Goal Post Notebook

Highland Park football fans couldn’t have asked for a more perfect victory lap than the one they got in the sectional semifinals against Metuchen.
The 36-0 victory for the Owls over the Bulldogs came in the 75th meeting of the series — which HP now owns with 57 wins.  The meeting was only the third time the teams have met in the state tournament.
*  *  * *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Senior running back Nate Smith’s 229 rushing and 311 all-purpose yards furthered his legacy at HPHS, as he broke the 2,400-yard barrier on the ground.
Senior quarterback Louis Middleton also had a career day, throwing for three touchdowns and over 160 yards. Flanker David Webb recorded three more interceptions to extend his school record to 17. 
“I couldn’t do all this without my team,” Webb said.  “The linemen get pressure, the linebackers get pressure and the cornerbacks do their job and it all came together.”
The Owls (8-3) haven’t won a sectional title in 19 years. They’ll have a chance to change that on Dec. 5 against No. 1 seed and two-time defending champion Asbury Park.
*  *  * *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Highland Park head coach Rich McGlynn gave one of the exciting, inspiring pregame speeches you would expect before a state semifinal game.
“I know you understand what’s ahead of you,” McGlynn said.  “I want there to be focus and I want there to be electricity right away. I want complete domination of execution and don’t take a play off.”
His team definitely got the message—posting a shutout and scoring five times against the defenseless Bulldogs.
After the national anthem, Smith added some words of encouragement.
“Hey boys, let’s not let this be the last time we do this together,” Smith said.  The exclamation was followed by a series of resounding cheers.
*  *  * *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
The Owls ran across the field in jubilation following the game and McGlynn was left to bask in the glory following the game he dreamed of. 
“Dominant,” McGlynn said.  “It’s always tough to play a team and beat a team twice in the same year.  This was our staple game.  Last year was their year and this is our year to bring the state title back to Central Jersey where it belongs.”
The Mirror has learned that Greater Middlesex Conference realignment may force Metuchen up to the Blue Division next year—which would make the HP-Metuchen rivalry take a two year break.
For now, Highland Park has bragging rights and a shot to win it all. 
*  *  * *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Stay tuned to The Mirror and HighlandParkMirror.com for the sectional championship game and a postseason wrap-up.