MIDDLETOWN NORTH LOOKS TO TURNAROUND STRUGGLING PROGRAM
By Mike Ready
HOLMDEL – Incoming head coach Steve Bush liked what he saw of his new team in Monday’s 7-on-7 tournament held at Holmdel High School.
Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“We’re just at the beginning stages of teaching concepts and terminology,” Bush said. “So I was pleased with the effort the guy’s made today and the way they competed. Today helped us identify what the players are, what they’re capable of doing and what’s the best spot for them.”
Competing against nine other Monmouth County High Schools in this round robin tournament, the Lions went 4-1, defeating St. John Vianney, Manalapan, Shore Regional and Matawan before losing to Freehold Boro in the finals. Freehold Boro will now take on the winner of the Ocean County 7-on-7 tournament prior to Thursday’s Grdiron Classic at Toms River North High School.
Find out what's happening in Middletownwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Senior Ryan McMahon gets the start at quarterback this season after starting at cornerback last year and appears ready for a breakout season, after tossing 10 touchdown passes to five different receivers in Monday’s action.
“Hopefully this translates into the season,” McMahon said. “We feel Coach Bush can help us turn it around this year. Today gives us a reason for optimism.”
“McMahon did a good job for us today,” Bush said. “We introduced some new things for him today which he handled well; he’s only going to get better with reps. He missed all of last week’s practices, so for him to jump in there and compete like he did today was excellent.”
Senior captains Jake Betkowski and Brandon Piccini hauled in three and two touchdown passes respectively from McMahon and seem to be developing good chemistry with their first year quarterback.
“Both Betkowski and Piccini did really good jobs for us all day,” Bush said. “They’ll be counted on heavily both offensively and defensively for us this season.”
Junior wideout Jordon Pitts went up and made a nice catch in a crowd for a touchdown. “He’s still coming into his own but has a lot of ability,” Bush said of Pitts.
Sophomore running back/linebacker Chad Freshnock was all-over the field for the Lions and grabbed two touchdown passes from McMahon.
“Chad is only a sophomore but he’s going to be a very good football player for us on both sides of the ball, Bush said. “He’s a tremendous athlete who lettered in three varsity sports as a freshman.”
Troy Thompson, who scored twice for the Lions on McMahon strikes, is another valuable two-way player for the Lions.
“Troy did a nice all-around job for us today,” Bush said. “We’ll use him at tight end as well as flexing him out as the fourth wideout. He’ll be our starting strong safety on defense and be counted on heavily to make some plays for us in the backfield.”
When the Lions were on defense it was hard not to notice senior inside linebacker Dan Napolitano. The senior captain has a nose for the ball and plays sideline to sideline.
“Dan’s a fiery guy who did a good job for us today, Bush said. “He was around the ball all day and knocked down some passes. He’s a quality player and our defensive leader.”
“Last year we went 0-3 in this tournament, so that’s a nice turnaround for us,” Napolitano said. “We have some experience this year and it showed today. This was only a small test, when the pads come on it’s a whole new ballgame; but it gave us something to build on. Coach Bush has been great, I like his style of coaching, he’s so positive and with his coaching experience, it gives us some well needed credibility.”
“It was great to see them compete and get excited with the success they had today,” Bush said. “We know this is just the starting point and we have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but I feel good about our team and the direction the program is heading.”
The Lions open the season on the road at Brick Memorial High School on Friday, 9-20-13 @ 7:00 p.m.
MIDDLETOWN NORTH EXCELS IN THE ALL-SHORE GRIDIRON CLASSIC 7-ON-7 TOURNAMENT
By Mike Ready
HOLMDEL – Incoming head coach Steve Bush liked what he saw of his new team in Monday’s 7-on-7 tournament held at Holmdel High School.
“We’re just at the beginning stages of teaching concepts and terminology,” Bush said. “So I was pleased with the effort the guy’s made today and the way they competed. Today helped us identify what the players are, what they’re capable of doing and what’s the best spot for them.”
Competing against nine other Monmouth County High Schools in this round robin tournament, the Lions went 4-1, defeating St. John Vianney, Manalapan, Shore Regional and Matawan before losing to Freehold Boro in the finals. Freehold Boro will now take on the winner of the Ocean County 7-on-7 tournament prior to Thursday’s Grdiron Classic at Toms River North High School.
Senior Ryan McMahon gets the start at quarterback this season after starting at cornerback last year and appears ready for a breakout season, after tossing 10 touchdown passes to five different receivers in Monday’s action.
“Hopefully this translates into the season,” McMahon said. “We feel Coach Bush can help us turn it around this year. Today gives us a reason for optimism.”
“McMahon did a good job for us today,” Bush said. “We introduced some new things for him today which he handled well; he’s only going to get better with reps. He missed all of last week’s practices, so for him to jump in there and compete like he did today was excellent.”
Senior captains Jake Betkowski and Brandon Piccini hauled in three and two touchdown passes respectively from McMahon and seem to be developing good chemistry with their first year quarterback.
“Both Betkowski and Piccini did really good jobs for us all day,” Bush said. “They’ll be counted on heavily both offensively and defensively for us this season.”
Junior wideout Jordon Pitts went up and made a nice catch in a crowd for a touchdown. “He’s still coming into his own but has a lot of ability,” Bush said of Pitts.
Sophomore running back/linebacker Chad Freshnock was all-over the field for the Lions and grabbed two touchdown passes from McMahon.
“Chad is only a sophomore but he’s going to be a very good football player for us on both sides of the ball, Bush said. “He’s a tremendous athlete who lettered in three varsity sports as a freshman.”
Troy Thompson, who scored twice for the Lions on McMahon strikes, is another valuable two-way player for the Lions.
“Troy did a nice all-around job for us today,” Bush said. “We’ll use him at tight end as well as flexing him out as the fourth wideout. He’ll be our starting strong safety on defense and be counted on heavily to make some plays for us in the backfield.”
When the Lions were on defense it was hard not to notice senior inside linebacker Dan Napolitano. The senior captain has a nose for the ball and plays sideline to sideline.
“Dan’s a fiery guy who did a good job for us today, Bush said. “He was around the ball all day and knocked down some passes. He’s a quality player and our defensive leader.”
“Last year we went 0-3 in this tournament, so that’s a nice turnaround for us,” Napolitano said. “We have some experience this year and it showed today. This was only a small test, when the pads come on it’s a whole new ballgame; but it gave us something to build on. Coach Bush has been great, I like his style of coaching, he’s so positive and with his coaching experience, it gives us some well needed credibility.”
“It was great to see them compete and get excited with the success they had today,” Bush said. “We know this is just the starting point and we have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but I feel good about our team and the upcoming season.”
The Lions open the season on the road at Brick Memorial High School on Friday, 9-20-13 @ 7:00 p.m.
MIDDLETOWN NORTH EXCELS IN THE ALL-SHORE GRIDIRON CLASSIC 7-ON-7 TOURNAMENT
By Mike Ready
HOLMDEL – Incoming head coach Steve Bush liked what he saw of his new team in Monday’s 7-on-7 tournament held at Holmdel High School.
“We’re just at the beginning stages of teaching concepts and terminology,” Bush said. “So I was pleased with the effort the guy’s made today and the way they competed. Today helped us identify what the players are, what they’re capable of doing and what’s the best spot for them.”
Competing against nine other Monmouth County High Schools in this round robin tournament, the Lions went 4-1, defeating St. John Vianney, Manalapan, Shore Regional and Matawan before losing to Freehold Boro in the finals. Freehold Boro will now take on the winner of the Ocean County 7-on-7 tournament prior to Thursday’s Grdiron Classic at Toms River North High School.
Senior Ryan McMahon gets the start at quarterback this season after starting at cornerback last year and appears ready for a breakout season, after tossing 10 touchdown passes to five different receivers in Monday’s action.
“Hopefully this translates into the season,” McMahon said. “We feel Coach Bush can help us turn it around this year. Today gives us a reason for optimism.”
“McMahon did a good job for us today,” Bush said. “We introduced some new things for him today which he handled well; he’s only going to get better with reps. He missed all of last week’s practices, so for him to jump in there and compete like he did today was excellent.”
Senior captains Jake Betkowski and Brandon Piccini hauled in three and two touchdown passes respectively from McMahon and seem to be developing good chemistry with their first year quarterback.
“Both Betkowski and Piccini did really good jobs for us all day,” Bush said. “They’ll be counted on heavily both offensively and defensively for us this season.”
Junior wideout Jordon Pitts went up and made a nice catch in a crowd for a touchdown. “He’s still coming into his own but has a lot of ability,” Bush said of Pitts.
Sophomore running back/linebacker Chad Freshnock was all-over the field for the Lions and grabbed two touchdown passes from McMahon.
“Chad is only a sophomore but he’s going to be a very good football player for us on both sides of the ball, Bush said. “He’s a tremendous athlete who lettered in three varsity sports as a freshman.”
Troy Thompson, who scored twice for the Lions on McMahon strikes, is another valuable two-way player for the Lions.
“Troy did a nice all-around job for us today,” Bush said. “We’ll use him at tight end as well as flexing him out as the fourth wideout. He’ll be our starting strong safety on defense and be counted on heavily to make some plays for us in the backfield.”
When the Lions were on defense it was hard not to notice senior inside linebacker Dan Napolitano. The senior captain has a nose for the ball and plays sideline to sideline.
“Dan’s a fiery guy who did a good job for us today, Bush said. “He was around the ball all day and knocked down some passes. He’s a quality player and our defensive leader.”
“Last year we went 0-3 in this tournament, so that’s a nice turnaround for us,” Napolitano said. “We have some experience this year and it showed today. This was only a small test, when the pads come on it’s a whole new ballgame; but it gave us something to build on. Coach Bush has been great, I like his style of coaching, he’s so positive and with his coaching experience, it gives us some well needed credibility.”
“It was great to see them compete and get excited with the success they had today,” Bush said. “We know this is just the starting point and we have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but I feel good about our team and the upcoming season.”
The Lions open the season on the road at Brick Memorial High School on Friday, 9-20-13 @ 7:00 p.m.
MIDDLETOWN NORTH EXCELS IN THE ALL-SHORE GRIDIRON CLASSIC 7-ON-7 TOURNAMENT
By Mike Ready
HOLMDEL – Incoming head coach Steve Bush liked what he saw of his new team in Monday’s 7-on-7 tournament held at Holmdel High School.
“We’re just at the beginning stages of teaching concepts and terminology,” Bush said. “So I was pleased with the effort the guy’s made today and the way they competed. Today helped us identify what the players are, what they’re capable of doing and what’s the best spot for them.”
Competing against nine other Monmouth County High Schools in this round robin tournament, the Lions went 4-1, defeating St. John Vianney, Manalapan, Shore Regional and Matawan before losing to Freehold Boro in the finals. Freehold Boro will now take on the winner of the Ocean County 7-on-7 tournament prior to Thursday’s Grdiron Classic at Toms River North High School.
Senior Ryan McMahon gets the start at quarterback this season after starting at cornerback last year and appears ready for a breakout season, after tossing 10 touchdown passes to five different receivers in Monday’s action.
“Hopefully this translates into the season,” McMahon said. “We feel Coach Bush can help us turn it around this year. Today gives us a reason for optimism.”
“McMahon did a good job for us today,” Bush said. “We introduced some new things for him today which he handled well; he’s only going to get better with reps. He missed all of last week’s practices, so for him to jump in there and compete like he did today was excellent.”
Senior captains Jake Betkowski and Brandon Piccini hauled in three and two touchdown passes respectively from McMahon and seem to be developing good chemistry with their first year quarterback.
“Both Betkowski and Piccini did really good jobs for us all day,” Bush said. “They’ll be counted on heavily both offensively and defensively for us this season.”
Junior wideout Jordon Pitts went up and made a nice catch in a crowd for a touchdown. “He’s still coming into his own but has a lot of ability,” Bush said of Pitts.
Sophomore running back/linebacker Chad Freshnock was all-over the field for the Lions and grabbed two touchdown passes from McMahon.
“Chad is only a sophomore but he’s going to be a very good football player for us on both sides of the ball, Bush said. “He’s a tremendous athlete who lettered in three varsity sports as a freshman.”
Troy Thompson, who scored twice for the Lions on McMahon strikes, is another valuable two-way player for the Lions.
“Troy did a nice all-around job for us today,” Bush said. “We’ll use him at tight end as well as flexing him out as the fourth wideout. He’ll be our starting strong safety on defense and be counted on heavily to make some plays for us in the backfield.”
When the Lions were on defense it was hard not to notice senior inside linebacker Dan Napolitano. The senior captain has a nose for the ball and plays sideline to sideline.
“Dan’s a fiery guy who did a good job for us today, Bush said. “He was around the ball all day and knocked down some passes. He’s a quality player and our defensive leader.”
“Last year we went 0-3 in this tournament, so that’s a nice turnaround for us,” Napolitano said. “We have some experience this year and it showed today. This was only a small test, when the pads come on it’s a whole new ballgame; but it gave us something to build on. Coach Bush has been great, I like his style of coaching, he’s so positive and with his coaching experience, it gives us some well needed credibility.”
“It was great to see them compete and get excited with the success they had today,” Bush said. “We know this is just the starting point and we have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but I feel good about our team and the upcoming season.”
The Lions open the season on the road at Brick Memorial High School on Friday, 9-20-13 @ 7:00 p.m.
MIDDLETOWN NORTH EXCELS IN THE ALL-SHORE GRIDIRON CLASSIC 7-ON-7 TOURNAMENT
By Mike Ready
HOLMDEL – Incoming head coach Steve Bush liked what he saw of his new team in Monday’s 7-on-7 tournament held at Holmdel High School.
“We’re just at the beginning stages of teaching concepts and terminology,” Bush said. “So I was pleased with the effort the guy’s made today and the way they competed. Today helped us identify what the players are, what they’re capable of doing and what’s the best spot for them.”
Competing against nine other Monmouth County High Schools in this round robin tournament, the Lions went 4-1, defeating St. John Vianney, Manalapan, Shore Regional and Matawan before losing to Freehold Boro in the finals. Freehold Boro will now take on the winner of the Ocean County 7-on-7 tournament prior to Thursday’s Grdiron Classic at Toms River North High School.
Senior Ryan McMahon gets the start at quarterback this season after starting at cornerback last year and appears ready for a breakout season, after tossing 10 touchdown passes to five different receivers in Monday’s action.
“Hopefully this translates into the season,” McMahon said. “We feel Coach Bush can help us turn it around this year. Today gives us a reason for optimism.”
“McMahon did a good job for us today,” Bush said. “We introduced some new things for him today which he handled well; he’s only going to get better with reps. He missed all of last week’s practices, so for him to jump in there and compete like he did today was excellent.”
Senior captains Jake Betkowski and Brandon Piccini hauled in three and two touchdown passes respectively from McMahon and seem to be developing good chemistry with their first year quarterback.
“Both Betkowski and Piccini did really good jobs for us all day,” Bush said. “They’ll be counted on heavily both offensively and defensively for us this season.”
Junior wideout Jordon Pitts went up and made a nice catch in a crowd for a touchdown. “He’s still coming into his own but has a lot of ability,” Bush said of Pitts.
Sophomore running back/linebacker Chad Freshnock was all-over the field for the Lions and grabbed two touchdown passes from McMahon.
“Chad is only a sophomore but he’s going to be a very good football player for us on both sides of the ball, Bush said. “He’s a tremendous athlete who lettered in three varsity sports as a freshman.”
Troy Thompson, who scored twice for the Lions on McMahon strikes, is another valuable two-way player for the Lions.
“Troy did a nice all-around job for us today,” Bush said. “We’ll use him at tight end as well as flexing him out as the fourth wideout. He’ll be our starting strong safety on defense and be counted on heavily to make some plays for us in the backfield.”
When the Lions were on defense it was hard not to notice senior inside linebacker Dan Napolitano. The senior captain has a nose for the ball and plays sideline to sideline.
“Dan’s a fiery guy who did a good job for us today, Bush said. “He was around the ball all day and knocked down some passes. He’s a quality player and our defensive leader.”
“Last year we went 0-3 in this tournament, so that’s a nice turnaround for us,” Napolitano said. “We have some experience this year and it showed today. This was only a small test, when the pads come on it’s a whole new ballgame; but it gave us something to build on. Coach Bush has been great, I like his style of coaching, he’s so positive and with his coaching experience, it gives us some well needed credibility.”
“It was great to see them compete and get excited with the success they had today,” Bush said. “We know this is just the starting point and we have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but I feel good about our team and the upcoming season.”
The Lions open the season on the road at Brick Memorial High School on Friday, 9-20-13 @ 7:00 p.m.
MIDDLETOWN NORTH EXCELS IN THE ALL-SHORE GRIDIRON CLASSIC 7-ON-7 TOURNAMENT
By Mike Ready
HOLMDEL – Incoming head coach Steve Bush liked what he saw of his new team in Monday’s 7-on-7 tournament held at Holmdel High School.
“We’re just at the beginning stages of teaching concepts and terminology,” Bush said. “So I was pleased with the effort the guy’s made today and the way they competed. Today helped us identify what the players are, what they’re capable of doing and what’s the best spot for them.”
Competing against nine other Monmouth County High Schools in this round robin tournament, the Lions went 4-1, defeating St. John Vianney, Manalapan, Shore Regional and Matawan before losing to Freehold Boro in the finals. Freehold Boro will now take on the winner of the Ocean County 7-on-7 tournament prior to Thursday’s Grdiron Classic at Toms River North High School.
Senior Ryan McMahon gets the start at quarterback this season after starting at cornerback last year and appears ready for a breakout season, after tossing 10 touchdown passes to five different receivers in Monday’s action.
“Hopefully this translates into the season,” McMahon said. “We feel Coach Bush can help us turn it around this year. Today gives us a reason for optimism.”
“McMahon did a good job for us today,” Bush said. “We introduced some new things for him today which he handled well; he’s only going to get better with reps. He missed all of last week’s practices, so for him to jump in there and compete like he did today was excellent.”
Senior captains Jake Betkowski and Brandon Piccini hauled in three and two touchdown passes respectively from McMahon and seem to be developing good chemistry with their first year quarterback.
“Both Betkowski and Piccini did really good jobs for us all day,” Bush said. “They’ll be counted on heavily both offensively and defensively for us this season.”
Junior wideout Jordon Pitts went up and made a nice catch in a crowd for a touchdown. “He’s still coming into his own but has a lot of ability,” Bush said of Pitts.
Sophomore running back/linebacker Chad Freshnock was all-over the field for the Lions and grabbed two touchdown passes from McMahon.
“Chad is only a sophomore but he’s going to be a very good football player for us on both sides of the ball, Bush said. “He’s a tremendous athlete who lettered in three varsity sports as a freshman.”
Troy Thompson, who scored twice for the Lions on McMahon strikes, is another valuable two-way player for the Lions.
“Troy did a nice all-around job for us today,” Bush said. “We’ll use him at tight end as well as flexing him out as the fourth wideout. He’ll be our starting strong safety on defense and be counted on heavily to make some plays for us in the backfield.”
When the Lions were on defense it was hard not to notice senior inside linebacker Dan Napolitano. The senior captain has a nose for the ball and plays sideline to sideline.
“Dan’s a fiery guy who did a good job for us today, Bush said. “He was around the ball all day and knocked down some passes. He’s a quality player and our defensive leader.”
“Last year we went 0-3 in this tournament, so that’s a nice turnaround for us,” Napolitano said. “We have some experience this year and it showed today. This was only a small test, when the pads come on it’s a whole new ballgame; but it gave us something to build on. Coach Bush has been great, I like his style of coaching, he’s so positive and with his coaching experience, it gives us some well needed credibility.”
“It was great to see them compete and get excited with the success they had today,” Bush said. “We know this is just the starting point and we have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but I feel good about our team and the upcoming season.”
The Lions open the season on the road at Brick Memorial High School on Friday, 9-20-13 @ 7:00 p.m.
MIDDLETOWN NORTH EXCELS IN THE ALL-SHORE GRIDIRON CLASSIC 7-ON-7 TOURNAMENT
By Mike Ready
HOLMDEL – Incoming head coach Steve Bush liked what he saw of his new team in Monday’s 7-on-7 tournament held at Holmdel High School.
“We’re just at the beginning stages of teaching concepts and terminology,” Bush said. “So I was pleased with the effort the guy’s made today and the way they competed. Today helped us identify what the players are, what they’re capable of doing and what’s the best spot for them.”
Competing against nine other Monmouth County High Schools in this round robin tournament, the Lions went 4-1, defeating St. John Vianney, Manalapan, Shore Regional and Matawan before losing to Freehold Boro in the finals. Freehold Boro will now take on the winner of the Ocean County 7-on-7 tournament prior to Thursday’s Grdiron Classic at Toms River North High School.
Senior Ryan McMahon gets the start at quarterback this season after starting at cornerback last year and appears ready for a breakout season, after tossing 10 touchdown passes to five different receivers in Monday’s action.
“Hopefully this translates into the season,” McMahon said. “We feel Coach Bush can help us turn it around this year. Today gives us a reason for optimism.”
“McMahon did a good job for us today,” Bush said. “We introduced some new things for him today which he handled well; he’s only going to get better with reps. He missed all of last week’s practices, so for him to jump in there and compete like he did today was excellent.”
Senior captains Jake Betkowski and Brandon Piccini hauled in three and two touchdown passes respectively from McMahon and seem to be developing good chemistry with their first year quarterback.
“Both Betkowski and Piccini did really good jobs for us all day,” Bush said. “They’ll be counted on heavily both offensively and defensively for us this season.”
Junior wideout Jordon Pitts went up and made a nice catch in a crowd for a touchdown. “He’s still coming into his own but has a lot of ability,” Bush said of Pitts.
Sophomore running back/linebacker Chad Freshnock was all-over the field for the Lions and grabbed two touchdown passes from McMahon.
“Chad is only a sophomore but he’s going to be a very good football player for us on both sides of the ball, Bush said. “He’s a tremendous athlete who lettered in three varsity sports as a freshman.”
Troy Thompson, who scored twice for the Lions on McMahon strikes, is another valuable two-way player for the Lions.
“Troy did a nice all-around job for us today,” Bush said. “We’ll use him at tight end as well as flexing him out as the fourth wideout. He’ll be our starting strong safety on defense and be counted on heavily to make some plays for us in the backfield.”
When the Lions were on defense it was hard not to notice senior inside linebacker Dan Napolitano. The senior captain has a nose for the ball and plays sideline to sideline.
“Dan’s a fiery guy who did a good job for us today, Bush said. “He was around the ball all day and knocked down some passes. He’s a quality player and our defensive leader.”
“Last year we went 0-3 in this tournament, so that’s a nice turnaround for us,” Napolitano said. “We have some experience this year and it showed today. This was only a small test, when the pads come on it’s a whole new ballgame; but it gave us something to build on. Coach Bush has been great, I like his style of coaching, he’s so positive and with his coaching experience, it gives us some well needed credibility.”
“It was great to see them compete and get excited with the success they had today,” Bush said. “We know this is just the starting point and we have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but I feel good about our team and the upcoming season.”
The Lions open the season on the road at Brick Memorial High School on Friday, 9-20-13 @ 7:00 p.m.
MIDDLETOWN NORTH EXCELS IN THE ALL-SHORE GRIDIRON CLASSIC 7-ON-7 TOURNAMENT
By Mike Ready
HOLMDEL – Incoming head coach Steve Bush liked what he saw of his new team in Monday’s 7-on-7 tournament held at Holmdel High School.
“We’re just at the beginning stages of teaching concepts and terminology,” Bush said. “So I was pleased with the effort the guy’s made today and the way they competed. Today helped us identify what the players are, what they’re capable of doing and what’s the best spot for them.”
Competing against nine other Monmouth County High Schools in this round robin tournament, the Lions went 4-1, defeating St. John Vianney, Manalapan, Shore Regional and Matawan before losing to Freehold Boro in the finals. Freehold Boro will now take on the winner of the Ocean County 7-on-7 tournament prior to Thursday’s Grdiron Classic at Toms River North High School.
Senior Ryan McMahon gets the start at quarterback this season after starting at cornerback last year and appears ready for a breakout season, after tossing 10 touchdown passes to five different receivers in Monday’s action.
“Hopefully this translates into the season,” McMahon said. “We feel Coach Bush can help us turn it around this year. Today gives us a reason for optimism.”
“McMahon did a good job for us today,” Bush said. “We introduced some new things for him today which he handled well; he’s only going to get better with reps. He missed all of last week’s practices, so for him to jump in there and compete like he did today was excellent.”
Senior captains Jake Betkowski and Brandon Piccini hauled in three and two touchdown passes respectively from McMahon and seem to be developing good chemistry with their first year quarterback.
“Both Betkowski and Piccini did really good jobs for us all day,” Bush said. “They’ll be counted on heavily both offensively and defensively for us this season.”
Junior wideout Jordon Pitts went up and made a nice catch in a crowd for a touchdown. “He’s still coming into his own but has a lot of ability,” Bush said of Pitts.
Sophomore running back/linebacker Chad Freshnock was all-over the field for the Lions and grabbed two touchdown passes from McMahon.
“Chad is only a sophomore but he’s going to be a very good football player for us on both sides of the ball, Bush said. “He’s a tremendous athlete who lettered in three varsity sports as a freshman.”
Troy Thompson, who scored twice for the Lions on McMahon strikes, is another valuable two-way player for the Lions.
“Troy did a nice all-around job for us today,” Bush said. “We’ll use him at tight end as well as flexing him out as the fourth wideout. He’ll be our starting strong safety on defense and be counted on heavily to make some plays for us in the backfield.”
When the Lions were on defense it was hard not to notice senior inside linebacker Dan Napolitano. The senior captain has a nose for the ball and plays sideline to sideline.
“Dan’s a fiery guy who did a good job for us today, Bush said. “He was around the ball all day and knocked down some passes. He’s a quality player and our defensive leader.”
“Last year we went 0-3 in this tournament, so that’s a nice turnaround for us,” Napolitano said. “We have some experience this year and it showed today. This was only a small test, when the pads come on it’s a whole new ballgame; but it gave us something to build on. Coach Bush has been great, I like his style of coaching, he’s so positive and with his coaching experience, it gives us some well needed credibility.”
“It was great to see them compete and get excited with the success they had today,” Bush said. “We know this is just the starting point and we have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but I feel good about our team and the upcoming season.”
The Lions open the season on the road at Brick Memorial High School on Friday, 9-20-13 @ 7:00 p.m.
