Carey Seahawks

CAREY

Seahawks take flight in unfamiliar conference

By TONY BELLISSIMO

There’s plenty of anticipation for Carey football this fall. The Seahawks, who recovered from a tough 2-4 start last season to fi nish .500 and reach the Nassau Conference II semifi nals, are in Conference III for the fi rst time in more than 20 years and planned Homecoming on a Friday night. “There’s a high level of excitement,” head coach Mike Stanley said. “At fi rst 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.” 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 Roosevelt. “We 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.” 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. 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 been a while since we had four of fi ve starting linemen returning, and Jack is coming off a nice JV season,” Stanley said. “I expect them to be a tough, smart and physical group.” Stanley 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 fi nds a seam, nobody is going to catch him,” Stanley said. “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 fi rst round, will also get some carries and hold down a starting ‘backer spot. “He has good fi eld awareness and instincts,” Stanley said. 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 fi t and crafty and knows the system.” 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 end. Gangone will handle kicking 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 and sophomore Sean MacNamee.

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 and sophomore Sean MacNamee.

Vin Tierney

MATT METZGER GIANLUCA MAGLIARO

Schedule

September 10 Manhasset 2:00 p.m. 17 Plainedge 2:00 p.m. 24 @ Lynbrook 2:00 p.m. 30 @ Division 7:00 p.m. October 7 Wantagh 7:00 p.m. 15 Roosevelt 2:00 p.m. 22 @ Bethpage 2:00 p.m. 29 @ Floral Park 3:00 p.m.