The unranked Middletown North Lions football team was not getting much love heading into their matchup with the No. 8 Long Branch Green Wave on October 16, 2020.  The Lions who have struggled early in the season, were looking to make a statement entering this Friday night’s contest.  That statement was a loud one, with the North defense posting a shutout with a 6-0 win over their division rival. The Lions took the lead in the first quarter with a 45 yard touchdown pass from Tommy Giannone to Quinten Soler and never looked back.  As predicted, Middletown North’s defense was going to be the strength of their team heading into this season.  This point was proven by the stellar performance of senior linebacker and captain Jake Jankowski whom recorded 12 tackles and an interception.

Long Branch had an opportunity late in the fourth quarter to get on the board , but were halted by a Quinten Soler interception.  The interception guaranteed Middletown North (1-2) their first win of the 2020 campaign and their first shutout since 2016.  Since losing 42-0 to Long Branch in the first round of NJSIAA State Sectional Playoffs in 2018, Middletown North has won each of the last two games of the series by one score. The loss drops Long Branch to a record of 1-2 on the season.

The Lions look to continue their winning ways this week when they will face off against No. 4 Red Bank Catholic on Friday October 23, 2020 (7 PM) at Arnie Truex Field.

Photos courtesy of Kevin Prefer- https://www.jerseypics.com/