Head Coach: Steve Bush
(7th Season)
2018 Record: 2-8
Offense: 18.8 points scored per game Defense: 32.2 points allowed per game
MIDDLETOWN – A 2-8 record doesn’t yield many positives, but Middletown North can take solace that they faced one of the toughest public school schedules in New Jersey. The Lions’ 2018 opponents had a combined record of 69-37 (.650 winning percentage). Things are slightly kinder in 2019, but not easy by any means. North’s 2019 opponents were 54-41 in 2018 (.568 winning percentage). Head coach Steve Bush has proven time and time again that his team improves from August training camp to the end of the season. Look no further than the Lions putting up 28 points to Non-Public Group 3 state champion Red Bank Catholic in late October and competing with archrival Middletown South in a 10-7 loss on Thanksgiving.
“We are doing well,” Bush said. “We’re a young team, a little inexperienced in some spots, but getting better each day. We’re optimistic about this season but need to stay healthy. We’re hungry to get back on track this season.”
Six starters return on Middletown North’s spread offense while four starters are back on the Lions 3-3 stack formation.
MIDDLETOWN NORTH LIONS
KEY RETURNERS:
Anthony Soto, Senior, RB/SS, 5’10”, 170 lbs.
Matt Spencer, Senior, WR/DB/QB, 6’1”, 150 lbs.
Rob Kelly, Senior, OG/DT, 6’0”, 297 lbs.
Kaden Letual, Senior, OT/DE, 6’2”, 216 lbs.
Andrew Kanski, Senior, C/DT, 5’8”, 230 lbs.
Quentin Soler, Junior, WR/CB, 5’10”, 141 lbs.
Travis Thompson, Senior, TE/LB, 5’10”, 217 lbs.
Eddie Farrell, Senior, LB/RB, 5’8”, 161 lbs.
KEY NEWCOMERS:
Nick Ferreira, Senior, QB/DB, 5’9”, 189 lbs.
Nico Cerbo, Junior, OT/DE, 5’11”, 207 lbs.
Brian Haddow, Sophomore, WR/RB/DB, 5’9”, 150 lbs.
Logan Halloran, Junior, TE/DE/K/P, 6’3”, 222 lbs.
Cheyenne Williams, Senior, CB/WR, 5’11”, 158 lbs.
Jonathan Miranda, Junior, DB/WR, 5’10”, 165 lbs.
Jake Jankowski, Junior, LB/TE, 5’10”, 189 lbs.
Joey Kang, Junior, OLB, 5’9”, 181 lbs.
MIDDLETOWN NORTH
2019 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Friday, Sept. 6 — vs. Wall
Friday, Sept. 13 — at Long Branch
Friday, Sept. 20 — vs. Marlboro
Friday, Sept. 27 — at Freehold Township
Friday, Oct. 4 — vs. Brick Memorial
Friday, Oct. 11 — at Southern Regional
Friday, Oct. 18 — vs. Howell
Friday, Oct. 25 — vs. Mater Dei Prep
Thursday, Nov. 28 — at Middletown South
GAME TO WATCH
FRIDAY, SEPT. 20
HOME GAME VS. MARLBORO
The Lions have a tall task in the first two weeks with matchups against Wall and Long Branch. Week 3 has the Mustangs coming to Middletown and a chance for Middletown North to put together a winning streak. It’s the start of a five-game stretch that the Lions should find themselves capable of winning every game if they can execute and come together.
PLAYER TO WATCH
ANTHONY SOTO
SENIOR RB/STRONG SAFETY
Soto is Middletown North’s leading returning receiver with 38 catches for 470 yards. He’ll make the move over to running back and be a catalyst for the Lions offense in a different way. His confidence as a proven playmaker will serve Middletown North as new quarterback Nick Ferreira will have Soto ready to keep defenses honest and allow coach Bush to draw up some creative routes including Soto catching balls out of the backfield and a balanced offense.
