Just like old times on the new field

It was a special Saturday afternoon for the Owls varsity football team, meeting Metuchen for the annual homecoming game. There was a dedication ceremony for the new synthetic turf field, the Rutgers Band played a stirring halftime show, and the rest of the day belonged to Nate Smith. Just another day at the office for Superman.

"He is a man among boys and wears a Superman T-shirt under his uniform and lives up to it," said Highland Park head coach Rich McGlynn. "I hope someone doesn't find his kryptonite."

The senior running back rushed for 341 yards on 30 carries and scored four touchdowns in a 41-28 victory over the Bulldogs to retain the 2009 Goal Post Trophy. After the contest, the Owls team celebrated with seniors David Webb and Ashton Burrell giving McGlynn a refreshing Gatorade shower.

Smith got the party started on the opening kickoff, stiff-arming several Metuchen special teamers on a 99 yard run to paydirt. David Webb then intercepted quarterback Steven Deinzer on Metuchen's next possession. Senior fullback Lashon Parkey capped a five-play, 43-yard drive, bulling his way eight yards for the touchdown. Smith's second extra point lifted the Owls to an early 14-0 lead.

The Bulldogs came right back to score on a 72-yard drive, aided by three Highland Park penalties. Deinzer threw a 47-yard strike to Anthony Terenzi for the touchdown, and the extra point cut the Owls' lead to 14-7.

Minutes later, Smith picked off the first of his two interceptions at the Metuchen 40 to squelch a late drive in the first period. On the very next play, Smith raced down the sideline 40 yards for the score. Freshman Mike Ehrlich nailed the PAT, his first of three on the day. Smith added his third touchdown on a 64-yard run as the Owls opened up a 28-7 lead.

Metuchen took back the momentum on a 10-play, 80-yard drive. Running back Elijah Sellers scored at the two minute warning to close the gap to 28-14. The Bulldogs then intercepted Mike Ryan’s option pass and five plays later, Deinzer (13-of-26 for 276 yards) threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to split end Stephen Serieux as Metuchen closed to within a touchdown at 28-21.

With 52 seconds remaining, Smith completed a halfback option pass to Webb, who outwrestled the ball from a Metuchen defender for 28 yards down to the Metuchen 32-yard line. On the next play, senior quarterback Louis Middleton rolled to the sideline and launched a last-second bomb to Webb in the corner of the end zone for a 32-yard touchdown pass. Ehrlich's third extra point gave the Owls a 35-21 lead as time expired.

Smith picked off an errant Deinzer pass late in the third quarter for 38 yards as the Owls seized control with a 41-21 lead. The Bulldogs responded with a 64-yard touchdown bomb from Deinzer to Serieux, closing the gap to 41-28 but that was as close as the visitors could come. Deinzer was picked off by Webb late in the fourth quarter to seal Metuchen's fate.

Overall, the Owls picked off 5 passes by Deinzer and sacked him 7 times.

"At the half, we wanted to put more pressure on Metuchen, using a three man front with a twist stunt at linebacker and keeping a spy on Deinzer," said McGlynn. "We knew Metuchen was not a very good running team and having more depth this year and putting the quick guys up front made a difference," McGlynn added. Sophomore Tyler Rios led a staunch effort for Highland Park with ten tackles and two sacks. The Owls also received solid play on the defensive line from Manny McClain, Josh Gaines, Ryan (interception), D'Andre Bell and Mike Long. "We've been waiting for this game since last year and wanted this win," said Rios. "There is a lot of pride and tradition here and we wanted to go home with the trophy," Rios added.

Smith had 506 all purpose yards on the afternoon. "I told the guys to stay focused, play hard and trust me. I'm happy for the team," said Smith.

"There is nothing Nate can't do. The only thing he hasn't done this year is attempt to kick a field goal. He is the total package," said McGlynn. "Guys jump on his back because he is a special player. I'm proud of our kids."

The Owls host the Monmouth Regional HS Falcons at 7 PM Friday, October 9th in one of the GMC’s new interconference matchups. "We haven't played them before. We will have to watch the tapes and stay in our keys," said Smith.