Last weekend, the program created a strong bridge to let them do both.

The township hosted its first Pop Warner and High School Football Day, giving young athletes a glimpse of what their futures may hold, while allowing parents and high school players a chance to look back at what they have accomplished.

On a day named after them by the Metuchen town council, the Jr. Bulldogs were honored at halftime of the Metuchen/South River high school football game on October 13. The football players and cheerleaders took to the field after taking over a section of bleachers at the brand-new stadium to watch the game unfold.

The day was the brainchild of Jennifer Lewis-Hall and Metuchen Junior Pee Wee coach Ryan Toth.

Lewis-Hall has two sons who play football in Metuchen, a senior who plays on the high school squad as well as a Junior Pee Wee Pop Warner player.

"We were discussing ways to bridge the Pop Warner and high school teams," Lewis-Hall said. "Especially having a new stadium and facility, we wanted a way to bring the community together."

Lewis-Hall's unique position as the mother of players in both arenas gives her a rare vantage point.

"Having sons seven years apart, I get to see both sides," she said. "You see what (younger players) can accomplish down the road. It takes a lot of drive and commitment to continue to be an athlete. It gives the younger children something to aspire to. Having the older ones there to motivate the younger ones is wonderful."

Metuchen Jr. Bulldogs league president Edwin Paulmenn said one of the day's primary goals was to show off the strength of Metuchen football, particularly since the Pop Warner organization is in the midst of a resurrection.

"We had 130 participants four years ago," he said. "Now we have 200 and we have added two new football levels this season."

Paulmenn planned to show off the pride his players have in Metuchen football.

"We want as many participants from our program as possible to show up in team colors to show the youth football program in Metuchen is alive and growing. We want to show the town that Metuchen football is strong and vibrant.

"We're going to show up en force, take a section of the stands and show our numbers, and step onto the field at halftime and have it announced that this is the future of Metuchen football."

Metuchen High School head coach Bob Ulmer was also enthusiastic about the inaugural day.

"It's great for the program," he said. "Most of my players have played Pop Warner and come up through the ranks. They have a foundation when they get to me."

Ulmer hopes the younger players will get a lot out of watching the high school players.

"The kids are hard-working. They have to be goal-oriented to get to the level we're at," Ulmer said. "We've had kids go on to college and do well. Hopefully they see our guys and look up to them."

Lewis-Hall echoed Ulmer's sentiments.

"When you're young and still learning and see that your town has this wonderful bridge, it's great," she said. "Hopefully they'll have some wonderful role models."