Bulldogs are preparing for another playoff run
BY SHAWN LAYTON Staff Writer
After last season's 9-2 finish and an appearance in the Central Jersey Group I semifinals, the Metuchen High School football team remains hungry and eager for a return trip to the state playoffs.

FILE PHOTO Dejuan Miller will once again be the focus of opposing defenses this year as Metuchen looks to get back to the CJ Group I playoffs.

The Bulldogs did lose a number of key players from last year, including four-year starters Jon Brown and Lamar Nichols. Brown established himself as a productive ball carrier his freshman year and improved on a yearly basis. Nichols' play at offensive tackle and linebacker landed him a uniform at Pace University. Threeyear starter Quentin Robinson is another big loss in addition to the loss of running back Joe Demeglio. Robinson is currently playing for Cornell.

"We lost a lot of quality players," Metuchen head coach Bob Ulmer said. "Even though we're younger this season our goal is to do as well as last season if not better."

Back for his senior season before suiting up for the Oklahoma Sooners next year is standout wide receiver and free safety Dejuan Miller. In addition to several highlight reel catches last season, Miller amassed over 500 yards receiving.

"Going to Oklahoma to play football is a dream come true for Dejuan," Ulmer said. "He spent some of his childhood years there and he has a lot of family from the area."

With Miller back and quarterback Jordan Leitner returning for his senior season, the tandem is likely to pester opposing defenses this autumn. Last season Leitner threw for over 1,100 yards.

"Jordan has definitely gotten better," Ulmer said. "He attended some camps in the offseason and has really improved his technique. I also think he's a more disciplined quarterback now that he has some experience under his belt."

In addition to Miller, senior Charlie Green should provide Leitner with another downfield target while preventing defenses from simply keying in on Miller.

While Nichols and Robinson will be tough to replace on the offensive line, Edwin Cuevas returns to the trenches with plenty of varsity experience. Center Lawrence Petrakakos and offensive tackle Joe Hall will help mentor newcomers Ethan Grossman and Tyler Silver.

"Ethan and Tyler are doing a nice job filling in the vacant space," Ulmer said. "They are working hard in an effort to make up for a lack of experience."

On the defensive side of things, All-Division lineman Pete Strom is back for his junior season and appears ready to take over the leadership role with the departures of Robinson and Nichols.

Vince Peluso and Phil Lewis, experienced defensive backs, should annoy the opposition's aerial attack from the secondary.

"What we have working for us this season is that our older kids know what it takes to do well and how to get to the playoffs," Ulmer said. "We're hoping the younger kids feed off this."

Metuchen will open the season 7:30 p.m. Friday at Roselle Park before its home opener scheduled for Sept. 21 against Cardinal McCarrick High School.

"Roselle Park is a tough match-up to start the season," Ulmer said.

"They are always well coached and always a tough football school. It should be a good test for us right from the beginning."