After struggling through an uncharacteristic 2-8 campaign last fall, the Old Bridge High School football team is looking to reclaim its traditional role as a contender in the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) Red Division.
FILE PHOTOS Anthony Rybek (above) and Tyler Zangoglia (below) are just two members of the Old Bridge High School football team who are determined to help the Knights bounce back from a dismal 2-8 record in 2007. The team begins its season of redemption Sept. 13 at Franklin Township. The Knights are returning plenty of experienced players after entering last year with just two returning starters. As always, coach Bob DeMarco said his goals remain the same.
“Every year we strive to win the Red Division, to qualify for the state playoffs, and to win a state championship,” De- Marco said. “We aim high and it’s no different this season.”
Since its home field is being refurbished, Old Bridge will play its first two home games against Sayreville Sept. 20 and against South Brunswick on Sept. 27 at Perth Amboy.
“Our field needed it and everything is coming along nicely,” DeMarco said. “We’re only going to have to play those two games at Perth Amboy.”
With a far more experienced lineup, the Knights expect a strong season as they prepare for the opener on Sept. 13 at Franklin. Offensively, Old Bridge will run a spread option attack with a backfield that includes halfbacks Zak Zimmerlink, a sophomore who did well last year; and Anthony Rybek, along with junior fullback Greg Padin. Junior Robert Bauman and sophomore fullback David Finley provide running depth off the bench.
Another junior, Michael Larsen (6-0, 175) takes over at quarterback. His main target will be wideout Tyler Zangoglia, who showed good hands a year ago. Tight end Jason Hennin (6-0, 210) is the other receiver.
The Old Bridge line stacks up as a strength as well. Cody Daily (6-0, 225) moves from tackle to center this fall. Casey Totten (6-2, 280) and Eric Mahler (6-3, 285) are the guards, with Jorge Merino (6-2, 250), Louis Silva (6-1, 245) and junior Michael Hunt (5-11, 245) lining up at the tackles. All the linemen saw plenty of action a year ago.
A sizable defensive line will certainly help the Knights on the other side of the line. Kenniel Pascale (6-0, 260) and Robert Sharp (6-4, 240) are the tackles with Stew Luciow (6-2, 195) and Merino at the ends in DeMarco’s 4-3 arrangement.
Joe Russo (6-0, 175), Juan Gago (6-0, 185), Chris Coffman (5-10, 175) and junior Rich Agosto (5-10, 190) will share the three linebacking spots, with sophomore Sal Lopez (6-0, 170) also seeing some time. Padin, Rybek, Zangoglia and Kyle Donohue patrol the secondary.
For special teams, Rybek will handle the punting, placekicking and kickoff chores.
“We have excellent overall experience and that will help us, but our real strength is our offensive and defensive lines,” DeMarco said. “That’s an area that should be much improved over last year. When the lines work, everything else goes from there.”