both teams at Estancia High. He had 130 yards and three scores on 13 carries in the first half alone.

His yardage was enough to allow the junior to break a Fountain Valley single-season rushing record that had stood for 27 years. And Middlebrooks did it with the previous record-holder, Rod Emery, in attendance.

Middlebrooks needed 114 yards entering the game to surpass Emery.

He now has rushed for 1,498 yards and eclipsed Emery’s previous record of 1,433 set in 1981. He broke the record on a 28-yard scoring run in the second quarter.

“He’s a special kid and a special talent, and he’d be the first to give his teammates the credit,” Fountain Valley Coach John Shipp said. “What else can you say about No. 7?”

In 10 games, Middlebrooks has reached the end zone 23 times, 20 by rush, two by kickoff return and one receiving. He’s not done, either: the Barons open the CIF playoffs Friday hosting Trinity League co-champion Orange Lutheran at Orange Coast College.

— Mike Sciacca