Old Bridge off to a fast start on the gridiron
Knights dominate Perth Amboy in season opener
FARRAH MAFFAI Old Bridge running back Brandon Knolen takes a hand-off during a recent scrimmage in Howell.
With many of its players back, the Old Bridge High School football team should contend for the Greater Middlesex Conference Red Division title.
A year ago the Knights went 3-7, but they looked like a much different team in Friday’s dominating 42-14 win over Perth Amboy.
Junior halfback Brandon Knolen ran for 115 yards and two touchdowns in 14 carries. Sophomore Joel Scarano added 61 yards and two more TDs, and junior Ken Goode ran for 54 yards out of Old Bridge’s wishbone offense.
Perhaps more important was the return of quarterback Craig Olivieri, who missed most of last season with a torn ACL. The senior signal-caller completed three of five passes, all to Anthony DiPalma, two for touchdowns. Olivieri also picked up 17 yards on the ground.
The potent Old Bridge attack also includes halfback Chris Johnson, who ran for more than 400 yards last season but is currently suffering from a back injury, fullbacks Derick Gyengo and Scott Gordon, and tight end Shawn Williams.
On the line, the Knights are experienced, big and quick. Center Bill Faruolo (6-0, 215), tackles Majed Radwan (6-2, 225) and Majdey Radwan (6-2, 220), and guards Matt Bettie (6-1, 230) and junior Matt Lamela (6-4, 230) are the mainstays.
"The line is made up mostly of seniors and they’re all good, physical players," Coach Bob DeMarco said. "That, combined with good speed at our skill positions, is one of the team’s main strengths."
Old Bridge’s defense played well against Perth Amboy, allowing one first quarter TD and not surrendering another until well after the outcome was decided.
Tackles Tim David (6-1, 235) and Michael Johnson both started a year ago. They’re joined by ends Francis Bennett (6-0, 190), a senior, and junior Gerard Haran (6-0, 185).
Mike Rizzo, Hector Alicea and Gyengo are the linebackers, with Goode and junior Matt DeMarco at the corners, Knolen at strong safety and sophomore David DiPalma at free safety.
DeMarco has some high expectations for his team and is hoping that their performance last weekend is an indication of how good they can be this year.
"Our guys got a lot of good experience last year and now they can put it to use," the coach said. "Our goals, as always, are to go out and make the state playoffs, and to be in the race for the Red Division."
Old Bridge will be tested tomorrow when it travels to Sayreville to face a loaded Bombers squad coming off a 40-12 drubbing of East Brunswick.
A victory over the talented Bombers could go a long way toward giving Old Bridge the confidence to have a special season.
From there, Old Bridge’s schedule remains difficult with games against Piscataway, J.P. Stevens, South Brunswick, Woodbridge, Bridgewater, Edison and East Brunswick still looming on the horizon.