Old Bridge
Old Bridge High School relied on a sound running attack to advance in the first round of the Central Jersey, Group 5 state sectional playoffs when they knocked out Trenton Central High School, 24-6, on Nov. 10 in Old Bridge.
Senior quarterback Anthony Imbimbo guided the Old Bridge rushing game when he ran for 106 yards and scored two touchdowns. He also threw for 44 yards. Running back Chancellor Cooper contributed with 92 yards and a touchdown.
“The goal is to win the state championship,” Imbimbo said. “We just do the most we can to win the state championship: play it game-by-game.”
Old Bridge will continue to seek its goal when it travels to take on rival South Brunswick High School in the semifinals on Nov. 17. Game time is at 7 p.m. South Brunswick won its playoff opener in a 42-7 decision over Hillsborough High School on Nov. 10.
Imbimbo believes that defense is the reason the Knights are championship contenders.
“We’re going to have to play defense the way we always have been,” Imbimbo said. “Our defense has been playing amazing, so we just have to continue that.
“I think the offense has to be more consistent, and it starts with me. So as long as I become more consistent, the offense will become it too. We need to get the ball into the end zone.”
Coach Anthony Lanzafama echoed some of the same expectations for his team.
“We need to continue to do what has gotten us here,” he said. “So like Anthony said, play good defense, execute on offense, get the ball in the end zone and play good special teams.”
Sayreville
Sayreville War Memorial High School began its bid to repeat as the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 4 state champion when it rolled past Colonia High School, 31-0, on Nov. 10 in Sayreville.
Sayreville’s attack was sparked by tailback Connor Holmes, who rushed for 151 yards and scored two touchdowns. Jacari Carter came through with two touchdowns for the Bombers, running into the end zone from 4 yards out and hauling in a 17-yard touchdown reception.
Next up for Sayreville is a road game in Annandale, where they will square off with North Hunterdon High School in the semifinals on Nov. 17. North Hunterdon won its playoff opener when it eliminated Orange High School, 26-9, on Nov. 10.
North Hunterdon’s only setback this season was to a strong Phillipsburg High School team. Phillipsburg, which is the top seed in North Jersey, Section 2, Group 4, will tangle with Irvington High School in the other semifinals matchup.