Sayreville War Memorial High School quarterback Colton Redding uncorks a pass downfield during the Bombers’ NJSIAA North Jersey, Section II, Group IV football playoff game against Middletown High School North Nov. 13 in Middletown. The Lions roared to a 31-6 victory. FRANK GALIPO Although its season ended with a disappointing loss in the opening round of the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section II, Group IV football playoffs, Sayreville War Memorial High School reestablished itself as a force for the future.
Most important for new coach Chris Beagan is that the focus is back on the field. While the Bombers finished at 5-5, the team provided its fans with plenty of excitement. The Blue and Gray opened the year with two straight wins, lost two in a row and then won three of four to earn the fifth seed for the playoffs. Along the way Sayreville upset Piscataway Township High School (6-3) and gave Old Bridge High School (6-3) all it could handle before the Knights came from behind for a 28-21 victory.
“I’m very proud of what our kids accomplished this year,” Beagan said. “The effort and energy our players put forth on and off the field was outstanding. The season didn’t end the way we would have liked, but a lot of good things happened.”
Beset with injuries, Sayreville, nevertheless, gave all it had against fourth-seeded Middletown High School North (7-3) in the sectional opener Nov. 13. Playing without junior quarterback Jayson DeMild, who was injured in a win over East Brunswick High School, the Bombers went toe-to-toe with the Lions. Middletown North opened the scoring, but Sayreville answered right back, scoring on a 51-yard pass from sophomore Colton Redding to Coray Williams to trail by just 7-6 at the end of the first quarter.
Middletown North scored again in the second quarter to make it 14-6, and the score remained that way through the third as both defenses excelled. The Bombers were not able to generate much offense after intermission, and the Lions eventually wore Sayreville down and pulled away in the final 12 minutes for a deceiving 25-point victory.
“We played them tough,” Beagan said. “It was a tough way to go out for our seniors who have given so much to the program. Still, we were right there with a very good team.”
While the coach said he did not want to look too far ahead, there should be plenty of optimism in Sayreville. In addition to De- Mild, stellar linemen Michael Porcaro and Christian Platon will be back along with running backs Michael Liberti and Jacari Carter and receivers Andrew Willie and Jahsim Floyd.
Sayreville’s freshman team is coming off a 6-2 season, and several of those players will have a chance to move up to the varsity team next fall.