Malverne Mules

MALVERNE

Front line work a key to success for Mules

By TONY BELLISSIMO

Malverne head coach Kito Lockwood believes the front line is likely the key to the Mules’ chances of advancing to the Nassau Conference IV semifi nals at Hofstra for the fi rst time since 2008. Last season, they fi nished 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 confi dent 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.” The Mules play their fi rst 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 Jedidiah Aidelogie made the ultimate sacrifi ce for the benefi t 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 unselfi sh kid and a great teammate.” 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 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 fi ll voids the Mules desperate need answered. The other spot up front is completely up for grabs. 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.” Junior Branden Roy McLaughlin Jr. is another backfi eld threat who runs the ball with attitude, the coach said. He led the team in rushing touchdowns and is just scratching the surface. 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,” Lockwood said. Wesley can also serve as a target for Ulysse in pass situations. 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 single coverage. The Mules’ kicking game has improved dramatically with Javier Fuentes. “He’s been a huge asset as a true kicker and also our punter,” said Lockwood. Defensively, junior Hugh Wilkerson III and Brown set 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.

Defensively, Wilkerson III and Brown set 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

Norman Brown

JEDIDIAH AIDELOGIE ARMONDO WHITE

Schedule

September 10 @ Lawrence 2:00 p.m. 17 @ North Shore 2:00 p.m. 24 Locust Valley 2:00 p.m. October 1 @ Clarke 3:00 p.m. 7 V.S. South 7:00 p.m. 15 @ Seaford 2:00 p.m. 21 West Hempstead 7:00 p.m. 28 C.S. Harbor 7:00 p.m.