East Meadow Jets

EAST MEADOW

Opening result could set direction for Jets

By TONY BELLISSIMO

It’ll be Vin Mascia’s 20th season as East Meadow’s head coach but fi rst since 2017. Much has changed over the past four seasons including a short stint in Conference II. 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. “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 Baldwin. “The kids worked their tails off all summer and showed up in numbers,” Mascia said. “Myself and the other coaches are very happy with the commitment level. 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.” One thing is likely, Mascia said, senior Brian Terino won’t come off the fi eld 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. “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 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. 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. Senior Brandon Tauber is expected to take the offensive reigns at quarterback but has only a pinch of experience on the varsity fi eld 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 the offense.” The 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. Anchoring the line is junior Joe Arbitello, a pulling guard with excellent footwork and agility. 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 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.

Javier and sophomore Manny Martinez both started at the JV level and will be counted on at “The work ethic couldn’t be better,” Mascia said.

Brian Terino

JOE ARBITELLO FRANK IMPERIALE

Schedule

September 9 @ Plainview 6:30 p.m. 17 Freeport 2:00 p.m. 23 @ Westbury 5:00 p.m. October 1 Hicksville 3:00 p.m. 8 @ Syosset 2:00 p.m. 15 Baldwin 2:00 p.m. 22 Uniondale 2:00 p.m. 28 @ Port Wash. 6:00 p.m.