Edison is happy to have Asamoah back

Godwin Asamoah left Edison football in his sophomore season to play soccer with his brother Wilfred Asamoah, but the he simply couldn't keep away from the gridiron.

"Playing with my brother was something I wanted to do before he left, but I missed football. I'm a guy who loves contact and hitting. It is something that is in me," said Asamoah.

Head Coach Matt Fulham is also happy to see Asamoah return to the field.

"It's unfortunate because he started as a junior. He would have been a more dominant player if he hadn't left, but he has definitely made up the time. Physically, he is very gifted. Playing soccer shows that," said Fulham.

Now in his senior season, Asamoah is ready to make a splash as one of only three returning starters. At 5-11 and 215 pounds, the outside linebacker will work to mix his powerful frame with his growing knowledge of the position.

"We had a pretty successful year, but I didn't have a lot of experience. Now that I'm a senior playing consecutively, I know what moves to make and what to look for. I feel like it is going to be a better year than last year," said Asamoah.

A better year than last means improving on a 6-4 record, which was Edison's best season since 2007. The Eagles also finished 6-4 that year. It would also mean Edison would reach the playoffs for the third straight year under Coach Fulham.

The head coach is hoping that his inexperienced team will rise to the task. Freshman Haaziq Daniels inherits the quarterback position from graduating senior, James Waldron. Senior receiver Joe Kim is the only player who caught a reception for the Eagles last year. That is why players like Asamoah will be counted on heavily.

"I'm nominated as a captain. I have to be a leader", said Asamoah. "It's my job to get the squad ready to play. Now I'm teaching everyone what to look for."

Last year, Edison got off to a great start by pulling out wins against Piscataway and Sayreville and also won all of their home games. The goal this year is to replicate that formula against Monroe and Old Bridge.

Asamoah understands how important it is to start strong.

"I think we need a fast start. If we are able to win our first three games, it's going to give us a great start. If we get that out, I feel like it will carry us through the season."

EDISON

About the Eagles

Coach: Matt Fulham, 10th season (32-54).

Assistants: Bob Merkler (offensive line/defensive line); Frank Juliano (linebackers); Matt Revel (wide receivers); Pete Miarmi (defensive backs); Sergio Garcia (running backs).

Stadium: Matthew J. Drwal Stadium (turf).

Colors: Red and gold.

Classification: North 2 Group V.

Offensive formation: Spread.

Defensive formation: 4-3.

Last year (6-4 overall, 5-3 GMC Red): Piscataway 34-22 (W), Sayreville 35-27 (W), South Brunswick 41-21 (L), Monroe 47-21 (L), North Brunswick 42-6 (W), Old Bridge 28-0 (L), East Brunswick 41-0 (W), Marlboro 21-0 (W), Piscataway 21-14 (L), J.P. Stevens 12-0 (W).

2014 schedule: Sept. 12 Monroe, 7 p.m.; Sept. 19 at Old Bridge, 7 p.m.; Sept. 27, Piscataway 2 p.m.; Oct. 2 at East Brunswick, 7 p.m.; Oct. 10 at North Brunswick, 7 p.m.; Oct. 24 at South Brunswick, 7 p.m.; Oct. 31 Freehold Township, 7 p.m.; Nov. 7 Sayreville, 7 p.m.; Nov. 27 J.P. Stevens 10:30 a.m.

RETURNING LEADERS

THE SKINNY

Returning starters: Godwin Asamoah (Sr., 5-11, 215, RB-LB-K); Joe Kim (Sr., 5-10, 160, WR-DB); Irvin Childress (Sr., 6-3, 260, T-DE).

Key losses: James Waldron (QB); Aqeel Daniels (RB-DB); Kyle Boyle-Tucker (WR-LB); Tyrell Best (WR-DB); Nick Wales (WR); K.C. Mkpasi (DB); Christian Appia (LB).

Top newcomers: Haaziq Daniels (Fr. QB-CB); Justin Turner (So. QB/WR-CB).