By Matthew Rocco
A showdown between two of the best football teams in the Shore Conference — and, for that matter, the entire state — didn’t go as planned for Middletown High School South.
But there’s no doubt the Eagles remain a serious contender for a state title.
In a highly anticipated matchup with Toms River High School North, the Eagles became the latest opponent to fall victim to the Mariners’ explosive offense. Bryce Watts, a Rutgers University-bound wide receiver, scored three touchdowns to propel Toms River North to a 41-21 victory Oct. 21.
The Mariners tallied 246 yards in the air and rushed for another 149 yards. Quarterback Mike Husni was responsible for 48 yards on the ground, and he completed 11 of 16 passes.
Meanwhile, the Mariners returned to form on the defensive side. Toms River North held the Eagles to just 54 passing yards in the first half and a total of 127 rushing yards on 42 carries.
Middletown South’s offensive contributions came from Chaz Alessi, who punched the ball into the end zone on a 9-yard run, and quarterback Aneesh Agrawal, who threw for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Jeff Lewandowski and Jeremy Joyce were on the receiving end.
Agrawal, a senior quarterback who was a two-year starter at Holmdel High School, recorded 207 yards passing and was 14-of-23 with two interceptions.
This marked the first loss for Middletown South (5-1) since 2014. The Eagles swept through their schedule last season, going 12-0 on their way to a state crown. They strung together 17 consecutive wins before falling to Toms River North (7-0).
Among the Eagles’ most impressive wins this year are victories over Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (4-2) and Shore Conference B North Division rival Manasquan High School (5-1).
The matchup between the Eagles and Mariners was a battle for bragging rights as the best team in the Shore Conference. Both programs are coming off state championships, and they have their sights on defending their titles this season. Last year, Middletown South won the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section II, Group IV title, and Toms River North was the last team standing in South Jersey, Group V.
Before the game Oct. 21, Middletown South held a ceremony to pay tribute to all police, military and first responders.
The State Police Pipes and Drums of the Blue and Gold performed on the field. Fans were also treated to a flyover by a New Jersey State Police helicopter.
The ceremony, organized by the Middletown Township Board of Education and Middletown Township Police Department, honored Linden police officer Angel Padilla, who was wounded in a shootout with the man suspected of planting bombs in New York, Seaside Park and Elizabeth last month. Police deputy chief Stephen Dollinger presented plaques to Padilla and another officer injured in the shootout, Pete Hammer, who wasn’t in attendance at the ceremony.
Middletown South’s football team will be back in action Oct. 28 when it hosts St. John Vianney High School, which improved to 7-0 last week with a win over Red Bank Catholic High School. The Eagles will travel to play Wall High School Nov. 4 and crosstown rival Middletown High School North on Thanksgiving Day.
With a perfect division record of 4-0, the Eagles remain in the driver’s seat for the B North title. Wall and Manasquan, sporting records of 3-1, are on Middletown South’s heels.