The Middletown North Football Program is heading into the 2022 high school football season looking to build off of the success of last year’s campaign.  The Lions, led by head coach Steve Bush, are looking to repeat as defending Shore Conference Division Champions. During the 2021 season the Lions were Independence Division Champions.  This year, they will compete in the Colonial Division with Central Regional, Lacey, Long Branch, Southern Regional and Toms River North.

The 2021 season saw the Lions jump out to a 5-1 record but injuries and some tough defeats, including a loss to Sayreville in the NJSIAA Playoffs, ended their season abruptly.  However, the Lions are looking to grow from that experience and will try to continue to build on the success that they achieved.  

The Lions lost key graduating players at the end of last season including the following: quarterback Tommy Giannone, running back/safety Brian Haddow, wide receivers Levi Wilson and Lucas Cerbo, tight end Zac Searight, linebacker Colin Devine and linemen Adam Conklin and Connor Clark. Although those players contributed greatly to last year’s campaign, the Lions return five starters including two-way senior star Jack Lopez.

Lopez has been a force within the Shore Conference since his freshman year, providing strength, grit and determination.  The 6’5”, 275 pound senior has been recognized as one of the best linemen on both sides of the ball in the state of New Jersey. His presence in the starting lineup earned him a scholarship to Harvard University in the fall of 2023.  As a force on the defensive line, Lopez accumulated 63 total tackles with 21 tackles for loss last season,  while also contributing three sacks, two forced fumbles and 20 quarterback hurries. Lopez also serves as the returning starter at left tackle, protecting quarterback Luke Sheehan’s blind side.

The Lions will look to lean on their defense this year to help them through their competitive schedule.  Senior defensive end Peter Dempsey, as well as defensive tackles Lucas Ainbinder and Christian Cueto will look to compliment Lopez up front. Junior Justin Soto returns at inside linebacker after registering 73 tackles during the 2021 campaign. Senior Michael Subik, junior James Barnao and junior Brian Dunleavy will also assist at outside linebacker.  The secondary will consist of returning starters Derek Soto and Jack LaBruno at the safety positions. The defensive backs are seniors Mykal Callender and Ryan Kane, as well as juniors Dylan Briggs and Richie Welton. The rover position will be manned by senior Richie Grabowski.

On the offensive side of the ball, the Lions will depend on strong play from the offensive line to help them generate yards.  Besides Lopez at the left tackle position, the Lions will have Lucas Ainbinder at right guard, Giovanni Antonucci at left guard, Andrew Klimovich at center and Thomas Randolph and Ryan Koenig competing for the starting spot at right tackle.

The Lions will see new junior quarterback Luke Sheehan take over Coach Steve Bush’s pass-heavy offense after Tommy Giannone graduated in June.  Sheehan will look for receivers Derek Soto, Dylan Briggs, Brian Dunleavy, Jack LaBruno, Ka’ley Spearman and Frank Zaino to play major roles in the pass offense. Peter Dempsey will play both ways for the Lions serving as the team’s tight end.  The Lions ground game will lean on James Barnao, Ka’ley Spearman and Neno Morgan-Acker to keep the chains moving.  The Lions will also return junior kicker Ian Poole-Morgan, who converted 20 extra points and three field goals last season.

Good luck this season and continue to be the “Roar of the Shore”!

Season Schedule

Sept. 2 – vs. Manalapan, 6 p.m.

Sept. 9 – @Central, 7 p.m.

Sept. 16 – @Lacey, 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 23 – vs. Southern, 7 p.m.

Oct. 7 – vs. Long Branch, 7 p.m.

Oct. 14 – @Ocean, 7 p.m.

Oct. 21 – vs. Toms River North, 7 p.m.

Nov. 24 – @Middletown South, 10:30 a.m.

2022 Middletown North Varsity Football Roster