GMC FOOTBALL: Old Bridge clinches playoff berth with win over Jackson Memorial

The Old Bridge High School football team rushed for 355 yards and four touchdowns to clinch a Central Group V playoff berth with an impressive 28-14 victory on the road over Jackson Memorial on Friday night.

The Knights, who improved to 5-2 with their fourth straight victory, entered this weekend’s action with the sixth most power points in their section, but having played one less game than four teams with more power points.

Chancellor Cooper led all ground gainers with 155 yards on eight carries including an 80-yard touchdown run.

Julian Rivera scored on runs of 16 and 3 yards, while backfield mate Liam Knowles had a 26-yard touchdown jaunt. Knowles finished with 85 yards on six carries, while Rivera amassed 53 yards on seven carries.

Quarterback Anthony Imbimbo completed 2 of 3 passes for 46 yards and also rushed 14 times for 16 yards. Imbimbo completed passes of 35 yards to Manny Wheagar and 11 yards to Knowles.

Tyler Haughney anchored the defense with eight tackles. Damian Lewocha (seven) and Ramon Paulino (six) were Old Bridge’s other leading tacklers. Wheagar and Zach Thomas each had an interception for Old Bridge.

Old Bridge owned a 355 to 249 advantage in total yards from scrimmage. The Knights converted 50 percent (4 of 8) of their third-down opportunities, while Jackson Memorial was just 36 percent (5 of 14) on third down.

Jackson Memorial fell behind 21-0 before getting on the scoreboard with nine minutes left in the fourth quarter.