New field, same result
Bulldogs continue fast start with win over McCarrick
BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer
Playing on its new home field after parting ways with Edgar Field, the Metuchen High School football team christened its new digs with an impressive 26-6 win over GMC Gold Division rival Cardinal McCarrick, South Amboy.

PHOTOS BY ANDREW MILLER staff At left, Metuchen's Jordan Leitner jumps between Cardinal McCarrick defenders Chris Cummei (l) and Chris Maursky (r) during their game at Metuchen High School. At right, Metuchen's Dejuan Miller (l) gives a stiff arm to McCarrick's Brendan Maxwell during Friday's game which Metuchen won 26-6.

"It was definitely the best we've played all year," Metuchen head coach Bob Ulmer said. "I thought our defense played exceptionally well, but I'm still not totally pleased with our offense. We gave the ball up on downs in the red zone a couple of times, and you never like to see that."

Dejuan Miller, Metuchen's standout wide receiver, was his usual self, totaling 100 yards receiving with a pair of touchdowns.

Metuchen's Charlie Greene has been teaching area teams that the Bulldogs have another aerial threat. Greene caught a 19-yard toss from quarterback Jordan Leitner in the closing minutes of the first half to put the Bulldogs on top 14-0.

Dashing to victory

"He's an underrated receiver," Ulmer said. "Charlie and Dejuan got our passing game off to a strong start, and that opened up our running game."

"I think Jordan can do better," Ulmer said. "He's improved with each game, and I don't think we've seen his best yet. He made smart decisions and most of his throws were on target. Overall, he did a nice job."

Leitner and company had little trouble moving the ball due to the stellar play of the Bulldog offensive line.

"Our line had good push most of the day," Ulmer said. "Guys like Edwin Cuevas and Ethan Grossman played very well."

"Cardinal McCarrick is a much-improved team, and I believe they will surprise some people," Ulmer said. "They have a number of athletes and I was happy with our defensive effort to contain them."

This week the Dogs will take on Highland Park on Friday at 7 p.m. Like Mc- Carrick, Highland Park has no shortage of quality athletes.

"We'll definitely have to contain their running game and try to sustain drives when we have possession of the football," Ulmer said. "We'll have our hands full."

Both Metuchen and Highland Park come into Friday night's contest with impressive wins over Roselle Park. "Although Dunellen seems to be one up on everybody, I don't think there is a real dominant team in the Gold Division," Ulmer said. "It's still anybody's division because everybody is capable of knocking the other guy off week in and week out. I think it will remain competitive until the final week. We're still a very young team, and if we continue to mature, we should have as good a shot as anybody to end up near the top of the division."