Middletown North Returns Potent Offense

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By Sean Simmons
MIDDLETOWN – Even though the Middletown North football team finished with a 3-7 record last year and lost a 35-33 heartbreaker to Nottingham in the first round of the Central Jersey Group IV playoffs, the Lions have the potential to be one of the top offenses in the Shore Conference this season.
“We got better as the season went on last year,” Middletown North head coach Steve Bush said. “The kids are hungry and look forward to the season starting.”
The starting quarterback for the Lions this season will be sophomore sensation Donald Glenn. Last season, Glenn threw for 1,557 yards and 15 touchdowns. Glenn will look to improve his accuracy this season after throwing 16 interceptions last season.
“Donald did a great job for us last year,” Bush said. “He is a hard-working kid and will get better.”
North also returns powerful junior running back Chad Freshnock, who rushed for 1,056 yards and 11 touchdowns last year.
“Chad is a strong kid with good speed and he runs the ball well,” Bush said.
Glenn’s top passing targets will be senior wide receiver Jordan Pitts and senior tight end Troy Thompson. Last season, Pitts had 341 yards and three touchdowns receiving while Thompson had 283 yards and three touchdowns receiving.
Other key players on offense for the Lions are senior offensive tackles Constantine Dudzinski and Vincent Pianoforte, senior tight end Dylan Hallard and senior wide receiver Keyshawn Williams.
North’s defense will be led by Dudzinski at defensive tackle, Freshnock at linebacker, Hallard at outside linebacker, Pianoforte at defensive end, Pitts at free safety and Thompson at strong safety.
The best of the newcomers for the Lions are senior cornerback/running back Aaron Borrero, senior defensive tackle/offensive lineman Joe Antonio and sophomore cornerback/wide receiver Dwight Wilkerson.
“We are optimistic and the kids have worked hard in the offseason,” Bush said.
The Lions will open up their season at home at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, against Freehold Boro.
“Freehold Boro has some talented athletes and it will be a good challenge for us,” Bush said.
Middletown North 2014 Football Schedule
Sept. 5, Home vs. Freehold Boro, 7 p.m.
Sept. 12, Away vs. Perth Amboy, 7 p.m.
Sept. 19, Home, vs. Marlboro, 7 p.m.
Oct. 2, Away vs. Manalapan, 6 p.m.
Oct. 10, Away vs. Ocean, 7 p.m.
Oct. 17, Home vs. Howell, 7 p.m.
Oct. 31, Away vs. North Brunswick, 7 p.m.
Nov. 7, Away vs. Freehold Twp., 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 27, home vs. Middletown South, 10:30 a.m.
See the Middletown High School North 2014 football roster by clicking here: Middletown North 2014 Football Roster.