By Brett Carroll
Staff Writer
Nick Sodano earned his diploma during Old Bridge High School graduation ceremonies June 20. Less than a week later, he was already focused on his collegiate playing career in football.
Sodano lined up at cornerback for the South team during the Phil Simms North-South High School All-Star Football Classic that was played June 26 at Kean University in Union.
Sodano viewed this all-star game that attracts the top graduated senior players from throughout New Jersey as a stepping stone to the next level.
“It was awesome,” Sodano said about competing in the game.
Sodano’s play in the secondary helped the South squad defeat the North, 30-22. That final score enabled the South to tie the all-time series at 18-18-2.
Sodano is headed to Montclair State University in the fall and revealed that he gained some valuable experience by competing in the all-star game.
“It was like a college-like game,” Sodano said. “The best athletes [were] on the field together [and] strong at every position. It showed me what the future will be like.”
Sodano, who stands 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 185 pounds, gained a bulk of his success in high school by running the ball for Old Bridge. In his senior season, he rushed for 1,379 yards and ran for 18 touchdowns when he guided Old Bridge to a 6-4-1 record and a berth in the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Central Jersey, Group V playoffs.
Old Bridge fell in the semifinals to Piscataway Township High School, which went on to win the state sectional championship.
On defense for Old Bridge, Sodano played strong safety, so he was a bit raw when he shifted to cornerback for the all-star game.
“I think I proved to people that I can play at that competition level,” Sodano said. “Playing a different position, I think I proved my athleticism and ability to play at that level. I wanted to get better, and I did that.”
He helped secure the victory for the South when he broke up a pass in the red zone during the second quarter. That key pass play was crucial when the South halted a North drive.
Sodano enjoyed the trash talking that went on between the two teams.
“They stopped talking when we were beating them,” Sodano said. “You can talk all you want to, but at some point, you got to strap on the pads and get it done on the field.”
Sodano took in the total atmosphere of the game and the week leading up as well.
“The whole experience was amazing,” Sodano said. “Between practicing with the players and coaches, and making bonds with the other guys that will last a lifetime, everything was great. The college-like game was so important to me, too. I really feel like I got better because of it, and that was my ultimate goal.”