On FRIDAY OCTOBER 13, 2023: Middletown High School North will honor and recognize the anniversary of the 1983 Middletown High School North Football Program prior to kickoff against Brick Township.
It was 40 years ago, that the Lions under legendary coach Vic Kubu completed an undefeated 11-0 season. The Lions would have one of the most remarkable runs in high school football compiling a 30-2 record from 1981-1983.
It was a moment that had been building for several years under head coach Vic Kubu, with the Lions winning the A North title in 1981 before falling to J.P. Stevens in the Central Jersey Group IV final in 1982 for their only loss. But there was no denying the Lions during the 1983 season, knocking off J.P. Stevens in the semifinals before beating Hunderdon Central, 6-0 in the State Championship Final.
Pat Toland was a star on both sides of the ball. He barreled for 1,337 yards and 11 TDs that season, part of the “Thunder and Lightning’’ backfield along with speedy junior Kurtis Reed. And against Hunterdon Central it was Toland who helped secure the win from his defensive end spot by recording sacks on the final two plays of the game.
Outscoring opponents by a 267-85 margin, the Lions finished the season ranked No. 1 in the Shore Conference. The campaign included a hard-fought 15-0 win over crosstown rival Middletown South on Thanksgiving Day.
The Lions featured a talented mix of seniors and underclassmen who were recognized with post season honors. Bill Butler and Pat Toland were 1st Team All Shore Selections.Mark Duncan, Anthony Fabiano and Anthony Longhitano were 2nd Team All Shore Selections.Ed McDonald and Kurtis Reed were 3rd Team All Shore Selections while Bill Merse was selected to the All County Team. Head Coach Vic Kubu was recognized as Coach of the Year.
Any player from the 1983 Team is welcomed to join us at midfield prior to kickoff.
