GMC Football: Wheager leads Old Bridge over Edison

The work Manny Wheager put in during the offseason translated into a game-winning performance, as the senior cornerback and wide receiver recorded two interceptions, both of which led to scores, and had a touchdown catch while leading the Old Bridge High School football team to a deceptive 17-0 victory over Edison on Thursday night.

“Manny worked so hard in the offseason,” said Old Bridge head coach Anthony Lanzafama, noting Wheager ran indoor and outdoor track. “He put a ton of time in and was just ready to play as a senior. He’s modeled hard work for us. He’s been consistent so far this season, and he really kind of came out tonight.”

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Weagher’s 15-yard scoring reception gave the Knights (2-2), who had a short week of practice following Saturday’s loss to perennial state power Manalapan, a 17-0 lead with 10:59 left in the fourth quarter.

Old Bridge scored on its previous possession with quarterback Anthony Imbimbo crossing the goal line on a 1-yard keeper. 

Wheager set up Imbimbo’s touchdown, which capped a 47-yard drive, with his second interception of the game.

The Eagles, who were well-prepared coming off a bye week, failed to convert four scoring opportunities inside the red zone and were 0-for-3 on fourth-down conversion attempts inside the Old Bridge 14 yard line.

Edison was only out-gained 252 to 229 in total yards from scrimmage. Quarterback Frank Vega, filling in for injured starter Dean Escobar (broken left hand), completed 10 of 21 passes for 125 yards.

The Eagles (1-3), who endured their second consecutive shutout, were balanced with 104 yards on the ground. Donavan Benoit was Edison’s leading rusher with 58 yards on six carries.

“Edison always plays us tough,” Lanzafama said. “The last couple of years, we’ve been in some dogfights with them. Coach Fulham and his staff do a great job. They played hard for four quarters and gave us everything we could handle.”

All but 15 of Old Bridge’s yards came on the ground. Tyler Haughney led all rushers with 110 yards on 15 carries, while Imbimbo finished with 59 yards on 16 attempts.

The Eagles committed three turnovers including a fumble on their third play from scrimmage, which Liam Knowles recovered at the Edison 6 yard line.

The Edison defense responded, setting the tone for the remainder of the first half with a goal-line stand that forced the Knights to settle for a 26-yard field goal from Calogero Caruso.

Edison turned the ball over again on its ensuing possession as Wheager recorded his first interception of the game on a second-and-8 from the Old Bridge 25 yard line.

“I was reading the quarterback and in my back pedal when I saw him throw it,” Wheager said. “I thought it was mine. I just went up and got it.”

Old Bridge converted the pick into a touchdown as Knowles capped a 53-yard drive with a 1-yard plunge, giving the Knights a 10-0 lead with 8:08 left in the second quarter.

Edison responded with an 83-yard march of its own that stalled on the Old Bridge 6 as the Eagles turned the ball over on downs following three consecutive incomplete passes.

Edison drove to the Old Bridge 14 in the third quarter and to the Old Bridge 14 once again in the fourth quarter, only to turn the ball over on downs.