Up against a loaded Class A North schedule, Middletown North finished last season’s regular season 3-4, but entered the state playoffs battle-tested and ready for the road ahead. The Lions knocked off rival Middletown South and Manalapan in consecutive weeks to reach the Central Jersey Group 4 championship game before falling to Brick Memorial. They closed the season on a high note by defeating Middletown South for a second time on Thanksgiving, finishing with a 6-5 record.

The Lions have several significant voids to fill, including replacing two-year starting quarterback Owen Robson, leading receiver Jack Viola, and one of the Shore Conference’s top specialists in kicker and punter Seamus Montague. However, with 13 starters returning, Middletown North still possesses the experience and talent to remain among the Shore Conference’s top contenders.

Middletown North has been relegated to Class B North, a division that does not include perennial powers Red Bank Catholic and Rumson-Fair Haven but remains highly competitive. The Lions will face a formidable slate that includes Matawan, Manasquan, Shore Regional, Freehold Township, and crosstown rival Middletown South.

Offense

The Lions return seven starters from an offense that averaged 20.8 points per game last season while totaling 1,419 rushing yards and 1,876 passing yards.

Junior Derek Grasso (5-10, 175) steps in as Robson’s successor under center. With defenses forced to respect Middletown North’s vaunted rushing attack, Grasso should have plenty of opportunities to capitalize through the air.

Senior Matt Belenko (5-10, 185) enters his final season as one of the Shore Conference’s top returning running backs. The 2025 Second Team All-Shore selection rushed for 1,237 yards and 14 touchdowns a year ago.

Senior Danny Sigler (5-10, 170) returns at wide receiver after catching 31 passes for 372 yards and two touchdowns and earning Second Team All-Class A North honors last season. Senior Brennan Cross (5-11, 205) is back after an injury cut short his junior campaign following starts in the first three games. Junior Anthony Christiani (5-11, 180) is projected to join them in the starting lineup after contributing as a part-time starter a year ago.

Senior Kade Little (6-2, 210) returns as the starting tight end after totaling nine receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown last season. In addition to his contributions as a pass catcher, Little is also one of the Lions’ top blockers.

The Lions return three senior starters along the offensive line in left tackle Logan Grenham (5-11, 290), left guard Derek Laguna (6-0, 285), and right guard Josh Johnson (5-8, 225). Junior Jordan Gardner (6-2, 260) is projected to step into the starting role at right tackle, while senior Liam Sheehan (5-10, 190) and junior Mike Lenino (5-10, 215) will compete for the starting center position.

Juniors Liam Moran (6-0, 175) and Nick Panetta (5-10, 175) enter camp competing for the starting kicker job, while the punter will be decided in preseason.

Defense

The Lions return six starters from a unit that allowed 24.3 points per game last season.

Laguna, a Second Team All-Class A North selection, returns at defensive end after totaling 22 tackles and two sacks last season. Senior Evan Koch (6-1, 180) is expected to start on the opposite side. Grenham, who earned Second Team All-Class A North honors, and Johnson return after splitting time at defensive tackle a year ago and will anchor a deep rotation that includes several other contributors.

Little returns as a starter at linebacker after compiling 100 tackles, two sacks, and an interception on his way to Second Team All-Shore honors a year ago. Junior Brennan Gallagher (6-0, 190) is projected to start at the other linebacker spot.

Sigler is projected to step into one cornerback spot, while senior Micah Phelps (5-10, 170) is expected to man the opposite side. Christiani returns at free safety after recording 17 tackles and an interception last season, while senior MJ Parulis is back at strong safety after totaling 26 tackles and a team-high five interceptions on his way to Second Team All-Class A North honors in 2025. Cross and senior Markus Ragusa (5-11, 180) will compete for the starting rover position.

 

Middletown North at a glance 

Head coach: Steve Bush, 21st season 

Career record: 150-112-1

2025 record: 6-5

Offense: Multiple Spread

Defense: Multiple

 

Coaching Staff

Defensive Coordinator/LB: Jason Glezman

OL/DL: Justin Fumando

WR/DB: Dwight Wilkerson

RB/OLB: Connor Welsh

OL/DL: Larry McKnight

JV: Mahaki Burns

JV: Anthony Petruzzi

Freshman: Dana Webster

Freshman: Mike Brandow

Circle the Date: Sept. 25 at Matawan

The Lions edged Matawan, 23-21, in a highly competitive matchup last season. With both teams returning a wealth of experience, this year’s rematch could play a pivotal role in determining the Class B North champion.

Newcomer to Watch: Derek Grasso, Jr., QB

The heir apparent to two-year starter Owen Robson will be counted on to keep Middletown North’s passing game productive as the Lions look to maintain the balanced offensive attack that has long been a staple of the program.

Schedule 

Date	Opponent
9/3	at Lacey
9/10	Shore
9/18	Manasquan
9/25	at Matawan
10/2	at St. John Vianney
10/16	Southern
10/22	Freehold Township
11/26	at Middletown South