Knights expect to be in GMC Red Division hunt
Old Bridge short on experience, long on talent
BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA Staff Writer
The Old Bridge High School football team will take the field Sept. 15 against Williamstown with practically a whole new look as the Knights seek to contend for the Greater Middlesex Conference's (GMC) Red Division crown.

A solid offensive line and a strong-armed signal caller in Chris Suozzo, who runs the option well, provide plenty of optimism for the offense, and coach Bob DeMarco has changed the team's defensive philosophy to primarily a 3-4 setup that will use multiple looks.

"Like last year, we've got a lot of new kids again," said De- Marco, whose Knights went 5-5 a year ago.

"We don't have as many seniors as last season, but this is a very talented team and they should overcome their inexperience."

The Knights have a new backfield, led by Suozzo and halfbacks Chris Coffman. Dan Soto is the fullback, and Justin Kitchen, Terence Coulanges and freshman Zak Zimmerlink are all likely to get carries. Juniors Keith Tisdale and Tyler Zangoglia are the wide receivers. Suozzo and sophomore Anthony Rybek will handle the place-kicking and punting chores.

Spearheading the offense is a big line anchored by center Mike Himmelfarb (6- 2, 245). Eric Diaz (5- 11, 210) and junior Codey Dailey (6-0, 220) line up at tackle, with three juniors, Jorge Merino (6-2, 250), Eric Mahler (6-2, 255) and Casey Totten (6-1, 250), splitting the three guard positions.

"We're counting on our size to open up holes and protect the quarterback," DeMarco said.

"It's a new line, but I think it will be a real strength for us."

On the other side of scrimmage, the line includes Merino and Davis Obi (6-1, 200) at the ends, with Tom Hommell (5-11, 180) and sophomore Michael Hunt (5-11, 225) competing for the starting nod at nose guard.

DeMarco's linebacker corps includes Soto, Coffman, John Soltis (5-10, 175) and junior Joe Russo (5-11, 170).

Tisdale and Zangoglia will man the corners, with Joe Dones and Kitchen splitting time at strong safety and junior Kyle Donahue at free safety.

"Defensively our guys are very quick and they swarm the ball well," the coach explained.

"Merino will be a key guy for us because

he started last year as a sophomore.

He's a quality player

who handled himself well. He knows what to expect and he'll be a

leader on the field for us."

As always, DeMarco has set his team's goals high. Old Bridge is traditionally a contender in the Red Division, and the coach expects his team to be in the hunt.

"Our goal is to win games, win our division and make the sate playoffs," DeMarco said. "That's what we aim for every year. We're a little young and we have some teaching to do, but I think we have the personnel and talent to win games."

The Knights will open the campaign on Sept. 15 at home against Williamstown, a nonconference foe. The opening kickoff is set for 1 p.m.