South Side Cyclones

SOUTH SIDE

Experienced Cyclones back in Conference II

By TONY BELLISSIMO

The 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. “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 defi nitely excited about what the roster looks like.” The Cyclones, who reached the county fi nals 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. “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.” South Side’s schedule also includes Roslyn, Long Beach, MacArthur, Herricks and Elmont. Onesto said the Cyclones have the foundation for a prolifi c offense, with junior Owen West returning as the starting quarterback and a strong supporting cast led by junior linemen Bobby Galindo and James Beatty. West started all but one game last season, due to a minor injury, after serving as the JV starting quarterback his freshman campaign. He made tremendous strides, Onesto said, and threw for 296 yards in a win over Roosevelt. “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,” Onesto said. Galindo, 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,” 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 Milone. “The coaching staff is very excited about what the lineman group is capable of,” Onesto said. “There’s a lot of talent and experience. They block well in the run game and pass game.” 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. 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 James Sullivan will also contribute as receivers. Papadopulos returns as the starting kicker and is in the defensive picture at cornerback. Punter Ryan Kassl also returns and is the backup quarterback. Beatty and Aiello head the linebacker unit in the 4-3 scheme, and the secondary — in addition to Melkonian — features Lozito, senior Jack Schaefer and junior Will Barrett.

strides, Onesto said, and threw for 296 yards in a win over Roosevelt. Gryboski is the starting center, with “There’s a lot of talent and experiJames Sullivan will also contribute as receivers. Papadopulos returns as the starting kicker and is in the defensive picture at cornerback. Punter Ryan Kassl also returns and is the backup quarterback. Beatty and Aiello head the linebacker unit in the 4-3 scheme, and the secondary — in addition to Melkonian — features Lozito, senior Jack Schaefer and junior Will Barrett.

JAMES BEATTY

Bobby Galindo

ROLPH BRUTUS

Schedule

September 10 New Hyde Park 2:00 p.m. 16 Garden City 6:00 p.m. 24 @ Roslyn 2:00 p.m. October 1 @ Long Beach 3:00 p.m. 7 MacArthur 6:00 p.m. 15 Herricks 2:00 p.m. 22 @ Mepham 2:00 p.m. 29 @ Elmont 2:00 p.m.