Old Bridge Defeats Sayreville in a Close Battle to Reach Central Group 5 Final
coverage by: Nery Rodriguez
In one of the most dramatic playoff games of the season, Old Bridge held off Sayreville, 28–27, on Friday night to advance to the Central Group 5 championship. The Knights survived a furious back-and-forth battle that saw momentum swing multiple times before a clutch fourth-quarter touchdown and a defensive stand sealed the win.
Old Bridge jumped out early behind its balanced offense, taking a 21–14 lead heading into the fourth quarter. Quarterback Brody Nugent led the way through the air, while running back Nick Rizzo and Michael Firetto provided key ground support as the Knights found ways to finish drives against a tough Sayreville front.
The Bombers, as they’ve done all season, refused to fade. Running back Shaun Jackson punched in a four-yard score late in the third to tie things at 21–21, and early in the fourth, he broke loose again — this time from 37 yards out — to give Sayreville a 27–21 lead after a missed PAT.
But Old Bridge answered when it mattered most. With just under two minutes to play, Nugent found Amari Alsbrook on a 13-yard touchdown pass, and Firetto nailed the extra point to give the Knights the go-ahead score, 28–27.
Sayreville mounted one last drive but ran into a relentless Old Bridge defense that delivered a fourth-down stop near midfield with just seconds remaining, igniting a celebration on the visitors’ sideline.
With the win, Old Bridge moves on to the Central Group 5 final, where they’ll meet Washington Township. For Sayreville, the loss ends a strong playoff run, but not before putting on one of the most entertaining postseason games of the year.