One Win Away: Middletown North Throttles Teaneck, Earns Another Shot at Sectional Title

MIDDLETOWN — When Middletown North lost to Brick Memorial in last year’s sectional final, it lit a fire under an emerging group and gave the Lions a benchmark to reach again. The team recognized its potential and went to work to right that wrong. On Friday night, the Lions took one more step towards that benchmark, throttling Teaneck 47-21 to earn a spot in the North Jersey, Section 2, Group IV championship game.

Middletown North will host the winner of Chatham and Mount Olive next Friday, with the Lions looking to capture the sectional championship that eluded them a year ago.

The Lions were roaring early. On the second play from scrimmage, senior running back Matt Belenko found a seam and scampered to the end zone from 61 yards out, setting the tone for a dominant first half.

“My line up front blocks really well. Derek Laguna is fast and good at pulling. Once I know I can get to the outside, I’m 100 percent confident I can probably take it.” said Belenko.

Later in the quarter, junior quarterback Derek Grasso connected with Kade Little for a 7-yard score, putting the Lions up 14-0. As the rain picked up, so did the downpour of touchdowns. Junior receiver Anthony Christiani took over in the second quarter, weaving through tacklers on a touchdown run that extended the lead to 21. Later in the half, he added a 78-yard touchdown reception from Grasso.

The Lions led 28-7 at halftime, and things got interesting when Teaneck marched down the field and scored to open the second half. However, the Lions’ attack proved too much to handle.

The Lions boast a core with talent and playoff pedigree. Belenko, Grasso, Patrick Jacques and Christiani all played major roles in the win.

Belenko had a monster night, rushing for 174 yards and two scores while adding a 12-yard reception. The senior has proven time and again that he is one of the conference’s most dynamic running backs, entering the game with more than 1,000 rushing yards. His patience and ability to find a seam, coupled with breakaway speed, make him especially dangerous.

“They really ran the ball well. They’re both very good, and I’m glad for Pat. Pat, on most teams, would be a starter, but he fills in whenever he comes in and does a great job. We’re really proud of him.” said Lions head coach Steve Bush.

Jacques also put together a strong performance, totaling 82 yards from scrimmage and two scores. Despite limited opportunities this season, Jaques proved he can be a difference-maker when given the chance.

The duo was aided by strong performances from Grasso and Christiani. Christiani caught five passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns, added 19 yards and a touchdown on the ground, and intercepted a pass.

“Anthony had a great game. He finished off some plays with his runs after the catch, and Derek got on the ball. They did a good job. I’m really proud of them.” said Bush.

Grasso was sharp and efficient, completing 12 of 15 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns to complement the Lions’ strong ground game. The junior quarterback proved he could spin it with the best of them, throwing strike after strike in poor weather conditions. His play has been one of the main reasons the Lions have reached this point again.

Fueling the team’s return to the sectional final was the sting of last year’s loss. Reaching this stage in consecutive seasons is a major accomplishment, but this time, the Lions enter as the favorite. Last year’s run was a breakthrough. This year, reaching the final was the expectation.

“We’re really confident. Obviously, last year really stung, but we put in that work in the offseason. We’re ready to win the sectional final.” said Jacques.