FOOTBALL 2022 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS PREVIEW SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 LOOKFORTHEFULLSEASONSCHEDULEINSIDE HighMephamSchool’s PROSPECTSfortheSEASON27Schools’22 Dominick Novello C
2 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW molloy.edu Located in Rockville Centre, with more than 70 academic undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs and with top NCAA Division II teams, we combine academic excellence and leadership with personal, compassionate mentoring. Here, you’ll think about your future in a whole new way. Molloy College is now Molloy horizonThere’sUniversity.anewonthe. MOL1138_MU_Herald_HSSport_6.5139x9.75_4C 2.indd 1 8/31/22 10:35 AM 1183044
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ball Preview 6 .................................1098 11 ................... 12 181714 20 ......... 272622 33 ........................... 403634 ...................... 4842 49 ...... 50 ........ 51 A. BELLISSIMO Contributing ANDREW COEN BRIAN KACHARABA DAVID WEINGRAD
4 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW TEAM INDEX 2022 HERALD High School Foot Football Preview A special advertising supplement to the Herald Community Newspapers Baldwin Bruins ................................ Calhoun Colts................................. Carey Seahawks Clarke Rams East Meadow Jets ........................ East Rockaway Rocks................... Elmont Spartans .......................... Freeport Red Devils Hempstead Tigers Hewlett Bulldogs .......................... 19 Kennedy Cougars ......................... Lawrence Golden Tornadoes Long Beach Marines Lynbrook MacArthurOwlsGenerals ..................... 32 Malverne Mules ............................ Mepham SewanhakaSeafordOceansidePiratesSailorsVikings............................Indians...................... 41 South Side Cyclones .................... Uniondale Knights Valley Stream Central Eagles Valley Stream North Spartans Valley Stream South Falcons Wantagh Warriors ......................... 54 West Hempstead Rams 55 Football Preview is an advertising supplement to the Herald Community Newspapers. Copyright © 2022 Richner Communications, Inc. Published by Richner Communications, Inc. 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000 • www.liherald.com Long Beach kicks off the 2022 season at Garden City. Photo by Media Origin Inc. Publisher STUART RICHNER Executive Editor MICHAEL HINMAN Deputy Editor JEFF BESSEN Vice President of Sales RHONDA GLICKMAN Creative Director Editorial Designer JEFFREY A. NEGRIN Section Editor TONY BELLISSIMO Photo Editor TIM BAKER Senior Editors LAURA LANE DANIEL OFFNER ContributingWriters TONY BRIANANDREWBELLISSIMOCOENKACHARABADAVIDWEINGRAD ON THE COVER Cover Design - Jeffrey A. Negrin Photographer - Ron Manfredi Cover Photo - Dominick Novello, Mepham High School FOOTBALL 2022 HIGH SCHOOLSPORTS PREVIEW SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 LOOKFORTHEFULLSEASONSCHEDULEINSIDE HighMephamSchool’s PROSPECTSfortheSEASON27Schools’22 Dominick Novello
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6 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
L
Baldwin returns to its longtime home in Conference I this fall and opens against two-time defending county champion Massapequa. “Baldwin has always been in the top conference, so we’re not making a big deal about it,” Chimienti said. “Last year was a big deal since we weren’t in Conference I.
“We have a ton of starters back and I was happy with the commitment during the offseason,” he added. “We had at least 30 kids in the weight room four days a week. If we’re not a playoff team this year it’s going to be highlyRunningdisappointing.”back/safety Anthony Byron emerged as the Bruins’ biggest offensive weapon last season and built an All-County resume with over 700 yards rushing and 9 touchdowns while leading the defense in tackles. He’s bulked up going into his senior campaign from 140 to 165 pounds, Chimienti said, and is likely to lead the team in touches. “As good as he
Kwasi Bonsu had a memorable junior year of high school, playing organized football for the first time he earned All-Conference honors and then went on to become a county champion wrestler in the winter. Bonsu is a fullback/defensive lineman with size, skill and strength. “He’s a smart kid and an incredible athlete,” Chimienti said.
1 Plainview 3:00 p.m. 8 Port Washington 2:00 p.m. 15 @ East Meadow 2:00 p.m. 22 Freeport 2:00 p.m. 29 @ Westbury 2:00 p.m.
Photos by Neil Miller
was last season, he took a pounding so he worked really hard to get stronger,” the coach said. “He’s athletic and powerful and we’re expecting more big things.”
ast season couldn’t have been any different for Baldwin’s football program.
“Wepoints.took care of business against teams ranked below us, but we were unable to beat a team seeded higher,” Chimienti said. “Overall, I thought it was a solid season. We had an outstanding group of seniors who gave everything they had.”
KWASI BONSU
10 @ Massapequa 2:00 p.m. 17 Uniondale 2:00 p.m. 24 @ Syosset 2:00 p.m. October
sive lineman with size, skill and athlete with good wheels and an
RODNEY
It welcomed a new head coach for the first time since the late 1980s and wasn’t a member of Nassau’s top conference for the first time ever due to enrollment. Frank Chimienti, who took over the helm from Stephen Carroll, guided the Bruins to a 4-4 mark in Conference II but they missed the playoffs by the slimmest of power rating
VAUGHNDREAMILLSJOHNSON
organized football for the first time
leadership.Thestrength of the defense is in the trenches with Bonsu, Mills, Davidson, Pace and senior Jaden Brutus. In the secondary, Byron and junior Eugene Brown start at safety, with Jean-Pierre, Chenet, senior Dan Concepcion and junior Aubrey Moore all in the mix at corner.
Anthony Byron
can’t
BALDWIN
Sophomore Vaughndrea Johnson is slated to be Baldwin’s starting quarterback. He’s a 6-foot-3, 175-pound three-sport athlete with good wheels and an improved arm. “He’s been at every workout and I can’t say enough about the kid,” Chimienti said.
ball
By TONY BELLISSIMO
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
Bruins return to Conference I
Serving as Johnson’s main targets are senior wideout Cedric Jean-Pierre, junior receivers Jadis Cheret and Caleb Wilson, and senior tight end Lincoln DaCosta. Jean-Pierre had a few breakout games last season and is also the team’s kicker and punter. Cheret is a nice-sized option at 6-2, and Wilson is the top newcomer on varsity following a strong JV season. DaCosta will chip in as a blocker and is also a starting linebacker.Upfront, Chimienti said the Bruins have the luxury of increased depth on both sides of the ball. Senior Jason Rivera is ultra-physical and forms an experienced guard tandem with junior Jake Davidson, another third-year member of the varsity. Rivera also starts at linebacker. Junior Rodney Mills is an athletic right tackle with swift footwork, and on the left side will be junior Jack Pace, described by Chimienti as the roster’s most improved. Senior center Darien Ward has stepped up his game as well and brings
September
Schedule
We
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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW September 8, 2022 — 7TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000 1183569
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Junior Joey Goodman returns at quarterback and is a dual threat with his improving arm and running ability. He threw two touchdown passes in a 55-24 win over Roslyn on Sept. 25 and followed that up with three rushing scores, including a 12-yarder in overtime that gave Calhoun a 27-20 victory over Herricks the next week.
September
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October 1
Higgins will be the weak side ironicEdouard.strongoppositesafetysiderInantwist, foremost,”abouthisaboutBelichickchanneledCalhoun.willhomecomingSewanhaka’sgamebeOct.8againstButRawlshisinnerBillwhenaskedreturningtofaceformerteam.“I’mthinkingWeek1firstandhesaid.
8 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
ouard and Brandon Sherman likely getting the most carries. Isaiah Hernandez will team with fellow senior Kyle Auty to form what could be a dangerous receiving tandem. Matt Baci and Hayden Higgins are also in the mix at receiver with the team moving away from the triple option.
Photos by Neil Miller
24
“He’s been working out like a demon,” he said. “He’s getting bigger and he’s getting stronger. The sky’s the limit for him. He has a unique size, just like Dylan, at their Kranmasposition.”and
CALHOUN
“He’s big, he’s strong, he’s fast,” Rawls said of Grech. “When you walk into the weight room and see that kid, it kind of opens your eyes a little bit.”
22
17
New era begins for promising Colts
n its search for a new football coach, Calhoun turned to a conference-rival’s assistant who has been waiting a long time for hisFourteen-yearopportunity. Sewanhaka assistant Nick Rawls will take over on the Colts’ sideline this fall and inherits a team that showed signs of improvement last season but is still learning how to win. The team started 3-1 in 2021 – the win total being two better than the previous two seasons combined – before suffering a five-game losing streak to end the Rawls,campaign.aformeroffensive lineman with Holy Trinity High School and Towson University, hopes to lead Calhoun to its first winning season since 2017.
Schedule AIDAN HIGGINS
9 @ MacArthur 7:00 p.m. Herricks 2:00 p.m. @ Mepham 2:00 p.m. Roslyn/Friends 3:00 p.m. @ Sewanhaka 2:00 p.m. Garden City 2:00 p.m. Kennedy 2:00 p.m. @ Long Beach 2:00 p.m.
strong sider ironic twist,
Junior tight end Dylan Grech is hard to miss on the field and his 6-foot-5 frame will also be an inviting target for Goodman.
By BRIAN KACHARABA
8
“Joey’s a tremendous athlete,” Rawls said. “He can run the ball and we’ve been working on his throwing mechanics and he’s been improving every single week. I’m very excited about what Joey can bring to the table.”
15
KYLE AUTY
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
Joey Goodman
The offense will feature a two-back set, with senior bruiser Josh Bailey and juniors Josh Ed-
The Colts will have a younger and smaller offensive line this season with the exception of 6-foot-4, 330-pounder junior Tanner Kranmas. Kranmas can play any spot on the offensive line and impressed Rawls with his work ethic during the offseason.
“It was one of those things where I was an assistant for so long that I was looking forward to becoming a head coach one day,” he said. “I was keeping my eye out and when Calhoun opened up, it almost seemed like a dream come true. It seemed like the perfect spot for me to land in.”
Grech will also man the defensive line and Bailey and Sherman are vying for playing time at inside linebacker. But Rawls took particular notice of another linebacker – Connor Faughman – while watching last year’s game film.
“When he was on defense, his number was always on the screen,” Rawls said. “Wherever the play was happening, whether it was his side or away from him, it didn’t matter. I also noticed that he was the guy sometimes in the backfield and sometimes returning kicks.”Auty is slated to be the starting free safety and Rawls expects him to be “one of our big guys” defensively. Fellow junior Aidan
MATT BACI
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW September 8, 2022 — 9TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
here’s plenty of anticipation for Carey football this fall. The Seahawks, who recovered from a tough 2-4 start last season to finish .500 and reach the Nassau Conference II semifinals, are in Conference III for the first time in more than 20 years and planned Homecoming on a Friday
CAREY
10 Manhasset 2:00 p.m. Plainedge 2:00 p.m. @ Lynbrook 2:00 p.m. @ Division 7:00 p.m.
17
Carey, the No. 3 seed, opens at home against Manhasset and then hosts defending county champion Plainedge in Week 2. On Friday, Oct. 7, Wantagh visits for Homecoming. The Seahawks also host “WeRoosevelt.have a bunch of seniors who played a lot last fall as well as the previous Covid spring season,” Stanley said. “The leadership has been great. All the guys killed it in the weight room over the summer and they’re pumped to get going.”
7 Wantagh 7:00 p.m. Roosevelt 2:00 p.m. @ Bethpage 2:00 p.m. @ Floral Park 3:00 p.m.
29
October
Seahawks take flight in unfamiliar conference
30
“He’s also dynamic on returns. He really has the ability to be a special player.”Junior Ben Rose, who was elevated from JV late last season and contributed in the playoffs at linebacker and helped Carey knock off New Hyde Park in the first round, will also get some carries and hold down a starting ‘backer spot. “He has good field awareness and instincts,” Stanley said.
Junior guard Jack Tierney, up from JV, is Vin’s younger brother and the only non-senior expected to start on the line. Jake Berringer returns at center, and the right side features returnees Gianluca Magliaro and Jaden Paz. “It has
WILL TOLLIVER
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
with Zitarosa and Ali sophomoreand
24
“There’snight. a high level of excitement,” head coach Mike Stanley said. “At first it was a very strange feeling not to see Garden City, MacArthur, Mepham and Elmont on the schedule. Now it’s starting to sink in that we’ve got a whole new bunch of teams to prepare for, and we’re looking forward to it.”
22
GIANLUCA MAGLIARO
MATT METZGER
At quarterback, senior Matt Metzger gained valuable experience last fall and will be asked to make things happen with his arm and legs. He was the JV starting signal-caller in the spring of 2021. “He did a lot of good things and he’s come back stronger,” Stanley said. “He’s fit and crafty and knows the system.”
September
Schedule
One of the more experienced groups of linemen in recent years leads the charge up front. Senior Vin Tierney anchors the O-line at left tackle and is also the face of the defense at middle linebacker who led the unit in stops last fall. “He’s an excellent left tackle and an outstanding linebacker,” Stanley said.
Vin Tierney
15
By TONY BELLISSIMO
T
been a while since we had four of five starting linemen returning, and Jack is coming off a nice JV season,” Stanley said. “I expect them to be a tough, smart and physicalStanleygroup.”said it won’t take much of a crease for junior Will Tolliver to break through and rip off big yardage. The explosive Tolliver had multiple 200-yard rushing games last season and double digits in touchdowns, including a few on special teams. He was Honorable Mention All-County. “He’s the fastest back we’ve ever had and if he finds a seam, nobody is going to catch him,” Stanley said.
Photos by Brian Ballweg
duties and contribute at linebacker along with Zitarosa and Berrenger. Up front, sophomore Ali Jouda will set the tone in the trenches and there’s additional talent with Magliaro, Paz, senior Jake Vitale sophomoreand MacNamee.Sean
At receiver, the Seahawks will look to junior Mateo Tufano, sophomore Christian Todaro, junior T.J. Wakely, and senior Frankie Arrigali to make plays. Of the group, Tufano has the most experience at the position and is also a returning starting cornerback with Arrigali. Seniors James Gangone and Rob Zitarosa lead the way at tight Gangoneend. will handle kicking
Second-year head coach Kevin O’Hagan said workouts four days a week in summer and competing against other teams in 7-on-7 scrimmages provided an opportune time for new players to stand“Weout.had a lot of turnover this year from last year with a lot of seniors that graduated so it is important offseason to try and find some new faces to replace what we lost,” said O’Hagan, who assumed the role as Clarke’s head coach last year after serving as an offensive coordinator for three seasons.One of Clarke’s big losses came at the quarterback position in Nick Giardino, who rushed for 143 yards in the Rams’ 20-12 quarterfinal playoff win against East Rockaway last season. Vying to replace Giardino in leading Clarke’s spread wing T offense under center are junior Giancarlo Rengiofo, who can also play running back, and Joey Kern, who was starting quarterback on junior varsity as a sophomore.
“We son,” O’Hagan said.
On special teams, the starting field goal kicker position remained up for grabs entering the season. The Rams have opted not to kick extra points the last three seasons and for two point conversions after each touchdown, an aggressive strategy O’Hagan plans to keep in place this fall.
24 @ Carle Place 6:30 p.m.
JUSTINMCGRADYSOMYAK
By ANDREW COEN
Photos by Brian Ballweg
October
8 @ North Shore 2:00 p.m.
Seniors Liam Fonal and Tom Roche are also expected to be in the mix at the receiving position along with junior Dominic Canonico, who played tight end on JV as a sophomore.Lastyear’sstarting tight end, Dan McGrady, is moving to the offensive line this season as one of the Ram’s key lead blockers at the guard position. Junior Anthony Velez will anchor the line after starting as a sophomore and playing on varsity for about half his freshmanMcGradyseason.willalso be an integral part of the Rams’ defense at middle linebacker. Junior Aidan Piotrowski and sophomore Justin Gonzalez are also expected to start on the Ram’s defensive line.
CLARKE
“We changed our offense over a few years back to more of like a spread run attack from the quarterback position,” O’Hagan said. “So that’s really one of the things we look for in our quarterbacks is the ability to run the ball because it really puts a lot of pressure on the defense because you have an extra player now that you have to really account for in the runThegame.”Clarke running game will
Rams retool after semifinal appearance
17 C.S. Harbor 2:00 p.m.
T
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
NICK IANNUCCI
28 @ Seaford 6:00 p.m.
14 @ Mineola 7:00 p.m. 22 Island Trees 2:00 p.m.
he graduation of 18 members of last season’s Clarke football team that reached the Conference IV semifinals made summer offseason work that much more crucial in preparing for this fall.
10 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Versatile senior Nick Iannucci will also be an integral part of the offense after starting at wide receiver as a junior. In addition to being a key receiving target, O’Hagan also expects Iannucci to be a threat out of the backfield when he takes direct snaps out of the Ram’s Wildcat package.
Clarke was seeded
DAN
“We are going to try and get him the ball in space,” O’Hagan said. “He’s a big player who’s fast and strong and is probably our strongest player on the team.”
Schedule
September
Shuart Stadium two
be paced by senior Justin Somyak, who was starting halfback for much of last season while battling injuries. O’Hagan said he added some muscle weight in the offseason that should make him even more of a backfield force as a senior potential to become an All-County running back.
Clarke was seeded fourth in Conference IV behind defending champion North Shore, Cold Spring Harbor and Seaford. The Rams, who fell to North Shore in the semifinals last year, have reached the semis stage at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium two of the last three seasons.“We want to make that a regular thing getting to Hofstra every season,” O’Hagan said.
10 East Rockaway 2:00 p.m.
1 Malverne 3:00 p.m.
Anthony Velez
Anchoring the line is junior Joe Arbitello, a pulling guard with excellent footwork and agility.
September 9 @ Plainview 6:30 p.m. 17 Freeport 2:00 p.m. 23 @ Westbury 5:00 p.m. 1 Hicksville 3:00 p.m. @ Syosset 2:00 p.m. 15 Baldwin 2:00 p.m. 22 Uniondale 2:00 p.m. 28 @ Port Wash. 6:00 p.m.
We only return a handful of starters and we’re going to be counting on a lot of kids who were reserves last year and didn’t get a ton of playing time,” he added. “Jobs are going to be decided in camp and a scrimmage against MacArthur. It’s going to be important to evaluate that game action because we have so many legitimate position battles.”
Schedule
The Jets will have the ability to roll out fresh wing backs thanks to depth at the position. Junior Matt Rodriguez found the end zone 5 times last season and gained 318 yards. Seniors Brandon Kebreau and Isaiah McIntosh are also part of the rotation.
I
Senior Brandon Tauber is expected to take the offensive reigns at quarterback but has only a pinch of experience on the varsity field and is new to the scheme. He led the JV to a 5-1 record in the spring of 2021. “He’s not a big kid but he throws the ball well and with accuracy,” Mascia said. “He’s hasn’t done anything that would lead me to believe he can’t run theTheoffense.”receiver group is new and unproven, led by seniors Jayden Hernandez and Anthony Pastore, as well as junior Kevin Canto. At tight end, seniors Devin McQuillan and Liam Kondelka are vying for playing time.
Brian Terino
Opening result could set direction for Jets
By TONY BELLISSIMO
FRANK
Javier and sophomore Manny Martinez both started at the JV level and will be counted on at guard.“The work ethic couldn’t be better,” Mascia said.
8
“Right off the bat that’s a big game for both teams,” he said. “Our schedule is more than fair. We don’t see three of the top four seeds.”East Meadow hosts No. 3 Freeport in the home opener in Week 2. Homecoming is Oct. 15 versus“TheBaldwin.kidsworked their tails off all summer and showed up in numbers,” Mascia said. “Myself and the other coaches are very happy with the commitment level.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW September 8, 2022 — 11TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
Photos by Brian Ballweg
One thing is likely, Mascia said, senior Brian Terino won’t come off the field unless he asks to. Terino averaged 8.2 yards on 41 carries as a wing back and scored 5 touchdowns, and had 38 tackles and a pair of sacks from outside linebacker. He’s also the long snapper on special teams.
IMPERIALE
JOE
Fullback is a key position in the triple option attack and Mascia projects senior Joe Festa and junior Nick Longardino to share the job and also make things happen at linebacker. Festa missed last season due to injury.
“He might even drive the bus,” Mascia quipped. “Brian is our best overall player and a dynamic playmaker. He’s tough and has speed, agility and vision. We’re planning on him being our leading rusher but he’s also the backup quarterback who we’re going to design some packages for.”
The Jets remain in Conference I after going 4-5 under Frank Baglivo last fall and reaching the playoffs. But they’re all but assured a return to II in 2023 due to declining enrollment. Seeded No. 11, they’ll open with what Mascia termed a “huge game” at Plainview, which is ranked one spot below in the 14-team conference.
October
EAST MEADOW
t’ll be Vin Mascia’s 20th season as East Meadow’s head coach but first since 2017. Much has changed over the past four seasons including a short stint in Conference II.
“The be better,” Mascia said.
BRANDONARBITELLOTAUBER
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
Senior tackle Fernando Flores, who tops the depth chart at kicker, works alongside Arbitello. Senior Jason Reyes returns after suffering an injury in last season’s opener, and senior Frank Imperiale takes over at center. Junior James
28 North
14
And that’s just fine with Rocks head coach Russ Pajer. “Let’s go right away and see how good we are,” he said.
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
CHRIS BECKER
EAST ROCKAWAY safety. Thomas goal against North Shore last season and could
with safety.movingGiannottitofreeThomas
By BRIAN KACHARABA
16
“[I expect him] to grow, be able to make some big throws when we need it and control the offense,” Pajer said. “Our quarterback has to be a leader, has to be tough, has to be able to put his nose in there and do a couple of different things.
24 @
“Running back will be pretty solid,” Pajer said. “John is going to be our No. 1, but we got three or four other guys who could help us in there.”Senior Chase Vertucci is expected to see action at tight end and fullback this season and will help bookend an offensive line with returning tackles Chris Becker and Anthony Polizzi. Senior Dom Jordan established himself at guard last fall and junior George Wayar, John Serino, a transfer from Valley Stream South last year, and fellow senior Kieran Panzella will be in the mix for the interior positions. Senior Jack Sweetman may also see time at tight end and both Beckerlines.andVertucci will anchor the defensive line along with Colin Sharkey. Pajer believes that Vertucci has the potential to wreak havoc in 2022.
“Chase is going to be a phenomenal defensive end,” Pajer said. “He might be one of the top defensive ends in the conference. He’s strong, he’s thick, he’s fast. When he puts his mind to it, he’s hard to Grimaldi,control.”Hyland, and Frank Passanisi start atop the depth chart at linebacker and Devin Hickam and Lucas Cortazar are the early favorites at cornerback
September
Rocks strive to continue playoff trend
10 Clarke 2:00 p.m. Carle Place 6:00 p.m. Island Trees 2:00 p.m. Seaford 6:00 p.m. Mineola 2:00 p.m. @ C.S. Harbor 7:00 p.m. Bay 7:00 p.m. Shore 6:00 p.m.
Photos by Sue Grieco
COLIN SHARKEY
Schedule
I expect him this year to take that nextThestep.”running back position has had plenty of turnover in recent years and this fall is no different after Aiden Green (7 touchdowns) and Joe Bruzzo (5) graduated. But All-County senior John Giannotti is back after co-leading the team in rushing scores with Green, including two against Cold Spring Harbor on Oct. 29.
Guarino booted a 25-yard field goal against North Shore last season and could provide some clutch kicks.
Following a 4-4 regular season, the Rocks were about nine minutes away from eliminating third-seeded Clarke on the Rams’ home field before yielding 14 fourth-quarter points en route to a 20-12 defeat. But as luck would have it, the teams will meet at Clarke again in the season opener on Sept. 10.
The Rocks have made the playoffs in five of the last six fall seasons and Pajer thinks this year’s group should continue that trend thanks to some returning key players at the skill positions and their depth.“The kids think this could be a good year for us,” he said. “They’re really excited. We’ve got a bunch of key guys coming back. We have depth at some positions. We have to fill some big shoes on defense, but I think we’re in a good spot and we should be real competitive.”Senior Tyler Hyland returns at quarterback and has plenty of experience with the team’s offensive scheme since he began learning it as a seventh grader with the JV squad. He will not throw a lot as the Rocks use a triple back, two tight end set, but that doesn’t lessen his importance on the field.
Sophomore Anthony Grimaldi, who ran for over 200 yards and four TDs in a JV game against Seaford last season, should also see plenty of action.
John Giannotti
12 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
TYLER HYLAND
October 1
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ast Rockaway won’t have to wait long to exact revenge on the team that knocked it out of the Conference IV playoffs in heartbreaking fashion last fall.
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8 @
21 Oyster
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Seniorout.”
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Nathaniel is a receiver by trade but is super athletic and the Spartans have a need at quarterback. He threw a touchdown pass in the playoff loss to Garden City as Elmont became the only opponent to score in the first half last season against the Trojans. “I know a lot of coaches don’t use their quarterbacks on defense, but Justus is going to be a two-way starter for us,” Hegi said. “He’s big, strong and fast. He’ll be a dual threat at quarterback and might need to learn how to release the ball quickly depending how our O-line pans
16
Spartans talented at skill positions
Photos by Brian Ballweg
Kimani Lewis, a track star who had 4 touchdown receptions last season, is the No. 1 receiver, cornerback, and return specialist. Hegi said Lewis has excellent hands and quickness. Senior Erik Burnett II is another talented receiver who’s in the mix to contribute in the secondary. Burnett II can catch the deep ball as well as beat defenders in traffic. Juniors Osagie Ekator (a 6-4 tight end) and Davidson Ba Lafortune, and sophomore Nassir Edwards, are additional targets.
turnees the unit will count on to contribute include seniors Xavier Eaddy, Joshua Malloy and Kymani Walker.Senior kicker Gustavo Moreno returns, and Nathaniel is working to take over punting duties.
8
Sixteen players return for Elmont, which went 4-3 last fall against teams not from Garden City.
“We’re seeded fifth and I fought for as high of a seed as possible because I prefer a tough schedule,” said Jay Hegi, who’s 20th season as the Spartans’ head coach begins at home against Mepham. “We have a difficult opener to test us right off the bat and we close with a tough one against South Side,” he added.
ERIC BURKETT II
24
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
10 Mepham 2:00 p.m. @ Kennedy 4:15 p.m. New Hyde Park 2:00 p.m. @ Garden City 3:00 p.m. Roslyn 2:00 p.m. @ MacArthur 7:00 p.m. Herricks 2:00 p.m. South Side 2:00 p.m.
By TONY BELLISSIMO
14 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Developing offensive and defensive fronts were the biggest dilemmas heading into camp, Hegi said. “We’re going to be strong at the skill positions and in the back seven on defense,” he noted. “We have a lot to evaluate when it comes to the lines. We lack experienced linemen and it’s going to be a while before we have continuity.”SeniorKenny Weaver is the most experienced lineman on the roster and is making a move from center to guard. Junior Chase Waite takes over at center after a solid JV campaign. Senior Sabyan Schmitz, one of three captains, was as dedicated to the weight room as anyone during the offseason and could fill a void on the O-line while remaining a mainstay at linebacker.Theoffense will revolve around the legs of junior running back Isaiah Davis and the emergence of senior quarterback Justus
On defense, with a wealth of linebackers and defensive backs, finding a way to hold their own at the line of scrimmage will be a key for the Spartans to make a run at a home playoff game. Other re-
October 1
lmont’s 2021 fall regular season and postseason both ended in the same fashion — with a loss to the best team in Nassau County. Garden City knocked out the Spartans on its way to a sixth consecutive Conference II championship and went on to capture the Long Island title.
Nathaniel, who was thrown into the fire late last season with no experience at the position.
SABYAN SCHMITZ
E
22 @
Schedule
Isaiah Davis
September
JUSTUS NATHANIEL
Davis, said Hegi, is pound for pound the strongest athlete on the roster and expected to get the most touches. “Isaiah is our featured guy now and has potential to play at the next level,” Hegi said. “He had a few touchdowns last season as a sophomore but he didn’t get a ton of carries. He has the power to run inside and the quickness to run outside.”
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ELMONT
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PAT PALLESCHI - Lawrence SCOTT
GEORGE KASIMATIS - Sewanhaka
JOE GUASTAFESTE - VS South
TOM SCHIAVO - VS Central
MATTHEW ALI - Hempstead
KEITH SACHS - Wantagh
JOHN MCGUIRE - Kennedy
MIKE STANLEY - Carey
KITO LOCKWOOD - Malverne
ROB BLOUNT
NICK RAWLS - Calhoun
PHIL COPPOLA - Uniondale
BOB FEHRENBACH - MacArthur
JAY HEGI - Elmont
FRANK CHIMIENTI - Baldwin
PHIL ONESTO - South Side
RUSS CELLAN - Freeport
DAVE YAKER - Lynbrook
16 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2022 HERALD High School Football Preview COACHESHEAD2022
DOM CARRE - West Hempstead
VIN MASCIA - East Meadow RUSS PAJER - East Rockaway
JOHN PALLADINO - Hewlett
MARTIN - Long Beach
KEVIN O’HAGAN - Clarke
MATT MOODY - Mepham
MIKE PAOLILLO - VS North
MIKE CORCORAN - Seaford
9 Port Washington 6:00 p.m. @ East Meadow 2:00 p.m. Massapequa 6:00 p.m.
17
23
JONATHAN MEZA
program appeared on the big stage at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium ahead.“We tell that stuff will all work itself out he
FREEPORT
By ANDREW COEN
fter returning to the playoffs last season, Freeport is seeking a return to championship contention this fall.
A season removed from missing the postseason with a limited roster, Freeport achieved the fifth seed with a 4-4 record before narrowly falling in the quarterfinal round of the playoffs to Farmingdale, 21-20. The Red Devils enter the 2022 campaign as the third seed in Conference I.
NAZAIR JEAN LUBIN
D’Angelo Gordon
28
The 2019 season when Freeport went unbeaten and captured a Long Island Class A title was the last time the program appeared on the big stage at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium in the playoffs. While the goal is to end up at Hofstra and beyond, Cellan said his team isn’t looking that far ahead.“We tell that stuff will all work itself out and just concentrate on this week,” he said. “Always take care of the week ahead and that stuff will all work itself out.”
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW September 8, 2022 — 17TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
As the three seed, Freeport will tackle a challenging schedule that includes a Friday night home game against two-time defending Conference I champion Massapequa at 6 p.m. The schedule is also highlighted by a Oct. 7 road game at second-seeded Farmingdale and home game versus Oceanside in the regular season finale on Oct. 28 at 6 p.m.
Jayden Gordon and senior Jaheem Clenant also return as starting wide receivers. Senior Yvan Neas will split time between the slot receiver, tight end and h-back positions.
“He moves around a bit
Red Devils ranked among title contenders
October
15
and he’s also going to be one of our linebackers,” said Cellan of the 6-foot-2 Neas. “He’s a good athlete.”The offensive line will also be entirely new this fall with junior Jonthan Meza the lone returning starter. Meza played tackle last season, but has enough versatility to move to guard or center if needed.Meza will also be a major force on defense as starting defensive end. A big strength of Freeport’s defense will be in the secondary with Jayden Gordon at cornerback and his brother D’Angelo at free safety. The other cornerback spot could be filled by Davenport or senior Javon Edwards.Onspecial teams, Freeport will have a big void to fill after the graduation of Dillon DeBourg, who handled kicking and punting duties the last two years. Entering preseason Cellan was still someone who can handle either punts, kickoffs or field goals and said it is possible the team may try for more two-point conversions.
“We got better as the season went on,” said longtime Freeport head coach Russ Cellan. “We should hit the ground running this year.”The Red Devils return most skilled position players from last year including junior quarterback D’Angelo Gordon, who made strides as a sophomore with AllCounty honors after starting under center during an abridged freshman season played in the spring of 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Gordon displayed his versatility as an athlete last year when he rushed for 150 yards and completed 5-of-9 passes for 111 yards in a 42-14 win against Uniondale.Senior running back Martese Davenport will anchor the backfield after rushing for nine touchdowns and receiving All-Conference accolades as a junior. Nazair Jean-Lubin, also a senior, will provide experience at wide receiver after hauling in 40 receptions with five touchdowns a seasonSophomoreago.
September
22
1 @ Hempstead 3:00 p.m. @ Farmingdale 6:30 p.m. Syosset 2:00 p.m. @ Baldwin 2:00 p.m. Oceanside 6:00 p.m.
7
Photos by Ron Manfredi
a Conference I school.
a Conference I school.
Schedule
MARTESE DAVENPORT
Freeport’s roster size has creeped up since losing a number of players during the pandemicplagued spring 2021 season when the Red Devils went 1-4 and was in the high 30s entering preseason practices. While an improvement over the last couple seasons, Cellan said it is far cry from the high 40s he saw during the 2019 season and is on the low side for
Stith is not only a great football player, but a great leader.”
By BRIAN KACHARABA
“It was a no-brainer, an unbelievable opportunity for myself,” he said. “They’re a hard-working group. There’s talent all around and I’m looking to take that talent to the next level. For me, that starts with holding players accountable, building a structure [and] building a culture.”TheTigers produced their best scoring output in 13 years in the fall of 2021 with 236 points – an average of almost 30 a contest – and most of the players that contributed to that number are back. Senior quarterback Jakkai Stith is a dual threat who can break a long run, as evidenced by his 90-yard touchdown scamper in last year’s season opener at Syosset and find the open receiver for a score.
The Tigers will be challenged right away when they visit Oceanside, the county runner-up, on Sept. 9. Other tough matchups include Farmingdale on Oct. 14 fiMassapequacounty-championandinthenale.
14 @
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Photos by Brian Ballweg
Jakkai Stith Oceanside 6:00 p.m. Plainview 2:00 p.m. V.S. Central 2:00 p.m. Freeport 3:00 p.m. Hicksville 2:00 p.m. Farmingdale 6:30 p.m. Westbury 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Schedule JAMIR ANDREWSSHAMAR NAESHAWNPINKPARSONS
24 @
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and will also be a part of Other tough matchups Massapequacounty-championandinthe
Dwayne Meadors had a monster sophomore season last year, capping it with five touchdowns in his last five games, including the playoff contest. His breakout performance came in the playoff clincher against Plainview-Old Bethpage on Oct. 29, when he rushed for 215 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries.
22
29 Massapequa
“Dwayne is an extremely talented running back,” Ali said. “He has the size [and] he has the frame. His ability and vision in his runs at the high school level is somethingDefensesspecial.”willalso have to watch senior running back-wide receiver hybrids Jamir Andrews and Naeshawn Parsons, who had touchdowns on both the ground and through the air last fall. Charley Jimenez can also man both spots and could be a factor on special teams after returning a kickoff 70 yards for a touchdown in the playoff game against Syosset.Theoffensive and defensive lines are led by the senior tandem of Taj McLeod and Shamar Pink, who supply both size and athleticism. Senior Jaylin James will join that duo on the defensive side.
HEMPSTEAD
October 1
8 @
After spending the last several years in the college ranks, the Sayville native returns to Long Island to take over as head coach of a Hempstead team that rallied to make the playoffs last year thanks to a strong finish to the regular season and returns many impact players.Alihas already built up a nice coaching resume. He was the outside linebackers coach at Monroe College and the head coach of that school’s JV the last two years after coaching the wide receivers, tight ends and being the special teams coordinator the previous two seasons at his alma mater, Hartwick College.
September 9 @
Athletic senior Jailyn Pinkard returns to Hempstead after playing at Copiague and will also be a part of the defensive backfield.
Experienced Tigers are trending upward
18 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
“Jakkai’s an incredible athlete,” Ali said. “He’s confident, he has the ability to make people miss, he has the ability to run people over and he has the ability to put the football where he wants to put it. As far as I’m concerned, Jakkai
“He’s a hard worker [and has a] great work ethic,” Ali said of Lake. “He’s really stood out in the summer workouts and looks great the first two days of camp. I see him having a strong role in our defense.”Parsons had a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown against Uniondale on Sept. 18 and will again be a part of the secondary along with Andrews.
ootball life has come full circle for Matthew Ali.
Stith, who had one of the Tigers’ three pick-sixes last year, will slot in as one of the linebackers and be joined by Uniondale transfer Chris Lake, a junior.
The biggest plus for Hewlett, Palladino said, is the return of 80 percent of its offensive line. “One of these years maybe we’ll return most of our skills guys and the line,” he joked. “It seems like it’s either one or the other for us. So we’re going to lean on the guys up front to take the pressure off
24 @ Bethpage
Bulldogs focused on own agenda 7:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. p.m. p.m. 6:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. p.m.
22 Glen Cove
Schedule
HEWLETT
16 Roosevelt
30 Lynbrook 6:00
JOHN CUSUMANO
with Waldman, a captain and receiver. Rochler, a three-sport athlete, will work at multiplePalladinopositions.has a myriad of questions to answer on defense. Margulies, Maiorano, Waldman and Rochler are the only returning “Thestarters.defense is a puzzle right now,” the coach said.
ewlett jumped three spots from its preseason seed last fall to earn a spot in the Nassau Conference III playoffs as the No. 7 seed with a 5-3 record. The Bulldogs saw their season end with a first-round playoff defeat at Wantagh and will begin the 2022 campaign on the same field under the Friday night lights.
H
By TONY BELLISSIMO
28 @ Division 7:00
a captain and multiplePalladinopositions.has a myriad of questions to answer on defense.
14 Plainedge
while the rest of the offense takes shape.”Senior Jadon Margulies is a third-year starter and will anchor the unit at tackle. He’s 6-foot-3, 260 pounds and a captain. “Jadon is just a wonderful character kid who practices hard and plays hard,” Palladino said of the two-way starting lineman. Senior Jon Menkes and sophomore C.J. Maiorano comprise the starting guards. Menkes is a captain and also an experienced kicker. “Jon is a strong kid going into his third year on varsity,” Palladino said. Maiorano was a full-time defensive starter last season who saw some snaps on offense. Junior Danny Sheinin is back as the starting center following a solid and consistent campaign.Thetackle spot opposite Margulies was the only vacated job up for grabs and Palladino said juniors Gabe Montoya and Tyler Parchment, both JV starters in 2021, have shown the ability to fill the void. They could also form a rotation.Mark Winker had a dynamic season at quarterback and his backup for back-to-back seasons, John Cusumano, now has the keys to the offense. Cusumano, who has a sprinkle of game experience under center and also punts, was a standout in the weight room during the summer and brings a strong arm. “We have to build offensive packages to fit John’s skills,” Palladino said. “It’ll be his third year being on varsity and was the JV starting quarterback as a freshman.”Leading the depth chart at the skill positions are senior Ariel Waldman, one of the premier wrestlers in the school, and juniors Mekhi Jean-Baptiste and Luke Rochler. Jean-Baptiste is moving from flanker to running back and will lead the return units along
Photos by Ron Manfredi
October 8 @ V.S. North 2:00
September 9 @ Wantagh
the only returning “Thestarters.defense
ARIEL WALDMAN
“We were a senior-oriented team that has to replace seven defensive starters along with an outstanding quarterback and our leading rusher,” he added. “We had a pretty good offseason. We changed from evening to morning workouts and learned a lot about our group.”TheBulldogs are ranked eighth in the 12-team conference and face three of the top four seeds, including defending county champion Plainedge at home in Week 6, and runner-up Bethpage on the road in Week 3.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW September 8, 2022 — 19TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
LUKE ROCHLER
“We never get too wrapped up in the schedule and just worry about ourselves,” head coach John Palladino said. “Wantagh is a big football town and they’re going to be strong again.
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
Jaden Margulies
“Our defense is going to be a work in progress,” Palladino said. “It’s open competition except for one lineman, one linebacker and two safeties. We have about three weeks and a scrimmage against Lawrence to figure everything out. I’m sure we’ll have multiple kids rotating in some spots.”
come early when the Cougars
senior Leo Gerunda is back as the team’s No.1 receiver and will also see time at tight end, with lanky Nick Pizzirusso possibly starting on the other side. Pizzirusso is a smart route runner with good hands and recorded one of Kennedy’s four offensive touchdowns last season when he hauled in an 8-yard pass against Manhasset on Oct. 22.
24
Three of the spots on the offensive line are solidified with the “Crunch and Munch” tandem of junior Brandon Goldstein and senior Josh Amiel, both of whom, according to McGuire, lost weight and gained strength and athleticism, and senior center Tyler Casesi.“Goldstein, I can’t talk about him enough,” McGuire said. “He was an All-Conference player for us as a tenth grader. If he’s not AllCounty this year, I’ll be shocked. I think he’ll have a breakout year this year.”Thethree will again man the defensive line as well, with Gerunda moving from linebacker to the line this season in the 4-2-5 scheme. That will leave the linebacking corps a little “green”, with senior Matt Chou gaining some experience at inside line-
Brandon Goldstein
16
20 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
1 @ Herricks 3:00 p.m. @ Long Beach 7:00 p.m. New Hyde Park 2:00 p.m. @ Calhoun 2:00 p.m. MacArthur 2:00 p.m.
Photos by Ron Manfredi
backer last fall and possibly the return of Nick spots.theregainside.onClearyjunioroptimisticandatmelisPeterSpeedyLarsen.Kourkou-isbackcornerbackMcGuireisthatBrennancanbetheoppositeTorciawilloneofsafety
KENNEDY
backer last fall and the Larsen.
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September
By BRIAN KACHARABA
Kennedy went 0-8 last season and has dropped 14 in a row since beating Calhoun in the 2019 season finale. The Cougars lost the first seven games that year to make the slump look even worse at 1-21.Kennedy almost snapped the skid during its homecoming game last Sept. 25, but confusion amongst the officials about how much time was left on the clock resulted in Valley Stream South kicking the game-winning field goal at the gun for a 16-15 loss. The Cougars scored just 19 more points over their last five games to finish with 34, the program’s lowest since it amassed just 16 inMcGuire2000. is hoping his team’s fortunes change just like it did for a school on the North Shore.
weeks later.
JOE VACCARO
Cougars search for elusive win
RAY TORCHIA
15
That elusive win could come early when the Cougars host winless Roslyn/Friends in the Sept. 10 opener before visiting 1-7 Sewanhaka two
7
JOSH AMIEL
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
ennedy is changing up a couple of things in hopes of snapping its long losingThestreak.Cougars are back in Conference II after struggling in III last year and adjusting their offense that fifth-year head coach John McGuire hopes will utilize the strengths of his main weapons.
10 @ Roslyn 2:00 p.m. Elmont 4:15 p.m. Sewanhaka 2:00 p.m.
option in order to take advantage of Vaccaro’s speed.
22
K
Peter Kourkoumelis is back at regainside.onClearyjunioroptimisticandcornerbackMcGuireisthatBrennancanbetheoppositeTorciawilloneof
“We’re looking to get on the board and, hopefully, follow what Glen Cove did and turn it around,” he said of the Big Red, which dropped 20 straight before winning four of five to end 2021. “[They] turned around their season to the most improved team type of deal.”Senior Joe Vaccaro will embark on his first full season as the starting quarterback after making several appearances during the middle portion of last year’s schedule. This year, McGuire is changing his offense from a spread formation to a flex bone triple-
October
“We’re hoping he takes that next step and provides some consistency,” McGuire said. “He’s really taken to the offense. He really likes it. I think it hones on his skills a little better.”
Power running back Ray Torcia returns after an injury-plagued sophomore season and attended some offseason camps to help him become a dual threat in the backfield. Junior fullback Devin Pryor will provide the blocking and is also expected to get some carries with a year of varsity experience under his Six-foot-4belt.
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“I asked for the 9-seed and hopefully we can prove the seeding wrong,” Palleschi said. “We had between 15 and 20 kids in the weight room all summer and a good turnout for 7 on 7s at Hewlett. Some of the teams we beat last year are back on the schedule and I believe there are a bunch of winnable games.”
22 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Senior Manny Martinez is a returning starter at guard.
17
Jackson Mondesir
LAWRENCE to said, and junior Bobby Hicks brings experience
15
22
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Schedule
King. They’ll form bookends on the defensive line and lead the offense at running back and receiver, respectively.Mondesir is a four-year starter coming off an All-County season. He’s 6-foot-2, 230 pounds and “ridiculously strong,” Palleschi said. “Jackson is such a coachable kid and really came into his own in terms of leadership last year,” the coach noted. “He’s an all-around quality defensive end and on offense he runs hard and can also catch.”King is a three-year starter who organized much of the team’s offseason workout schedule. “He’s a strong speed rusher off the edge and as a receiver he can stretch the field and get yards after the catch,” Palleschi said.
The Golden Tornadoes were pretty competitive last season under former coach Jason Supple, who recently became the school’s director of athletics. They went 2-5, with one game canceled due to Covid protocols, and lost a few by one score. They’re seeded No. 13 in the 14-team Conference IV and open at home against Malverne.
fter serving as Lawrence’s defensive coordinator for the past five seasons and coaching in the district at various levels for decades, former Golden Tornadoes captain Pat Palleschi, a 1991 grad, takes over as head coach of one of Nassau County’s most successful football programs of all-time.“Lawrence has done a lot of winning going back 100 years and I’m only the 12th head coach we’ve ever had,” Palleschi said. “I’m honored and proud to say I’ve gotten to this level.
Golden Tornadoes aim to compete
Photos by Donovan Berthoud
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
Junior Josh Shivers is a twoway starting tackle with good size, strength and footwork.
10 Malverne 2:00 p.m. @ Locust Valley 2:00 p.m. @ West Hemp. 2:00 p.m.
September
BRYAN GUEVARA
Setting the tone on both sides of the ball will be senior captains Jackson Mondesir and Jahking
By TONY BELLISSIMO
“He hasn’t taken a snap in a high school game, but he’s extremely athletic and developing arm strength,” Palleschi said. “He’s not going to throw a ton. We’re just looking for improvement each week.”Senior Kody Kirchner was one of several Lawrence quarterbacks last fall but eventually moved to the backfield. A three-year starter, he’s transitioning again into a slot receiver and will start at linebacker or safety. Another key two-way contributor will be junior Bryan Guevara, the team’s top linebacker and an option to take some handoffs.Senior Shamel Medley, a proven cornerback and aggressive tackler, provides depth at receiver along with senior Quinn Kerins. Palleschi said one spot on the offensive line remains up for grabs heading into the opener.
8
“We have our work cut out,” he added. “We’re really feeling the effects of not having a youth program in the community. Our numbers aren’t what they used to be, but I think we’ll be able to continue to field a JV and put competitive teams on the field. The senior class we have now is the last group of kids that put on an Inwood Buccaneers uniform.”
ZAINE GARRAWAY
24
JAHKING KING
Junior Nick Gause is moving into a bigger role and has potential to start on both sides of the ball, the coach said, and junior Bobby Hicks brings experience at center after serving as the JV starter.
1 Oyster Bay 3:00 p.m. Carle Place 2:00 p.m. @ Island Trees 2:00 p.m. @ V.S. South 2:00 p.m. Mineola 2:00 p.m.
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Junior Zaire Garraway has experience as a running back and receiver, but he won’t be at either position. He’s the new starting quarterback who may also be needed at cornerback or safety.
October
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If all goes well, he said, a visit to the county semifinals at Hofstra is not out of the question.
Martin also noted senior Ronald Washington as an agile defensive tackle and speedy junior receiver Shaquille Johnson, who will each play key roles. The coach also praised senior kicker Mike Contreras, a soccer star, as a weapon on special teams.
By DAVID WEINGRAD
Jack Skarren
anked as the No. 6 seed in 12-team Conference II, longtime head coach Scott Martin said he thinks his Marines have what it takes to go toe-to-toe with their top conference foes.
10 @ Garden City 2:00 p.m. 17 Sewanhaka 2:00 p.m. 24 @ MacArthur 2:00 p.m.
JACK MILLER
both in the slot position and
“This football players and
September
A welcome sight in camp is the return of junior C.J. Merchant, whose sophomore season was interrupted by injuries last year, and could also be a major factor at running back.
Photos by Ron Manfredi
R
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
will know who we are by game five,” Martin said.“This team, this group, looks really excited for football,” the coach added. “We have guys that consider themselves top football players and they want to prove it.”
In all, Martin said there are 15 linemen who he can mix and match throughout the year. And what they may lack in varsity experience, they more than compensate in athleticism. “A lot of these kids were in backup roles but they’re healthy and ready to slot in,” said Martin. “We look like we’ll be set offensively as well as our experience defensively.”
A tight quarterback competition features senior Jeff Conway, who saw much of the action as signal-caller last season, and who Martin praised as a strong kid who can beat you with his arm and his legs. Also in the mix is senior Hayden Sofield, who also developed some size in the offseason and has impressed Martin’s staff.
Hartman recorded three
15
1 South Side 3:00 p.m. Kennedy 7:00 p.m. @ Mepham 2:00 p.m. @ Roslyn 2:00 p.m. 29 Calhoun 2:00 p.m.
interrupted by injuries last year, and could also be
heading into the year, but Martin John Sofield – brother of Hayden on junior, will also step in as starters.
7
JEFF
Returning senior Jack Skarren, who Martin considers one of the top players in the conference, will be an offensive weapon at tight end with his 6-foot-2 size. He’ll double as middle linebacker, where he recorded 90 tackles last season – the most by any player in a single season in Martin’s 15 years at LongTwo-wayBeach.senior Jack Miller will start at fullback and inside linebacker. With 10 catches last season, Martin said he expects him to be much more involved in the offense.Luke
HAYDENCONWAYSOFIELD
October
interceptions last year as a junior and will also play an increased role as a receiver, both in the slot position and split out wide.
A reshaped offensive line will have a few question marks heading into the year, but Martin praised junior offensive tackles John Sofield – brother of Hayden – who will be a leading force in the middle, and Nico Kanganis who played on junior varsity least year. Guards Mhasyn Rowland , a senior, and Julian Mercado, a junior, will also step in as starters. Battling for the final spot to fortify the offensive line are juniors Antonio Sanders and Tucker Bogacki, both of whom Martin hailed for their size and skill.
Marines set sights on playoff voyage
At 6-foot and 210 lbs., “We’re looking for him to be our main runner between the tackles,” Martin said.
Schedule
will be tested right away, with matchups against high-ranked Garden City, South Side and MacArthur in three of their first four games that will serve as a good litmus test. “We
LONG BEACH a
22
The Marines serve as a good litmus test. “We said.
If playing time wasn’t enough incentive for competition –Conway and Sofield also happen to be cousins. “That adds another drama to it,” Martin said. “They’ve been competing and playing each other since they were young. So they’re used to it.”
26 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
The team is returning most of its defensive starters and had a great turnout at camp this summer featuring many pieces that Martin thinks can be assets on the offensive end.
Seniors Jaylin playmakers, Yaker said. Shapiro was a standout in 7 on 7s, he noted. Juniors Ramon Calderon
Jaylin Walker Cove 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Park 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
LYNBROOK
MICHAEL FAGEN
24 Carey
There’s a good chance Lynbrook will have a Division I athlete at the controls of the offense, if not a very big part of it. Senior Michael Fagen was a slot receiver/running back last season but could become the quarterback. He’s headed to the University of Richmond to play lacrosse. “The bottom line is the ball has to be in Michael’s hands,” Yaker said. “He’s too talented and tough of a kid. He has unbelievable vision and speed, and his leadership has been great all summer. He can do it all, so we’re not going to write anything in stone about where he’ll be.” Fagen is also a starter in the secondary, punts and returns punts and kicks.
30 @ Hewlett
Owls sideline features new but familiar face
“The schedule is some tough sledding, but I certainly like the way our kids competed in 7 on 7s over the summer and dedicated themselves to workouts,” Yaker explained. “We had at least 30 varsity guys at every weight room session. I didn’t take over until June 8, but we hit the ground running.“I can’t really spend too much time worrying about who we’re playing,” he added. “I don’t know who we are yet.”
By TONY BELLISSIMO
MICHAEL O’HAGAN
Anchoring the line are returning starters Jake Lunati at tackle and Michael O’Hagan at center. Seniors Ralph Caputo and Thomas
“It’s been beyond my wildest expectations,” said Yaker, a 1992 Lynbrook graduate and member of the county championship team as a senior. “It’s something that I’ve dreamed about,” he added. “I’ve coached with and learned from a lot of incredible people and I’m looking to build on the success coach LoCicero had here. It’s a great program and community.”
The Owls went 5-3 last season but finished just short of qualifying for the playoffs. “We challenged the kids during the summer by
15 V.S. North
JAKE LUNATI
29 @ Roosevelt
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW September 8, 2022 — 27TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
Denker is a returning
October 8 @ Floral
Holy we’re challenging them again with the the lacrosse. “The bottom line is the
going to write anything in stone started back last season before an injury put him on the shelf. He has a
22 Division
Photos by Sue Grieco
going 7 on 7 with Oceanside, South Side and Holy Cross, and we’re challenging them again with a tough scrimmage at Cold Spring Harbor,” Yaker said. “We have a really good senior class that’s been leading the way.”
September 10 Glen
Schedule
N
Yaker’s debut comes at home Sept. 10 against Glen Cove in the Conference III opener. The Owls are seeded No. 11 in the 12-team conference and will also face Manhasset, Carey, Hewlett, Floral Park, Valley Stream North, Division and Roosevelt. Yaker spent 20 seasons on the Hewlett staff, so the Sept. 30 matchup there will be interesting, he said.
ew Lynbrook head coach David Yaker brings more than 25 years of high school football coaching experience to the Owls’ sideline and inherited a senior-laden roster and familiar staff from Stephen LoCicero, who spent 16 seasons at the helm and led the team to Nassau and Long Island titles in 2010.
17 @ Manhasset
Byrne are close to securing starting gigs as noiseupJuniorwithastartingDenkerSeniorwell.Tylerisareturninglinebackerandkeytoadefensiveunitsomepiecestofill.CraigLescczakisfromJVandmakingincamp.
Senior Chris Lucchese started a handful of games at quarterback last season before an injury put him on the shelf. He has a strong arm and was impressive in camp, Yaker said. Lucchese throwing passes to Fagen and a slew of other skilled receivers isn’t off theSeniorstable.Jaylin Walker and Ryan Shapiro rate at the top of the receiver and secondary depth charts. Both can by dynamic playmakers, Yaker said. Shapiro was a standout in 7 on 7s, he noted. Juniors Ramon Calderon and Amah Agwu are tall targets. Senior Max Dantona and Mike Hendrickson are also part of a deepSeniorsgroup.Chris Benson and Daniel Barrosso are projected to form a tandem at running back.
Fri. Sept. 9 Port Washington FREEPORT 6:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 9 HEMPSTEAD OCEANSIDE 6:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 23 North Shore SEAFORD 6:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 LAWRENCE WEST HEMPSTEAD 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 10 Syosset UNIONDALE 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 SEWANHAKA LONG BEACH 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 10 Glen Cove LYNBROOK 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 FREEPORT EAST MEADOW 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 9 V.S. CENTRAL Farmingdale 6:30 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 16 ELMONT KENNEDY 4:15 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 MALVERNE North Shore 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 Plainedge CAREY 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 UNIONDALE BALDWIN 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 LYNBROOK Manhasset 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 10 LONG BEACH Garden City 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 9 V.S. SOUTH Carle Place 6:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 10 BALDWIN Massapequa 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 EAST ROCKAWAY Island Trees 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 10 Roosevelt V.S. NORTH 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 16 Carle Place EAST ROCKAWAY 6:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 23 Massapequa FREEPORT 6:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 Plainview HEMPSTEAD 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 10 EAST ROCKAWAY CLARKE 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 C.S. Harbor CLARKE 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 WANTAGH Bethpage 2:00 p.m.
28 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Fri. Sept. 23 V.S. NORTH Glen Cove 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 SEWANHAKA KENNEDY 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 16 Roosevelt HEWLETT 6:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 9 CALHOUN MACARTHUR 7:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 9 EAST MEADOW Plainview 6:30 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 23 HEWLETT Bethpage 6:30 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 CAREY LYNBROOK 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 10 KENNEDY Roslyn 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 V.S. CENTRAL Hicksville 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 9 WEST HEMPSTEAD SEAFORD 6:00 p.m.
2022 HERALD SchoolHighFootballPreview
Sat. Sept. 17 MACARTHUR MEPHAM 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 New Hyde Park ELMONT 2:00 p.m.
SOUTH SIDE 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 23 EAST MEADOW Westbury 5:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 10 MEPHAM ELMONT 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 SEAFORD V.S. SOUTH 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 CLARKE Carle Place 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 CALHOUN MEPHAM 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 Herricks CALHOUN 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 10 Herricks SEWANHAKA 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 9 HEWLETT WANTAGH 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 LAWRENCE Locust Valley 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 V.S. NORTH Division 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 16 Farmingdale OCEANSIDE 6:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 10 New Hyde Park
Sat. Sept. 10 MALVERNE LAWRENCE 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 BALDWIN Syosset 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 23 V.S. CENTRAL HEMPSTEAD 6:30 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 WEST HEMPSTEAD Oyster Bay 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 16 Garden City SOUTH SIDE 6:00 p.m.
CALENDARTHECIRCLE
Sat. Sept. 10 Manhasset CAREY 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 30 WANTAGH V.S. NORTH 6:30 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 Carle Place LAWRENCE 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 SEAFORD EAST ROCKAWAY 6:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 MEPHAM New Hyde Park 3:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 29 V.S. SOUTH WEST HEMPSTEAD 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 Hicksville EAST MEADOW 3:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 29 MEPHAM SEWANHAKA 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 LONG BEACH MACARTHUR 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 OCEANSIDE Massapequa 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 Roslyn ELMONT 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 28 C.S, Harbor MALVERNE 7:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 29 BALDWIN Westbury 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 29 CALHOUN LONG BEACH 2:00 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW September 8, 2022 — 29TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
Sat. Oct. 1 Massapequa V.S. CENTRAL 3:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 7 V.S. CENTRAL Westbury 6:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 14 Locust Valley V.S. SOUTH 6:30 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 29 Massapequa HEMPSTEAD 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 Syosset OCEANSIDE 3:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 29 LYNBROOK Roosevelt 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 29 CAREY Floral Park 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 EAST ROCKAWAY Mineola 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 LYNBROOK Floral Park 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 7 WANTAGH CAREY 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 29 Mineola LAWRENCE 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 29 V.S. NORTH Bethpage 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 14 CLARKE Mineola 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 Westbury UNIONDALE 3:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 Port Washington BALDWIN 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 Plainview UNIONDALE 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 MEPHAM Garden City 2:00 p.m.
NOTE: Home teams on right. Local teams listed in BOLD/CAPS
Fri. Sept. 30 LYNBROOK HEWLETT 6:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 CALHOUN SEWANHAKA 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 30 C.S. Harbor WEST HEMPSTEAD 6:30 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 EAST MEADOW Syosset 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 7 FREEPORT Farmingdale 6:30 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 Division WANTAGH 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 WEST HEMPSTEAD Locust Valley 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 15 Garden City CALHOUN 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 Roosevelt CAREY 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 Syosset FREEPORT 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 New Hyde Park KENNEDY 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 LAWRENCE Island Trees 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 LONG BEACH MEPHAM 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 V.S. NORTH LYNBROOK 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 MALVERNE SEAFORD 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 OCEANSIDE Hicksville 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 SEWANHAKA Roslyn 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 Herricks SOUTH SIDE 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 UNIONDALE V.S. CENTRAL 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 Floral Park WANTAGH 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 North Shore WEST HEMPSTEAD 2:00 p.m. Fri. Oct. 21 V.S. CENTRAL OCEANSIDE 6:00 p.m. Fri. Oct. 21 Garden City MACARTHUR 7:00 p.m. Fri. Oct. 21 WEST HEMPSTEAD MALVERNE 7:00 p.m. Fri. Oct. 21 V.S. NORTH Manhasset 7:00 p.m. Fri. Oct. 21 Oyster Bay EAST ROCKAWAY 7:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 FREEPORT BALDWIN 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 KENNEDY CALHOUN 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 CAREY Bethpage 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 Island Trees CLARKE 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 UNIONDALE EAST MEADOW 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 ELMONT Herricks 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 Westbury HEMPSTEAD 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 LAWRENCE V.S. SOUTH 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 LONG BEACH Roslyn 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 Division LYNBROOK 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 SOUTH SIDE MEPHAM 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 SEAFORD Locust Valley 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 SEWANHAKA New Hyde Park 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 Plainedge WANTAGH 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 Glen Cove HEWLETT 3:00 p.m. Fri. Oct. 28 OCEANSIDE FREEPORT 6:00 p.m. Fri. Oct. 28 CLARKE SEAFORD 6:00 p.m. Fri. Oct. 28 EAST MEADOW Port Washington 6:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 V.S. SOUTH Oyster Bay 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 OCEANSIDE Plainview 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 14 HEMPSTEAD Farmingdale 6:30 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 7 SEAFORD C.S. Harbor 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 29 WANTAGH Glen Cove 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 Plainview BALDWIN 3:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 14 ELMONT MACARTHUR 7:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 7 KENNEDY LONG BEACH 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 SOUTH SIDE Roslyn 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 30 CAREY Division 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 UNIONDALE Port Washington 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 29 Plainview V.S. CENTRAL 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 15 BALDWIN EAST MEADOW 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 HEWLETT V.S. NORTH 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 FREEPORT HEMPSTEAD 3:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 Roslyn CALHOUN 3:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 Oyster Bay LAWRENCE 3:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 Locust Valley MALVERNE 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 Mineola V.S. SOUTH 3:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 7 V.S. SOUTH MALVERNE 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 29 MACARTHUR KENNEDY 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 29 Hicksville UNIONDALE 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 MALVERNE CLARKE 3:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 29 SOUTH SIDE ELMONT 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 KENNEDY Herricks 3:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 HEMPSTEAD Hicksville 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 ELMONT Garden City 3:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 CLARKE North Shore 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 14 Plainedge HEWLETT 6:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 SOUTH SIDE LONG BEACH 3:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 MACARTHUR SEWANHAKA 3:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 7 MACARTHUR SOUTH SIDE 6:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 28 North Shore EAST ROCKAWAY 6:00 p.m. Fri. Oct. 28 HEWLETT Division 7:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 14 EAST ROCKAWAY C.S, Harbor 7:00 p.m.
30 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2022 HERALD High School Football Preview CONFERENCE I 1. Massapequa Chiefs 2. Farmingdale Dalers 3. Freeport Red Devils 4. Oceanside Sailors 5. Syosset Braves 6. Hempstead Tigers 7. Port Washington Vikings 8. V.S. Central Eagles 9. Baldwin Bruins 10. Hicksville Comets 11. East Meadow Jets 12. Plainview Hawks 13. Uniondale Knights 12. Westbury Green Dragons CONFERENCE II 1. Garden City Trojans 2. Mepham Pirates 3. South Side Cyclones 4. MacArthur Generals 5. Elmont Spartans 6. Long Beach Marines 7. New Hyde Park Gladiators 8. Calhoun Colts 9. Herricks Highlanders 10. Sewanhaka Indians 11. Roslyn Bulldogs 12. Kennedy Cougars CONFERENCE III 1. Plainedge Red Devils 2. Bethpage Golden Eagles 3. Carey Seahawks 4. Wantagh Warriors 5. Floral Park Knights 6. Division Dragons 7. Manhasset Indians 8. Hewlett Bulldogs 9. Roosevelt Rough Riders 10. V.S. North Spartans 11. Lynbrook Owls 12. Glen Cove Big Red CONFERENCE IV 1. North Shore Vikings 2. Cold Spring Harbor Seahawks 3. Seaford Vikings 4. Clarke Rams 5. Malverne Mules 6. East Rockaway Rocks 7. West Hempstead Rams 8. Island Trees Bulldogs 9. Locust Valley Falcons 10. Mineola Mustangs 11. V.S. South Falcons 12. Carle Place Frogs 13. Lawrence Golden Tornadoes 14. Oyster Bay Baymen
Media Origin Inc. RANKINGSFOOTBALLCOUNTYNASSAU2022
Photo by
Fagen will lead Lynbrook, the No. 11 seed in Conference III.
Michael
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW September 8, 2022 — 31TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000 Liherald.com/subscribe • (516) 569-4000 x7 liherald.com/subscribe HERALD Community Newspapers real local, real news Sports We love High School football - it’s the best of the sport, before big business and salaries interfere with the pure passion for playing. It’s about school and community pride. It’s about the camaraderie our kids share on and off the field. Nothing else. Follow the athletes on your team each week in Herald Community Newspapers. Enjoy our local coverage of the players, the coaches, the game and the fans. Subscribe today and don’t miss any of the action! 10 20 20 10THEREHIGHSCHOOLFOOTBALLISNOTHINGLIKE
Rocco Hogan
Photos by Karen Millindorf
“The last three years we ran pretty much most of the time because I had three really good running backs so things worked out for us,” Fehrenbach said. “I have enough depth at running
“He’s very athletic back there with a great lead on the ball,” said Fehrenbach of Hogan. “Being that he was a linebacker last year he saw a lot of things up close so he was reacting from four yards and now he is reacting from 12 yards so it’s a lot easier for him to see things now.”
By ANDREW COEN
October
W
MacARTHUR
9 Calhoun 7:00 p.m. 17 @ Mepham 2:00 p.m. 24 Long Beach 2:00 p.m.
“We have decent players, but they don’t have meaningful experience,” said longtime MacArthur head coach Bobby Fehrenbach. “They got some time last year, but it was mopup time when the game was decided one way or the other.”Senior Joey Forchelli brings the most experience to the table after starting at cornerback the last two seasons. Forchelli, who tore his ACL in the fourth game last season, returns healthy this fall to once play a key role in the secondary and will also be one of the starting running backs on offense.
Rocco Hogan was starting inside linebacker last year and will move over to the free safety position for his senior season. Hogan will also share the backfield duties with Forchelli as the other tailback.
NICK MILAU
Schedule
32 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
September
On special teams, Jack Maurer is expected to handle the kickoff and field goal kicking duties after serving as backup kicker last year.MacArthur opens the season at home against Calhoun on Sept. 9. The Generals final home game will feature a county finals rematch against Garden City on Oct. 21 at 7 MacArthurp.m.enters the season seeded fourth in Conference II behind Garden City, Mepham and South Side. Fehrenbach said he hopes the team will peak at the
Generals undergo a complete makeover
1 @ Sewanhaka 3:00 p.m. 7 @ South Side 6:00 p.m. 14 Elmont 7:00 p.m. 21 Garden City 7:00 p.m. 29 @ Kennedy 2:00 p.m.
SAL ORLANDO
back where I could keep mixing kids in there and not have much of a dropTheoff.”starting quarterback spot was up for grabs during preseason practices. Seniors Junito Palomino and Andrew Cardon served in backup roles last year while junior Alex Varga was starting quarterback on the junior varsity team.
Possible receiving targets for whoever starts under center will include seniors Peter Michielini and John Dinkelman. The versatile Hogan also may line up at wide receiver or tight end on certain plays in addition to his running back Theduties.offensive line will feature contributions from Scott Milau, Sal Orlando, Ben Velasquez, Scott Molina, Jack Orlando and Ray Dwyer.Defensively, Hogan will be a key leader at free safety, a position Fehrenbach expects him to make a smooth transition to after starting at middle linebacker.
right time and at least make it to the semifinal stage at workeveryin“WegetschooltheUniversity’sstagetoatrightforworkeveryin“WegetschooltheStadium.University’sHofstraShuart“That’salwaysgoalofmosthighprogramstotoHofstra,”hesaid.alwaysfeelwe’rethethickofiteachandyear,butthisyeartheisgoingtobecutoutus.”timeandleastmakeitthesemifinalatHofstraShuart“That’salwaysgoalofmosthighprogramstotoHofstra,”hesaid.alwaysfeelwe’rethethickofiteachandyear,butthisyeartheisgoingtobecutout
hen MacArthur kicks off its 2022 season the team will look almost unrecognizable from last fall after graduating 33 seniors.
Forchelli started off last season as the second running back behind James Napoli with Hogan taking his spot following his injury. Other running back spots remained up for grab, but Fehrenback hopes to use multiple players for the role.
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
The Generals bring back only two starters from last season’s 9-2 team that fell to Garden City in the Conference II finals. Most of the returning players only received playing time at the end of games where the result wasn’t in doubt late.
JOEY FORCHELLI
WilkersonDefensively,IIIand
Norman Brown
punter,” WilkersonjuniorLockwood.saidDefensively,HughIIIand
17
Brown set
JEDIDIAH
CASTIN
At quarterback, both senior Farvens Ulysse and junior Chad Wesley will get snaps. Ulysse is a pocket type with a strong arm, while Wesley is more of a dual threat. “We’re not going to make it easy for defenses to prepare,” LockwoodWesleysaid.can also serve as a target for Ulysse in pass situations.
Photos by Sue Grieco
October 1 @
alverne head coach Kito Lockwood believes the front line is likely the key to the Mules’ chances of advancing to the Nassau Conference IV semifinals at Hofstra for the first time since 2008.
15 @
7
10 Lawrence 2:00 p.m. @ North Shore 2:00 p.m. Locust Valley 2:00 p.m. Clarke 3:00 p.m. V.S. South 7:00 p.m. Seaford 2:00 p.m. West Hempstead 7:00 p.m. C.S. Harbor 7:00 p.m.
Last season, they finished 4-4 in the regular season and lost the playoff opener to eventual county and Long Island champion North Shore. Malverne is seeded No. 5 in the 14-team conference this year and has a talented enough roster to do damage, Lockwood said, but isn’t without its share of question marks.“I’m confident we’ll be competitive enough to make the playoffs,” he said. “Whether or not we can win a playoff game and make the Big Four will probably depend on the line.”
parlay two seasons at that level to the center job on varsity. “We’re in the shotgun a lot so the snap is very important to what we do,” Lockwood said. Elevated from JV late last season, junior Tristan Brunson has a chance to be a two-way starting lineman and fill voids the Mules desperate need answered. The other spot up front is completely up for grabs.
Junior Branden Roy McLaughlin Jr. is another backfield threat who runs the ball with attitude, the coach said. He led the team in rushing touchdowns and is just scratching the surface.
By TONY BELLISSIMO
Senior running back/linebacker Norman Brown is Malverne’s best overall player, Lockwood said, entering his fourth varsity campaign. Brown was Honorable Mention AllCounty last season and a captain. “Other coaches noticed him and he’s not just a great player but also a great person,” Lockwood said. “He’s a student of the game and the heart and soul of our team. We expect him to get into the end zone and make more tackles.”
senior Michael Williams and Castin headlines
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
@
28
Schedule ARMONDO WHITE
erson is a third-year starter
September
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW September 8, 2022 — 33TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
21
Seniors Sylvain Castin and Armondo White, and junior William Hartley comprise a talented group of receivers. Castin is a captain and leader with an uncanny work ethic. White missed last season due to injury. Hartley’s height creates a matchup advantage in singleThecoverage.Mules’kicking game has improved dramatically with Javier Fuentes. “He’s been a huge asset as a true kicker and also our
AIDELOGIE
Junior Jedidiah Aidelogie made the ultimate sacrifice for the benefit of the team last season, Lockwood said, covering to lineman from his natural position of running back. “He started every game at guard and played well,” Lockwood said. “He’s an unselfish kid and a great teammate.”
SYLVAIN
Front line work a key to success for Mules
MALVERNE
The Mules play their first two on the road (Lawrence and North Shore) before hosting Locust Valley for Homecoming in Week 3. “Good teams prove themselves on the road,” Lockwood explained. “We were able to win at Lawrence last year after they beat us at our place in the spring season. I hate saying it’s a must-win opener, but it is especially considering we have to travel to North Shore in Week 2.”
Junior Kevin Estime is the returning starting left tackle and brings athleticism and quick footwork to the trenches. Up from JV, Abdullah Bhudta is ready to
the tone at linebacker. Wilkerson is a third-year starter and as consistent as anyone on the unit, Lockwood said. Aidelogie and senior Michael Williams lead the way up front, and Castin headlines a deep secondary that could include Wesley, McLaughlin Jr., White and Hartley.
M
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Photos by Ron Manfredi
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
RYAN THIER
Kevin Perry
bought in day one and put us into a kids
f there’s ever such a thing as a veteran rookie head coach, it’s Matthew Moody, who began his coaching career at Marist College 12 years ago before moving to Long Island and joining Mepham’s coaching staff in 2017. This year, he’ll take the reins as headWithcoach.his squad ranked second in preseason in Conference II and inheriting a returning core of seniors that led the Pirates to the Nassau County semifinals last season, he has every reason to be optimistic.“We’ve put ourselves in a position to take the next step,” said Moody “I said to the kids, the Long Island championship is not an unrealistic expectation.”
34 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
MICHAEL CUCINELLA
If there is any question mark, it’s the offensive line, with only one returning starter. But Moody said he’s confident after placing extra focus fortifying it this summer. The lone returning starter, senior Kevin Perry, will be a solidifying force in the trenches, Moody
I
Third-year varsity player Michael Cucinella is expected to be the team’s top target at wide receiver and will also double at cornerback. “In desperation, when you put the ball up, he’s the kind of kid who is going to come down with it,” said Moody, adding that Cucinella is one of the best cornerbacks he’s ever coached.
Onsaid.thedefensive side, senior Chris Norris will be key in putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks as defensive end. “He has an extremely good get-off,” said Moody. “He’s going to cause some problems in the backfield.”
1 @ New Hyde Park 3:00 p.m.
Talented Pirates set lofty goals
considering his 225-pound frame. “If you take a bad angle, he will beat you to the edge.”
10 @ Elmont 2:00 p.m. 17 MacArthur 2:00 p.m. 24 Calhoun 2:00 p.m.
set right at the start of camp. “This summer has
By DAVID WEINGRAD
DYLAN DUNN
September
The abundance of returning skill players, many of whom have played together since their P.A.L. days, gives Moody plenty of options. In late August, the quarterback position was still in competition between four players to fill the shoes of star quarterback Nick Honerkamp, who graduated. Most notable of the bunch is senior Dominick Novello, a 4-year varsity player and 2-time All-County player, who will also see time at running back, wide receiver and linebacker. “He’s unquestionably the leader of the team,” said Moody. “Everyone sees how hard he works, the time he put in during the offseason. He sets the tone and standard for how we expect the Pirates to play.”
her take the next step,” said Moody.The tone for this season, said the firstyear head coach, was set right at the start of camp. “This summer has been awesome from our player’s turnout,” he said. “The kids bought in day one and put us into a good position as the season started. It’s a special group of kids who push each other and work hard with each other.”
Another key returner is senior Ryan Thier, a 3-year varsity player, who will be the primary running back and start at linebacker. “He’s the thunder in our one-two punch of running backs,” said Moody, lauding his physical downhill running style and unique elusiveness,
8 @ Garden City 2:00 p.m. 15 Long Beach 2:00 p.m. 22 South Side 2:00 p.m. 29 @ Sewanhaka 2:00 p.m.
Dylan Dunn will spell him at running back and will also see snaps at wide receiver. A natural playmaker, Moody said the goal is to get the ball in the senior’s hands as much as possible. “He’s the lightning to Thier’s thunder,” he said.
Schedule
Junior Steven Mulqueen will be the other starting cornerback opposite Cucinella, and Moody described him as a lockdown corner.And senior Sofia LaSpina, who made history last year becoming the first female in Long Island history to score a touchdown and who led the regional Bellmore-Merrick squad to the Long Island flag football championship crown this June, will also play a key role on both sides of the ball at wide receiver and safety. “We’re excited to see
MEPHAM
October
One of the best. Once again. Right here Oceanside.in
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Lyson, who’s 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, is a four-year starter who last season had 21 catches for 343 yards and 3 touchdowns, as
21
24
8
Freshman Shane Harmon and sophomore Luke Villela are vying for the role and bring different skill sets.“We have some time to figure out how we want to shape our offense,” Blount said.
or sophomore Dylan Bender
Blounttopiecesholder.CairolongJuniorwillcounty.ofcouldinsideAnconaKickerteamsOceanside’scountingBlountoutside.isonspecialtobespecial.Alessioisconsistent40yardsandemergeasonethetoplegsintheAndrewZinzihandlethepunting.JustinDiazisthesnapper,withservingasthe“Wehavesomeofthepuzzlefigureout,”said.
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
16
I
“It was disappointing to lose back-to-back championship games, but the silver lining is we’ve become perennial title contenders,” head coach Rob Blount said. “We know how hard it is to get to the finals and win. We may be a lot different this year in terms of personnel, but we’re excited to get after it again and be the best we canBeforebe.”a Week 5 showdown at Massapequa, the Sailors will play three of their first four games at home. That includes the opener against Hempstead on Sept. 9, and Homecoming versus Syosset on Oct. 1. “I’m hopeful we’ll come out of the first half of the year in good shape and then we’ll see what we can do against Massapequa,” BlountThesaid.offense won’t resemble that of recent seasons. Senior twotime All-County tight end Logan Lyson and senior running back/ slot Nicky Cairo will be featured, Blount noted. “There’s not going to be many 4- or 5-receiver sets like everyone is used to seeing,” he said.
t’s a new era for Oceanside following the graduation of record-setting quarterback Charlie McKee, who took his talents to Stony Brook University after passing for a Nassau County record 8,533 yards and 91 touchdowns.TheSailors, who advanced to the Conference I championship game five times in seven seasons including two straight runner-up finishes to Massapequa, are the No. 4 seed behind the Chiefs, Farmingdale and Freeport.
Nicky Cairo
Who’s the next quarterback? That’s the burning question around town and it’ll be determined during camp for the first time since 2011, Blount noted.
Cairo, who may sneak into the mix at quarterback, is a dual threat out of the backfield and the lone starter returning to the defensive secondary. He had 8 touchdowns last season — 4 rushing and 4 receiving — and 499 yards from scrimmage. Senior tailback Cole Parker (475 yards rushing) is a strong downhill runner expected to get doubledigit touches and make an impact each week. Senior fullback Miles McGann won’t come off the field, Blount said, and is a physical force on both sides of scrimmage.
Photos by Ron Manfredi
15
October 1
28 @
By TONY BELLISSIMO
JAKE MOSHKOVICH
36 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
well as 64 tackles at linebacker.
New-look Sailors seek to continue voyage 6:00 p.m. Farmingdale 6:00 p.m. @ Plainview 2:00 p.m. Syosset 3:00 p.m. @ Massapequa 2:00 p.m. @ Hicksville 2:00 p.m. V.S. Central 6:00 p.m. Freeport 6:00 p.m.
Senior Jake Perinchief, who caught a pair of touchdown passes last season, senior Ethan Kahl, and juniors Adrian Baez and Chris LaLima comprise the wide receiverThegroup.offensive line took a hit during the offseason and will lean heavily on the experience of senior guard Peter Staltare and junior tackle Justin Alvarez. “We’ll probably have moving parts up front,” BlountStaltaresaid. is a key to the defensive line as well, along with senior nose tackle Jake Moshkovich. Lyson and McGann are the inside ‘backers, with senior Andrew Greco, junior Jake Kenney
September 9 Hempstead
MILES MCGANN
“Logan is a rare breed of athlete,” Blount said. “He catches the ball downfield and in traffic, he blocks, and on defense he’s one of the best linebackers in the county.”
Schedule
PETER STALTARE
OCEANSIDE
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW September 8, 2022 — 37TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000 Thank you to all the sponsors of the 2022 Sailor Nation Football & Lacrosse Golf Outing Platinum Sponsor EGP Land & Sea & Oceanside USA Wheel Repair Beverage Sponsor GG Maintenance Group Lunch Sponsors Peter’s Clam Bar Dinner Sponsors Mid Island Collision RVC Mercedes Corporate Sponsors Brandon James Construction GML Electric J Paul’s Terrace Cafe Oceanside PAL Lacrosse Patriot WexlerSouthRaidersRecyclingFootballShoreCollisionPlumbing&Heating Raffle Sponsors Athlete’s Blueprint Image 360 Royal Marble & Tile SVS Fine Jewelry Kahl BrigetteGuidaFamilyFamilyParks Hole Sponsors Brasserie Persil Brown Bag Express C&L Plumbing Supply Cebellis OceansideLynbrookLaHalperContractor’sContractingExpressFamilyMedicalParmaIIISwagFederalCredit Union Michael’s Electric Co Moreland Hose & Belt Pastosa Ravioli Sal’s Prime Meats South Shore Brewery Barriga & Passuello Families Dato Family Diez DiGiovannaFamily Family Giliberti Family Kahl Kenney,FamilyLalima, Madden, & Walsh Families Kraemer RuggieriLaChanceFamilyFamilyFamily Thank you to the entire community for your support all season long! Sailor Nation Football & Lacrosse Players & Coaches 1181218
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Funeral Home, Inc family owned and operated has been an honest and of families in Oceanside and neighboring communities With the recent Vanella’s Funeral Chapel, we pledge to remain committed to serving our the same dignity, compassion, personalized attention and affordability Our belief has healthy community is a vibrant community, and we will continue civil servants, military and veteran programs, youth and senior programs as well community awareness programs
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38 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Krissie Kallinikos Frangiadakis - William C. Kallinikos J. Donohue Criscuolo Hour Service
www.TowersFuneralHomeNY.com 516 766-0425& Vanella’s Funeral Chapel 516 766-4424 2681 Long Beach Road Oceanside, New York 111572 Since 1933, Towers Funeral Home, Inc., family owned and operated, has been an honest and trusted choice of families in Oceanside and neighboring communities With the recent acquisition of Vanella’s Funeral Chapel, we pledge to remain committed to serving our belieffamilieshas always been that, a supporting our as community awareness programs Irrevocable Trust Accounts for Medicaid and Revocable Trust Accounts for estate purposes Spacious chapels in a comfortable, non-industrial setting, with more than ample parking OUR FAMILY OF DIRECTORS George Frangiadakis - William C. FrankKallinikosCriscuolo 24 Hour Service www.TowersFuneralHomeNY.com 2681 Long Beach Road, Oceanside, New York 111572 24 Hour Service Telephone: (516) 766-0425 1183519 Telephone: (516) 766-4424 Vanella’s Funeral Chapel We wish all the teams a great season. OUR FAMILY OF DIRECTORS William C. Kallinikos Krissie Kallinikos George www.TowersFuneralHomeNY.comFrankAmyFrangiadakisDaggerCriscuolo Towers Funeral Home Inc. Since 1933 1183657RYAN 516-695-4527 • 917-697-3647HANDYMANSERVICEOver 15 Years Experience Licensed • Insured FREE ESTIMATES COMPLETE RENOVATIONS “No Job Too Small!” Get the Best for Less! Kitchens • Bathrooms • Painting Roofing • Sheetrocking • Plumbing Electrical • Concrete • Powerwashing Carpentry • Basements Baby-Proofing • Ikea Furn. Assembly Computer Repairs
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Since 1933, Towers Funeral Home, Inc., family owned and operated trusted choice of families in Oceanside and neighboring communities acquisition of Vanella’s Funeral Chapel, we pledge to remain committed families with the same dignity, compassion, personalized attention belief has always been that, a healthy community is a vibrant community, supporting our civil servants, military and veteran programs, youth as community awareness programs
516 766-4424
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516 766-4424
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Oceanside, New York 111572
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Spacious chapels in a comfortable, non-industrial setting, OF DIRECTORS
Spacious chapels in a comfortable, non-industrial setting, with more than ample parking
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blocker for Calvacca at fullback.
22
S
SEAFORD
On special teams, Seaford will have new faces after losing Matt Garcia and Murphy as starting kicker and punter, respectively. Costello was the backup punter and may fill the starting role.
Vikings recharge after 9-1 finish
Senior center Cole Hunter is the lone returning full-time starter and will be tasked with anchoring an inexperienced offensive line to power Seaford’s run-oriented offense. Alex Maugeri, who started in place of an injured Hunter late in the season, Jason Donovan and Neriel Colon will be counted on to fill the gaps along with junior tight end Devin O’Donnell.
23
October 1
28
Schedule JASON
Corcoran, who was head football coach at Roslyn from 2013 to 2016 and a former Seaford boys’ varsity lacrosse head coach, returns his offensive coordinator from last year in Lou Buschi. The veteran coach Buschi previously worked alongside Corcoran during his four year-run leading the RoslynSeafordprogram.enters the season seeded third in Conference IV behind defending champion North Shore and Cold Spring Harbor. The Vikings kick off the season against West Hempstead and will host North Shore for a Friday night game on Sept. 23 at 6 p.m.
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
By ANDREW COEN
7
“We don’t have a lot of starters back as that was a pretty senior heavy team, but we have a few guys that played and are on the team this year and hopefully it is still stinging them a little bit so they remember,” Corcoran said. “It’s a new season though so you have to have a fresh mindset.”
A rematch of last lossseason-endingyear’sisontapfor
17
September
SEAN COSTELLO
The biggest offensive loss from last year will be felt in the backfield after graduating running back James McHugh, who earned Conference IV MVP honors last season and is playing on the collegiate level this fall at Wesleyan University. Aidan Calvacca, who was starting tailback on junior varsity last year, will take the bulk of the carries this season. Senior Kevin Knox is slated to be the lead
COLE HUNTER
Oct. 7 when Seaford travels to Cold Spring isconferenceexpectedtocountycapturedPerpallformerdefensiveCorcoran,high“ExpectationsColdwhenlossseason-endingofAisconferenceexpectedtocountycapturedPerpallformerdefensiveCorcoran,high“ExpectationsHarbor.arealwaysinSeaford,”saidwhowasacoordinatorunderheadcoachRobwhentheprogramfourstraighttitlesfrom20072010.“Wearealwaystocompetefortheandcountyandthatourexpectation.”rematchlastyear’sisontapforOct.7SeafordtravelstoSpringHarbor.arealwaysinSeaford,”saidwhowasacoordinatorunderheadcoachRobwhentheprogramfourstraighttitlesfrom20072010.“Wearealwaystocompetefortheandcountyandthatourexpectation.”
Sean Costello will take the reins at quarterback for his senior season after backing up Kyle Stark last
9 West Hempstead 6:00 p.m. @ V.S. South 2:00 p.m. North Shore 6:00 p.m. @ East Rockaway 6:00 p.m. @ C.S. Harbor 7:00 p.m. Malverne 2:00 p.m. @ Locust Valley 2:00 p.m. Clarke 6:00 p.m. DONOVAN
15
eaford lost a huge chunk of last year’s roster that went unbeaten before suffering a heartbreaking season-ending defeat in the Conference IV semifinals.The Vikings graduated 19, including 10 starters, from a 9-1 team that fell to Cold Spring 28-26 to be denied a chance to compete for the program’s first county crown since Second-year2019.head coach Mike Corcoran is hoping that disappointing end to the 2021 campaign at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium fuels the returning players to take that next step this fall
Photos by Karen Millindorf
Devin O’Donnell
40 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
“He’sfall. got a pretty strong arm,” said Corcoran of Costello, who has committed to play college baseball at PaceCostello’sUniversity.bigreceiving target will be O’Donnell, who received some playing time last season as backup to Jack Murphy. The versatile O’Donnell also was starting nose guard as just a sophomore and may play inside linebacker as a junior.“Ithink he is going to be an exceptional football player for us,” said Corcoran of the 6-2 O’Donnell.Inaddition to O’Donnell, Knox is also expected to be an integral part of the Vikings’ defense at linebacker. Junior wide receiver TJ Harrington will be a key part of the defensive backfield after starting a few games in the secondary last season due to injuries.
Gadson lead the defensive linebacker corps.
The backfield is headed by senior Carter Fredericks-Dort, a returning starter who made progress as last season unfolded. “We’re expecting bigger things from him,” Kasimatis said. “He has a quick first step and hits the holes and goes.”
Deep roster a plus for Indians 2:00 p.m. Beach 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. Park 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
trength in numbers wasn’t the case at Sewanhaka last comingseason.off an impressive run to the Conference II playoffs in the spring of 2021, the pandemic decimated the Indians’ projected returning roster and the result was a 1-7“Lastfinish.season was a bit of a clunker because we just didn’t have enough bodies,” head coach George Kasimatis said. “Our numbers were way down and we didn’t have a large senior class to lead the way. We played tough every week but a lot of games we wore down in the second half.”
S
threat to throw and run and is a hard-nosedGadsonathlete.”playedoffensive line due to a shortage at the position last season but is switching to tight end where he’ll serve as a big target for Balletta and provide additional blocking. “He’s a skill guy with size and strength,” Kasimatis said of Gadson. “He’s practiced all offseason as a tight end and it was an easy transition for him to make.”Denhart is a two-way standout, the coach noted, as the team’s top wide receiver and defensive back. “Kamari worked well with Dominick all summer and he’ll probably be the main target,” Kasimatis said. “He has great hands and concentration and really gets after the ball on offense and defense. He’s an excellent 1-on-1 coverSeniorcorner.”Michael Staiano is one of the more versatile athletes on the roster and will primarily serve as a receiver and a member of the secondary. A strong route runner, Staiano has had chemistry with Balletta going back a few years. He may also be listed as the backup quarterback and punter.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW September 8, 2022 — 41TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
Gadson lead the defendefensive end, and senior leads
A strong offseason, however, has Kasimatis optimistic the Indians can have an uprising and move up the standings from their No. 10 seed in the 12-team conference. They open at home against ninth-seeded Herricks.
Dominick Balletta
17 @ Long
Schedule
MARKESE GADSON
22 @ N.H.
On the offensive line, it’s all seniors: Sebastian Succes and Jhazeel Colimon at tackle, Armando Sanchez at center, and Jorge Perez and Jalen Brown at guard. Some will start on defense as well. Senior Muizz Zulfigar is a key at defensive end, and senior Jaden Ramsaran returns at safety and leads the cover units on kickoffs and Sophomorepunts.kicker Halleluyah Agesin has shown a strong an accurate leg in camp.
MICHAEL STAIANO
Also in the mix for carries is senior Chris Pimental, who like Fredericks-Dort made considerable progress last fall. Pimental and
Photos by Brian Ballweg
SEWANHAKA
September 10 Herricks
15 @ Roslyn
October 1 MacArthur
Jermel Heard, another senior, is an explosive weapon and special teams dynamo. A slot receiver, he had a few highlightreel touchdowns on returns last season. “He’s our fastest kid with good hands and leaping ability,” Kasimatis said.
Sophomore kicker leluyah Agesin has shown a strong an accurate leg in
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
24 @ Kennedy
KAMARI DENHART
29 Mepham
Most of Sewanhaka’s experience is at the offensive skill positions, led by seniors Dominick Balletta, Markese Gadson and KamariBallettaDenhart.isthe returning starting quarterback who could contribute at linebacker should a need arise. “We will try hard to keep him on one side of the ball because he’s so valuable at quarterback,” Kasimatis explained. “He’s comfortable with the offense and confident to the point where he’s directing everyone. He does everything the right way. He’s a
8 Calhoun
“We had an outstanding turnout for summer workouts and 7 on 7s,” he said. “The veteran guys are really leading the young guys on and off the field. Usually when we get this level of dedication, we have a good season. Hopefully we can get the ball rolling in the right direction again.”
By TONY BELLISSIMO
Schedule
“We have a talented team and the bulk of guys for two more years,” head coach Phil Onesto said. “Last year was tough because we played a season in the spring and came back three months later and played another season. It affected us because of our youth, but we’re definitely excited about what the roster looks like.”
By TONY BELLISSIMO
Senior Michael DiFranscica and junior Jack Lozito are expected the handle the majority of the ground attack. DiFranscica is a prototypical back capable of piling up yards between the tackles, and Lozito is a quick and shifty runner with excellent vision, Onesto said.
strides, 296 yards in a win over Roosevelt.
24 @
Experienced Cyclones back in Conference II
Onesto said the Cyclones have the foundation for a prolific offense, with junior Owen West returning as the starting quarterback and a strong supporting cast led by junior linemen Bobby Galindo and JamesWestBeatty.started all but one game last season, due to a minor injury, after serving as the JV starting quarterback his freshman
OnestoGalindo,said. who the coach considers to be one of the top offensive lineman in Nassau, and Beatty will form bookend tackles up front. “Bobby is a powerful kid with great size and footwork,”
“There’s a lot of talent and experience. They block well in the run game and pass game.”
campaign. He made tremendous strides, Onesto said, and threw for 296 yards in a win over Roosevelt.
29 @ Elmont
T
he names of more than 30 juniors can be found on South Side’s roster this fall, including 11 returning starters from a team that split eight regular-season Conference III games and lost a tough playoff opener to Floral Park.
JACK LOZITO
“I think we’ll forever be one of the schools that bounces back and forth between conferences,” Onesto said. “We’re no strangers to facing top competition so we’ll be ready for the challenge. Garden City is certainly the team to beat, but right now our focus is week 1 and New Hyde Park.”
September
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
contribute as Papadopulosreceivers.returns as the starting kicker and is in the defensive picture at cornerback. Punter Ryan Kassl also returns and is the Jack—additiontheinheadBeattybackupandAiellothelinebackerunitthe4-3scheme,andsecondary—intoMelkonianfeaturesLozito,seniorSchaeferandjuniorWill SOUTH SIDE
South Side’s schedule also includes Roslyn, Long Beach, MacArthur, Herricks and Elmont.
42 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
When West drops back to pass, he’ll be targeting explosive junior receiver Michael Melkonian, 6-foot-5 junior wideout Patrick Mullen, and junior tight end Michael Aiello, as well as others.
Melkonian was a two-way impact player a year ago, also starting at safety, and will also lead South Side’s return units on special teams. “He’s the fastest kid on our team and has a chance to be dynamic,” Onesto said. Mullen and Aiello will look to use their size to their advantage in the red zone, and senior Robert Moone and juniors Nick Papadopulos and
16
Bobby Galindo
10 New Hyde Park 2:00 p.m. Garden City 6:00 p.m. Roslyn 2:00 p.m. Long Beach 3:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. Mepham 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
The Cyclones, who reached the county finals in 2019, are back in a familiar stomping ground in Conference II. They’re seeded third behind six-time defending champion Garden City and No. 2 Mepham. South Side hosts Garden City in Week 2, and visits Mepham in Week 7.
“Owen has a great arm and pocket presence, and we’re going to look for him to get the ball into the hands of our playmakers,”
October 1 @
7 MacArthur
James Sullivan will contributealsoasPapadopulosreceivers.returns also Barrett.Jack—additiontheinheadquarterback.backupBeattyandAiellothelinebackerunitthe4-3scheme,andsecondary—intoMelkonianfeaturesLozito,seniorSchaeferandjuniorWill
15 Herricks
ROLPH BRUTUS
JAMES BEATTY
Photos by Neil Miller
Onesto noted of Galindo, who’ll work the right side. Junior Billy Gryboski is the starting center, with seniors Matt Devares and Rolph Brutus at guard. They’ll also form most of the defensive line along with seniors Sean Sandhaas and Dom “TheMilone.coaching staff is very excited about what the lineman group is capable of,” Onesto said.
22 @
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW September 8, 2022 — 43TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000 Vanessa Ambrosecchia and Darab Lawyer are licensed real estate salespersons affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by equal housing opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage. Residential and Commercial Brokerage 298 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11572 Darab Kevin Lawyer Licensed RE Salesperson M: darab.lawyer@compass.com516.242.0036 Vanessa Ambrosecchia Licensed RE Salesperson M: vanessa.a@compass.com516.551.5276 Call us for a free home evaluation! Connect with us if you’re buying, selling, or renting real estate. Landlords list your apartments for free. We offer a credit check and background check for tenants. Why Pricing Your House Right Matters 1182781
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Carey Oct. 7 Wantagh
Clarke Oct. 15 Island Trees
Mepham Oct. 15 Long Beach
West Hempstead Sept. 24 Lawrence
46 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
Hewlett
Hempstead Oct. 22 Westbury
Lynbrook Oct. 15
East Rockaway Oct. 22 Oyster Bay Elmont Oct. 29 South Side
Uniondale Oct. 8 Plainview
Seaford Oct. 15 Malverne
Calhoun Sept. 17 Herricks
HOMECOMING2022
Lawrence Oct. 29 Mineola
Photo by Neil Miller
East Meadow Oct. 15 Baldwin
School Date Opponent
Wantagh Oct. 15 Floral Park
V.S. South Oct. 22 Lawrence
V.S. North Oct. 8 Hewlett
Long Beach Oct. 7 Kennedy
V.S. Central Oct. 29 Plainview
Freeport Oct. 15 Syosset
School Date Opponent
Baldwin Oct. 8 Port Washington
Malverne Sept. 24 Locust Valley
MacArthur Sept. 24 Long Beach
V.S.. North
South Side’s “Cyclone” mascot
South Side Oct. 15 Herricks
Sewanhaka Oct. 8 Calhoun
Oct. 22 Glen Cove Kennedy Sept. 24 Sewanhaka
Oceanside Oct. 1 Syosset
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JONATHAN MARSHALL
With numbers back up to prepandemic levels, Uniondale will tackle the 2022 season as 13th seed in Conference I. Coppola said the schedule against other lowerseeded teams will give the Knights a chance to stay competitive in every game starting in its season opener at home against Syosset on Sept. 10 for a 2 p.m. kickoff.
The defensive side of the ball will be keyed by Davis at nose tackle and his ability to disrupt running plays and put pressure on the quarterback in passing situations. The attention paid to Davis will also open doors for others to step including Lizama and Marshall at “JordynlinebackerDavisisgoing to be a nightmare to block,” Coppola said. “They are going to have three kids on him, that is how good he is.”
October 1
15
CHRISTIAN JAMISON
ollowing back-to-back seasons ravaged by the Covid-19 pandemic, Uniondale head coach Philip Coppola is hoping a far more normal fall campaign with an expanded roster lays a strong foundation for future success.The Knights had limited training opportunities during its abridged 2020 season played in spring 2021 when Unionale students were fully remote and last year battled through a 1-7 campaign with a smaller-than-normal roster.“We were hit really hard with Covid as really the only school on Long Island that was out for a year and a half so the last two years were just brutal,” said Coppola, who has led the program for the past nine years. “Last year I was literally going door to door to find out if kids were playing.”
at 6-0, 290, bring some size to the tackleTheposition.quarterback spot was up for grabs entering the season with junior Jonel Lattore and sophomore Oladipupo Karimu both capable starters. The duo may rotate throughout games to keep defenses on their toes.
22
8
F
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
On special teams, Jason Galdamez returns after taking on both the place kicker and punting duties last year. He has a strong leg with a soccer background.
10 Syosset 2:00 p.m. @ Baldwin 2:00 p.m. @ Port Wash. 2:00 p.m. Westbury 3:00 p.m. Plainview 2:00 p.m. @ V.S. Central 2:00 p.m. @ East Meadow 2:00 p.m. Hicksville 2:00 p.m.
LUIS LIZAMA
Jordyn Davis
September
48 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Knights relying on front line effort
better record would into a playoffconsistentcontender with a we want to compete,” Coppola said.” We have off of that this year.”
“We want to get the young kids better and we want to compete,” Coppola said.” We have things going in the right direction again with the numbers going up again and we are going to try and build off of that this year.”
24
Junior guard Louis Lizama at 6-2, 210 pounds also adds some quickness and experience to the line after getting some playing time as a sophomore and starting on defense. Christian Jamison at 6-2, 310 pounds and Jean Fortuna
Schedule
By ANDREW COEN
Senior running back Jonathan Marshall will be a big focus of the offense after picking up some big gains last year. He will likely share duties with Darius Adeyami out of two-backUniondalesets. is young at receiver, but returns senior starter Ethan Fingall. Tristan Greenwood, Jayden Acosta and Barry Weed emerging are also possible targets who showed promise in the preseason.“Ourpass game is going to be predicated on our running game and setting up screens,” Coppola said. “We want to get the ball into some of our athletes and to let them go.”
better record would plant plenty of confidence for a program looking to grow back into a playoffconsistentcontender with a healthy size roster.
In addition to Syosset, Uniondale will also battle Baldwin, Port Washington, Westbury, Plainview-JFK, Valley Stream Central, East Meadow and Hicksville. Coppola said achieving a .500 or
17
UNIONDALE
Photos by Neil Miller
The Knights big strength this season will be its offensive line anchored by senior guard Jordyn Davis.“He’s 5-10 270 pounds with lightning quick feet,” said Coppola of Davis. He is going to be one of the best in the county.”
Schiavo described junior Charlie Rivera as “the man for the next two years” at center. Rivera brings a high football IQ and is absorbing the playbook quickly.
Eagles attempt to soar in new system
September
and juniors Ife Ahmed and Jordan
9 @ Farmingdale 6:30 p.m. @ Hicksville 2:00 p.m. 23 Hempstead 6:30 p.m.
October
and juniors Ife Ahmed and Jordan Roldan-Hernandez.Adeepfrontfour is where Schiavo believes the strength of the defense lies. Lumsden, Nembhard, Rivera, Abdullah Ahmed, RoldanHernandez, senior Chris Waterton and juniors Ezechiel Moise, Matt Howard and Michael Severe will all contribute.Central’s Homecoming is the regular-season finale, Oct. 29 versus Plainview. The Eagles host Hempstead Sept. 23 under the lights.
ew Valley Stream Central head coach Tom Schiavo has come full circle — he’s a 1987 VSC grad who spent more than 20 years at the helm of neighboring Valley Stream North.
1 Massapequa 3:00 p.m. @ Westbury 6:00 p.m. Uniondale 2:00 p.m. @ Oceanside 6:00 p.m. Plainview 2:00 p.m.
15
By TONY BELLISSIMO
Central’s Homecoming is the
7
ABDULLAH AHMED
Photos by Donovan Berthoud
“We’re7. playing some of the best programs in the state,” Schiavo said. “We play four night games, including one at home, and four day games. The kids are excited about everything. If we stay healthy and play tough, we’ll be in the playoff mix.”The offense will have an I-formation look and senior Joshua Rogers as the featured back. Rogers was Honorable Mention All-County last season and also a key defensive
Joshua Rogers
Senior Abdullah Ahmed served as a varsity reserve but is looking to nail down a starting job after standing out during summer workouts.
JEROME NEMBHARD
MOHAMED DAFFALLA
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
21
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW September 8, 2022 — 49TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
“The kids are learning a new offense, a new defense and getting used to a new coaching staff,” he added. “It’s not going to be easy. The schedule is fantastic and awfully challenging.”AstheNo. 8 seed in Nassau’s top conference, the Eagles will still face three of the top four seeds: No. 1 and two-time defending county champion Massapequa, second-ranked Farmingdale, and No. 4 Oceanside. Central opens at Farmingdale, hosts Massapequa in Week 4, and visits Oceanside in Week
Fullbacks serve an important role in the offense and Schiavo likes what he sees in senior Isaiah Arthur
Schiavo inherits a senior-led Eagles’ squad coming off a playoff appearance in Conference II but making a move to Conference I based on enrollment. Central reached the Conference II semifinals in 2019 under former head coach Mike “I’mRubino.coming back to Central with family, friends and angels by my side,” Schiavo said. “It’s very exciting and I can’t say enough about the kids here. They’ve been working hard three or four days a week since May.
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contributor at linebacker. “He’s a talented, smart, hard-working and humble kid,” Schiavo said. “All the other kids look up to him. We need him to carry the rock and get first downs. We’re going downhill as an offense and he needs to be one of the guys who makes things happen.”The front line returns a good deal of experience and size. Seniors Showayne Lumsden and Jerome Nembhard will serve as the anchors, Schiavo said. Both started at tackles last fall, but Nembhard can play any position and could move to guard. Lumsden is 6-foot-4, 280 pounds.
Schedule
17
N
The Eagles have a foursome of quarterback candidates: senior Jarell Leitzsey missed last season due to injury, junior Max Cohen, who served as the JV starter, junior Kyle McCord, who was the JV center, and freshman Nelson Frias, a lineman on the JHS team. “They’re all completely different,” Schiavo said. “They’re all learning and showing promise.”Atreceiver, seniors Mohamed Daffalla and Garland Jean top the depth chart. Daffalla is a three-sport athlete (wrestling, lacrosse) and a throwback type of player Schiavo is counting on to make an impact at safety as well. Jean is one of the fastest kids on the roster and also a member of the secondary. Junior Jordan Jean-Joseph is another solid receiver/defensive back.
V.S. CENTRAL
A deep front four Hernandez, senior Chris Waterton
“He’s a grinder who’s athletic and strong,” the coach noted.
“We had some great 7-on-7s that we participated in, so we expect some good things,” he said. “We’re a lot faster than we’ve been in the past, but we shall see again.
verything was looking up for the Valley Stream North Spartans by the end of the 2021 season. They won three of their final four games after a 1-3 start and capped off a memorable homecoming game by scoring a late touchdown to beat Lynbrook 28-21 to clinch the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
No.SpartansproveseasonduringpositivesseePaolilloperience,didsometheoff-thatcouldbeneficial.Theareseeded10inConference
29 Bethpage
7-on-7s that we participated in, so we expect
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
October 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by Christina Daly
“Adelgame. might be the better defensive [player] in the group because he was a stud corner last year towards the end of the season,” Paolillo said.
“We’re kind of rebuilding,” head coach Mike Paolillo said. “I have only three starters returning. After that, I don’t have anybody coming back that saw significant time.”
Despite the lack of depth and ex-
21 @ Manhasset
17 @ Division
Sophomore Imran Paul was the JV quarterback last year but will spell Lopez at running back as will Terry Nedor with senior Danny Rojas at fullback. Speedy Gerry DelCarpine caught a touchdown pass in a win over Kennedy last season and heads an otherwise inexperienced receiving corps with fellow seniors Kevoun Cunningham and Adel “KevounWaly. may be one of the fastest guys on the team,” Paolillo said. “When he gets into open space, there’s probably nobody that’s going to catch him. Gerry may be the fastest kid on the team. He has great hands and has a nose for the ball.”
By BRIAN KACHARABA
E
“He committed to being quarterback and has been really a surprise in the offseason and over the summer,” Paolillo said. “He’s a great runner with the ball, but he’s been able to throw the ball really well in our Senior7-on-7s.”JoshLopez is one of the three returning starters and stood out in a crowded backfield last fall with three rushing touchdowns. The last was a tiebreaking sevenyard scamper with 3:30 left that gave North the win over Lynbrook.
“I expect a whole lot from him [this season],” Paolillo said. “He’s a hard worker and when he knows he can do it, he tells us. He asked for the ball on that touchdown. He goes, ‘Give me the ball and I will get in.’ That was one of the best games he’s been in.”
23 @ Glen Cove
V.S. NORTH
Schedule ADEL WALYNICK SEBASTIANNAUMOVGIBBONS
10 Roosevelt
8 Hewlett
Then came the dreaded ‘g’ word that all coaches hate every Graduationoffseason. stripped the Spartans’ roster bare with only three starters returning and, as of press time, just 25 players on their roster because of a depleted JV program. So, what initially looked promising has suddenly turned into another unfortunate phase.
Josh Lopez
Spartans regroup after graduation hit
30 Wantagh
15 @ Lynbrook
50 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
DelCarpine will be a hybrid safety/ corner and Waly and Cunningham will also see action in the defensive backfield with hopes that their speed and hands can help stop the opposition’s passing
Junior Nick Naumov is the team’s new quarterback and, despite playing mainly wide receiver on the JV squad last season, has impressed Paolillo with his improved running and passing abilities. Because of that, Paolillo said he plans to tweak his game plan to a more read offense.
III.
September 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
Center Nick Navetta and tackle Ethan Smalls are back for their final seasons, but the remaining spots on the offensive line are yet to be determined at press time. Sebastien Gibbons will likely start at nose guard and Nick Feliz should see some time at one of the end spots on the line for the 3-4 Lopezdefense.andRojas will once again anchor a linebacking group that may also include Paul and Nedor.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW September 8, 2022 — 51TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
1 Mineola 3:00 p.m. @ Malverne 7:00 p.m. Locust Valley 6:30 p.m. Lawrence 2:00 p.m. @ West Hemp. 2:00 p.m.
9 @ Carle Place 6:00 p.m. Seaford 2:00 p.m. @ Oyster Bay 2:00 p.m.
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
29
“We had a good spring in 2021 but that was a senior-heavy team and we weren’t able to duplicate that success,” he added. “One positive thing we took from last season is we had a lot of juniors get a ton of playing time. Guys worked hard in the weight room and in 7 on 7s all summer, and they’re motivated and hungry.”This summer was “the first in quite a while,” Guastafeste said, the Falcons competed in 7 on 7 drills. They went up against Valley Stream Central, Valley Stream North and East Rockaway. Those weekly matchups helped junior quarterback Michael Hernandez fine tune his skills and develop chemistry with a bunch of his targets. He was the JV signal-caller as a freshman in the spring of 2021 and spent last fall as a receiver/ cornerback. It remains to be seen if Hernandez will continue his role as a defensive starter.
N
“We can’t control or worry about which conference we’re in and who we’re playing,” head coach Joe Guastafeste said. “We have to focus on ourselves and what we need to do every day to get better. We’re not just going to show up and beat teams.
Falcons bank on mix of returnees, newcomers
17
Up front, senior center Jonathan Diaz anchors both lines as a third-year starter. “He’s a true workhorse and an excellent shotgun snapper,” Guastafeste said. Senior Michael Brooks is a steady pulling guard and linebacker entering his second season as a starter. Senior Aidan Mitchell and junior Brandon Ocasio are projected to start at tackle and guard, nextlookingsomebothMichaelOcasiorespectively.andclassmatesSukhuandAidenChance,defensiveback/receivers,areoflastyear’sJVstandoutstomakeanimpactatthelevel.
7
Falcons hosts its first-ever night game Oct.
JONATHAN DIAZ
Michael Hernandez
October
DIAYAAN MIR
o stranger to Conference IV, Valley Stream South is back in the lowest-enrollment grouping after a three-year stay in ConferenceComingIII.off a 1-7 campaign, the Falcons are banking on a large number of second-year varsity players as well as some newcomers from a strong JV team to help them compete for a playoff spot. They’re seeded 11th (out of 14) and open at Carle Place.
September
22
“We haven’t had a true quarterback who’s not a running back or
By TONY BELLISSIMO
24
V.S. SOUTH
Photos by Donovan Berthoud
“He’s extremely athletic and had a growth spurt,” the coach said of Meeks, who will also be a factor on returnSeniorunits.Daiyaan Mir is the featured running back who suffered a broken wrist in last year’s opener and was unable to return. He’ll also play linebacker. “He’s unproven on Saturday afternoons but everyone around here knows his talent level,” Guastafeste said. At wing back, junior Lonnie Creech brings size and athleticism. He’ll contribute on jet sweeps and help set the edge as a blocker.
Schedule
14
An exciting home schedule for the Falcons begins in Week 2 with a visit from Seaford. October includes two dates to circle on the calendar. South hosts its first-ever night game Oct. 14 versus Locust Valley, and eight days later welcomes in Lawrence for Homecoming. “We want the atmosphere for those to be amazing,” Guastafeste said.
NICK PARISI
receiver by trade in a long time,” Guastafeste said. “Michael is a dual threat with great football IQ. He was our leading receiver last year and got one start at quarterback. He puts nice touch on the ball.”Senior tight end Nick Parisi and junior slot receiver Prince Meeks are the leading weapons in the passing game. Parisi is a thirdyear starter on both sides of the ball and will keep linebackers honest if they stack the box. He also has the best hands on the team, Guastafeste noted. Like Parisi, Meeks was on the field for every meaningful snap last season and is an experienced two-way starter.
GARDEN CITY 2020 MANHASSET 2019 PLAINEDGE 2018 FREEPORT 2017 GARDEN CITY 2016 GARDEN CITY 2015 FARMINGDALE 2014 CAREY 2013 CAREY 2012 LAWRENCE 2011 EAST MEADOW 2010 FREEPORT 2009 GARDEN CITY 2008 FREEPORT 2007 FARMINGDALE 2006 LAWRENCE 2005 GARDEN CITY 2004 ROOSEVELT 2003 FREEPORT 2002 BETHPAGE 2001 WANTAGH 2000 FREEPORT 1999 ROOSEVELT 1998 GARDEN CITY 1997 FREEPORT 1996 DIVISION 1995 BETHPAGE 1994 MASSAPEQUA 1993 BETHPAGE 1992 GARDEN CITY 1991 FARMINGDALE 1990 MALVERNE 1989 MASSAPEQUA 1988 HEMPSTEAD 1987 SEWANHAKA 1986 HEMPSTEAD 1985 HEMPSTEAD 1984 HEMPSTEAD 1983 NEW HYDE PARK 1982 DIVISION 1981 DIVISION 1980 MASSAPEQUA 1979 SEWANHAKA
THE PUBLISHERS AND STAFF OF THE
2021
FARMINGDALE 1977 NEW HYDE PARK 1976 FARMINGDALE 1975 FARMINGDALE 1974 CAREY 1973 SYOSSET 1972 FARMINGDALE 1971 FARMINGDALE 1970 SYOSSET 1969 FREEPORT 1968 MASSAPEQUA 1967 MINEOLA 1966 HICKSVILLE 1965 MASSAPEQUA 1964 EAST MEADOW 1963 FREEPORT 1962 HEMPSTEAD 1961 LAWRENCE 1960 MINEOLA 1959 FREEPORT 1958 FREEPORT 1957
52 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
CUPRUTGERS
1978
The Rutgers Cup is presented annually to the most outstanding football team in Nassau County. Garden City was last year’s recipient. The Trojans won county and L.I. titles. A list of the winners:
Congratulates the Garden City High School football team and its coaches on the remarkable achievement of winning the Rutgers Cup last season.
MANHASSET 1956 FREEPORT 1955 LAWRENCE 1954 MINEOLA 1953 BALDWIN 1952 MEPHAM 1951 HEMPSTEAD 1950 MEPHAM 1949 GLEN COVE 1948 BALDWIN 1947 HEMPSTEAD 1946 HEMPSTEAD 1945 MINEOLA 1944 BAY SHORE 1943 GLEN COVE 1942 FREEPORT 1941 HEMPSTEAD 1940 LAWRENCE 1939 HEMPSTEAD 1938 OCEANSIDE 1937 LAWRENCE
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
Rutgers Cup History
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The Warriors are seeded fourth in Conference III behind defend“The
29 @
September 9
O
17
ANTHONY
15
Schedule ANTHONY REALE
JOSEPH LEGOVICH
At quarterback, senior Joseph Legovich returns after starting all 10 games last season and totaling 650 yards and 8 touchdowns through the air. “He has as much talent as any quarterback we’ve had in a while,” Sachs said. “He has a great arm and is probably our fastest player too. He checks every box and we may throw it more and use all the weapons we have.”If
TSAKOS
By TONY BELLISSIMO
Warriors loom dangerous with experience Hewlett 7:00 p.m. @ Bethpage 2:00 p.m. Division 2:00 p.m. @ V.S. North 6:30 p.m. Carey 7:00 p.m. Floral Park 2:00 p.m. Plainedge 2:00 p.m. Glen Cove 2:00 p.m.
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54 — September 8, 2022 HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERSHIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
WANTAGH
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
Photos by Karen Millindorf
n the heels of winning the Nassau Conference IV championship in the spring of 2021, Wantagh had another strong season in the fall with a mark of 8-2 in Conference III but a frustrating ending.
The Warriors, making their 25th playoff appearance in 26 seasons, were nipped by rival Bethpage in the semifinals. “We wanted a rematch with Plainedge in the finals, but Bethpage had three or four big plays and we came up short as a result,” Wantagh head coach Keith Sachs said. “We’re looking to be back in the hunt and we’re good and skilled, but we’re not returning a whole lot of starting involvedweandsafety.defenseHewhotitleagainstwinningtheofexceptionalsaid.everyoneofyearyards.careerbareHowever,Seanyards,tini,runninglinebackerturesAmongexperience.”themanydepar-wasAll-LongIslandguard/LiamCasey,All-Stateback/linebackerTylerMar-whogainedmorethan2,000andfellowtalentedrushersCarloandMarkManiet.thebackfieldisfarfromasseniorNickCupellihas15touchdownsandover1,000“Nickhad5touchdownslastandheonlygotahandfulcarrieseachweekbecauseofelsewehad,”Sachs“He’slightningfastandanathlete.He’scapablehavingahugeseason.”SeniorAnthonyReale,whoinspringof2021hadthegame-touchdownreceptionNorthShoreinthecountygame,isadynamicreceivercouldmovetowingback.alsoservesasthefaceoftheasathird-yearstarting“Anthonyledusincatchestouchdownreceptions,butwanttogethimevenmoreintheoffense,”Sachs
Antony Tsakos is a threesport standout (wrestling/lacrosse) and the anchor of the Warriors’ front five at left guard. He’s also a third-year starting defender with 8 career sacks. “He’s a stud athlete who’s probably going to be AllCounty in three sports,” Sachs said.
Senior Richie Benkovic is a strong kid who works hard, the coach noted, and returns as the starting tackle on the left side to form a one-two punch with Tsakos. Senior Franco Valentino is a potential two-way starter who’s vying for the center position, and Sachs expects senior Mike Piscopo and junior Paul Fontana to contribute to the group.
said. “He’s a sharp route runner with good Juniorhands.”JakeMartini, who was an integral part of the defense last season with 5 interceptions as a shutdown corner, is set to play a larger offensive role at fullback. He’ll get some carries, and his blocking skills will come in handy with only two starters returning to the offensive line.
October 7 @
22
Nick Cupelli
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Zervos takes over kicking duties.The Warriors are seeded fourth in Conference III behind defending champion Plainedge, Bethpage, and newcomer Carey. They open against Hewlett before renewing the rivalry with Bethpage.“The conference is outstanding and deep,” Sachs said. “We have a lot of newness and only one scrimmage to help us figure things out.”
Reale becomes a wing back, junior TJ Carlo, a 6-foot-4 wideout stepping up from JV, will be someone Legovich targets downfield. Another option is junior 6-5 tight end Thomas Conway, who had a two-touchdown game in 2021.Onspecial teams, Reale, Cupelli and Martini headline the return units, whilst junior Nico
Senior fullback/linebacker Michael AbiAoun, who earned All-County honors last season, and senior quarterback Corey Pierre return to lead an offense that primarily relies on the ground attack.
he No. 1 wish for West Hempstead head coach Dom Carre this fall is a healthy roster.“It’s football, so you’re always going to get banged up with injuries,” Carre said. “Last year it never stopped We were missing guys all year and never really put our full team on the field.”
WEST HEMPSTEAD
Photos by Christina Daly
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AbiAoun has plenty of company in the backfield. Senior A’Lorenz Chapman is a quality rusher looking to build off his experience from the past two seasons, Carre explained. There’s also Jonathan Balthazard, a senior and an X-factor after missing all but one game last season. “Jon is very consistent and even-keeled,” the coach said. “He’s a patient ball-carrier. He waits for an opening to develop and he’s fast once he getsSeniorgoing.”Jurrell
Chapman and Hall shaping the
during the offseason into the starting tackle spot opposite Clark.
Staying healthy top priority for Rams
Close is also an expe-
By TONY BELLISSIMO
“I do think we’ll pass a little more with Corey’s experience,” Carre said. “He’s our catalyst and I can’t say enough about the kid. He started every game last season after being the JV starting quarterback in the spring season. He’s super athletic and can run as well as throw on the move. We’re looking for him to take the next step.”AbiAoun is a three-year starter and a physical throwback
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ALORENZ CHAPMAN
Hall is a pure wide receiver with sure hands who also returns kickoffs and punts. “He runs crisp routes and he’s aggressive going up to get the ball,” Carre said. “We’re looking for him to be a bigger part of the offense so teams can’t stack the box against our running game.”Senior Brendan Close is an important two-way contributor at tight end and linebacker. He’ll add some blocking reinforcement to an inexperienced line and brings grit to both sides of the ball. Junior wideouts Gavin Lee and Niko Adikmemenakis are up from JV.
Defensively, Carre is excited about the linebacker corps and secondary. “Those guys are all ball hawks and smart,” he said. AbiAoun, Balthazard, Close and senior Stephen Coppola lead the ‘backers, with Chapman and Hall shaping the secondary.Close is also an experienced punter. It’s an open competition for the kicking job.
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player Carre compares to former NFL bulldozer Mike Alstott, who’s a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Ring of Honor. AbiAoun and Pierre are West Hempstead’s first captains in 12 years.
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Schedule
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West Hempstead is seeded 7th in the 14-team conference and opens under the Friday night lights at Seaford. The Rams also get Cold Spring Harbor and defending county and Long Island champion North Shore within a 3-week span in October. “I love the atmosphere at Seaford and playing a night game right off the bat,” Carre said.
“If we want to go deeper in the playoffs, we need to stay healthy and answer some questions we’ve got on the line,” Carre said.
T
Despite a rash of injuries, the Rams still managed to split eight regular-season games and qualify for the Conference IV playoffs as the No. 5 seed. They lost at Cold Spring Harbor in the first round.
“Michael has thick legs and is very tough to tackle,” Carre said. “He’s a leader that other kids gravitate towards. On defense he’s just a tackling machine. He moves well and loves contact.”
9 @ Seaford 6:00 p.m. @ Oyster Bay 2:00 p.m. Lawrence 2:00 p.m. C.S. Harbor 6:30 p.m.
JURREL HALL
September
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
COREY PIERRE
A few spots on the offensive and defensive lines will be determined during camp. Senior Dan Clark is a solid two-way performer and the lone full-time starting returnee. Senior Giuseppe D’Agosto tops the depth chart at center, while senior Diego Quijada will look to parlay his hard work
Michael AbiAoun
October
8 @ Locust Valley 2:00 p.m. North Shore 2:00 p.m. Malverne 7:00 p.m V.S. South 2:00 p.m.
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