Middletown North Routs Teaneck in Sectional Semifinal
Anthony Christiani scored three touchdowns as the Lions advanced to the North Jersey, Section 2 championship game for the second straight season.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Football
Middletown North defeated Teaneck 47-21 on Friday night, with Anthony Christiani scoring three touchdowns and the Lions forcing four turnovers. The win sends Middletown North to the sectional championship game for the second consecutive season.
Why it matters
Middletown North lost to Brick Memorial 28-0 in last year's sectional game, and the team is looking to make amends. The result also sets up a Thanksgiving showdown with Middletown South that could decide a share of the division title.
Matt Belenko rushed for 182 yards on 9 carries with 2 rushing touchdowns, and Middletown North forced four turnovers. Derek Grasso threw a 79-yard touchdown pass to Christiani, and the Lions' last sectional title came in 1996.
The players
Middletown North High School
Middletown North is a public high school in Middletown, New Jersey, whose football program competes in the North Jersey, Section 2 athletic conference.
Anthony Christiani
Anthony Christiani is a Middletown North football player who scored three touchdowns in the semifinal win over Teaneck.
Matt Belenko
Matt Belenko is a Middletown North running back who rushed for 182 yards and two touchdowns against Teaneck.
The details
Christiani caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from Grasso on a fourth-and-long play in the fourth quarter. Middletown North also made three fourth-down stops and Christiani came up with an interception.
Timeline
Friday, November 6, 2026: Middletown North defeats Teaneck 47-21 in the sectional semifinal.
Saturday, November 7, 2026: Chatham-Mount Olive semifinal determines Middletown North's sectional championship opponent.
Thanksgiving, November 26, 2026: Middletown North faces Middletown South for a potential division title share.
Season Trajectory
Middletown North's return to the sectional championship game after last season's 28-0 loss to Brick Memorial marks a step back into the postseason's final round. The Thanksgiving matchup with Middletown South now carries weight for a shared division title.
A Middletown North win over Middletown South on Thanksgiving would give the Lions a share of the division title. The Saturday semifinal result will determine the sectional final matchup.
The takeaway
Middletown North's ability to force turnovers and convert fourth-down stops has been central to its postseason run. Readers following the team should watch the Thanksgiving game closely for its impact on the division standings.
What happens next
Middletown North will learn its sectional championship opponent after Saturday's Chatham-Mount Olive semifinal, and will face Middletown South on Thanksgiving.
Further reading
For more high school coverage, see Middletown Football on Wisevoter.
