Sewanhaka Indians

SEWANHAKA

Deep roster a plus for Indians

By TONY BELLISSIMO

Strength in numbers wasn’t the case at Sewanhaka last season. coming 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 fi nish. “Last 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.” 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. “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 fi eld. 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.” Most of Sewanhaka’s experience is at the offensive skill positions, led by seniors Dominick Balletta, Markese Gadson and Kamari Denhart. Balletta is the 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 confi dent to the point where he’s directing everyone. He does everything the right way. He’s a threat to throw and run and is a hard-nosed athlete.” Gadson played offensive 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 cover corner.” Senior 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. 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. The backfi eld 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 fi rst step and hits the holes and goes.” Also in the mix for carries is senior Chris Pimental, who like Fredericks-Dort made considerable progress last fall. Pimental and Gadson lead the defensive linebacker corps. 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 Zulfi gar is a key at defensive end, and senior Jaden Ramsaran returns at safety and leads the cover units on kickoffs and punts. Sophomore kicker Halleluyah Agesin has shown a strong an accurate leg in camp.

Gadson lead the defensive linebacker corps. On the offensive Sebastian Succes and chez at center, and Jorge Perez and Jalen Brown at guard. Some will start on defense as well. Senior Muizz Zulfi gar is a key at defensive end, and senior Jaden Ramsaran returns at safety and leads the cover units Sophomore kicker Halleluyah Agesin has shown a strong an accurate leg in

MARKESE GADSON

Dominick Balletta

MICHAEL STAIANO

Schedule

September 10 Herricks 2:00 p.m. 17 @ Long Beach 2:00 p.m. 24 @ Kennedy 2:00 p.m. October 1 MacArthur 3:00 p.m. 8 Calhoun 2:00 p.m. 15 @ Roslyn 2:00 p.m. 22 @ N.H. Park 2:00 p.m. 29 Mepham 2:00 p.m.