UA_LI_FALL_I_2014

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Readers, Hello everyone this is Jaclynkelli Kronemberg and I am now the Long Island Sports Editor. School is back in session which means it is time for football. The Long Island Fall volume one edition is solely dedicated to football previews. I hope you enjoy getting reacquainted with your favorite football teams and learn about the teams you are not too familiar with. Each team has the same goal to make it to the Long Island Championship game which makes every season interesting. If you are rooting for the underdog or the favorite we got you covered. Sit back get comfortable and enjoy reading about the teams fighting to become the number one team on Long Island. Eat-Sleep-Play Football!!

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IN-HOUSE PHOTOGRAPHY

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Sports Editor

KEVIN SPERANDEO

Ultimate Athlete Magazine

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Ultimate Athlete Magazine (ISSN 1931-5295) is published 12 times a year by Ultimate Athlete, Inc., 24 Woodbine Ave, Northport, New York 11768. All contents copyright 2012 by Ultimate Athlete Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use in whole or part of the content without the prior written consent of Ultimate Athlete, Inc. is strictly prohibited. All logos and trademarks are properties of thier respective owners. Although the writers and the publishers have exhaustively researched all sources to ensure the accuracy and the completeness of the information contained in this publication we aassume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any inconsistency herein. The opinions expressed in all materials are those of authors and do not neccesarily represent those of Ultimate Athlete, Inc or Long Island’s Ultimate Athlete Magazine.

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CONTENTS LONG ISLAND FALL_I_ 2014

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FEATURES

PG 10

BELLPORT

PG 14

BETHPAGE

PG 16

CAREY

PG 18

CENTRAL ISLIP

PG 20

COMMACK

PG 24

CONNETQUOT

PG 32

FARMINGDALE

PG 36

GARDEN CITY

PG 40

HALF HALLOW HILL WEST

Clippers

Golden Eagles Seahawks Musketeers Cougars

Thunderbirds Dalers

Trojans Colts

PG 44

KINGS PARK Kingsmen

PG 46

LAWRENCE

Golden Tornadoes

PG 48

MILLER PLACE Panthers

PG 52

MOUNT SINAI Mustangs

PG 54

OCEANSIDE Sailors

PG 58

PLAINEDGE Red Devils

PG 60

RIVERHEAD Blue Waves

PG 62

ROOSEVELT Rough Riders

PG 64

SACHEM NORTH Flaming Arrows

PG 66

SMITHTOWN WEST Bulls

PG 68

WANTAGH Warriors

PG 68

WANTAGH Warriors

PG 70

GRIDIRON PREP

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bellport

STORY BY TOM FALLTETTA | PHOTOS BY ADIL BORLUCA

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new season brings the same expectations, and the Clippers of Bellport High School are looking to make another playoff run this season.

Eight of Bellport’s 2013 starters graduated last year including Bellport’s head coach Joe Cipp’s son Connor. Five of those players were starting offensive linemen.

Bellport secured a playoff spot after going 4-4 in the regular season last year. The team beat Eastport-South Manor in the quarterfinals before losing to Huntington in the semifinals.

“We graduated everyone on the offensive line from Tight End to Tackle,” said Cipp. “I’m worried about filling that role.” The offensive line may be an area of

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concern for Cipp, but he’s confident in the strength of Bellport at other positions. “We have the skill position players,” he said. Amongst skill players, Cipp listed quarterback, linebacker, running back, and wide receiver as areas where the Clippers are exceptionally strong.

Bellport’s co-captain and quarterback, senior Nick Fountis (#12), threw for 1352 yards and four touchdowns in ten games last year. The other co-captain, senior linebacker Conor Haverty (#35), led the team with 130 tackles last season including 5 tackles for a loss. He also recorded a half-sack and one interception through 10 games. Cipp mentioned him as Bellport’s best

player. Senior Running Back Jabari M’Bhaso (#34) led the team with 17 touchdowns last season. He also rushed for a team high 826 yards with a healthy 5.47 yards-per-carry. Cipp consdiders senior Andrew Trent (#1) his top wide receiver. Trent had 35 receptions for 688 yards and three touchdowns last year.

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TEAM REVIEW

“Those are the guys we have to rely on,” said Cipp. Cipp feels all that matters during the regular season is securing a playoff spot. “Once we’re in the playoffs, then we can make a run. “We have the most playoff wins in county history. I’m hoping that we can make some noise.” Bellport opens their season September 13 against visiting East Islip.

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8.5x11 Framed Cover CONNETQUOT HIGH SCHOOL THUNDERBIRDS

CONNETQUOT HIGH SCHOOL THUNDERBIRDS

CONNETQUOT “

“

Every year our goal is to win the Long Island Championship.

THUNDERBIRDS

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ThunderbirdS aspire for the

long island championship

Story By Jaclynkelli Kronemberg / Photos By Morgan Harrison

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he Connetquot varsity football team enters the season ranked number three in Division one in Suffolk &RXQW\ /HDGLQJ WKH &RQQHWTXRW Thunderbirds is head coach Mike Hansen. Hansen is entering his WK VHDVRQ DV WKH KHDG FRDFK /DVW season, Connetquot ended the season with eight wins, two losses, and lost LQ WKH 6XIIRON &RXQW\ VHPLÂżQDOV “This year our goal is to try and win every game,â€? said Hansen, “Every \HDU RXU JRDO LV WR ZLQ WKH /RQJ Island Championship.â€?

A few of the players from last season have since graduated, and the Thunderbirds have only three offensive returning starters, and three defensive returning starters. “We have a solid team this season,� Hansen said, “We have skilled players and a good defense.� There are a couple of players looking to make an impact this year, and help get the team to the championship game. Senior wide receiver Tyler Nason (5’10� 185 lbs.) was one of the top receivers RQ /RQJ ,VODQG ODVW \HDU ZLWK

receptions. “Tyler is athletic, has nice hands and runs great routes,� Hansen said, “I’m looking forward to him being a big impact player this season.�

“There are a lot of kids that have the potential to be real impact players this season for us,� said Hansen, “This is a great team and it’s a pleasure to coach them.�

Senior running back/ linebacker Marcus Gutierrez (5’9â€? 180 lbs.) is another key player to watch for this season. “Marcus is a tough hard runner,â€? Hansen said, “He will carry a lot of the load this year.â€? The offensive line features three seniors DJ Gallino (6’2â€? 270 lbs.), Rob Dawson (6’1â€? 270 lbs.) and Jimmy Oliver (5’11â€? 250 lbs.). “We have a solid offensive line,â€? Hansen said, “DJ, Rob and Jimmy are the anchors of the offensive line.â€? The defensive line features junior Sean Moore (6’0â€? 250 lbs.), Gallino and Oliver. “Our defensive line is physical and work hard.â€? Hansen said. Connetquot takes their ÂżUVW VWHS WRZDUG WKH /RQJ Island Championship on September 11, 2013, when they open the season against Patchogue Medford.

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STORY BY ROBERT DEVITA | PHOTOS BY BILL KELLY

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TEAM REVIEW

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carey

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he Carey Seahawks had an exceptional season last year being the undefeated Long Island Class II Championship winners. The Seahawks also earned their first Nassau County Championship title since 1978, beating the favored number two seed team in the league, the Garden City Trojans. The upcoming season looks bright for the Seahawks, as they hope to maintain the same work ethic and dedication as they did in their last. “We are the preseason 1 seed after going 12-0 last year and winning the Long Island Championship and Rutgers Cup. Like any year we did graduate great players, however, we have many key players

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back this year and we’ve had a v spring and summer. We are looking start of the season”, says Coach Sta

The top three Carey players to are Conor Colasurdo (LB/RB/TE) (RB/WR/DB) and Mike DeLeo (RB players will be starting for a th season. When asked about who biggest threat to the successful Car Stanley replied, “Our biggest whoever we are playing that week! the 2 seed, followed by Wantagh at

FOOTBALL REVIEW

very productive Mepham at 5. All are on our schedule.” g forward to the Now that Coach Mike Stanley has led anley. the Carey team to victory before, they plan o watch out for to go all the way to the top once again this year, ), Nick Spillane improving every step of the way. “We hope that we B/DB). All three can focus each day and each week on getting better, hird consecutive and use that blueprint like we did last year..we are might pose the excited”, Coach Stanley beamed. The Seahawks rey team, Coach will be hitting the field for training camp on August competition is 18th but they open the season with an away game ! Garden City is at Mepham High School on Saturday, September t 3, Elmont at 4, 13th. Here is a look of their 2014 schedule below:

2014 Schedule Week 1 at Mepham Week 2 at Wantagh Week 3 vs. Sewanhaka Week 4 vs. Elmont Week 5 at Westbury Week 6 vs. Garden City Week 7 vs. Long Beach Week 8 at Calhoun

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central islip 18

STORY BY ROBERT DEVITA | PHOTOS BY KEVIN SPERANDEO

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n 2014 the Central Islip Musketeers will be playing football in Suffolk County Division I. This will be a major test for this team because they are moving up a division. Only time will tell how the Musketeers will respond to the challenge but they are putting in the work that is required to compete at this level. “Division I is a competitive division, our main goal is to compete and be able to come in, win some games and have a chance to make it to the playoffs,� said Central Islip

Rob Gadsen. It will be a test for this g guys but they are lucky to have a few s guys that will lead them this season.

Some noteworthy guys on this ro starting quarterback L.J. Harriott is th of this team. He is one of the most im players on this team. Harriott is the g will have the ball in his hands most ma plays. Another guy to keep an eye on Emanuel Flores who is switching p from center. Flores is a workhorse and in an ample amount of work this offse

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group of standout

oster are he leader mportant guy that aking the is guard positions d has put eason.

FOOTBALL REVIEW

Someone who will be key to the flow of this offense is wide receiver Eriq Dees. Dees will be Harriott’s main target in the passing game because he has great hands and can get open with the best of them. It should be interesting to watch this team throughout the season, it won’t be easy but you can bet the Musketeers will do everything they can to be successful in 2014.

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commack

STORY BY FREHEIT | PHOTOS BY KEVIN SPERANDEO

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he 2014 Commack Cougars are strapped up and ready to begin their season in Suffolk County Division 1 after an intense summer of conditioning and preparation. The end of training camp has been devoted to preparing for their first game of the season against Connetquot, the number one seeded team in the division. “They are a good football team, well coached and can make plays,” said Commack

head coach Jeffrey DiLorenzo. “We need to control the time of possession and play our game.” Summer preparation has been key for the Commack Football team. “The players work extremely hard and because of that, we are able to do a lot of fundamental drills and system install,” said DiLorenzo. “Our team is ready to go. They are young and for some they are ready to have their first varsity

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experience. We had a good week of today, I have a good support system.” tremendous and ferocious defensive preparation and are coming together The head coach mentioned a few of back”, according to his coach. his many exceptional players. as a team.” #57 - Kyle La Mantia is the #17 - Augustus Contressa is a 6’0, Cougar’s premier offensive lineman This is coach DiLorenzo first year as the varsity football head 190 lbs. junior. “Augustus is one of and linebacker. The 6’0, 215 lbs. coach at Commack High School. “I the most dynamic players on Long captain is the glue of the offensive am honored to take on a Division 1 Island. He can do everything,” said line. Football program,” said DiLorenzo. DiLorenzo. #16 Christian Costello is another “Being able to have learned from #37 - Thomas Dugan was the captain that really stepped it up some great role models within our junior varsity’s most valuable player since last year. The 6’0, 210 lbs. program in the past and with me last year. The 5’9, 175 lbs. junior is “a senior is, “one of the top tight ends

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TEAM REVIEW

in the league and an excellent defender,” said DiLorenzo. A few words from Coach DiLorenzo – “Last year’s team was very successful and we are looking to build on their success. We are young, but talented and ready to take the next step. We have had some injuries but we are hopeful that we will overcome them. Our skill players seem to be a great strength for us but in this game, there is always room for improvement.”

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connetquot 24

STORY BY BRIAN COLEMAN | PHOTOS BY MORGAN HARRISON

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or the past two seasons, the Connetquot Thunderbirds season has ended in the Suffolk County semifinals in heartbreaking fashion. In 2012, as the number one seed, they lost to Sachem East 33-28 on a touchdown pass as time expired. Last season, the Thunderbirds, after losing a 14-0 halftime lead, scored a touchdown in the final minute before a failed two-point conversion kept them out of the county finals.

season is its own. on what they need

That is the me as it prepares for i largest group of se division I, but has a run at that coun

“The last two seasons, we lost in the county semifinals in the last A blend of u minute of the game,” said Mike Hansen, who is entering his 12th and seniors will season as the Connetquot Head Coach. “Without a doubt it has been Thunderbirds feat a source of motivation for our players, but they understand that each

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. This is a different team and they must be focused sides of the line. Moore was a nominee for the Zellner Award d to do to be successful.� (best linemen in Suffolk County) last season. Moore was an allentality in the Thunderbirds locker room this year state linemen who will anchor the trenches. Another one of its key its 2014 season. They are a team that graduated its contributors will be Sean McKean, a Division I FCS prospect. eniors from a team that went 8-2 overall and 7-1 in McKean plays strong safety and wide receiver and is a dynamic s a new group of seniors that have plans on making playmaker.

nty championship.

This mix of talent all across the field makes Connetquot a viable upcoming juniors from the junior varsity level threat to finally hurdle the county semifinal hum that has stood in its lead the way for Connetquot this season. The way the last two seasons. “We have the same goal we have at the start of any season, to ture three year varsity starter Sean Moore on both

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FOOTBALL REVIEW

win a championship. However, our focus is always on the next game we need to win.” said Hansen. “We graduated our biggest group of seniors last year and lost some real quality players, but I like the seniors we have returning. They are a great group of young men that have good leadership skills, experience, and are a solid bunch of football players.” Connetquot opens its season at home against Commack on Sept. 12.

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eastport south manor 28

STORY BY BRIAN COLEMAN | PHOTOS BY MORGAN HARRISON

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astport South Manor enjoyed one of its best seasons in the program’s history in 2013. A 7-1 regular season record in the Division III conference of Suffolk County was the best record the Sharks had in the 10 years of the program. After winning the regular season match up against Bellport 31-28 Eastport had to face them again in the first round of the playoffs. Unfortunately for the Sharks,

Bellport exacted its revenge, shutting out Eastport South Manor in a shocking 14-0 upset. Fast forward to 2014 and the Sharks team has been revamped. Head Coach Paul Mastronardi walked away from the job to become the athletic director at Mercy High School at Riverhead, and Eastport South Manor brought back Bill Ashton to fill the head coaching void. Ashton had previously been an assistant coach under

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Mastronardi, and now takes over the responsibility of a program that lost several of its key contributors to graduation.

comes a new style of football, as the Sharks will be transforming from a power run attack to a spread style offense. That will put a lot of the offensive onus on junior quarterback Matt Wade, who despite still being an underclassman, saw playing time last year due to injury of quarterback Austin Macchi.

“I always felt like I had unfinished business—I had people wanting me to stay,” said Ashton in an interview with 27East.com. “It wound up working out really well, While the new spread attack with the kids wanting me back and should make for an exciting and I wanted to coach them again.” With the new coaching staff high-scoring offense, the Sharks also present a number of impact

players on the other side of the ball. Senior linebacker Justin Pugal will try to build on a fantastic 2013 season that saw him rack up 50 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions. Anchoring the defensive line will be defensive end Pat Minogue, who Ashton said will be used in multiple defensive fronts. Minogue, who also serves as the punter and a wide receiver, notched 74 tackles and a remarkable 16 sacks a year ago.

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TEAM REVIEW

With a formidable defense and a new look offense, the Sharks will look to make some noise in Suffolk County’s Division III conference.

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farmingdale

Buddy Kremenacker

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STORY BY JACLYNKELLI KRONEMBERG | PHOTOS BY ADIL BORLUCAR

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he Farmingdale varsity football team is known for its long tradition of winning and this year is no different. Farmingdale enters the season ranked number one in the tough Conference 1 in Nassau County.

Last season Farmingdale won the Nassau County championship game and lost in the Long Island championship game. This season they are looking to get back to the Long Island championship and walk away with the win.

“We have been very good a lot of years,” said the Farmingdale varsity “Our goal is to be the conference head coach Buddy Krumenacker. “We champions and make our way back to always wear the target on our backs.” the Long Island championship,” said

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Micheal Outing

Mike Scheuerer

Styvenson Hogarth

R Krumenacker. Krumenacker is entering his 21st year as head coach. Krumenacker knows how to make a winning team and despite only having four returning starters he is confident that if they continue to play at a high level they will get back to the Nassau County championship game. Two of those four returning starters that

will make an impact this season are seniors Jack Keller and Keyshawn Petit-frer.

defensive end/running back. Petitfrer is a captain looking to dominate on both sides of the ball.

“Keyshawn is an outstanding pass Keller is a 6’3” 265lbs. offensive rusher and is difficult to block,” said lineman. Keller is a captain. “Jack started for us last year Krumenacker. “He was outstanding and we are looking for him to be last year and we expect to him to the leader on the offensive line this be even better this year. Keyshawn has outstanding speed and rushing year,” said Krumenacker. ability off the edge.” Petit-frer is a 6’2” 215 lbs.

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FOOTBALL REVIEW

Being in Conference 1 in Nassau County every week is a big game. Teams don’t get a break and have to work hard every day to remain on top. Farmingdale starts the season against their longtime rival Massapequa. Despite the rankings of each team this game is always guaranteed to be good. The kids play their hardest in this game because both teams want bragging rights with the win. “We always take it week by week,” said Krumenacker. “We practice well and are at the same level we were practicing at a year ago. I expect good things from this team if we keep practicing and playing at this level.”

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garden city 36

STORY BY JACLYNKELLI KRONEMBERG | PHOTOS BY BILL KELLY

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they are hungry to get back there and win. Coach Flately is entering his 30th year as the head coach. Garden City has an array of talented players that can help to lead them back to the title game including three senior returning “Our goals are to have a winning players James Sullivan, Liam Brynes record and make the playoffs,” said the and Brian Goepfert. Sullivan is a 5’10 180 lbs. senior Garden City head coach Tom Flately. Garden City lost to Carey last year safety/running back. Sullivan is a in the Nassau County championship captain and a three year starter. he Garden City varsity football team enters the season ranked number two in Nassau County Conference II, with the ambition to make their way back to the Nassau County championship game.

game. With seven returning starters

“James is intelligent and a good

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Goepfert is a 6’3” 210 lbs. senior solid leader,” said Flately. “We expect a good solid performance offensive tackle. Goepfert is also a from him every game and want him three year starter. to show leadership.” “Brian is a good tackle and a good Brynes is a 6’3” 210 lbs. senior solid performer,” said Flately. “We offensive tackle. Brynes is the co- are hoping he will play two ways this year and also play defensive captain and is a three year starter. “Liam is a solid offensive player,” end.”

and is a two year player. “Brian is a strong powerful runner and has good straight away speed,” said Flately.

The game to keep an eye out for is the Nassau County championship game rematch against Carey. Carey is ranked number one in Nassau Another player that will make County Conference II. Garden said Flately. “He is the leader of the offensive line. This year we are an impact is junior defensive back/ City has some work to do before hoping he will play on both sides of running back/kick returner Brian the season starts. With only four Heffner. Heffner is a 5’9” 185 lbs. returning offensive starters and the ball.”

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TEAM PREVIEW

three returning defensive starters they have some spots to fill in. Garden City is up for the challenge and ready to make their way back to the championship game. “We hope to find some defensive people up front,” said Flately. “We are hoping to get better as the season goes along. We have a lot of inexperienced players starting this year and are hoping they come along quickly and work well together.”

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half hallow hill west 40

STORY BY TOM FALLETTA | PHOTOS BY KEVIN SPERADEO

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he Colts of Half Hollow Hills West High are aiming to make another playoff push this year. That would continue a long tradition of success considering their history of making the postseason.

really heating up to finish the season on a high note. After winning their opener in a close 10-6 victory, the Colts lost their next three games before going on a four game winning streak to finish the regular season. The losses were hardHalf Hollow Hills West went luck ones as all three were by one score 5-3 in the regular season in 2013. They or less. Half Hollow Hills West lost in the began the season relatively cold before

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first round of the playoffs 44-21 to Riverhead High School. The Colts have made the playoffs in six of their past eight seasons. They won their first Division II Championship in 2009.

teams for the 2014 season. They sit Cipoletti (#25) will be looking to behind Newfield and ahead of North build on his great success on defense Babylon High Schools. last season. Cipoletti made 72 tackles, Half Hollow Hills West graduated and had four fumble recoveries and 18 seniors last year. They will be three interceptions.

relying on some returning players that The Colts’ offense will be led by Half Hollow Hills West is seeded had solid seasons last year. junior Quarterback Anthony Lucarelli fifth out of 14 amongst Division II Senior Middle Linebacker Joe (#7) and junior Running Back Lucas

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team review

DiGiorgi (#5). Lucarelli threw for 1,348 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2013 while DiGiorgi ran for 600 yards from scrimmage. Half Hollow Hills West opens the season against third-seeded Newfield High School on September 12. They will face top-seeded Riverhead High School in a rematch of last year’s playoff game in week four on October 1.

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kings park

STORY BY TOM FALLETTA | PHOTOS BY KEVIN SPERADEO

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he Kings Park High School Kingsmen are looking to rebound this year after a disappointing 1-7 season in 2013. Their head coach Mark O’Brien has set the bar high for the 2014 season.

them “a big problem.”

sop

O’Brien blamed Kings Park’s struggles last season on turnovers calling

year. Many of those voids left by the exc graduates are being filled by juniors and des

A new spread offense was “ implemented in the 2013 season. ethi O’Brien feels that the Kingsmen became the better as the season progressed in spite prac of their record. J “We expect to compete for a playoff The offense did improve over time Mic spot and grow as the season goes along,” scoring at least 14 points in each of the bes says Head Coach Mark O’Brien. final five games after scoring a total of inst The Kingsmen lost their first six 14 points in the first three. They scored O games last season before beating Rocky 8, 0, and 6 points in those three games. Cor Point high school in October for their Kings Park graduated eight players sen only win. on offense and nine on defense last Ma

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TEAM REVIEW

phomores in 2014.

the fastest guy on the team” “The entire team has a great work while proclaiming Harewood ic and has put in countless hours in is a “strong player with good weight room, speed training, and speed and vision.” ctice,” said O’Brien. Kings Park High School is looking to take it one game at a Junior Middle Linebacker and Guard ckey Hopkins (#51) is Kings Park’s time with a largely new group st player according to O’Brien. “Great of starters and a full year in their tincts,” he said. “Smart and tough.” new offensive system. They’re definitely excited. O’Brien listed senior Quarterback/ “We’re looking forward to the rnerback Stephen Hazel (#2) and nior Tailback/Outside Linebacker season and competing every week,” said akai Harewood (#31) as two O’Brien. ceptional players on the team. He scribed Hazel as “very smart and

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lawrence 46

STORY BY LISA HOLAHAN | PHOTOS

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he Lawrence Golden Tornadoes are ready to come back this season and defend their title as Long Island Champions. The team has won two Long Island Class III Championship titles for the past two years and are looking to make it three in a row. They come into the season prepared to make it back to the LIC.

JOSEPH MARTILLOTTI

Lawrence still proves to be stronger than ever despite the loss of quarterback Joe Capobianco, who graduated and is now playing at Merrimack College. Merrimack scouted Capobianco after his senior year of achieving impressive stats, such as throwing 2,987 yards with a total of 33 touchdowns for the season. Capobianco even set Long Island records for his entire high school career, achieving 8,013 passing yards and 100 touchdowns. However, head coach Joseph Martillotti firmly believes that even with the loss of Capobianco, his diligent Lawrence team is still looking solid and confident. “We

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FOOTBALL REVIEW

S BY ADIL BORLUCA look to be strong as we return 17 out of 22 starters. We were a young team last year and have a lot of experience returning with a bunch of guys that know how to win.” The top three Lawrence players to watch out for are Jordan Fredericks (RB), Melik Mavruk (DT/OT) and Mike Spinelli (DE/TE). Martillotti predicts that Plainedge, Bethpage and Glen Cove will be Lawrence’s three toughest opponents. Although, the Golden Tornadoes still have high hopes for this season, “We hope to win our 3rd Long Island Championship in a row”, says the fifth season coach. Lawrence will begin their training camp on August 18th and their first game will be away against Bethpage on September 13th.

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miller place 48

STORY BY BRIAN COLEMAN | PHOTOS BY MORGAN HARRISON

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he Miller Place Panthers looked like it was on its way to a perfect season a year ago when it headed into a Suffolk County Semifinal contest with Sayville. Miller Place had won all nine of its games up to that point and was on the verge of playing for a county championship.

Sayville would advance to the county championship against Babylon while the Miller Place season came to an abrupt and unexpected end. The defense had allowed more than 20 points just once heading into the county semis but allowed 35 to a Sayville team that it had defeated earlier in the year.

Unfortunately, the Panthers run defense was no match for Sayville “The loss at the end of the year was running back Matthew Selts who ran tough,” said head coach Ron Petrie. wild for 215 yards and four touchdowns. “For me, our staff & graduating players

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newcomers from its junior varsity varsity squad, Miller Place will also be returning its leading tackler on team that went undefeated. “For the upcoming players from defense and second leading rusher our undefeated JV team, they look from a season ago, Jake Buonaiuto. at as an opportunity to make their The senior linebacker and running mark within the program and push back is actually a lacrosse commit There is some unfinished business beyond those accomplishments,” to Bryant University this year, but to take care of for Miller Place but it added Petrie. “We are counting on not before he leads the Miller Place will have to do so with some new cast that group to step in immediately and football team this fall. The Panthers are also returning members. The Panthers lost a number hopefully make an impact.” of key contributors to graduation Along with the additions of leading receiver Kyle O’Connor and will be looking towards some players from the undefeated junior and big offensive linemen James because it was not indicative of the type of effort we had sustained up until that game. It does provide motivation to the players returning to finish what was started by a great group last year.”

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TEAM PREVIEW

McNulty. With a mix of experience and talented youth down the depth chart, Petrie’s expectations haven’t wavered. “Our expectations are to be in the playoffs and challenging the higher ranked teams for the Suffolk County Championship come November,” said Petrie. “If our younger players can step in and develop then we should be competitive each week of the season.”

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mount sinai

STORY BY BRIAN COLEMAN | PHOTOS BY MARGAN HARRISON

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hile many high school football teams experience a lot of changeover from year to year, few are strapped with the task of replacing as many players as the Mount Sinai Mustangs will have to do in the 2014 campaign.

IV semifinals a year ago. Last sea disappointing fashion as John Glenn scored 21 unanswered points in the advance to the county championshi

For Mount Sinai, not a single st team that suffered that disappointin The Mustangs, led by head coach Vinnie this season. Ammirato, will have to replace 21 seniors from “We are very young and inexper a team that reached the Suffolk County Division rebuilding year,” said Ammarito. “O

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ason ended in just get better each week.” n High School What makes the year even more difficult is that second half to the Mustangs will be making the transition from ip. Division IV to Division III because of school tarter from the enrollment. In order to be successful this season, ng loss is back Mount Sinai will need big contributions from its scarce seniors, including quarterback Anthony rienced, a true Abbondanza and middle linebacker Tom O’Brien Our goal is to on each respective side of the ball.

team preview

Mount Sinai opens up at home against Rocky Point on September 5th. With a bunch of new faces and players being asked to fill bigger roles than they did a year ago, Ammirato is eager to see improvement on a daily basis from his guys. “Baby steps,” said Ammirato. “We have to really get back what we put in each day. The kids are working very hard, and we seem to get a little better with each practice.”

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oceanside

STORY BY JACLYNKELLI KRONEMBERG | PHOTOS BY ADIL BORLUC

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he last four years the Oceanside varsity football team has ended their season in the Nassau County Conference 1 semifinals and this year they are looking to finally get over that hump and make their way into the Nassau County Championship game. Oceanside has a good chance at accomplishing that, entering the season ranked number two in Conference 1.

County championship game,” said the Oceanside varsity football head coach Robert Blount. “Our goals are always the same to reach the county finals and win the county title.”

Last year Oceanside finished their season with eight wins and two losses and lost in the Nassau County semifinals to Massapequa. Coach Blount is entering his sixth year as head coach and has a talented group “We always end up a step away of kids looking to push them over the and this year we are looking to finally edge and get them past the semifinals. get it done and get into the Nassau Oceanside has nine starters returning

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CA “He is a real physical player and come around too often. He allows a great leader. We are looking for us to do different things offensively him to the set the tone and carry the that a lot of teams can’t do.” defense throughout the season.” McCarthy is a 6’0 215 lbs. senior Ruiz is a 5’9” 175 lbs. senior inside linebacker/ running back. Murphy is a 6’0”, 245 lbs. senior defensive end. Last year Murphy running back/wide receiver/safety. McCarthy is a three year starter and was named all-county and has Last year Ruiz rushed for 450 yards, a three sport athlete. Stony Brook University, University 175 receiving yards and had four “Morgan has the most experience of Rhode Island, University of touchdowns. on the defense,” said Blount. “He Maine and the University of New “Gilly is the most versatile makes big plays and is the glue of Hampshire interested in him. player on our team,” said Blount. our defense. We are expecting a big and looking to lead the way for Oceanside are three senior returning players Kyone Murphy, Gilly Ruiz and Morgan McCarthy.

“Kyone is the best defensive “He can do a multitude of things player in the county,” said Blount. offensively. Players like Gilly don’t

year from him.”

Being in Conference 1 Oceanside

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TEAM REVIEW

knows nothing will come easy and every week will be a battle. Oceanside opens up on a Friday night against Freeport. Another key game to keep an eye out for is their match up against Farmingdale. “We can’t wait to get started and compete again. I’m looking forward to Freeport and starting the season,” said Blount. “We are a young team but if we mature quickly we should be ok. I expect this team to compete and raise the level of the program.”

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PLAINEDGE 58

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FOOTBALL REVIEW

STORY BY ROBERT DEVITA | PHOTOS BY BILL KELLY

A

fter a solid 9-2 season in 2013 the Plainedge Red Devils set the bar high in hopes of bringing a championship back home in 2014. “We try to get the most amount of wins in addition to being a high school sport, trying to develop the best character kids that we can, that is really our main focus.� said head coach Robert Shaver on his ambitions for the season. Three guys to watch out for this season are starting running back Davien Kuinlan, who rushed for nearly 1,500 yards last season. Andrew Rakitzis, who is the lone offensive linemen returning from last year and middle linebacker Jake Schozer. Something that is going to be crucial for the Red Devils this season is not having letdowns. Last season they had a couple, one being at the hands of crosstown rival Bethpage. If the Red Devils can avoid any bumps in the road they should be in line to compete for a championship in 2014.

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riverhead 60

STORY BY JACLYNKELLI KRONEMBERG | PHOTOS BY MORGAN HARRI

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season they are working toward getting back there. Coach Shay is entering his 16th year as the head coach. Riverhead has six returning starters and the three to keep an eye out for are Ethan Greenidge, Raheem Brown and Ryun Moore.

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Greenidge is a 6’6” 325lbs. senior “Our goals for the season are to finish in offensive tackle/defensive tackle. the top four, get a home playoff game and “Ethan anchors both lines,” said Shay. possibly win the championship game,” “He is a great run blocker and a strong said the Riverhead varsity football head athletic kid.” coach Leif Shay. Brown is a 5’9” 180 lbs. senior middle Last year Riverhead won the Suffolk linebacker/full back. County championship game but lost in “Raheem is pound for pound the the Long Island Championship. This

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he reigning Suffolk County champions are poised to have a repeat season. The Riverhead varsity football team enters the season ranked number one in Suffolk County Division II and is looking to get back to the Long Island Championship.

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m E o t g

team review

ISON

strongest kid on the team,” said Shay. are willing “He is the strongest blocker and hitter to work and is the leader of the defense.” hard to get Moore is a 5’10” 185 lbs. junior back there.

running back/outside linebacker.

“We are optimistic about this “Ryun is a dynamic athlete,” said Shay. “He is a rangy runner and is very season and are expecting good things,” said Shay. explosive.” “We do a lot to prepare and The big games this season are the be ready for the season. We put in matchups against Smithtown East and the time and prep that’s necessary to East Islip. Riverhead is a defensive succeed. We work hard all season oriented team and is looking to shut down to obtain our goals.” teams’ offense. They know what it takes to get to the Long Island Championship and

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roosevelt 62

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he Roosevelt Roughriders are back in action, training to give it their all during the upcoming fall 2014 football season. Proud head coach, Joe Vito, has been coaching the Roughriders for 21 seasons. After coaching for over two decades coach Vito knows the game of football extremely well, and is always ready to drill and spread his knowledge

among his team of young athletes. The Roosevelt team had a phenomenal run last season winning 11 straight games in a row with six of those wins being complete shutouts. The Roughriders came close to winning it all until the very end when they lost to Babylon High School in the Long Island Class IV championship. Coach Vito is looking for redemption this year but

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you better believe that the Roughriders will be working hard for every win they plan to achieve. The team took a rough loss by losing a few key players such as Johnnie Akins, Ray Hansen and Ray Jones to graduation. Akins broke the Nassau County single-season rushing record by gaining 2,593 yards and had 4,000 yards in total for the past two seasons. Nevertheless,

TEAM REVIEW

even with losing talented players to graduation, there are always top returning players that still keep the dream of winning alive. The top three players to watch out for are Justin Terry (WR/CB), Shamari Kilpatrick (RB/LB) and Denzel Barnes (WR/CB). Some other honorable mentions are Dorkim Simeona (LT), Chukwuma Ukwu (RT) and Elliot Fortune (DE). What puts

Terry and Barnes in the top three is their versatility. Terry starts as a safety and wide receiver but can also play quarterback while Barnes starts at corner and wide receiver, making both players secret weapons out on the football field. The blue and gold jerseys will be heading out on the field officially for their first game on September 13th against West Hempstead. Don’t forget to come out

a n d support the team because by the way this exceptional team plays, there will be games that you definitely won’t want to miss.

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SACHEM NORTH 64

STORY BY TOM FALLETTA | PHOTOS BY KEVIN SPERANDEO

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he Sachem North William Floyd High Flaming Arrows School in its first game won their first of the season. “They’re Long Island Class I going to come prepared,” championship last season said Falco. “I’m really in a 27-21 victory over concerned about Week Farmingdale. Now 1.” they’re looking for a The schedule doesn’t second-straight title, but get any easier for the that won’t be an easy task Flaming Arrows. In Week after losing 28 of their 2, the team travels to play seniors from the 10-2 Connetquot High School. championship team. Connetquot is the top“It’s a slight reloading ranked team in Division I situation,” said Sachem this season. After coming North Head Coach David home to play Sachem East Falco. Still, he remained in Week 3, Sachem North undaunted by the task travels to second-ranked in ahead. “I think we’re a Patchogue-Medford playoff team.” Sachem Week 4. North High School is “The strength of our ranked third in Division I. team is the defensive Last year’s team line,” said Falco. The line was dominant. Sachem is anchored by sophomore Fasano North started the season Christopher junior Dylan on a four-game winning (#68), streak before finishing the Rodriguez (#73), and season and their playoff senior Anthony DiMatteo run with a six-game (#78). DiMatteo has been offered a full scholarship winning streak. Sachem North WWW.ULTIMATEATHLETEMAGAZINE.COM hosts to Bryant University.

“I think we have one of the best players in the county in cornerback Kevin Bragaglia,” said Falco. Bragaglia (#21) is a senior. Falco also expects big things from senior Running Back Jasheem Banks (#4). Still, Falco conceded that the success of the team is dependent on whether or not the new players on the roster can play at the same high level as last year’s championship team. “Those are big ‘ifs,” Falco said. “Moving to JV to varsity is a big leap.”

TEAM REVIEW

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SMITHTOWN WEST 66

STORY BY TOM FALLETTA | PHOTOS BY KEVIN SPERADEO

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he Bulls of Smithtown High School West will be looking to carry over their success from last season into this one. That will not be an easy task considering all of their offensive skill position leaders graduated last year. Smithtown West hit the ground running in 2013 with an impressive five-game winning streak. They finished the season 7-1 and earned a playoff spot. Smithtown West’s strength last season was its high-scoring offense. The Bulls never scored less than 35 points in a regular season game with the exception of their shutout loss to Riverhead in October. In the first round of the playoffs, the Bulls

defeated North Babylon High 57-46 in overtime. They were defeated 2216 by East Islip in the semifinals. The Bulls passing, rushing, and receiving leaders all graduated last season. The loss of these players hurt Smithtown West in the rankings this year. They are ranked ninth out of 14 in Suffolk County’s Division II. They were ranked second last season. Junior quarterback Dan Caroussos (#14) and senior running back Garrett Brunsvold (#37) are going to have to help fill that void on offense. Despite the upheaval, Smithtown West started off the 2014 season strong with a decisive 4113 victory over Copiague in the Week 1 matchup. The Bulls had 460 yards

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from scrimmage. Caroussos was 15-for19 passing with 190 yards and two touchdowns in his first Varsity start. Two of his incompletions were interceptions. Caroussos also rushed for 56 yards and a touchdown. Brunsvold was the Bulls leading rusher of the game. He rushed for 169 yards on 21 carries and scored two touchdowns. Smithtown West’s next two games will prove to be a test. The Bulls play 5th-ranked Half Hollow Hills West at home before travelling to first ranked Riverhead. Both teams are 1-0.

TEAM REVIEW

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wantagh

STORY BY ROBERT DEVITA | PHOTOS BY BILL KELLY

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antagh High School has a storied football tradition and they look to continue it in 2014. This year’s team is very young. They are made up of a bunch of first year varsity players along with some new faces who will have to step up in 2014. Regardless of the new personnel, their goals have not changed, this team is ready to be successful and make a run this season.

just want to get better right now, we are pr versatile. We think we have good skills, can run, we can throw, and we have a lo talent but there’s nothing proven.”

This team is young. They are only return three seniors. Those three guys will be leaders of this team and have some big r to fill in the upcoming season. Senior mid linebacker Ralph Sommer is a three y “We are young, so right now we have a starter on defense and plays arguably the m lot of people stepping in for the first time,” important position on that side of the fiel said Wantagh head coach Keith Sachs, “A lot middle linebacker. of first year varsity players, whether they are Senior Vinny Vasheo has been the tea sophomores or were on varsity last year. We

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FOOTBALL REVIEW

retty starting safety on defense but will be playing , we running back as well this season. Vasheo will ot of be crucial to this team’s success. The lone returning offensive lineman is senior George ning Potts. Potts will have to anchor a whole new the starting offensive line.

roles ddle year most ld in

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The upcoming season should be an interesting one for the Wantagh Warriors. There are a lot of things to look forward to and the unknown of how good this team could be is something to watch out for. Keep an eye out for this young and talented team as they look to make a run in 2014.

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BY JOE PIETARO

GRIDIRON PREP STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING FOR THE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PLAYER

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ootball is a sport unlike the rest. No other game combines speed and strength the way it does, and preparation for it begins in the gym and on the track, not the gridiron. Long before the helmet and pads are strapped on, players need to get their bodies conditioned for four quarters of hitting and (hopefully) injury prevention. This type of strategy is three-fold, and it is more important for the high school athlete than at any other level. As males reach their mid-to-upper teenage years, their bodies begin changing and growing with the onset of their natural testosterone production and by training in a pre-determined fashion to take advantage of this, the gains will be more than noticeable— they will be a difference-maker on the football field. 1. CARDIO Before you even pick up a weight, make sure that you are already in shape and the only way to do that is with cardio. But because this prep is for football, don’t be afraid to take it up a notch. The way to do that is by performing High Intensity Interval Training (otherwise known as H.I.I.T.) with 20 and 30yard sprints. This will get you in the type of condition that you will need to make that game-saving tackle or grind out an extra three yards to move the chains. And it will work a lot faster than endless hours on the treadmill or Stair Master. The idea behind H.I.I.T. is to accelerate your heart rate with an explosive exercise and use only a short—and in this case, moving—rest period in between sets. Sprints are the perfect example of how to do this and your local high school track will become a very familiar place to you. Wear a watch and keep track of the time you start. Do not worry about counting how many sets you do, other than when you take it up to the longer sprint. Start off with a 20-yard sprint, walk back to the starting point and repeat. Walk back and then do a 30-yard sprint. The tri-set looks like this: 20, 20, and 30 yards. Keep doing this for a full half hour and if you need a little extra rest, do so at the starting point after the walk back.

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2. WEIGHT TRAINING Football is a position-specific sport when it comes to weight training but regardless of what position you play, the basic compound movements need to be done. And the weight lifted is not nearly as important as correct and strict form and time under tension. By starting off with a weight that you can handle for 10-to-12 reps will give you an indication of what you should be using and doing controlled reps will keep your muscles working with the aforementioned time under tension. So what exactly are compound movements? They are staple exercises that should be a part of every weight training program and work more than one muscle group – the main muscle and one or more secondary muscles. Here are the exercises that will benefit any football player: *Squats - use a barbell and a spotter. Range of motion should bring you down to just beneath parallel. *Flat Bench Press – barbell with a spotter and range of motion should touch your chest and then right before your elbows lock out at the top. *Military Press – these can be done either seated or standing with a barbell. *Power Cleans – great explosive movement that will work both your upper and lower body. 3. STRETCHING An often-overlooked aspect of any workout and one that has such a high upside but not doing it can be extremely detrimental to your maintenance and injury prevention programs. This can take all of five minutes to do before, during and after your workout and should never be skipped.

Joe Pietaro is the Founding Editor of MuscleSport Magazine (www.musclesportmag.com).

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PRINT OUT AN Abraham Lincoln High School

RAILSPITTERS Brooklyn Tech High School engineERS MASSAPEQUA HIGH SCHOOL LINCOLN FOOTBALL

CHIEFS

Becoming a THE ENGINEERS MASSAPEQUA HIGH SCHOOL

Powerhouse SEEK CITY

CHAMPIONSHIP E Story by Kevin Freiheit Photos by Kevin Sperandeo very football team starts the season with an ultimate goal.

been living up to their expectations, and have no intention of letting up. The

Story by Ryan McNamee // Photos by Anthony Hughes Most teams aim to go as far as Railsplitters are off to a perfect 6-0 they can and win the Championship. You can ask coaches before the season starts, and even during the year, and their goal will probably be to win every game.

They will give you the usual coach quotes – “We have to take it one game at a time,� “We’re looking to win every single game,� or “Our focus is winning one week at a time.� For most teams, they fail to achieve their goal. All it takes is one loss, one bad game, or even one simple mistake, to end a season. But the boys at Lincoln High have

start, and they have been merciless on WKH ÂżHOG DQG RQ WKH VFRUHERDUG

MASSAPEQUA Chiefs Ranked First at Pre-season Conference 1 Story by Jaclynkelli Kronemberg Photos by Kevin Freiheit

SACHEM NORTH MASSAPEQUA FOOTBALL PREVIEW

In its six games this season, Lincoln has allowed a mere 39 points and more than 10 in a game just once. Lincoln has many players that can step up and bring down the opponent. Junior Alejandro Oregon, who has 31 tackles, and leads the Railsplitters’ defense. Senior Leroy Hancle has recorded 30 tackles, as well.

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he Massapequa varsity football team enters the season with a number one preseason ranking during Conference 1 in Nassau County. “Our expectations are the same every year,� said Massapequa varsity football coach Kevin Shippos, “We want to win the Nassau County Championship and the Long Island Championship.�

On the pass rush, senior Thomas +ROOH\ OHDGV WKH WHDP ZLWK ¿YH VDFNV When the Railsplitters don’t get to the quarterback, they have found ways to

Shippos is entering his third year as the head coach of the Massapequa varsity football team, The Chiefs. Last year, Massapequa lost to Farmingdale in the Nassau County semifinals, but they are looking to come back this year and go even farther. Nassau County’s Conference one is always tough, and there are a number of teams that can claim the title. “There are a lot of good teams in our conference,� Shippos said, “There isn’t one stand out team and that’s what makes our Conference exciting to watch and coach in.�

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he Brooklyn Tech High School football team is FRPLQJ RII RI D FLW\ TXDUWHU¿QDOV ¿QLVK DQG WKH Engineers are looking to improve upon that win with a city championship. As always, they have to go through a JDXQWOHW RI D VFKHGXOH DV WKH\ QHHG WR IDFH RII DJDLQVW ELJ ULYDOV LQ )RUW +DPLOWRQ 7KRPDV -HIIHUVRQ &DPSXV DQG %R\V DQG *LUOV +LJK 6FKRRO 7KH (QJLQHHUV DUH JRLQJ WR KDYH WR EH VKDUS WKURXJKRXW WKH VHDVRQ WR FRPSHWH DQG DUH JRLQJ WR EH UHO\LQJ RQ D VOHZ RI QHZ VWDUWHUV RQ ERWK VLGHV RI WKH EDOO 7KLV KDVQœW GHWRXUHG &RDFK 0F.HQQDœV FRQ¿GHQFH LQ KLV WHDP DV KH VWDWHV ³:H PDGH TXDUWHU¿QDOV ODVW \HDU DQG (I) hope the experience will help us in close games. We expect to be competitive.�

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Farmingdale, Oceanside, Freeport, East Meadow and Baldwin are all looking to make it hard for Massapequa to claim the title. Massapequa has a few three year starters returning this season that will look to make an impact and get them back to the semifinals.

$V D WHDP /LQFROQ KDV IRUFHG ¿YH interceptions and seven fumbles. While their defense has been rock solid, their offense PD\ EH HYHQ EHWWHU )RUFLQJ WXUQRYHUV KDV allowed more opportunities to get points on the board, and they have done just that, thanks to the team’s stellar offense. 7KH 5DLOVSOLWWHUV KDYH VFRUHG SRLQWV RQ WKH VHDVRQ WR WKHLU RSSRQHQWVœ Lincoln’s lowest point total in one game this season was 26, which they did twice. Other than that, they have put up at least 36 points a game. Senior quarterback Javon Moore has FRPSOHWHG RI SDVV DWWHPSWV WKLV season, piling up over 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns. Moore has thrown as least two touchdowns in every game this season, with the exception of the one, against Tottenville. Senior runningback Antoine Holloman Jr. has played a big part in the offense as well. Holloman Jr. has rushed for 654 yards RQ DWWHPSWV DQG DQ DYHUDJH RI RYHU VHYHQ yards per carry. He has also found the end ]RQH WLPHV LQFOXGLQJ RQFH RQ D \DUG run.

MASSAPEQUA HIGH SCHOOL

The Engineers are going to be relying on key players WKLV VHDVRQ VXFK DV MXQLRU TXDUWHUEDFN (OLMDK 5XHGD VHQLRU :5 '( 'HRQ 0DVK DQG VHQLRU /% 2/ &KDZLW %XQGLWZRQJ 7KHLU SOD\ ZLOO EH FUXFLDO WRZDUGV WKH VXFFHVV RI %URRNO\Q Tech this season. The Engineers will have inexperience at some positions with the entrance of 17 new starters, %URRNO\Q 7HFK UHWXUQV ÂżYH VWDUWHUV DOO WRJHWKHU WKUHH FRPELQHG ZLWK ERWK VLGHV RI WKH EDOO 7KH WHDP ZLOO QHHG RQ GHIHQVH DQG WZR RQ RIIHQVH 7KLV ORVV RI SOD\HUV WR WKH VHQLRU OHDGHUVKLS RI FDSWDLQV &KDZLW %XQGLWZRQJ 3- JUDGXDWLRQ LV XQIRUWXQDWHO\ WKH QDWXUH RI KLJK VFKRRO IRRWEDOO /DQGHUV 2/ '/ DQG 7ULVWDQ %URZQ 5% 66 $FFRUGLQJ WR EXW QRQHWKHOHVV OHDYHV WKH (QJLQHHUV ZLWK D ORW RI KROHV WR ÂżOO &RDFK 0F.HQQD WKHVH SOD\HUV ZHUH FKRVHQ DV FDSWDLQV ÂłGXH

Senior Khendell Puryear has two interceptions and senior Jahsi Meade has an interception and two fumble recoveries.

Holloman Jr. does more than just run with the ball, he is part of a deeply talented receiving core, and has chipped in 10 catches for 165 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Senior receiver Malik Andrews has been the biggest target for Moore, though. Andrews has gained over 500 yards on 25 catches, and has scored ¿YH WRXFKGRZQV LQFOXGLQJ D \DUG UHFHSWLRQ These are just a few of the biggest players on the Railsplitters’ roster that have been putting up big numbers, but Lincoln has many others that have stepped up as well. This is an experienced team that is loaded with talent throughout the lineup, and they clearly have what it takes to win. In recent years, the Railsplitters have posted UHFRUGV RI DQG /LQFROQ KDV UHFRUGHG ZLQV RYHU WKH SDVW IRXU VHDVRQV FRPELQHG )URP WKURXJK WKH\ ZRQ MXVW WLPHV VR WKH\ are doing something right. Their program has made adjustments, and is now heading in the right direction and in full swing. The Railsplitters are a team to keep an eye on, as they possess depth, experience, determination and intimidation. Lincoln is aiming to go far this year, and they have what they need to accomplish that.

FLAMING

Football in At 6’0� and 185 lbs., senior wide receiver/linebacker Nick Balzone is a three year starter for Massapequa. Balzone is a captain for the Chiefs, and was awarded all county last year. “Nick is humble and a hard worker,� Shippos said, “He is an irreplaceable great player for us.�

Brianrunning Coleman Another three year returning Story starter,bysenior by Kevin back/safety Jack Korber is 5’6â€? 165Photos lbs. In addition, he Sperandeo also returns punts and kickoffs. Despite getting hurt last season, Sachem North Korber still made second team, All-Longhe Island. “Jack is anFlaming Arrows football team enters theand 2013 campaign with high exciting player,â€? Shippos said, “He is a highbred player a tough loss in the can play either wide receiver orexpectations. running back.The He team makessuffered a 6XIIRON &RXQW\ &ODVV , VHPLÂżQDOV LQ IDOOLQJ lot of big plays for us.â€?

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eventually to Long Island champion Floyd. The Flaming Arrows actually held a 7-0 lead in WKDW JDPH EHIRUH )OR\G UDWWOHG RII VWUDLJKW SRLQWV on its way to another Long Island title. With many players from last year’s team still in the ORFNHU URRP IRU 6DFKHP KHDG FRDFK 'DYLG )DOFR KDV high goals and expectations for 2013. “Our expectations are always to win a county and /RQJ ,VODQG &KDPSLRQVKLS ´ VDLG )DOFR ZKR LV HQWHULQJ KLV WK \HDU DV WKH )ODPLQJ $UURZV KHDG FRDFK “Leadership is always important and we have created many leaders on our team over the past year and look forward to ZDWFKLQJ WKHP OHDG RXU WHDP ´

to leadership by example.�

able to make the correct calls to help guide the younger players The offense consists of many talented players. Junior on the defense. Meanwhile, PJ Landers will give Bunditwong quarterback, Elijah Rueda, at 6’1â€? 200 lbs, has the size and the ability to rush free up the middle while taking double teams DWKOHWLFLVP WR VOLQJ WKH EDOO HIIHFWLYHO\ DURXQG WKH ÂżHOG 7KH DQG SHUVRQDOO\ FDXVLQJ KDYRF LQ WKH EDFNÂżHOG question will be how well he will be able to go through his reads The bottom line is that the Brooklyn Tech Engineers will be as a junior at the helm of the offense. If his pre-snap reads are replacing a lot of players, and will need some of their successful correct, the sky is the limit for this kid on the high school level. younger players to step up. They can rely on the leadership Tristan Brown will be carrying a good portion of the load at of their seniors, and the guidance of Coach McKenna to get running back. At 5’10 180 lbs. of defensive back speed, Brown WKURXJK WKH VHDVRQ +RZHYHU WKHUH LV QR VKRUWDJH RI FRQÂżGHQFH has the ability to run both inside and outside of the tackles. or belief in the Engineer locker room. McKenna emphasizes has all the weapons to end up as Massapequa Senior receiver/defensive back Craig is as their team philosophy. During the At wide receiver, Deon Mash will give the wide Engineers size and skill, will, andBerge teamwork champions. They have veteran players that know andand weighs in over at 175 Berge is the kicker,had his team climb a mountain together physicality to run the ball to the6’1â€?, outside to pass thelbs. off-season, McKenna how to win games. The Chiefs will start their punter blanket and a for three yearwho starter.to challenge “Craig ishis a team’s great overall determination middle. He will also work as a security Rueda, and bring them season ongoal September 12 against Freeport. “This athlete,â€? is an will be able to throw jump balls to Mash. Shippos said, “He has reliable togetherhands as a and team. He suggests, “We believe that no or outstanding receiver. On the defensive side, he hasif ayou have great will.â€? year’s team task is impossible Brooklyn Techisisexperienced,â€? Shippos said, “The The defense, like the offense will of cover corner.â€? nose forbe thereplacing ball and isa alotgood FRQÂżGHQW seniors cameDQG up with me from junior varsity as roster spots, but will have size and speed on the edge with \RXQJ DW VRPH SRVLWLRQV EXW LV DOVR DWKOHWLF well-coached. from their level At 5’10â€? andhave 175 steady lbs., three year starterDon’t Nickexpect them to step back sophomores. If we can stay healthy and continue Deon Mash at the defensive end. They will also of playback, fromdefensive last year. They will be in the running for a PSAL Capuana seniorBunditwong that plays running leadership, and central control on defenseis from to work hard I expect big things from this team.â€? City Championship. back, andBunditwong returns punts Last year, at linebacker. Because of his experience, will and be kickoffs. Capuana had two interceptions that he returned for touchdowns. “Nick has a low center of gravity making LW GLIÂżFXOW IRU GHIHQGHUV WR WDFNOH KLP ´ 6KLSSRV VDLG Âł+H LV JUHDW LQ WKH RSHQ ÂżHOG DQG KDV WKH DELOLW\ WR change direction in a split second.â€? Captain Jake Fitzsimmons is a 5’11â€? and 220 lbs. three year returning starter. Fitzsimmons plays offensive tackle and linebacker. He was asked to ÂżOO LQ DV D PLGGOH OLQHEDFNHU WRZDUGV WKH HQG RI WKH season last year, and will be continuing to play that position this season. “Jake is a leader by example,â€? said Shippos, “He is smart and always knows where he has to be.â€? $QG ÂżQDOO\ WKHUH LV VHQLRU FDSWDLQ 5LFN /D5RFFR at 6’3â€? and 235 lbs. He is an offensive tackle and GHIHQVLYH HQG 7KLV LV /D5RFFRÂśV VHFRQG \HDU DV D VWDUWHU Âł5LFN KDV EHFRPH RQH RI WKH EHVW GHIHQVLYH players on the team and is a great offensive lineman,â€? Shippos said, “He put on 25 lbs. of muscle in the offseason, and we are expecting big things from him this year.â€?

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NY ARTICLE! MASSAPEQUA HIGH SCHOOL

MAS SAPEQUA HIGH SCHOOL FARMINGDALE HIGH SCHOOL CHIEFS MASSAPEQUA Chiefs Ranked First at CONNETQUOT HIGH dalers SCHOOL Pre-season Conference 1 THUNDERBIRDS THE FARMINGDALE DALERS Story by Jaclynkelli Kronemberg Photos by Kevin Freiheit

A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE

CONNETQUOT

H HIGH SCHOOL ARROWS

“

“Floyd is at the top of the mountain and we are trying to get there,� said Falco, “We will not give up in our pursuit of a championship. That pursuit is taking all of our thoughts and energy.�

“As he goes, we go,� said Falco, “He looks good right now and we will have to keep an eye on his progress.� Sachem North is one of the favorites to

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long island championship

Story By Jaclynkelli Kronemberg / Photos By Morgan Harrison

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he Connetquot varsity football team enters the season ranked number three in Division one in Suffolk &RXQW\ /HDGLQJ WKH &RQQHWTXRW Thunderbirds is head coach Mike Hansen. Hansen is entering his WK VHDVRQ DV WKH KHDG FRDFK /DVW season, Connetquot ended the season with eight wins, two losses, and lost LQ WKH 6XIIRON &RXQW\ VHPLÂżQDOV “This year our goal is to try and win every game,â€? said Hansen, “Every \HDU RXU JRDO LV WR ZLQ WKH /RQJ Island Championship.â€?

A few of the players from last season have since graduated, and the Thunderbirds have only three offensive returning starters, and three defensive returning starters. “We have a solid team this season,� Hansen said, “We have skilled players and a good defense.� There are a couple of players looking to make an impact this year, and help get the team to the championship game. Senior wide receiver Tyler Nason (5’10� 185 lbs.) was one of the top receivers RQ /RQJ ,VODQG ODVW \HDU ZLWK

receptions. “Tyler is athletic, has nice hands and runs great routes,� Hansen said, “I’m looking forward to him being a big impact player this season.� Senior running back/ linebacker Marcus Gutierrez (5’9� 180 lbs.) is another key player to watch for this season. “Marcus is a tough hard runner,� Hansen said, “He will carry a lot of the load this year.� The offensive line features three seniors DJ Gallino (6’2� 270 lbs.), Rob Dawson (6’1� 270 lbs.) and Jimmy Oliver (5’11� 250 lbs.). “We have a solid offensive line,� Hansen said, “DJ, Rob and Jimmy are the anchors of the offensive line.� The defensive line features junior Sean Moore (6’0� 250 lbs.), Gallino and Oliver. “Our defensive line is physical and work hard.� Hansen said.

MASSAPEQUA HIGH SCHOOL

THUNDERBIRDS

Crossan rushed 10 times for 162 yards with three touchdowns in the season opening 35-6 victory over Sachem East, displaying the kind of talent that will be the catalyst for Sachem North in 2013.

Shippos is entering his third year as the head coach of the Massapequa varsity football team, The Chiefs. Last year, Massapequa lost to Farmingdale in the Nassau County semifinals, but they are looking to come back this year and go even farther. Nassau County’s Conference one is always tough, and there are a number of teams that can claim the title. “There are a lot of good teams in our conference,� Shippos said, “There isn’t one stand out team and that’s what makes our Conference exciting to watch and coach in.�

Story and Photos by Kevin Sperandeo

“ capture the Suffolk County Class I crown this season, with the other favorite being longtime foe Floyd. If Sachem North hopes to capture a county title, Falco knows that his team will most likely have to go through Floyd.

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he Massapequa varsity football team enters the season with a number one preseason ranking during Conference 1 in Nassau County. “Our expectations are the same every year,� said Massapequa varsity football coach Kevin Shippos, “We want to win the Nassau County Championship and the Long Island Championship.�

Farmingdale, Oceanside, Freeport, East Meadow and Baldwin are all looking to make it hard for Massapequa to claim the title. Massapequa has a few three year starters returning this season that will look to make an impact and get them back to the semifinals.

Every year our goal is to win the Long Island Championship.

Sachem North will be very reliant on its strong rushing attack led by Quarterback Trent Crossan. Crossan, who missed much of 2012 with a leg injury, is part RI ZKDW LV D WKUHH KHDGHG EDFNÂżHOG DORQJ with Malik Pierre and Kevin Bragglia.

MASSAPEQUA FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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he Farmingdale High School Football team continues their tradition of excellence, UHPDLQLQJ XQGHIHDWHG LQ WKH ÂżUVW KDOI RI WKH 2013 season. The Dalers tradition for excellence UHĂ€HFWV WKHLU SDVW VXFFHVV )DUPLQJGDOH IRRWEDOO ZULWHV XS %LJ )RXU &KDPSLRQ \HDUV IRU WKH SDVW VHDVRQV DQG FRQIHUHQFH FKDPSLRQVKLSV VLQFH 7KH WHDP ZRQ D /RQJ ,VODQG &KDPSLRQVKLS

At 6’0� and 185 lbs., senior wide receiver/linebacker Nick Balzone is a three year starter for Massapequa. Balzone is a captain for the Chiefs, and was awarded all county last year. “Nick is humble and a hard worker,� Shippos said, “He is an irreplaceable great player for us.� Another three year returning starter, senior running back/safety Jack Korber is 5’6� 165 lbs. In addition, he also returns punts and kickoffs. Despite getting hurt last season, Korber still made second team, All-Long Island. “Jack is an exciting player,� Shippos said, “He is a highbred player and can play either wide receiver or running back. He makes a lot of big plays for us.�

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/DVW VHDVRQ )DUPLQJGDOH ZHQW DQG ZRQ WKH 1DVVDX &RXQW\ &RQIHUHQFH , &KDPSLRQVKLS DJDLQVW %DOGZLQ 7KH 'DOHUV ORVW WR :LOOLDP )OR\G IRU WKH /RQJ ,VODQG &KDPSLRQVKLS

+HDG &RDFK %XGG\ .UXPHQDFNHU KDV EHHQ OHDGLQJ WKH 'DOHUV WR YLFWRU\ VLQFH +H KDV EHHQ FRDFKLQJ IRU RYHU \HDUV KROGV RYHU ZLQV DQG LV RQH RI WKH PRVW UHFRJQL]HG KLJK VFKRRO IRRWEDOO FRDFKHV “There are a lot of RQ kids /RQJ ,VODQG .UXPHQDFNHU LV NQRZQ that have the potential to D FRDFK ZKR WHDFKHV IXQGDPHQWDO IRU EHLQJ be real impact players this IRRWEDOO DQG SXVKHV KLV SOD\HUV WR DFKLHYH WKH season for us,� said Hansen, PRVW WKDW WKH\ FDQ :LWK D JRRG VWDUW IRU WKH “This is a great team and it’s VHDVRQV WKH 'DOHUV DUH ZRUNLQJ WRZDUGV a pleasure to coach them.� DQRWKHU VXFFHVVIXO VHDVRQ $ VWURQJ UXQQLQJ DQG SDVVLQJ RIIHQVH KDV DFFRXQWHG IRU WRXFKGRZQV LQ WKUHH JDPHV 6HQLRU UXQQLQJ EDFN &XUWLV -HQNLQV DYHUDJHV \DUGV SHU FDUU\ VR IDU WKLV VHDVRQ +H UXVKHG IRU \DUGV DQG WRXFKGRZQV LQ

6HQLRU OLQHEDFNHU -RH /HH OHDGV WKH 'DOHUVÂś GHIHQVH LQ WDFNOHV ZLWK VROR WDFNOHV DQG DVVLVWHG 2Q WKH GHIHQVLYH OLQH 7KRPDV $PPLUDWL 6HQLRU GHIHQVLYH HQG KDV PDGH VROR WDFNOHV DQG DVVLVWHG ;DYLHU 6DQDEULD D VHQLRU FRUQHUEDFN PDGH VROR WDFNOHV DQG DVVLVWHG -XQLRU VDIHW\ 1LFN %XWOHU KDV UHFRUGHG LQWHUFHSWLRQV DQG WDFNOHV 7KH 'DOHUVÂś GHIHQVH KDV RQO\ OHW XS SRLQWV WR WKHLU RSSRQHQWV WKXV IDU LQ WKH VHDVRQ Senior wide receiver/defensive back Craig Berge is $IWHU D FRQIHUHQFH FKDPSLRQVKLS \HDU WKH SUHVVXUH 6’1â€?, and weighs in at 175 lbs. Berge is the kicker, LV RQ IRU WKH 'DOHUV )DUPLQJGDOH ZLOO EH SXW WR WKH punter and a three year starter. “Craig is a great WHVW GXULQJ WKHLU QH[W JDPH SOD\LQJ FRQIHUHQFH ULYDOU\ athlete,â€? Shippos said, “He has reliable hands and is an 0DVVDSHTXD RQ 2FWREHU UG %RWK WHDPV DUH FXUUHQWO\ outstanding receiver. On the defensive side, he has a XQGHIHDWHG DW nose for the ball and is a good cover corner.â€?

At 5’10â€? and 175 lbs., three year starter Nick Capuana is senior that plays running back, defensive back, and returns punts and kickoffs. Last year, Capuana had two interceptions that he returned for touchdowns. “Nick has a low center of gravity making LW GLIÂżFXOW IRU GHIHQGHUV WR WDFNOH KLP ´ 6KLSSRV VDLG Âł+H LV JUHDW LQ WKH RSHQ ÂżHOG DQG KDV WKH DELOLW\ WR change direction in a split second.â€?

Massapequa has all the weapons to end up as champions. They have veteran players that know how to win games. The Chiefs will start their season on September 12 against Freeport. “This year’s team is experienced,� Shippos said, “The seniors came up with me from junior varsity as sophomores. If we can stay healthy and continue to work hard I expect big things from this team.�

Captain Jake Fitzsimmons is a 5’11â€? and 220 lbs. three year returning starter. Fitzsimmons plays offensive tackle and linebacker. He was asked to ÂżOO LQ DV D PLGGOH OLQHEDFNHU WRZDUGV WKH HQG RI WKH season last year, and will be continuing to play that position this season. “Jake is a leader by example,â€? said Shippos, “He is smart and always knows where he has to be.â€? $QG ÂżQDOO\ WKHUH LV VHQLRU FDSWDLQ 5LFN /D5RFFR at 6’3â€? and 235 lbs. He is an offensive tackle and GHIHQVLYH HQG 7KLV LV /D5RFFRÂśV VHFRQG \HDU DV D VWDUWHU Âł5LFN KDV EHFRPH RQH RI WKH EHVW GHIHQVLYH players on the team and is a great offensive lineman,â€? Shippos said, “He put on 25 lbs. of muscle in the offseason, and we are expecting big things from him this year.â€?

Connetquot takes their ÂżUVW VWHS WRZDUG WKH /RQJ Island Championship on September 11, 2013, when they open the season against Patchogue Medford.

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LONGWOOD H

LIO

BY LISA HO L A HA N

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he Longwood High School Softball team has had a tremendously successful spring season so far and the team plans to continue crushing their competition as they keep reaching to make their way to the top. The team currently stands in fourth out of the top five teams in the Suffolk League I. They are following closely behind Connetquot High School in first, Commack in second, and Sachem East High School in third. However, the girls have the potential to be a first place team, and win it all if they remain persistent and keep their overall victorious momentum going. In fact, their head coach Alicia Smith who is also a physical education teacher at the school, has led the Longwood Softball team to two league championships. Coach Smith also helped the girls previously score a trip to the Suffolk County Finals, which would

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mark the first time in the school’s history. The Longwood Softball team otherwise known as the “Lions” currently has a total of 13 wins and 5 losses in the Suffolk Conference and an overall total of 14 wins and 5 Losses during regular season games. The spring season began at the end of March when the Lions gained their first win of the season over Northport High School. The team of green and white dominated Northport and shutout the opposing team completely, resulting in an end score of 7-0. After starting the season off with a win, the team continued on to play against Connetquot High School, where they fell short to Connetquot by one run. The game ended 5-4 and Connetquot gave the Lions their first recorded loss of the season, and that concluded the month of March. However, after the team lost against Connetquot, they proceeded

onward with a determination to win. The Lions motivation caused the team to proceed to win throughout the season, and starting the beginning of April, the softball team held a five game winning streak. April 1st was the start of the Lions winning streak and not only did their winning streak last five games but the first two of the five were complete shutouts. Longwood began their streak when they played against Brentwood High School, leaving the opposing school in the dust 8-0. Their next game was verse Sachem North High School, and Longwood managed to score six runs without letting Sachem North score, ending the game 6-0. After their back to back shutout games, the Longwood girls were ready to take on Sachem East High School. The Longwood team scored a four run lead over Sachem East and the final score was 9-5.

Long PHOTOS COURTESY OF LONGWOOD ATHLETICS

The Longwood Lions Leap To Top Five Of Suffolk League 1

HIGH SCHOOL

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Longwood Softball

The Lions were clearly on a path of success and they did not plan on slowing down anytime soon, which really showed when they played Floyd High School. The Longwood Lions stood proudly on April 9th when they played against Floyd, scoring a whopping ten run lead over the rival team. The Lions were able to take home a win of 13-3, and the game proved to be one of their most incredible games of the season, but that was only just a glimpse of how talented the Longwood girls really are. By the time the team went on to play against Ward Melville High School, they were fired up and ready to dominate the diamond. They did exactly that when they scored an impressive nine run lead over Ward Melville, ending the game with a score of 11-2. After what looked like an unstoppable five game winning streak, the Lions sadly took their second loss of the season when they played against Commack High School. The Longwood Lions fell short by six runs and the final score was 1-7. The Longwood girls did not take this minor hindrance as defeat but rather; they took the game as a learning experience. The team not only redeemed themselves but they continued to progress and prove that they are not a team to mess with.

In mid-April the team began another winning streak and they kicked it off by versing Patchogue-Medford High School. The Longwood girls were able to score a five run lead against a two run effort by Patchogue-Medford and the game ended 7-2. The Lions then went on to play against Lindenhurst High School where they gained their fourth shutout game of the season resulting in a 7-0 win. By the end of April, Longwood continued to put the pressure on rival teams by giving everything they’ve got into these games and displaying that they are a team without limits. The girls went on to play Sachem North High School for the second time, whom they had previously shutout earlier this season. Longwood came incredibly close to repeating history with another closeout game but this time around Sachem North was able to land a run. Even so, Longwood still vanquished the competition by scoring an eleven run effort and ending the game 11-1. After their win against Sachem North, the team had to play against Connetquot High School, the school that the Lions previously lost to at the beginning of the season. However, when they played Connetquot for the second time, the Lions were able to take home a win of 9-8. Their next two

opponents were Brentwood and Northport High School, and the Longwood Lions were able to win both games, conquering both teams. Against Brentwood High School the Lions won 7-2, and when the team versed Northport High School they won 2-1. Overall, the Lions won six games in a row starting mid-April to the beginning of May. So far this month, the Lions have been on a rollercoaster of highs and lows, winning and losing games. The team lost to Sachem East High School the second time around falling short, 13-7. However, they were able to win their next two games against Floyd and Ward Melville High School. Beating both schools for the second time, Floyd resulted in an 8-5 win and the Lions faced Ward Melville with a remarkable 10-3 win. Recently, the Lions were up against Commack and PatchogueMedford High School and they suffered losses to both schools 13-7 and 4-1. After an abundance of losses as of recent, we hope that the Longwood Lions can bounce back and try to regain the drive that they had earlier this season. No matter what happens during the rest of the season, the Lions should be proud of how far they’ve come, and the teams’ stellar performance out on the diamond.

NORTHPORT H

TIGE

season, and has level of play, fo has scored team had 5 assists.

NORTHPORT TIGERS LOOK TO ROAR IN 2014 POST SEASON

When a star p with injury the other players th plate to fill that for the Tigers L that. Another been amazing a the Tigers is Vi Patrone has been on the offensiv Tigers scoring 16

STORY BY ROBERT DEVITA | PHOTOS BY KEVIN SPERADEO

These two p to the Tigers suc

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he 2014 regular season is in the books and the Northport Tigers varsity girls lacrosse team finds themselves sitting in third place, with a first round bye in the postseason. The Tigers have finished the regular season with a (10-6) overall record and a (10-4) record in Suffolk Division I play. Coming into the year the Tigers were projected to finish fourth within the conference, which was not far off from where they ultimately finished. This season the Tigers felt the wrath of the injury bug. Their top player and one of the best players in all of Suffolk County Allie Pavinelli, has suffered from nagging knee and hamstring injuries. The Tigers did not dwell on the fact that they lost one of their impact players for a substantial period of time. They fought through it and other players stepped up to fill the void of Pavinelli’s absence. Gabbi Labuskes has really made her mark on the rest of the competition this season. Labuskes had a fantastic

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Pavinelli made this season and numbers of her goals and 10 ass been at 100%, b in the lineup she on the field.

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HIGH SCHOOL

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overcome adversity”, said Coach Rose when discussing some big moments throughout the season.

s stepped up her or the season she high 37 goals and

Winning games of this magnitude can lift an entire team, it can give them confidence to go on and do great things. If the Tigers can go on any sort of run throughout the postseason, they can look back at these games as the ones that were huge for the team.

player goes down ere needs to be hat step up to the t role, thankfully Labuskes has done player who has all year long for inchenza Patrone. n another weapon ve attack for the 6 goals.

Moving forward the Tigers must play the style of lacrosse that has got them this far. They first must make a conscious effort to take care of the ball. Turnovers can be a team’s downfall so ball

players were key ccess this season.

her way back put up some fine r own scoring 22 sists. She has not but while she was put it all out there

for the Tigers has Emerson Cabrera on this team. She

has made her mark from day one, she’s very young but she can play at a high level despite her youth. “There’s one kid who’s really stepped up her game and she’s an 8th grader and she starts and she scores two or three goals a game now, she is going to be a great one”, said Coach Carol Rose. As a whole this team is very young, believe it or not they have only four seniors on the entire roster. The fact that they are playing at such a highly level speaks volumes to their development as a team. They were able to play at a high level without one of their best players. “Knowing that they can play without one of the better players in the county definitely has to build confidence in a team. They are very young, we only have four seniors that are playing so being that they are that young it’s definitely a confidence builder for them and they need that”, said Coach Rose. Every team needs confidence but for a young team it

is essential if the team is going to be successful. The Tigers have proved to be a tight unit, they collectively have come together to play at a high level, which sprung them into the postseason. Their play has everything to do with the team’s chemistry, which Coach Rose describes as the best aspect of the team, “This year is probably our team chemistry, they’re really close, they enjoy playing together which is so important for girls.” Over the course of the season good teams are going to have to win games that they necessarily shouldn’t win. There needs to be a few victories that they can look back on at the end of the year and say that win propelled our team. The Tigers had a few of those type of wins this season, “Two of our key victories were Hauppauge which was a one point game, and Smithtown West I think we won by four, and that was without Allie. It just showed the team [that we’re] able to work together and

in critical situations”, said Coach Rose on what needs to be done heading into the postseason. If the Tigers can play clean lacrosse, meaning limit the amount of turnovers, they sure will be a handful for whomever they meet in the postseason. They have a scoring attack that can score with the best of them. Now it’s just a matter of securing the ball, not forcing the issue and let the game flow. With the postseason looming you can bet that they will be preparing day in and day out in order to be ready for their next opponent. The first round bye can be used as a time to rest up and try to get healthy, but also to breakdown their next security must be at an all-time high opponents. This team has what especially in the postseason. many lack and that is heart. With “We have been stressing that being said the Tigers should be discipline, poise and patience a team to watch out for in the 2014 and we have some difficulty with postseason. those terms. We need to be more patient, not throw the ball away. Not turnover the ball, we need to learn to take care of the ball so our emphasis is taking care of the ball

Story by Brian Coleman | Photos by Kevin Sperandeo

SMITHTOWN EAST MAKING NOISE IN SUFFOLK BOYS LACROSSE SCENE

With last season now in the rearview mirror, the Bulls have rebounded in 2014, and look like a team on a mission, as they

The Smithtown East offense couldn’t get much going on the afternoon and managed to score just six goals in the contest, as the Patriots won 14-6, and would go on to win not only the county championship, but capture the state championship as well.

“He was out there with a bucket in the parking lot,” Lambert told InsideLacrosse.com. “He was taking more shots and dodging more. I haven’t had a kid do that. Not after a quarterfinal, after scoring six goals. Never.”

The young Bulls really improved with every game last season, and the work ethic of many of the young players provided a look to what could be in 2014. As a sophomore last season, attacker Brian Willetts had a monstrous season, burying 52 goals while dishing out 11 assists. The University of North Carolina commit found the back of the net six times in a quarterfinal win over West Islip, but still found the need to get better after the game. After putting together a fantastic regular season, going 14-4 (11-3 in Suffolk A), the Bulls looked poised to make a deep run. It cruised past Riverhead 12-4 and West Islip 12-5 in the first two rounds, setting up a matchup with top-seeded and undefeated Ward Melville.

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gear up for the Class A playoffs. Under head coach Jason Lambert, Smithtown East is armed with a young, talented core that makes them a viable contender for the county championship and beyond. he Smithtown East Bulls finished its 2013 campaign with a Suffolk County Class A semifinal loss to Ward Melville, falling short of an opportunity to play for a county championship.

The Bulls dropped its opener this season at Rocky Point, but

Willetts is just one member of the young core that has Smithtown East’s boys lacrosse program on the path to sustained success. Dan Rooney, Gerard Arceri, and John Daniggelis also help make up the exceptional underclassman on the Bulls roster.

“I’ve never heard of anyone else doing it quite honestly on a high school team,” said Lambert, who is in his 12th season as head coach at Smithtown East. “For a guy to approach 90[mph] would be impressive.”

The 6’3, 200 pound junior is one of the more intimidating players in the county, and possesses one of the most lethal shots at the high-school level. At a lacrosse showcase before the season, the outstanding attacker had his shot clocked at over 100 miles per hour, nearly tying the record set by professionals in the Major League Lacrosse.

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Smithtown East trailed 8-4 late in the third quarter, as the young Bulls struggled with ball security, and committed a number of errors and turnovers. After getting a huge goal before the third ended, East battled back in the fourth to even up the score. With the score notched at 10, the young Bulls delivered a final blow, as Daniggelis found freshman Bobby Burns flashing to the net, hit him with a perfect pass, and Burns found the back of

The highlight game of the streak came on May 1st against crosstown rival Smithtown West, as the two teams battled for position in the Suffolk County standings. It was a matchup between young and old, as Smithtown West boasted a number of impact seniors against East’s young guns. The game was crucial in dealing with adversity, as Smithtown East was outplayed for a lot of the match.

quickly got things on track with an eight-game winning streak that put the rest of the county on notice. The streak was part of a stretch that saw Smithtown East reel off 11 wins in 12 games to jump to the top of the Class A standings.

“Gerard has been fantastic all year for us,” praised Lambert. “We always feel that we have a chance

The key to the victory was at the faceoff circle, and the dominance of sophomore Gerard Arceri, who has already committed to play his college lacrosse at Penn State. Arceri won 19 of the 23 face-offs on the afternoon, allowing Smithtown East to control possession and make up for some of the careless errors.

“This is the best group of young talent that I’ve ever coached,” said Lambert after the game. “They all stepped up big yesterday and have been stepping up all year. All of the young guys that we have help add depth and they are a tremendous reason for our success.”

Goalkeeper Billy McEnroe made one of his 13 saves as time expired to secure the victory for Smithtown East, and deliver West its first loss of the season. The win was a major stepping stone for the youthful Bulls who, despite some sloppy turnovers, stayed together and battled back for a huge comeback win.

the net to give East the 11-10 lead.

Either way, Smithtown East has an arsenal of young talent, which includes a number of Division I commits who are still in their sophomore seasons. The Bulls have established a program that will be a contender for the next several years in the Long Island lacrosse landscape.

With a couple of victories, Smithtown East will be playing for the Suffolk County championship, something it fell just short of last season. The combination of exuberant young talent, and veteran leaders such as senior Joe Saggese, and junior captain John Daniggelis, makes the Bulls a legitimate threat for this season’s playoffs.

Since that victory, the Bulls have won three of four games to finish its regular season, and concluded with an overall record of 13-3. It’s final regular season game was a thrilling overtime victory over Northport, whom it will meet in the first round of the Suffolk Class A playoffs.

in any game if he is taking the faceoffs for us. His contributions to our team and program are invaluable.”

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The Bulls finished with a (15-1) overall record and a (13-1) conference record, which is amazing. Their lone blemish came against rival Smithtown East where they lost a heartbreaker 1110, after having a four-goal

This season has been one to remember thus far for the Bulls, but there is a lot of work to be done if they want to reach their ultimate goal of winning a championship. Despite an impeccable record the Bulls have not had an easy go of it. Since they are the top team in the conference every one of their opponents brought their A game to play them.

he Smithtown West lacrosse team has wrapped up another successful season as they have stormed through their competition on their way to the top seed in the Suffolk Division I conference. The Bulls have been a powerhouse from day one this season, proving to be a complete team in all aspects of the game.

Zawadski has had a phenomenal year of his own, much like Keenan, Zawadski can break down the defense, get right to the net, and score at a frequent rate. On the year, Zawadski has tallied 40 goals of his own. “He’s taken it to a whole new level, in my opinion he’s one of the top if not the top midfielder in Suffolk County. He’s playing at a different level right now”, said Coach Bobby Moltisanti Jr, when discussing the play of his star midfielder. Matt Heldberg has been another guy who has been a huge contributor all season long; he has finished the season with 27 goals and 10 assists. Alex DiSalvo, Jimmy Caddigan, and Sean Adler each have put up some solid numbers this year as well. All have scored double figures in goals, making this Bulls scoring attack

That is the case here with the Bulls, they have guys such as attacker Ryan Keenan and midfielder Christian Zawadski, who have been two of the best scoring threats in Suffolk County. Keenan is an explosive attacker, and his numbers prove it, as he is the number two scoring leader in all of Suffolk County with

a total of 93 points. Keenan has scored a team high 42 goals and has dished out 51 assists, truly a remarkable season. Over the course of the season the Bulls have been able to get it done on both sides of the ball. They have a prolific scoring attack. They don’t just have one or two guys that can beat you, they have multiple guys who can put the ball in the net and create for the team. When there are a number of scoring threats on a team, it makes it so much harder for the defense to prepare, and come up with a game plan to shut the offense down.

lead. Despite that game the Bulls have been flawless, they could’ve easily gone undefeated this season but they came a bit short in the Smithtown East game.

Story By Robert DeVita | Photos By Kevin Speradeo

SET THE BAR FOR EXCELLENCE IN SUFFOLK COUNTY

SMITHTOWN WEST BULLS

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“Those four guys are all low polls, they are all shutdown defenders, and all have excellent stick skills so we’re very efficient in the clearing game. Actually just the other day, within the past

Defense is what separates the good teams from the great teams. The defense that has been played by the Bulls has separated them from the rest of the pack. Their four starting defenders all are Division I commits, which is extremely impressive to say the least. Defenders Kyle Mathie, JJ Foley, Nick Albanese, and Logan Greco have been the guys that have anchored the Bulls tenacious defense.

“We’ve been averaging somewhere around four goals a game on our defense. That’s been a bright spot for us this season, and my Assistant Coach, who actually played for me and my dad back in Oceanside, does a great job with those kids,” Coach Moltisanti Jr, stated on the play of his defense.

In order to have an offensive attack like the Bulls it all has to start with defense. There needs to be a conscious effort made on the defensive end that limits opposing teams, and sets up the scoring attack.

extremely dangerous.

Ryan Keenan is going to Penn-State, Christian Zawadski will be attending Maryland, Logan Greco is going to Virginia, Kyle Mathie will be going to the University of North Carolina, JJ Foley will be attending Lehigh, goaltender

This is a highly talented bunch, it is not often that a coach can say that the majority of his starters are Division I commits, but Coach Moltisanti Jr, can proudly say that. He has been able to develop a plethora of talent over the years, which has made this program so successful.

The Bulls clearly have proved through the regular season that they are a force to be reckoned with. They need to translate the success that they have enjoyed throughout the regular season into the postseason if they want to make a run at a championship. This team has the makeup to win it all.

two days, three of our four polls have actually put up points on offense. So they’re a threat in the clearing game, they’re a threat in transition. We keep them in the play and allow them to go play some offense in transition [to] try and push the ball, and that’s a nice luxury we have with those four players”, said Coach Moltisanti Jr.

That is exactly what the team has done all season long and must do heading into the playoffs. This team is as good as it gets, all the pieces of the puzzle are in place, now it is time for the Bulls to go out there and bring home a championship.

“We always tell the kids… lets worry about ourselves and take care of our own house and that’s been our theme and our motto with the boys. We control what we can control, so make sure that you’re taking care of your responsibilities, make sure you’re prepared both mentally and physically, and let the chips fall where they may”, Coach Moltisanti Jr. reinforcing the teams motto.

Before these guys can begin the next chapter of their lives, they must capture what they have set their eyes on since training camp, and that is a championship. They must go out there and play their game, handle their business, and the rest will work out on its own.

Matt Smidt is going to Ohio State, and Nick Albanese will be at Sacred Heart. These guys will be playing for some top-notch programs in the country and this pays testimony to the job Bobby Moltisanti Jr. has done as Head Coach.

SMITHTOWN WEST

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Tranchina went to St. Dominic’s and played baseball for the Bay Hawks. Tranchina has been a part of the coaching

“We tied for first two years in a row,” said St. Dominic’s head coach Chris Tranchina. “We are a pretty young team and this was not what I expected coming into the season. We got off to a great start and little by little they became more and more confident. We strive to keep the tradition we established of being a premier team in the Catholic league.”

Last season St. Dominic’s Association. Also in that league are Chaminade, St. Anthony’s, graduated 16 seniors and this Holy Trinity, and Kellenberg year they are graduating 10 seniors with eight of them among others. “We have the toughest moving on to play baseball in league around,” said Trachina. college. They are a young team “Our league stands out because that always has the same goal every team has at least three and that is to finish in the top quality pitchers so you never three in their league. Leading have an easy game. Most of the the way this season was senior

CHSAA baseball has one “St. John’s is our biggest rival,” said Tranchina. “The last major difference and that is seven or eight years we’ve meet that they only use wood bats no them in the semifinals or finals.” aluminum allowed. This causes St. Dominic’s is in the lower scoring and makes the Catholic High School Athletic games more exciting.

“Being the smallest school Last season the Bay Hawks finished first in the league and we have to work harder and lost in the finals to St. John the these boys are working hard every day,” said Tranchina. Baptist.

St. Dominic’s is the smallest “I enjoyed my time at St. Dominic’s and getting to come school in the CHSAA and back here and coach it’s great,” were ranked number one in Newsday’s big 10 this season. said Tranchina. “I love it.”

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Story By Jaclynkelli Kronemberg | Photos By Bill Kelly

St. Dominic’s continues to keep tradition of being a premier team in the Catholic High School Athletic Association

said Tranchina

I enjoyed my time at St. Dominic’s and getting to come back here and coach it’s great, I love it.

S t. Dominic’s got off to a great start this season going 12-0 and finished the season with a record of 14-4. They tied for first place in the league and made it to the semifinals of the playoffs where they lost to St. John the Baptist. Coming into the season St. Dominic’s was a young team with three of their seniors starting the season injured.

staff for 18 years, 17 as the coaches in our league have been assistant and this was his first around a long time and are great coaches.” season as the head coach.

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Another impact player this season was senior captain outfielder Mark Flynn. Flynn entered the season with a broken wrist. Despite missing half the season with an injury Flynn led the team in runs scored. Flynn will be playing baseball for Columbia University next year.

Next season St. Dominic’s is returning six starters and bringing back two rotational pitchers. They are a young team that finished tied for first. They are looking to staff next season. Reiss is a great keep that number one spot for the next few seasons with the talent athlete.” Also returning next season they have returning. “We are looking forward to is sophomore pitcher Kyle Young. Young is 6’8” and left a great season next year,” said handed. This was Young’s first Tranchina. “It’s great getting to year on varsity after playing coach here. This is something I for junior varsity last season. will do until it is not fun for me As a sophomore Young threw a anymore. I love watching the no hitter against St. John’s the boys get better.”

“Kyle followed Brady around and gained more and more confidence as the season went on,” said Tranchina. “Kyle will be coming back next season and I’m excited to watch him grow as a player.”

leader,” said Tranchina. “He Baptist and won three games. is also one of the top defensive Young will be a player to watch out for in the next couple of years. players around.”

Also helping out this season was junior shortstop/pitcher Reiss Knehr. Knehr led the league in homeruns having four and he also had three wins on the mound. Knehr is returning next “Brady did not give up a run year and after he graduates he until our last league game,” said will move on to play for Fordham Tranchina. “Whenever he was on University. the mound we were guaranteed a “Reiss also plays great win. He dominated this year. We defense,” said Tranchina. “He could always count on him.” will be the ace of our pitching

captain Brady Renner. Renner is a pitcher and will be going to George Washington University next year to play baseball. Renner won pitcher of the year this season. He was 5-0 on the mound, had one save and an ERA of 0.2. Renner struck out 56 players in 32 innings.

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We are looking forward to a great season next year

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in this conference is that there are about seven great teams; whereas in the other conference only the top half is good.

“Liam is a great defender,” said Calabria. “We always relied on him to defend the opponent’s best offensive player.”

as a team. This team had a group of kids that excelled playing together with the same goal to be successful. On defense, senior long pole midfielder Liam Blohem led the way. Blohem was a four year starter that is moving on to play lacrosse for Ohio State next season.

“This season they accomplished both Syosset’s attack was led by three players. goals,” said Calabria. “They played together Senior Anthony Carchitta was a three year as a team and by the end of the year they were starter. Carchitta tallied 10 assists in Syosset’s a family.” quarterfinal playoff game. Syosset is in the tough Class A conference “Anthony bounced between attack and in Nassau County. Their biggest competition midfielder,” said Calabria. “He was the core has become Massapequa, but Farmingdale and of our offense. Anthony was a well-balanced Hicksville are also major rivals. The difference player that brought a lot to our team.”

Calabria entered his 15 season as the head coach this season. Last season he led Syosset to the semifinals where they lost to Port Washington. This season they improved as a team and got further than they expected to. The goals laid out at the beginning of every season are to find their way into the County championship game, and to play together as a team.

“I believe we have the toughest conference in the country,” said Calabria. “These are the most competitive teams in the country. We never have a break in league play…you have to come prepared because it is a battle until the end. In conference games you tend to win by “We had a really phenomenal season,” said only one goal. They are always close games. Syosset boys’ varsity head coach John Calabria. There are seven hard core teams and getting “We were a very young team this season. The to play at this level with this competition is a kids over achieved and got better and better as tremendous accomplishment.” the season went on. I didn’t think we would Syosset will be graduating only six players make it to the County championship, but the with basically their whole team returning kids worked hard and never gave up. It was a next season. This year, Syosset was able to be pleasant surprise.” successful because the players played together

A fter losing 17 kids to graduation last season, Syosset wasn’t expecting to be as successful as they were this year because they were a young team. Syosset made it to the Nassau County championship game against Massapequa. Unfortunately, Syosset came up short to the eventual state champion. Syosset finished the season with a record of 14 wins and 4 losses.

Story By Jaclynkelli Kronemberg | Photos By Bill Kelly

SYOSSET’S BOYS’ LACROSSE TEAM HAS HIGH EXPECTATIONS GOING INTO NEXT YEAR

Coach Catabria

It’s a pleasure to coach these kids because they want to work hard and be successful,

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they want to work hard and be successful,” said Calabria. “I’m looking forward to the future. Our expectations are going to be high next year because of the success we had this season. The kids understand and know they have to put in work and work together as a team to be successful. I’m looking forward to watching them reach their full potential as a team. This season was great.”

SYOSSET BOYS LACROSSE

In the midfield Syosset had four key components that created opportunities and allowed Syosset to attack from all over the field. Sophomore defensive midfielder Michael Elardo earned the rare accomplishment of being named most valuable player of the team. Elardo averaged 10-15 ground balls a game. Junior offensive midfielder Michael Hatzopoulos is a lefty that scored 19 goals this season. Sophomore midfielder Lucas Cotler is another lefty. Cotler has verbally committed to Yale University.

Junior attack Alex Concannon was in his “Lucas is a dodging threat from up top,” fourth year on the team. Concannon was on said Calabria. “He does a great job distributing the team as an eighth grader. Concannon was to the attack. He brings a lot to the team.” the second leading scorer of this team. When Junior midfielder Nick Hatzetrakos rounds Concannon graduates he will move on to play out the midfielders. lacrosse at John Hopkins University. “Nick is a tremendous dodger from the right “Alex always drew the opponent’s number side of the cage,” said Calabria. one defender opening up the other two attack Next season, Syosset’s expectations will players,” said Calabria. “He worked well with Anthony to create opportunities for our be high since they made it to the County championship this season and will have offense.” basically their whole starting core returning The third attack was sophomore Mac next season. Syosset buys into the fact they Okeefe. Okeefe was the leading scorer with 72 don’t have one stand out player and have to goals this season. work as a team to be successful. Syosset is “Mac is a tremendous finisher,” said returning a talented group of players that have Calabria. “He was able to find the right spot the experience to go deep into the playoffs. This and get the ball in the back of the net. This is a team to watch out for in the next couple of season Anthony, Alex and Mac bought into years and will be on top of the Nassau County unselfishness giving them the opportunity to Class A conference. play together and create big plays.” “It’s a pleasure to coach these kids because

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WARD MELVILLE

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THE PATRIOTS ARE THE ONES TO WATCH FOR Story By Lisa Holahan

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he Ward Melville Girls lacrosse team has been consistently dominating the Suffolk lacrosse scene and this year they stand proudly in the top five of their division. The girls have been on an impressive winning streak since the beginning of April and have racked in a total of 7 wins and 3 losses. It comes as no surprise that these girls are going full force this season, especially when we look back on their several previous years of success. This all should be credited to their amazing coach, Kerri Kilkenny, and of course, the talented team of girls known as the “Patriots.” The Ward Melville Girls are no stranger to being at the top of their league and they are looking to not only remain on top, but to go all the way this year for the Suffolk County Championships. The Patriots kicked off the

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spring season winning their first game against Longwood High School, which ended with a score of 18-11. Just when the girls began to pave a path to victory, they slightly stumbled along the way. Their next two games resulted in two back to back losses for the Ward Melville Girls. The first of those two games took place during the end of March where the girls played Northport High School and took a loss of 135. The second loss the girls suffered from was against Sachem East High School, where they just fell short by one goal and the game ended at 12-11. Even though the very beginning of the season started a bit shaky, the Ward Melville Girls treated their losses as minor setbacks and were motivated to set the team into full gear. The girls continued to persevere and made a tremendous come back. April

2nd is a date fo remember becau Patriots picked u their fantastic w April 2nd they High School an with a win of their niche, the t themselves like they always were to play Yorktow managed to sco an end score of proudly flaunte gold uniforms w High School, their biggest wi They scored a to a mere 2 from showing the wo and ready to go…

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or Suffolk County to use that is the day the up a win and started winning streak. On y versed Whitman nd came back strong 16-5. After finding team began to prove the valuable players e. They continued on wn High School and ore another win with 14-13. The Patriots ed their green and while playing Floyd when they scored in yet of the season. whopping 15 goals m the opposing team, orld that they are hot …all the way that is.

on into mid-April,

the Patriots were still fired up about their newfound winning streak and wanted to keep the momentum going. They successfully achieved that goal by winning the next three games straight. The Patriots were on a six game winning streak since the beginning of April. After crushing Floyd High School, the girls continued to conquer, and this time it was against Commack High School. The Patriots beat Commack High School with a ten-point lead resulting in a final score of 18-8. The team then took another win home over East Islip High School, winning 13-12. They scored an additionally impressive win over Smithtown East High School that ended with an eight-point lead with a final score of 15-7. Recently, their powerful winning

streak came to an end when they played West Islip High School. West Islip High School is currently an undefeated team with 10 wins under their belt, making them number one in the Suffolk Division I. However, the Patriots did not go down without a fight and fell just short by three goals, which resulted in a final score of 9-12. Their next two games will be at the end of April and the beginning of May. They will be versing Middle County High School and Hauppauge High School and they will have more than a fighting chance at both of these schools. There is no reason the Ward Melville Girls should be counted out this season. In fact they are constantly a team to watch out for. Two of the star players from the team were recently acknowledged in MSG Varsity’s Top 100 LI Girls Lacrosse Players for 2014. Kelsey Catalano who is a senior from the lacrosse team was noted for her “great speed in the midfield, fluid stick skills and her strong lefty shot that makes her effective on attack.” Alex Vignona who is a junior from the team was praised for “having excellent field sense and vision” and

is the “offensive facilitator” for the Patriots. In fact, every single person on the team contributes in a way that is needed for the teams’ overall success. A talented team is always in need of some sort of guidance and that is what Coach Kilkenny consistently offers. Starting as the Patriots coach in 2011, Kilkenny has kept the girls always in top ten standing. A major highlight for the team was in 2012 when the girls reached a soaring high of 17 wins and only 2 losses. This put them in the number two standing for the Suffolk Division I. Even just last year, the girls still remained on top by making it into third of the top three Suffolk teams. There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that with a combination of the Patriots skill, determination and knowledgeable coach, these girls have a formula of success. They are always striving to be on top and have the abilities to get there, which is exactly why you should always keep an eye out for the Ward Melville Girls.

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