2015 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS PREVIEW SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
FOOTBALL INSIDE PROSPECTS FOR THE ’15 SEASON
26 SCHOOLS HERALD’S
TOP Performers CIRCLE THE CALENDAR see centerfold for weekly schedule C
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“To my patients and colleagues, I’m a Castle Connolly top orthopedic surgeon. But to athletes, I’m a trusted adviser and former coach.”
CRAIG LEVITZ, M.D. Chair, Orthopedic Surgery South Nassau Communities Hospital, Castle Connolly “Top Doctor” since 2007
RENOWNED SPORTS MEDICINE SPECIALIST CRAIG LEVITZ, M.D., is at the top of his field — and on top of his game. Director of our fellowship-trained team of orthopedic specialists, Dr. Levitz was also a longtime volunteer coach to four lacrosse teams. He pioneers minimally invasive and arthroscopic techniques for knees and shoulders that promote faster healing because he knows just how important it is to get you back in the game — and on with your life.
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For more information contact the Center for Advanced Orthopedics, the Shoulder Center or the Long Island Joint Replacement Institute.
One Healthy Way at Merrick Road in Oceanside. 877-SOUTH-NASSAU or visit southnassau.org.
2 — September 10, 2015
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
September 10, 2015 — 3
2015 HERALD High School Football Preview
TEAM INDEX Baldwin Bruins ................................ 6 Calhoun Colts (Bellmore-Merrick) ... 8 Carey Seahawks (Franklin Square) . 9 0 Clarke Rams (Westbury) .............. 10 2 East Meadow Jets ........................ 12 4 East Rockaway Rocks................... 14 5 Elmont Spartans .......................... 15 Freeport Red Devils ...................... 16 6 Hewlett Bulldogs .......................... 18 8 Kennedy Cougars 0 (Bellmore-Merrick) ....................... 20 2 Long Beach Marines..................... 22 4 Lawrence Golden Tornadoes ......... 24 0 Lynbrook Owls .............................. 30 MacArthur Generals ..................... 32 2 Malverne Mules ............................ 34 4 Mepham Pirates 5 (Bellmore-Merrick) ....................... 35 6 Oceanside Sailors ........................ 36 Roosevelt Rough Riders ............... 44 Seaford Vikings ............................ 46 Sewanhaka Indians (Floral Park)... 48 South Side Cyclones (Rockville Centre) ......................... 50 Valley Stream Central Eagles ........ 55 Valley Stream North Spartans ...... 57 Valley Stream South Falcons ........ 58 Wantagh Warriors ......................... 61 West Hempstead Rams ................ 62
Football Preview A special advertising supplement to the Herald Community Newspapers
Publishers CLIFFORD RICHNER STUART RICHNER Executive Editor JOHN C. O’CONNELL Section Editor TONY BELLISSIMO Editorial Designer JEFFREY A. NEGRIN Art Director CRAIG CARDONE Photo Editor CHRISTINA DALY Photo Editing CHRISTINA DALY Vice President of Sales RHONDA GLICKMAN Page Editors JEFF BESSEN SCOTT BRINTON ANDREW HACKMACK Contributing Sportswriters TONY BELLISSIMO ANDREW MCCLURE STEVE SINISKI ANDREW COEN Mike Catanese, Carey High School Photo by Peter Frutkoff
ON THE COVER
Aaron Dawson - Clarke High School
Photo by Donovan Berthoud
Cover Design - Jeffrey A. Negrin Photo - John Heckman Cover Photo - Jimmy Kelleher, MacArthur High School
Football Preview is an advertising supplement to the Herald Community Newspapers. Copyright © 2015 Richner Communications, Inc. Published by Richner Communications, Inc. 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000 • www.ilherald.com
4 — September 10, 2015
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
September 10, 2015 — 5
2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
BALDWIN Bruins coming off 10-win campaign
B
BY STEVE SINISKI
aldwin turned quite a few heads on its way to an unbeaten regular season and a run to the Nassau County Conference I title game last fall. The Bruins (10-1 overall), who didn’t trail all season until 1:30 remained in the finals against Syosset, fell short of a championship in their only defeat of the season, but there are enough returning players capable of keeping the arrow heading up in 2015. “There’s enough [returning players] that they could really make a difference,” head coach Steve Carroll said during the early days of camp. The offense welcomes back several players in the backfield and along the offensive line who stand to see increased roles on the field and in the huddle. Seniors Jacorie Norworthy (a three-year varsity player) and Miguel McKenzie are penciled in on the line where they’ll help pave the way for a pair of experienced seniors—Matthew Henry and Matthew Washington—and a pair of juniors Kendell Frink and Jonathan Debique. The collection of backs gives Carroll plenty of options on the ground. Debique is a bulldozer of a fullback, while Frink has speed and Washington excellent vision. “They all have different styles we can use,” Carroll said. The loss of a pair of three-year starters has provided opportunities for senior tackle Jerome Martin, a 6-4, 285-pounder, and junior guard Anderson Sylvan, with senior Elijah Briggs also figuring into the mix. Senior Dennis Seeney lined up as a tight end last sea-
offered strong supportt against son and used training camp to n, Frink the run. “[Washington, transition to center. Osarogie Aibanydee, is an athletic sopho- and Henry] are going to play as ey are on much on defense as they more with a good set of hands who hoped to carve out time at offense,” Carroll said. gton can Henry and Washington tight end. Senior Yury Joseph is part of Baldwin’s pass catch- also expect to return kicks, cia, who while junior Dave Garcia, ing corps. made a big splash on a punt The direction of the offense return in last season’s playis likely to rely on two facoffs, is also in the mix as a tors, the development of the mp was returner. Training camp front line and growth of a new velop a going to be used to develop starting quarterback. Senior kicker, with Martin, a former Jose Recinos is eyeing the No. soccer player, someonee to 1 assignment after acting as kkeep an eye on for kicklast season’s backup. He came offs and extra points. out throwing well in summer Jose Recinos Seeded No. 5 in camp but was being pushed by ning all senior Steve Dolsky and junior Conference I after running Michael Conforti, who also had the way to the finals, Baldwin oad in a strong handle on the offensive doesn’t have an easy road ns open 2015. In fact, the Bruins system. ainst the season at home against The rise of the spread offense across the football landscape dictates the need for adjustments into and out of the Bruins normal base defense. Of Baldwin’s eight scheduled regularseason opponents this fall, six use some form of the spread offense. The line does have some size in McKenzie, a 265-pounder, and Martin with Norworthy also expected to contribute in the trenches. The middle of the JACORIE NORWORTHY MIGUEL MCKENZIE defense has hard hitters on the outside— Aibanydee and SeeSchedule the only team to defeat ney—as well as on the inside, September them, No. 1 Syosset, on where Debique and junior Nicholas Edma are ready to fill Sept. 12. After hosting 12 Syosset 2:00 p.m. Uniondale the following the gaps and dish out punish19 Uniondale 2:00 p.m. Saturday, Baldwin plays ment to opposing ballcarri25 @ Farmingdale 6:30 p.m. its first road game under ers. Racinos and senior Drew October Elmore are expected to log time the lights at Farmingat the free- and strong-safety slots, while the cornerbacks include senior Devin Barker, Washington, Frink and Henry. Washington stands out in pass protection, while Frink has
dale. The schedule also includes dates during the second-half of the season with No. 2 East Meadow and No. 3 Massapequa.
3 10 17 24 31
Herricks @ Massapequa Oceanside @ East Meadow @ Hempstead
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by Jeff Wilson
6 — September 10, 2015
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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September 10, 2015 — 7
2015 HERALD High School Football Preview
CALHOUN Colts’ familiarity in system bodes well
C
BY STEVE SINISKI
alhoun picked up steam down the stretch of 2014—its first season under head coach Brian Moeller, and the proof was in the pudding. Not only did the defense rise up and holding Westbury quarterback Shalike Merchant to just 35 yards rushing in Week 7 (his lowest single-game total), but the team also qualified for the Conference II playoffs. The hope is that the strong finish was merely a springboard to future success. Moving forward, the Colts are hoping that a full offseason to pick up the nuances of Moeller’s flexbone system leads to bigger things on the field this fall. “It’s the same system two years in a row,” Moeller said of a program that recently shuffled through four different coaches in four seasons. “The kids feel confident and know what to do. The kids really bought in and by the time the summer came around we were miles ahead of last offseason. The kids know it and have high expectations.” Senior Mike Zito assumes the starting quarterback position, and his speed and quickness will be put to good use when running the option. He’ll be operating the offense behind a line that welcomes back three starters, including 6-2, 275-pound senior Willy Teves, 6-0, 260-pound senior Christian Martinelli and junior Kyle Tucker. Defenses will also have to contend with juniors Matt DeFalco, Zach Kaminsky, Nick Streznick and sophomore Dean Paolillo, who are all battling for time on the line. All four of them tip the scales at close to 250 pounds giving the team a 8 — September 10, 2015
rback spots solid rotation to keep the line nerback h Soomro, with fresh. Seniors Tom Fraker mmings Cummings and Connor Taylor are also d Cruz are all in the mix for playing time on and rd-hitting safehard-hitting the line. tiess who have key “We’ve got a lot of compees in run support. roles tition on the junior varsity and varsity team for spots,” Moeller said, noting that program has seen an uptick in players coming out for the teams. “In the Senior Anthony Calamusa offseason we came on strong at the end of worked on his junior campaign and hits [defending] the the field even bigger and fastpassing game, er at 5-11, 215 pounds. “He’s ss coverages and drop,” pass big and he’s hard to tackle,” eller said. “It gave the Moeller Moeller said. “He’s going to kidss the ability to know be fun to watch.” ere they’re supposed where Joining Calamusa in Calto be.” houn’s deep, talented backSenior Eric Stewart, field will be seniors Dan Tack, Greg Grippa, Tim Hans, juniors Tom Cummings and Alex Cruz and sophomore Noorali Soomro. “We are going to triple option all day and push people around,” Moeller said. Senior Dan Grubb can line up at either tight end or wide receiver, while senior PJ Pinto can not only provide a target at receiver but also open up holes with his outstanding blocking. The Colts 4-3 defense, ANTHONY CALAMUSA like the offense, will have plenty of size up front since several of the playa varsity soccer player, was ers are expected to play on expected to handle kicking both sides of the ball. Teves duties. Moeller expected to and Martinelli are slated to sort out his returners durbe the bookend tackles, and ing summer camp. Moeller had several players Seeded No. 9 in Conferbattling for snaps at the defenence II, the Colts open the sive end in training camp. season on the road Sept. Hans, Grippa and Calamusa saw a lot of time running the 12, against Elmont, the No. 8 seed. They head to Long scout team last season and Beach in Week 2 and finally are in line for a big uptick in kick off the home schedule snaps at linebacker. In the secondary, Pinto and against Westbury on Sept. 19. Calhoun doesn’t catch Tack are locked in at the cor-
any breaks, however, as the schedule also includes battles with two-time defending L.I. champion Carey and Garden City along with district rivals Mepham and Kennedy. Homecoming is Oct. 2.
Danny Tack
CHRISTIAN MARTINELLI
Schedule September 12 @ Elmont 19 @ Long Beach 26 Westbury
2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
October 2 10 17 24 31
New Hyde Park @ Kennedy @ Garden City Mepham Carey
5:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by J. Heck
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
CAREY Can anyone stop the soaring Seahawks?
C
BY ANDREW MCCLURE
arey, the two-time defending Long Island Class II champions, enters the 2015 season riding a 24-game winning streak, and is, once again, the team to beat in Nassau Conference II. The Seahawks were dominant in earning their second straight Rutgers Cup, which is given to Nassau’s most outstanding team, racking up 489 points, while their stingy defense yielded just 10 points per game. The last Rutgers repeat was 30 years prior. While graduation was tough on Carey, the Seahawks return their starting quarterback, talented performers at the skill positions, and some studs on the line. Expect top-seeded Carey to be challenged by the likes of MacArthur, Garden City, Wantagh, and Long Beach for league supremacy. Head coach Mike Stanley likes the makeup of his team. “Our speed on the offensive side of the ball is very good, and our quarterback play is at a very high level,” Stanley said. “We have some holes to fill, especially at linebacker, but we have a lot of experience upfront and in the secondary. Things are starting to come together. If we stay healthy, I think we should be right in the mix in the end.” Despite battling nagging injuries all year long, Mike Catanese had a solid year at quarterback as a junior. He’s gotten bigger and stronger, and his throwing arm looks sterling, but of utmost importance is the fact that he’s healthy. Catanese has great command of the offense, and he’s very tough to bring down when running the ball. When he’s handing the TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
ball off, Catanese has a group Todaro provide depth pth on the line. of versatile, talented backs Carey has holes to with speed to burn, and the fill at linebacker. Junior ability to make people miss. unior Zach Dente takes over att middle Jake Safuto, who had a pair of kickoff returns as a junior, linebacker. He’s joined ined by a trio of promising juniors, will move from slot to halfuniors, Joe back. Safuto is a shifty runner Sciacca, Danny Conte nte and Tyler Bourne. who catches the ball well out The secondary will be of the backfield. talented and deep. Millan, Seniors Angelo Cona and Anthony Millan are also dual Safuto, Meaney, DeMeo, eMeo, Cona, threats from the slot position. Antonio Roselli and d Dom Scorcia comprise the Millan comes off a very good he unit. Stanley thinks the year at receiver. Senior Kevin he conference will be very Meaney and junior Connor y competitive. “I DeMeo are both very capable think there’s at wide out. more parity The line figures to be a that there has tremendous strength. A pair been of late,” of bookends at tackle in Stanley said. Anthony Catapano and Joe “When Randazzo are as good as any twosome in the county. Catapano, a 6-foot-2, 300pound senior who has already committed to play at Stony Brook, is quick and explosive. Randazzo, who comes off a solid sophomore season, has been impressive in camp, the coach said. There will be times when Stanley moves Randazzo and Catapano to the same side at the point of attack. Senior guards Mike Kadnar and Joe Amalfitano look terrific in JOE RANDAZZO the early going. Junior Dylan Nagy takes over at center. Sophomore Frank you have a solid program Porcasi is the next man up like Elmont as the eighth at multiple positions on the seed, you know the league offensive line. is deep. MacArthur is very The defensive line figstrong, and, of course, Garures to be very strong. With den City and Wantagh are Catapano and Amalfitano on always tough. We’re going the inside, and Kadnar and to have a big test on opening Randazzo manning end posiday, and we’ll see where we tions, the big, athletic front four will be tough to move the are.” The Seahawks travel to ball against. Seniors Frank No. 5 Long Beach to open up Caiazzo, John DeNicola and the season on Friday night, Bill Sink, and juniors James Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. Pentrancosta and Anthony
Jake Safuto
ANTHONY MILLAN
Schedule September 11 @ Long Beach 19 @ Garden City 26 Elmont
7:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
October 3 10 17 24 31
Wantagh @ Mepham MacArthur Sewanhaka @ Calhoun
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by Jeff Wilson
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
September 10, 2015 — 9
2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
CLARKE Rams employ ground and pound attack
T
BY STEVE SINISKI
he backbone of Clarke’s Wing-T offense is its running game, and to that end, the Rams are already in good hands—and feet—with the return of several experienced starters on the line and in the backfield. For the first time under head coach John Boyle, Clarke returns an All-County runner in the backfield, and he could be the best in the entire conference. Senior Aaron Dawson is back after piling up more than 1,400 yards rushing and 14 touchdowns on the ground, and he’ll be running behind (and through) an offensive line that returns three starters. “The quarterback position is important but you need the pieces up front,” Boyle said. “If you don’t have the right guys up front, it makes things difficult.” Dawson, already a proven big-play threat through his first two varsity campaigns, has added some bulk to his frame and now tips the scales at close to 190 pounds. “He’s progressed nicely and we’re hoping he takes the next step,” Boyle said. “He already started to develop more power at the end of last season.” Junior Anthony Buffalino is slated to handle blocking duties in front of Dawson and also earn some carries of his own as the fullback. Senior Justin Brister, a runner and receiver with good speed is also carving out playing time. Senior Phil Kandel, a 6-2, 235-pound guard enters his fourth year as a starter, and he’ll be joined by senior James Volino, now a thirdyear starter and a little trimmer at 275 pounds after
the defense. dropping some weight and se. The defensive increasing his speed during fensive secondary will be anchored the offseason. Junior Mike chored by Dawson at one corner Pischetelli also figures into rner spot with Brister and junior the mix at the guard spot nior Alex Rosenthal lining up as safeties. opposite Kandel. Senior Sean Fitsch was No. Dawson’s n’s speed and size 2 on the quarterback depth work not only in the backfield chart last season but is batbut also on n special teams tling for the top job this fall where he causes just as many with junior Cory Rosenbloom, problems in the open field for up at the varsity level after potential tacklers. With more a strong campaign with the than 1,500 all-purpose yards JV. Rosenbloom is a strong under his belt last season, runner, while Fitsch has dem- Dawson will again work on the onstrated strong throwing punt- and kick-return teams. ability. Along with Brister, Seeded d third among 16 the new quarterback will also teams in Conference IV, the have a pair of sure-handed schedule isn’t going to be tight ends—junior Besnick an easy one ne for Clarke. Dalipi and sophomore Kyle Along with th playing Kandel, a 6-4, 230-pounder the top two wo seeds, entering his second varsity Seaford season—running routes. The Rams’ defense is set to work out of multiple formations, where the team’s overall combination of size and speed should translate well regardless of what opposing offenses are running. Volino, Vasquez and Pischetelli are all slated to pull double duty on the defensive line, but the program’s strong overall numbers in summer camp should give Boyle and his staff even more PHIL KANDEL flexibility. “We have a ton of kids this year,” Boyle said. “With over 40 it’s one of our and Locust Valley, the Rams biggest turnouts. There’s a lot must also navigate a schedof talent and with that talent, ule that includes battles a lot of competition for posiwith West Hempstead, Cold tions.” Spring Harbor, Malverne Phil Kandel has shifted and Roslyn, seeded fourthback a row in the defensive seventh. Homecoming is scheme, transitioning to line- Oct. 17 versus Island Trees. backer from the defensive line “Things are starting to where he serves the team as look good and [the team] a vocal leader with smarts as is starting to take shape,” big as his size. Buffalino and Boyle said. “It’s a great Rosenbloom are also expected group of kids and they are to contribute in the middle of hard working.”
Aaron Dawson
JAMES VOLINO
Schedule September 12 @ Carle Place 19 Seaford 26 Malverne
2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
October 3 10 17 24 31
@ Locust Valley @ C.S. Harbor Island Trees West Hempstead @ Roslyn
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by Ron Manfredi
10 — September 10, 2015
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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September 10, 2015 — 11
2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
EAST MEADOW Strong ground attack sets tone for Jets
E
h Masica Zach Fritz, who provides size, scheme with back at nosee guard and athleticism and soft hands. flanked by Fritz on one “We have three, three-year ast Meadow knows what varsity guys and three that rs Joe Flaherty side. Seniors it wants to do with the and Quinn Laskowski were will be on the field for the football, and for that first time [as starters],” coach battling for time on Mascia’s matter, so do the Jets’ oppode along with Mascia said. “We’re very ath- opposite side nents. Stopping East Meadsophomore Liam Laskowski. letic up front and have a nice ow’s offense from pounding nd junior Kyle Piano and mix.” out its plan of attack behind Barker are locked in as Junior Anthony LaRosa a punishing running game, ebackers, along outside linebackers, guided the junior varsity however, has often proved team to a perfect 8-0 mark last with seniorr Steve Ingrassia difficult. nn, while senior season and steps in to the No. and Zitzmann, In fact, East Meadow rode helini and junior Frank Michelini 1 quarterback role. “He runs the back of its ground attack iale are in the mix the option well and is a shifty Paul Imperiale to the semifinals of last seafor time at inside linebacker. runner,” Mascia said. “He son’s Nassau County Confereed translates well Gibson’s speed throws well and has a lot of ence I playoffs and now enters tools.” ack, where at cornerback, 2015 seeded No. 2. “We’ve ned by he’ll be joined As he adjusts to the speed got an interesting group,” urning Jones, a returning of the varsity game, LaRosa head coach Vin Mascia said. o brings starter who does have experience in “We’ve got some holes to fill a physical presence the backfield with a pair of but we also have some veterndary. to the secondary senior wingbacks—Billy ans back.” o is a Piano and Tom Provenzano— Provenzano One of the Jets’ strengths who extensive playing remains on the offensive line, time under their belts. where senior strong tackle Both bring speed to the Matt Mascia, a fourth-team table and have reliable All New York State honoree hands. Senior Marcus and Martone Award finalist, Kabigting is also in the is back to open holes for a mix for carries along talented group of running with junior Justin Reyes backs. Elite linemen are noth- and senior Timmy Gibing new for an East Meadow son, an All-State honoree program that has seen four in the 55-meter run who take home the Matrone is a potential game-breakAward as Nassau County’s ing threat as a perimeter top lineman, more than any runner. A three-way other school, and also boasts battle for time at fullback the award’s only two-time was being waged in sumwinner. Mascia’s position mer camp between senior BILLY PIANO coach, Justin Szwejkowski, is Mike Babino, junior Joe a Matrone winner himself. Matchekosky and sophoA 6-3, 290-pounder, Mascia more Mike Dolley. is moving over to strong returning starter at safety LaRosa’s got plenty of tackle after cutting his teeth and he’ll get support from size at wide receiver with at center the last several Minucci and Carlin. 6-4 senior Tom Zitzmann, seasons. He’ll be joined up As the No. 2 seed in Con6-3 junior Pat Carlin and 6-2 front by junior Will Ayers at senior AJ Jones and a speedy ference I, East Meadow will quick tackle, senior Mario option in senior Joe Minucci. navigate a schedule that Froehlich, a three-year var“We definitely have guys that includes each of the other sity player, at quick guard and can go get the ball and a guy top seeds and the No. 10 senior Max McGee at strong seed. The season kicks off that can throw it,” Mascia guard. Junior Rob Moresky is said. on Sept. 11 under the lights stepping into the open center at Farmingdale. “We don’t The Jets have plenty of position. Rounding out the miss anyone,” Mascia said. size on the defensive side line is another three-year var- of the field in their base 3-4 sity player, senior tight end
BY STEVE SINISKI
12 — September 10, 2015
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Tom Provenzano
MATT MASCIA
Schedule September 11 @ Farmingdale 6:30 p.m. 19 @ Hicksville 2:00 p.m. 26 Oceanside 2:00 p.m.
October 3 10 17 24 31
Massapequa @ Freeport @ Syosset Baldwin Plainview
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by Ron Manfredi
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September 10, 2015 — 13
2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
EAST ROCKAWAY Work in trenches a key for Rocks
B
BY ANDREW MCCLURE
y East Rockaway’s standards, having nearly 30 players on the roster means a huge turnout for football. With a dearth of experience at numerous positions, the Rocks have to hope that the strength of numbers will enable them to fill some gaping holes. East Rockaway, which finished with a record of 4-4 in 2014 as the No. 12 seed, will have a difficult time matching that mark. The Rocks are the No. 8 seed in Nassau Conference IV, which means they’ll have matchups with No. 1 Seaford, No. 2 Locust Valley, and No. 4 West Hempstead. East Rockaway returns its starting quarterback, and has depth and versatility at running back, but there’s tremendous uncertainty on the line and in many other key areas. Facing a very difficult schedule, the Rocks will need to shore up these areas of concern if they’re going to be competitive. Russ Pajer, in his 21st season as head coach at his alma mater, hopes his team will find its identity during training camp and in preseason scrimmages. “It’s going to take a little while for us to figure out who we are,” Pajer said. “We’re thin on the line, so we’re going to work a lot of different guys in at different spots. For us to be successful, the line play has to come together. We need to see them in game situations.” Senior Mike Delgais, a three-year starter, returns at quarterback for the Rocks. Delgais came into camp bigger and stronger than ever. He has a solid grasp of the offense, and has emerged as a team leader. While East Rock14 — September 10, 2015
se on the line on offense away has a run first, pass sec- Those will man positions upfront ond philosophy, Delgais has efense as well. on defense a strong, accurate throwing At linebacker, the Rocks arm if the Rocks go to the air. havee Ovental, Barnes, When things are going and junior Richie Neckright for East Rockaway, the les. The secondary is team is moving the chains posed of Tierney composed with its ground game, and afety, and Delcontrolling the time of posses- at safety, sion. The Rocks not only have gais and Fusco a multitude of backs capable of getting the job done, the group is unique in that each back has a unique style. Neither senior Danny Fusco nor junior James at the corners. Tierney is exceptionally tall, Pajer knows but each has the ability to hit there’s a lot of holes and break a long one. uncertainty with his team. Pajer thinks he has a good “Being seeded eighth means one in Colin Barnes. The we have a pretty tough sched5-foot-10 sophomore is one of ule,” Pajer said. “I think we’ll East Rockaway’s strongest be able to compete with most backs. He gives the Rocks a physical presence in the back- of the teams we play, but I’m field. Seniors Eric Graves and Augie Buffolino, and junior Josh Alvarez provide depth at wingback for the orange-and-black. Hard-working senior Scott Ovental takes over at fullback for the Rocks. Ovental is as dedicated as it gets. After serving as a backup in 2014, he worked hard to earn the starting role as a senior. Numerous players are bidding for time at tight MICHAEL DELGAIS end. Senior Jacob Barth, and juniors Tommy Rogers and Connor Panzella not sure how we’ll match will all see time. No starters up with the stronger teams return on the line for East in the league. So far, things Rockaway. Three seniors, are going well. The guys are Nick Monteleone, Nick Ippolito, and Robinson Rivas, working hard. It’s just going to take some time to jell.” figure to be East Rockaway’s top linemen. Each saw time as The Rocks open the juniors. season up at home with As is always the case when they welcome in No. at East Rockaway, nearly 10 Valley Stream South on every starter on offense will Sept. 12. Homecoming is perform double duty on the set for Oct. 3 against No. 12 defensive side of the ball. Mineola. HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
James Tierney
SCOTT OVENTHAL
Schedule 12 V.S. South 19 @ Malverne 26 @ Seaford
2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
October 3 10 17 24 31
Mineola West Hemp. @ Friends Aca. @ Oyster Bay Locust Valley
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by Peter Frutkoff
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
ELMONT Spartans must find ways to overcome inexperience the secondary with Ximines are the only returnBrown and Mathleu ing starters on offense. “Our at cornerback, and experience is limited,” Hegi said. “We don’t have the three- Penalvert and senior brand new turf field Sevin Malcolm at year starters like some of has the Spartans safety. “They’re not the teams ranked at the top eager to kick off the the biggest kids, but of the conference do, but we 2015 campaign, but a lack of they’re strong in covhave enough talent to cause experience and depth in most erage and they’re going trouble.” areas will make the road to gi, to attack the ball,” said Hegi, Hegi said Penalvert, also the Conference II playoffs a aka, who noted Carey, Sewanhaka, a starting safety, is an excelchallenging one. Wantagh and MacArthur will lent athlete who has the tools A perennial contender nse. all test Elmont’s pass defense. to be a No. 1 receiver for any seeded in the bottom half— team in the conference. Senior The defensive line is thin n No. 8—of the 14-team conferPrinceton Gahagan is working e, when it comes to experience, ence this fall, Elmont has suftowards a starting receiver spot, however, junior nose tackle fered three consecutive firstwhile senior Kengsley Jean-Gil- Jaydel Richardson, senior round playoff exits and seeks lis lends a reliable set of hands tackle Harris Ogboe, and its first semifinal appearance to the tight end position. senior end Xavier Frazier are since 2011. ods. working towards starting nods. In addition to Brown get“Everyone is pumped ting carries at tailback, senior Many of the candidates for about the new field,” head Harold Elizee is stepping into the offensive line could land nd coach Jay Hegi said. “The a bigger role as a ball-carrier. at linebacker. “We always try logo at midfield looks great Elizee is a powerful runner to avoid using two-way startrtand so the end zones with who can also be a factor ‘Elmont’ at one end and ‘Sparin the passing game as tans’ at the other. a check-down option. “Our first two games are Junior Lucus Mathleu home and they’re going to be turned heads early in huge,” he added. “We want camp and brings speed to to be 2-0 going into Carey in the backfield. Week 3.” The offensive front is The Spartans, who open unproven but not without against Calhoun followed by potential. Ximines started Sewanhaka, expect to feature at guard last season and a pass-first offense with varcould work in the same sity newcomer Aaron Ruthrole. Junior Chad Musman at the controls. Ruthman cadi, the projected starthelped lead the JV team to a ing center, has chemistry 7-1 record a year ago. “We’re with Ruthman and good going to live by the pass,” Hegi ASTON BROWN size. Seniors Marc-Anthosaid. “Aaron has a strong arm ny Pickersgill, Johnathan and put a lot of time in during Dawson, Ewan Edodor, the offseason. The effort and Clay Carbon and Donte Blair ers, but we’ll put the best work ethic is there.” are also in the mix for open groups out there,” Hegi Senior Aston Brown serves spots at guard and tackle. The said. Elizee, Van Cooten and as the unit’s main threat. same goes for juniors BranSpencer are potential lineHe’ll come out of the backdon Van Cooten, Darian Spen- backers along with juniors field and work the slot as a cer and Tevaun McNairn. Lamar Thompson, O’Neill receiver. “Aston’s pretty elec“We have a lot of possibili- Prince and Berbison Sultric and tough to cover,” Hegi ties on the line,” Hegi said. frec. explained. “We’ll move him “I’m not sure how it’s going to On special teams, the all over the place on offense, unfold, but if we can develop kicking game is a question and he’s a shutdown corner a solid line we’ll be that much mark but Hegi is counton defense. better.” ing on solid return units Brown, senior wideout The strength of the defenwith the speedy Brown and Matthew Penalvert and sive unit can be found in Mathleu at the forefront. senior lineman Romoirio
A
BY TONY BELLISSIMO
TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Harold Elizee
MATTHEW PENALVERT
Schedule September 12 Calhoun 19 Sewanhaka 26 @ Carey
2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
October 3 10 17 23 30
Kennedy @ Manhasset Wantagh @ Westbury @ MacArthur
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Photos by Peter Frutkoff
September 10, 2015 — 15
2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
FREEPORT Linemen set the tone for Red Devils Spence and Raye ity. With a full year under his will fill a pair of belt, Tucker should be one of ndspots in the secondthe league’s most dynamic ld ary. While it would performers. reeport comes off an uphe be ideal to have the Jared Wray will be feaand-down season that he quarterback on the tured in Freeport’s vaunted saw the Red Devils win sideline when thee one-back spread offense. The their first three contests only n Red Devils are on fleet-footed junior will try to drop their last four. The defense, Tucker to carry on the tradition of final defeat was a 40-20 loss to is an excellent impressive go-to backs. Wray East Meadow in a Conference cover corner. may be short in stature, but I quarterfinal round game. “If we can he has speed to burn and hits For a team that was virtustay healthy and the holes well. ally a lock to earn a spot in get a little lucky, While the Red Devils will the semifinals for more than a stick with their philosophy of we should be in decade, spending a few years the mix,” Cellan run first, pass second, when on the outside looking in at a ng said. “We’re young Tucker goes to the air, he has trip to Hofstra is unchartered ed in and inexperienced a big-time target in junior territory. The sixth-seeded a few spots, but we’re Damon Spence. Red Devils lost many of their coming along. In What was an area of conskill players, but return their all, high school football, cern in 2014 has turned into quarterback and a slew of it’s a big deal to have a strength. Solid play on the experienced linemen. offensive line is essential to a your starting quarterback With Massapequa, Farmstrong spread offense. The ingdale, East Meadow, and Red Devils return all their defending Long Island chamstarters in the trenches, pion Syosset on the schedule, and each has a clear there will be few easy weeks understanding of what it for the seven-time county takes to be successful. champions. Herricks, PlainMike Garcia anchors view JFK, Hicksville, and Vala huge and athletic ley Stream Central round out offensive line. The 6-footthe schedule. 2 senior will play both Longtime head coach Russ guard and tackle. Nick Cellan is optimistic about Phillips and fellow senior his team’s chances to make Tyree Powell, a two-year noise in 2015. “This is a good starter at tackle who will group,” Cellan said. “We’re move over to tight end, working hard, progressing are also key returnees on well, and getting better every the line. They’re joined by day. We have some talented MIKE GARCIA Tim Phillips, Troy Philplayers, and we’re pretty deep lips, and Bryce Marcelin. on the line on both sides of Cellan believes the line the ball. Of course, it remains and the entire line returnwill be the key to the team’s to be seen, but the ingredients success. “It’s a big group, and ing. If we can stay healthy are there.” and keep everyone on the a talented one,” Cellan said. Junior Rashad Tucker, field, we should be fine.” “We range from 235 to 265 who was the subject of Freeport opens the pounds. We’re also deeper acclaim when he was called season on the road when on the line than we’ve been upon late in the 2013 season it travels to Valley Stream in the past. We have eight or to lead the varsity team nine guys who can step in and Central to take on the as a freshman, returns for Eagles on Sept. 12. The play, and will get reps.” his second full season. The Red Devils play their home The defensive front will southpaw quarterback has a mainly be composed of those opener in Week 3 against strong throwing arm, and the Massapequa. on the offensive line. Powell ability to tuck the ball away leads a linebacking crew that and drive opposing defenses is relatively inexperienced. crazy with his running abil-
F
BY ANDREW MCCLURE
16 — September 10, 2015
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Nick Phillips
TYREE POWELL
Schedule September 12 @ V.S. Central 19 @ Plainview 25 Massapequa
2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m.
October 3 10 16 24 31
@ Hicksville East Meadow Herricks @ Syosset Farmingdale
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by Ron Manfredi
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September 10, 2015 — 17
2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
HEWLETT Bulldogs’ stout lines pack plenty of bite
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BY TONY BELLISSIMO
ith plenty of size up front and developing talent at the skill positions, the Bulldogs are looking for a return trip to the Conference III semifinals after avenging a regularseason loss to Valley Stream North with an opening-round playoff win last season. Sixth-seeded Hewlett, a playoff team in nine straight and 15 of the last 19 years, opens at home Sept. 12 against Floral Park and then hits the road to face No. 4 Roosevelt, the four-time defending Conference IV champs, and No. 3 Bethpage. Neighboring rival Lawrence, which seeks a fifth straight county title, makes the short trip for Homecoming on Oct. 10. “A bunch of teams shifted conferences this year and we were very close to being one of them,” Bulldogs head coach Jay Iaquinta said. “We’re knocking on the door for Conference II. With the addition of Roosevelt in III, an already difficult schedule got that much tougher.” Often at a size disadvantage, Hewlett is expected to field one of the bigger lines in Conference III in 2015. Its average offensive lineman weighs 245 and has Iaquinta drawing comparisons to its 1999 county championship group. “We’re well-balanced and strong on the line,” he said. “Just like everyone else, we need to stay healthy and execute.” As long as Iaquinta has coached, he never had a fouryear starting lineman until now. Senior Mike Curiel is a two-way standout who at 285 pounds makes for a difficult assignment on both sides
18 — September 10, 2015
Wyatt McMahon (6-3, of the ball. He’ll start at left 230), a three-sport guard and defensive tackle. athlete who can catch “He’s played a lot of snaps and block. Another and gotten bigger and stronger every year,” Iaquinta said. three-sport athlete, sophomore Matt Man“Not many kids can handle nino, was Levitz’s No. 1 him one-on-one.” d target a year ago and could Center Noah Cohen is remain in that role at the next another returning starter tile, level. “He’s fast and versatile, who plays an important role t,” and he can go up and get it,” in the triple-option scheme Iaquinta said of Mannino,, as a quality run-blocker. The ke who’s also 6-3. Seniors Jake 240-pound senior makes the Grill and Troy Feeney willl line calls, Iaquinta said. At le serve as additional reliable right tackle, senior Maui Mawhinney brings toughness targets. ore The stop-unit offers more and he’ll be given a breather tic by Terry Micourt, his partner size up front and an athletic Matrio of linebackers — McMain crime at defensive end. hon, Wilson and senior Up from JV, junior left tackle nta Zach Bromfeld is 6-6, 240, and Anthony Santiago. Iaquinta expects Curiel to continuee to junior right guard Dennis rior create havoc from an interior Noble is 6-6, 265. line position, with BromSure to benefit from the beef up front is new quarterback Jake Levitz, a junior coming off consecutive seasons as the JV starter. “Jake’s very familiar with the offense and has an accurate arm,” Iaquinta said. “The main thing for the quarterback in our system is decision-making, and he makes good reads.” Levitz is used to handing the ball to running back Jordan Carlo, a junior also making the leap from JV to varsity. KERRY MICOURT He’s 6-1, 230. “We want Jordan to get behind feld and junior Salaiman the line and use his power,” Hameed getting time at the Iaquinta said. Carlo could other tackle spot. There’s a carry as much as half the lot to like in the secondary, workload, with junior Jarel Iaquinta said, with seniors Wilson, a transfer from Anthony Esposito and Josh Elmont, and junior Dan Hillsberg, who gained more than Pincus back at safety, and Mannino and senior Jared 1,000 yards at the JV level, Magnone at the corners. sharing the rest with Levitz. Pincus is the punter, Wilson can be elusive, while Hillsberg can run outside the junior Matt Gershon is consistent in the kicking game, tackles. The passing game features and Hillsberg and Grill lead the return units. returning junior tight end
Wyatt McMahon
MIKE CURIEL
Schedule September 12 Floral Park 19 @ Roosevelt 26 @ Bethpage
2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
October 3 10 17 24 30
Division Lawrence @ V.S. North Plainedge @ South Side
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
Photos by J. Heck
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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September 10, 2015 — 19
2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
KENNEDY Experience and depth to spark Cougars
I
every down last season, and non-stop motor is sure to keep junior Daniel Gadigan, who opposing quarterbacks acks and started every game in 2014. ballcarriers on the run. “He n 2014, almost everything Junior Ryder Lampert is also literally never takes es a play was new for Kennedy’s in the mix for snaps at wide off,” Durnin said. “The varsity football program. receiver. “This summer we gy and [guys] see his energy The Cougars had a new head worked on chemistry and how hard he tries. He’s a coach, a new system, a new adding to the playbook,” on] to very positive [person] routine and even a brand new Durnin said of the benefits of his teammates.” turf field. Now, with a full off- having a significant number While Lampert gets season to learn Tom Durnin’s of returnees. “We have every set for a role on thee spread offensive attack and an wide receiver and our quaroffense and defense, e, increase in numbers for the terback back. Last year they it’s on special teams ms team as a whole, the arrow is were learning where to stand where he originally y point up for the team this fall. and not catching snaps out of cut his teeth last seaea“We return eight or nine the shotgun. Now they were o son. He’ll return to starters and we’re excited,” getting reps.” ng again handle kicking Durnin said. “The kids’ attiJunior Bob Brockwell was duties where the Cououtudes are awesome.” a backup last season to Racal- gars hope to take Senior Nico Rocolbuto buto but committed himself advantage of his returns under center, and to the weight room during the strong leg. his ability to make the right offseason and is now among Seeded No. 14 reads and take care of the a group of running backs football are big assets in an for the Cougars that also offense that gives him so includes Jason Couls. many options once he snaps The defense will be the ball. Junior Alec Dean working out of a 4-2-5 is slated to be the backup alignment that Durnin quarterback. “On running hopes will help negate the plays he makes the decision numerous other spread on whether to keep the ball offenses that are popping or [pitch] it and make a play,” up on the schedule, and Durnin said. “He’s great at with the strong crop of seeing the field.” receivers also doubling The offensive line returns as defensive backs, Kenseveral players with experinedy looks to be in strong ence, including junior Ryan shape. “The defense is Rodriguez and junior Jack easier to make changes,” Jones. In Jones, Durnin has Durnin said. “The athletes one of the more versatile we have fit the move.” DANIEL GAVIGAN players around, because the Among those expected junior is expected to line up to contribute in the secat tight end and running back ondary are Lampert, Couls, in Conference II, Kennedy on offense and on the edge kicks off its campaign with Gadigan and Richman, while when Kennedy doesn’t have consecutive home games the middle of the defense the ball. “He’s got a great welcomes junior transfer Max against Westbury (Sept. 12) motor and he’s an old-school Paladino at inside linebacker. and Jericho (Sept. 19). [style] strong kid,” Durnin “The guys are all just “Every time he makes a tackle said, noting that Jones hits friends that like each I wish we could videotape it much harder than his 190[and show it],” Durnin said of other,” Durnin said. “I’m pound frame suggests. “He’s his newcomer. “He’s always in looking forward to being an inside runner and he can more competitive and seeposition to make a tackle. He catch screens.” gets his shoulder right and his ing how they’re hard work Rocolbuto has a strong during the summer transfeet right. He’s a tough kid.” group of wide receivers in lates on the field.” In the trenches, Jones is the huddle, including senior slated to line up at one of Loyle Richman, who played the end positions, where his
BY STEVE SINISKI
20 — September 10, 2015
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Ryan Rodriguez
NICO ROCOLBUTO
Schedule September 12 Westbury 19 Jericho 26 @ N.H. Park
2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
October 3 10 17 23 31
@ Elmont Calhoun @ Jericho New Hyde Park @ Manhasset
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by Victoria Lodi
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September 10, 2015 — 21
2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
LONG BEACH Changes for Marines after semifinal run
A
BY TONY BELLISSIMO
fter knocking on the door for quite a few years, resilient Long Beach broke through last season and reached the Conference II semifinals for the first time since 1989. The Marines (5-5 overall) went on the road and Mepham in the opening round of playoffs before losing to eventual repeat county and Long Island champion Carey in the semis at Hofstra. “It was special to get to the semis and we did it as an underdog,” head coach Scott Martin said. “The kids never gave up and found ways to win close games. “I think this year might be similar,” he added. “We’ve got some barriers to break down with some young guys in key positions, but we can be a real solid team by the time the season winds down.” Martin said the offense will be a work in progress as junior quarterback Sam Brown and an inexperienced line gets some snaps under their belts. Brown, the JV quarterback in 2013, had a pair of touchdowns off the bench in Week 2 last year at Sewanhaka before going down with a season-ending shoulder injury. “He’s got a strong arm and makes smart decisions,” Martin said of the 6-foot-2 Brown, who earned All-County honors in lacrosse as a sophomore. “He’s not a running quarterback, but he can move away from trouble if he needs to.” With no full-time starters back up front, the jury is out when it comes to protecting Brown. The Marines graduated Nassau’s best lineman, Donovan Campbell, and will look to junior Jack Thurston to fill the big shoes at left 22 — September 10, 2015
proven a natural fit guard. Senior Kipling Johnson, a part-time starter a year at wideout where his speed ome in and athleticism will come ago, possesses strength and nt Deale handy. Juniors Vincent quickness at right guard. king out and Cole Hell are working Junior TJ Farrell’s athof the slot. leticism gives him the inside nse gets Long Beach’s defense track to start at left tackle, a major test out of thee gate while senior Neil Opena (6-2, when Carey visits for the 270) works at right tackle. der the opener on Sept. 11 under Sophomore Sean McCarthy ean lights. The unit will lean (6-2, 260) has looked solid at ed lineheavily on experienced center during camp. herig backers Bromley, Rutherig “How much we throw will and Teemer to set the tone. come down to how the line “All three played theree basijells and protects,” Martin n,” cally all of last season,” said. Long Beach expects to fea- Martin noted. nproven The Marines are unproven ture one of the top backs in thout Conference II—junior Tyreek on the line but not without mbinapotential. Farrell’s combinaBromley. In 2014, he rushed ed could tion of power and speed for more than 500 yards and eams, attract some double teams, scored four touchdowns. nson, “He’s our best player,” Martin opening space for Johnson, omas Thurston, seniors Thomas said. “He’s strong and we need him produce both ways and be our leading rusher and a defensive stopper.” Senior Jordan Teemer, who could line up at fullback, tight end or as a slot receiver, will have no problem delivering a block to clear lanes for Bromley and sophomore Chris Stackhouse, one of the biggest surprises in camp. Junior Thomas Rutherig ended last season as the team’s startJORDAN TEEMER ing fullback and could contribute in the passing game with his reliable Ryan and Jaylon Vega, and hands. junior Quentyn Rowland in At receiver, senior Josh the process. Keitz produced some huge Keitz, Wilson, Deale, Hell plays last year, including two and senior Marc Morrisey fake punts for first downs comprise the secondary. in a win over Elmont to cap Junior kicker Mark Rivera the regular season. He’ll be also returns. Brown’s No. 1 target. “Josh “We just need to worry runs great routes and can flat-out catch,” Martin said of about ourselves and prepare to be the best team we Keitz, who will handle puntcan be,” Martin said. ing responsibilities again. Junior Norman Wilson, the backup quarterback, has
Tyreek Bromley
JOSH KEITZ
Schedule September 11 Carey 19 Calhoun 26 @ Wantagh
7:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
October 3 10 16 24 31
Manhasset @ Garden City Mepham @ MacArthur @ N.H. Park
4:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by Ron Manfredi
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
2015 HERALD High School Football Preview
2014
HIGH SCHOOL
FOOTBALL
PLAYOFF RECAP
Lawrence High School celebrated a third straight L.I. championship
CONFERENCE I FIRST ROUND Baldwin 44, Plainview 21 Massapequa 20, Farmingdale 14 East Meadow 40, Freeport 20 Syosset 27, MacArthur 21 (OT) SEMIFINALS Syosset 36, East Meadow 30 Baldwin 35, Massapequa 0 CHAMPIONSHIP Syosset 26, Baldwin 20
CONFERENCE II FIRST ROUND Carey 55, Elmont 7 Garden City 35, Calhoun 7 Wantagh 30, Sewanhaka 21 Long Beach 34, Mepham 27 SEMIFINALS Carey 35, Long Beach 14 Garden City 41, Wantagh 0 TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
CHAMPIONSHIP Carey 21, Garden City 6
CONFERENCE III FIRST ROUND Lawrence 34, Glen Cove 12 Plainedge 49, Division 7 Bethpage 41, Lynbrook 7 Hewlett 35, V.S. North 18 SEMIFINALS Lawrence 55, Hewlett 0 Plainedge 28, Bethpage 27 CHAMPIONSHIP Lawrence 49, Plainedge 19
CONFERENCE IV FIRST ROUND Roosevelt 49, West Hempstead 8 Locust Valley 39, C.S. Harbor 7 Mineola 28, Carle Place 6 Seaford 33, Clarke 6 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
SEMIFINALS Roosevelt 14, Seaford 6 Mineola 16, Locust Valley 13 CHAMPIONSHIP Roosevelt 41, Mineola 14 LONG ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS CLASS I Syosset 35, Lindenhurst 13 CLASS II Carey 41, East Islip 7 CLASS III Lawrence 40, Sayville 35 CLASS IV Shoreham 47, Roosevelt 13
Photo by J.Heck
September 10, 2015 — 23
2015 HERALD High School Football Preview
LAWRENCE Golden Tornadoes look to remain on top
T
BY TONY BELLISSIMO
he Golden Tornadoes enter the 2015 football season winners of 35 of their last 36 games, three consecutive Long Island championships and four straight Nassau Conference III crowns, yet they’re not considered the team to beat on paper. Plainedge, the county runner-up to Lawrence in each of the past four years, is seeded atop the 12-team conference. The Tornadoes are No. 2, followed by Bethpage and newcomer Roosevelt, defender of four straight Conference IV titles. “Not getting the top seed stirred the hornets’ nest a little bit, but we’ll use it as a little extra motivation,” head coach Joe Martillotti said. “We’re going to be playing some young guys, we really like our experience on the offensive line and the skill players we’ve got.” Lawrence kicks off its title defense against visiting Roosevelt on Sept. 12 in an unprecedented battle of four-time defending county champions. Plainedge visits on Oct. 17. “Getting Roosevelt only makes our conference that much tougher,” Martillotti said. “They’ve got something to prove coming over from Conference IV. We’re pumped up about opening against them.” Martillotti said bringing back 60 percent of the starting offensive front is huge for an offense that graduated a good amount of starpower, including Thorp Award winner Jordan Fredericks. Anchoring the line is center Nick Ramirez, a 6-foot-2, 270pound senior who’s started every game the past two seasons. Also back in the fold is senior left tackle Cyle Hearst (6-1, 250) and senior left guard 24 — September 10, 2015
said he forms an exciting Frank Manara. “They’re all tandem at end with juniorr hard-working, throwback players that live in the weight Najier Gillespie, who’s also o up from JV. room,” Martillotti said. Senior Geth Alvarez, a var“We’ve got great size and nd sity reserve in 2014, and Jairo potential on the outside off the Amaya, the top lineman on defensive front,” Martillotti tti an undefeated JV squad, top said. At defensive tackle, the depth chart at right guard Hearst returns and will hardardand right tackle, respectively. ly come off the field. Ramirez, mirez, “I’ve got a lot of confidence Manara and Amaya are in the group,” Martillotti expected to rotate at the other ther said. “Those guys aren’t going tackle spot to keep fresh. to make mental mistakes.” Mintz leads the linebacker cker corps after making a big difThe new quarterback is ference at the position down senior Noah Serrette, the JV wn the stretch and into the playstarter two years ago who layoffs last season. Senior Karl played well when called upon arl Kirshner, who provides depth as a varsity backup last fall. epth on the offensive line, moves “He scored a handful of vares to linebacker from the defensive sity touchdowns last year,” nsive front. Juniors Joel Blanco Martillotti said. “He’s very o fast and has a pretty good arm. and Jack Lanzlotta will also lso He’s getting better every day.” contribute to the unit. Following in the footsteps of Fredericks and others before him, senior Marquan Williams is making the natural progression from slot receiver to feature back. A two-way starter who returned an interception for a touchdown in last year’s county title game, Williams is a tall, shifty runner with good speed. Senior Brandon Patterson and sophomore Chris Collier are taking NICK RAMIREZ over the slot position. Patterson is elusive and can gobble up big yardage In the secondary, Wilafter a catch. Senior wideout liams will start at safety or Victor Mintz, a third-year cornerback. Junior Danny varsity performer, will creAmaya brings experience to ate mismatches downfield with his 6-3, 220-pound frame. the safety spot, and juniors “He’s got great size and moves Alberto Leguerre and Akym Land are looking to very well,” Martillotti said of Mintz, who is joined by JV cal- crack the lineup at corner behind Patterson. lups Brian Tarrant, a junior, Senior kicker Matt Liband Carlos Duran, a sophobey returns after providing more. Another soph, tight solid footwork a year ago. end Suquan Stayes, will be a He and Williams are candifactor in the air attack and dates to handle punts. on defense where the coach
Victor Mintz
CYLE HEARST
Schedule September 12 Roosevelt 19 @ Division 26 Lynbrook
2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
October 3 10 17 24 31
Bethpage @ Hewlett @ Plainedge Glen Cove @ V.S. North
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by Donovan Berthoud
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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2015 HERALD High School Football Preview
CIRCLE THE CALENDAR
DAY Fri. Fri. Fri. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Fri. Fri. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Fri. Fri. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat.
28 — September 10, 2015
DATE Sept. 11 Sept. 11 Sept. 11 Sept. 12 Sept. 12 Sept. 12 Sept. 12 Sept. 12 Sept. 12 Sept. 12 Sept. 12 Sept. 12 Sept. 12 Sept. 12 Sept. 12 Sept. 12 Sept. 12 Sept. 12 Sept. 12 Sept. 18 Sept. 18 Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Sept. 19 Sept. 25 Sept. 25 Sept. 26 Sept. 26 Sept. 26 Sept. 26 Sept. 26 Sept. 26 Sept. 26 Sept. 26 Sept. 26 Sept. 26 Sept. 26 Sept. 26 Sept. 26 Sept. 26 Sept. 26 Sept. 26 Sept. 26
VISITOR WEST HEMPSTEAD EAST MEADOW CAREY Syosset CALHOUN CLARKE V.S. SOUTH FREEPORT Floral Park Westbury ROOSEVELT MACARTHUR Oyster Bay New Hyde Park C.S. Harbor SEWANHAKA SOUTH SIDE Hempstead Division North Shore MACARTHUR Uniondale CALHOUN CAREY SEAFORD EAST MEADOW EAST ROCKAWAY SEWANHAKA FREEPORT HEWLETT LAWRENCE V.S. NORTH MEPHAM OCEANSIDE V.S. CENTRAL Lo. Valley WANTAGH WEST HEMPSTEAD BALDWIN Massapequa Westbury ELMONT MALVERNE OCEANSIDE KENNEDY LYNBROOK LONG BEACH MEPHAM ROOSEVELT Garden City SOUTH SIDE Herricks V.S. NORTH V.S. SOUTH C.S. Harbor EAST ROCKAWAY HEWLETT
HOME Lo. Valley Farmingdale LONG BEACH BALDWIN ELMONT Carle Place EAST ROCKAWAY V.S. CENTRAL HEWLETT KENNEDY LAWRENCE WANTAGH MALVERNE MEPHAM SEAFORD Jericho V.S. NORTH OCEANSIDE LYNBROOK SOUTH SIDE Westbury BALDWIN LONG BEACH Garden City CLARKE Hicksville MALVERNE ELMONT Plainview ROOSEVELT Division LYNBROOK Manhasset Herricks Port Wash. V.S. SOUTH New Hyde Park Mineola Farmingdale FREEPORT CALHOUN CAREY CLARKE EAST MEADOW New Hyde Park LAWRENCE WANTAGH MACARTHUR Glen Cove SEWANHAKA Floral Park V.S. CENTRAL Plainedge Friends Aca. WEST HEMPSTEAD SEADFORD Bethpage
TIME 4:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
D DAY DATE Oct. 2 FFri. Oct. 2 FFri. SSat. Oct. 3 SSat. Oct. 3 Sat. Oct. 3 Sat. Oct. 3 Sat. Oct. 3 Sat. Oct. 3 Sat. Oct. 3 Sat. Oct. 3 Sat. Oct. 3 Sat. Oct. 3 Sat. Oct. 3 Sat. Oct. 3 Sat. Oct. 3 Sat. Oct. 3 Sat. Oct. 3 Sat. Oct. 3 Sat. Oct. 3 Sat. Oct. 3 Sat. Oct. 3 Sat. Oct. 10
VISITOR New Hyde Park SEWANHAKA Herricks WANTAGH CLARKE Massapequa Mineola KENNEDY FREEPORT Division LONG BEACH Bethpage LYNBROOK Garden City MALVERNE Jericho V.S. CENTRAL Plainedge SEAFORD Division Manhasset BALDWIN
201 Foo SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Fri. Fri. Fri. Fri. SSat.
Oct. 10 Oct. 10 Oct. 10 Oct. 10 Oct. 10 Oct. 10 Oct. 10 Oct. 10 Oct. 10 Oct. 10 Oct. 10 Oct. 10 Oct. 10 Oct. 10 Oct. 10 Oct. 10 Oct. 10 Oct. 10 Oct. 16 Oct. 16 Oct. 16 Oct. 16 Oct. 17
CALHOUN CAREY CLARKE EAST MEADOW WEST HEMPSTEA ELMONT LAWRENCE LONG BEACH Plainedge MACARTHUR Locust Valley Syosset V.S. NORTH SEAFORD Division V.S. CENTRAL G.N. South Westbury SEAFORD Herricks MEPHAM MALVERNE OCEANSIDE
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
OCTOBER
OR yde Park NHAKA s AGH E pequa a DY ORT n BEACH ge OOK City ERNE
HOME CALHOUN Westbury BALDWIN CAREY Lo. Valley EAST MEADOW EAST ROCKAWAY ELMONT Hicksville HEWLETT Herricks LAWRENCE SOUTH SIDE MACARTHUR V.S. SOUTH MEPHAM OCEANSIDE ROOSEVELT WEST HEMPSTEAD V.S. NORTH LONG BEACH Massapequa
NTRAL ge RD n sset WIN
TIME 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
2015 High School Football Preview
OUN
E MEADOW HEMPSTEAD NT ENCE BEACH ge RTHUR Valley t ORTH RD n NTRAL uth ury RD s AM ERNE NSIDE
KENNEDY MEPHAM C.S. Harbor FREEPORT EAST ROCKAWAY Manhasset HEWLETT Garden City LYNBROOK SEWANHAKA MALVERNE OCEANSIDE ROOSEVELT Roslyn SOUTH SIDE Hempstead V.S. SOUTH WANTAGH Lo. Valley FREEPORT LONG BEACH Mineola BALDWIN
2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
D DAY SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. FFri. FFri. FFri. FFri. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. FFri. FFri. FFri. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat. SSat.
DATE Oct. 17 Oct. 17 Oct. 17 Oct. 17 Oct. 17 Oct. 17 Oct. 17 Oct. 17 Oct. 17 Oct. 17 Oct. 17 Oct. 17 Oct. 17 Oct. 17 Oct. 23 Oct. 23 Oct. 23 Oct. 24 Oct. 24 Oct. 24 Oct. 24 Oct. 24 Oct. 24 Oct. 24 Oct. 24 Oct. 24 Oct. 24 Oct. 24 Oct. 24 Oct. 24 Oct. 24 Oct. 24 Oct. 24 Oct. 24 Oct. 30 Oct. 30 Oct. 30 Oct. 31 Oct. 31 Oct. 31 Oct. 31 Oct. 31 Oct. 31 Oct. 31 Oct. 31 Oct. 31 Oct. 31 Oct. 31 Oct. 31 Oct. 31 Oct. 31 Oct. 31 Oct. 31 Oct. 31
VISITOR CALHOUN MACARTHUR Island Trees EAST ROCKAWAY WANTAGH HEWLETT KENNEDY LAWRENCE LYNBROOK ROOSEVELT Manhasset SOUTH SIDE Port Wash. V.S. SOUTH V.S. CENTRAL SOUTH SIDE ELMONT New Hyde Park BALDWIN MEPHAM SEWANHAKA WEST HEMPSTEAD EAST ROCKAWAY FREEPORT Plainedge Glen Cove LONG BEACH LYNBROOK SEAFORD OCEANSIDE ROOSEVELT V.N. NORTH Mineola Garden City HEWLETT Island Trees ELMONT BALDWIN CAREY CLARKE Plainview Lo. Valley Farmingdale KENNEDY LAWRENCE LONG BEACH LYNBROOK MALVERNE MEPHAM Massapequa North Shore WANTAGH Hicksville V.S. SOUTH
HOME Garden City CAREY CLARKE Friends Aca. ELMONT V.S. NORTH Jericho Plainedge Glen Cove Division SEWANHAKA North Shore V.S. CENTRAL WEST HEMPSTEAD Herricks Division Westbury KENNEDY EAST MEADOW CALHOUN CAREY CLARKE Oyster Bay Syosset HEWLETT LAWRENCE MACARTHUR Floral Park MALVERNE Uniondale Bethpage North Shore V.S. SOUTH WANTAGH SOUTH SIDE SEAFORD MACARTHUR Hempstead CALHOUN Roslyn EAST MEADOW EAST ROCKAWAY FREEPORT Manhasset V.S. NORTH New Hyde Park Bethpage WEST HEMPSTEAD Garden City OCEANSIDE ROOSEVELT SEWANHAKA V.S. CENTRAL Oyster Bay
TIME 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 P.M. 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
NOTE: Local teams listed in BOLD/CAPS N
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
September 10, 2015 — 29
2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
LYNBROOK Owls planning to maintain fast tempo
C
BY TONY BELLISSIMO
oming off a ninth consecutive playoff campaign that ended with a loss in the opening round of the Conference III playoffs, Lynbrook will rely on its size up front and dual-threat quarterback to make good things happen in 2015. The Owls, who open at home against Division, had a big offseason with more than 110 kids participating in workouts. “We’re a little young all over the field, but these kids just love the game and everything associated with it,” head coach Steve LoCicero said. “Everyone on the line this year is over 200 pounds, so we’re pretty happy about that, and we’ve got a bunch of great skill players to go with them.” Lynbrook’s plan on offense is to go fast and keep defenses guessing. “We’re not going to hesitate to throw,” LoCicero said. “We could throw as much as we run.” Senior Zach LoCicero, a third-year varsity starter, returns at signal-caller after throwing for more than 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2014 while completing 72 of 122 attempts. He also gained more than 600 yards on the ground. “He’s a legitimate double threat,” the coach said. “He gained a tremendous amount of experience last season and makes smart decisions.” The quarterback will have plenty of options when it comes to the air attack. “I think we’ve got five guys who could end up catching at least 25 passes this year,” the coach said. Senior Chris Kurkemelis added 20 pounds of muscle during the offseason and increased his quickness. He 30 — September 10, 2015
ars The secondary appears has reliable hands and runs solid, led by Virgona precise routes. Senior Joey Virgona, one of the leaders in at safety and senior the defensive secondary, won’t Mike Baran and Tuzzio at the come off the field, coach LoCicero said. “He’s got great corners. Seniors speed and is really dangerous Brandon Fable, with the ball,” he said. Junior Larry O’Brien and Anthony SchickNick Tuzzio is a talented allling will also around athlete, and junior contribute. Paris Jack Marone has speed to can play safety or burn. Sophomore Tommy slide to outside Urena could factor in the passing game at tight end, but linebacker with the hard-nosed his physical presence makes Fable at safety. him a candidate for a spot on the offensive line. Senior James Though no full-time startAlberga is the team’s most ers return in the trenches, experienced linebacker. Urena, the group has impressed Hendrickson, senior Jason LoCicero throughout camp. Oelbahm and junior Franklin “They’re picking up new Canela are all candidates to be blocking schemes and pushpart of the starting unit. ing each other to be successful,” he said. Senior left guard Ben Begun has the most experience of a group that includes seniors Vinny Sorbara (left tackle), Jeremy Tierney (center), Jared Gerard (right guard), Nick Palazzo (right tackle) and Vincent Mascia. Palazzo lifted 535 pounds early in camp, and Tierney excels in the weight room as well. In the backfield, senior Bradley Cooper and junior JD GEBBIA Chris Paris are stepping into larger roles after contributing last season. Cooper can be an elusive runner, while Senior defensive end JD newcomer Greg Hendrickson, a Gebbia is the cornerstone senior and ice hockey standout, of the unit, LoCicero said, bolsters the position. and plays an important leadership role. Senior Greg “We want to push the tempo when we have the ball,” Morabito also works at end, while Sorbara, Mascia and LoCicero said. “We’re going sophomore Matt Renz are to face some talented teams. Conference III is the toughest keys to stopping the run. in the county. Every team has The coach expects good something going for it.” things to happen on special teams with senior punter/ Defensively, the Owls will kicker Troy Dibenedetto, look to be more consistent and Virgona, Tuzzio and than they were a year ago.
Jeremy Tierney
Marone heading the return units. The Owls, seeded No. 7 in the 12-team conference, will support the Fly A Kite Foundation on Sept. 19 when Valley Stream North visits.
ZACH LOCICERO
Schedule September 12 Division 19 V.S. North 26 @ Lawrence
7:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
October 3 10 17 24 31
@ South Side Plainedge @ Glen Cove @ Floral Park Bethpage
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by J. Heck
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
September 10, 2015 — 31
2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
MacARTHUR Generals make a return to Conference II
M
BY ANDREW COEN
acArthur moved into Conference II this season due to lower school enrollment, and the goals are higher for a team full of experience. The Generals, who went 6-3 in Conference I last year, bring back seven players who will be entering their third season starting on varsity. The experienced group is eyeing a deep playoff run after dropping a first round overtime heartbreaker last year to eventual Long Island Class I champion Syosset. “Expectations are very high,” said MacArthur head coach Bobby Fehrenbach, who led the Generals to a county title in 2002. “We have a good core group of kids back.” Senior quarterback Jimmy Kelleher is one of multiple players who have stepped on a varsity field since his freshman year. In a 35-28 win against Oceanside last year, Kelleher threw for 168 yards on 19-of-27 passing. “He has a strong arm,” said Fehrenbach of his senior signal-caller. “He is only getting better.” Kelleher is a co-captain along with one his main targets, senior wide receiver Jared Wolfe, who has also started on varsity since sophomore year. The 6-foot 185-pound Wolfe hauled in eight catches for 117 yards in 30-27 overtime loss to Baldwin in the second game of the 2014 season. “He has good hands and is a great route runner,” said Fehrenbach of Wolfe. “He is a great athlete.” Other skilled players who enter their senior seasons with plenty of game experience as starters the last two 32 — September 10, 2015
season. Fehrenbach said years include running back Vin Martino and wide receiv- with a drop in freshman enrollment of about 40 ers Marc Arboleda and Matt students, the Generals Deblaiso. Senior Mike Rothor berg started at linebacker the may stay in Conference II for nd. last two years and is expected a longer run this time around. to contribute on offense at “It’s has been a big yo-yo in running back during his final terms of conference changess season of high school football. since 2008,” he said. “Both “We have seven guys with leagues have tough oppovarsity experience as 10th nents.” graders so hopefully that carMacArthur is seeded secries over,” Fehrenbach said. ond in a loaded Conference II “We have a lot of experience.” that Carey has captured the eat. last two years without a defeat. A wildcard for how far The Generals will have stiff MacArthur can go will be its off competition for the top playoff offensive line, which lost all ty, spots with Carey, Garden City, of last year’s starters. Junior Ryan O’Shea, who has started Wantagh and Long Beach. as a defensive lineman since “It’s a very deep conferhis freshman year, will play a ence,” Fehrenbach said. key role in the trenches at the “There are no layups.” tackle position. Guard Phil MacArthur opens its Razza and Kyle Young are also championship quest on Sept. t. expected to lead the line unit. 12 less than two miles from Sophomore quarterback Mike Manfredo earned experience behind center on junior varsity and will serve as backup to Kelleher this season. Fehrenbach said he likes to mix up the run and pass to keep opposing teams on their toes and will use multiple formations. On the defensive side of the ball, MacArthur boats depth at the linebacker position led by MARKA ARCRBOLEDA Sean Looney, Mike Maringelli and Dan Joyce. Wolfe, who started at linebacker the last two years, its home field at Wantagh will move over to safety as for a 2 p.m. kickoff. The a senior and help anchor Generals’ schedule is also the defensive backfield with highlighted by an Oct. 3 Martino at cornerback. home game against Garden MacArthur has large depth City and a visit to Carey on in the secondary with over 20 Oct. 17 in a rematch of the defensive backs allowing Feh- 2013 Conference II semifirenbach to move Wolfe closer nals. An Oct. 27 home game to the line of scrimmage. against Long Beach could This season marks the also go a long way toward sixth conference change for determining MacArthur’s MacArthur since the 2008 playoff seeding.
Mike Rothberg
JARED WOLFE
Schedule September 12 @ Wantagh 18 @ Westbury 26 Mepham
2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
October 10 17 24 30
@ Sewanhaka @ Carey Long Beach Elmont
2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Photos by Victoria Lodi
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
September 10, 2015 — 33
2015 HERALD High School Football Preview
MALVERNE Mules hopeful for a fast start
A
BY TONY BELLISSIMO
fter falling one win short of qualifying for the Conference IV playoffs in each of the past two seasons, Malverne will try to live up to its preseason ranking and be playing football in November. “We’ve pretty much landed where we’ve been seeded since I’ve been here,” head coach Kito Lockwood said. “One close loss has kept us out of the playoffs the past few years. This year I’m hoping we can finish higher than sixth.” The Mules, ranked No. 6 in the revamped 16-team conference, are looking to take advantage of consecutive home games to begin 2015. They open with Friends Academy and then get a visit from nearby East Rockaway for Homecoming. “We want to take care of business early,” Lockwood said. “We’ve got the battle of Ocean Avenue in Week 2 for Homecoming, so that’s exciting.” Inexperience is a concern, Lockwood said, since Malverne’s roster has fewer than 10 seniors. It’s a junior-laden team with mostly varsity newcomers. The schedule includes matchups with Clarke, Valley Stream South, Locust Valley, Mineola, Seaford and West Hempstead. “Offense has been our strength for years and I think we’ll be able to average in the high 20s,” Lockwood said. “If we get a little consistent play up front, we’ll be fine. Everyone just has to take care of their own assignments.” Junior Dante Lacroix has the keys to the offense after serving as the JV quarterback a year ago. He’s a dual threat who’s impressed the 34 — September 10, 2015
roles last fall. Senior Thomas coaching staff during camp Mims is slated to start at one with his throwing ability. of the tackle spots. “Dante worked hard over the In the smash-mouth Consummer and has shown the ference IV, stopping the run is ability to control the huddle always the focus on defense. and run the system,” Lockwood said of the 5-foot-10, 175- “We know what we’re going to be up against every week,” pound signal-caller. Lockwood said. “I keep telling The biggest weapon at the kids over and over, just Lacroix’s disposal is junior take care of your own job. We Maurice Teachey Jr., a slot need to do a good job of tackreceiver with explosiveness. ling.” Teachey is considered the The coach is counting backup quarterback and can on an athletic group of do damage out of the backlinebackers, led by Moran, field. “He got his feet wet on varsity last year primarily as Steele, junior Elijah Lewis and Reyes, to set the tone. Up a defensive back,” Lockwood front, Gandolfo, Degand and said of Teachey, who also senior Kyle Pinder can make plays a vital role on special things happen. Washington is teams. also in the mix. Others expected to conTeachey Jr. is a balltribute as targets in the passing game include senior Anfernee Steele and juniors Noah Tyson and Marco Rowe. As far as the ground attack, Lockwood, a former star ball-carrier for the Mules, has senior Andrew Morgan and junior Amare Reyes at the top of the depth chart. Morgan can grind out tough yards and also has the speed necessary to pull away from defenders. Reyes, who comes off a big year at the JV level, is shifty and speedy. ANDREW MORGAN The offensive line features a mix of veterans and newcomers. A hawking free safety, and healthy Greg Gandolfo at center could go a long way in seniors Alonza Hopkins and Jamal Brown are pushing helping the Mules put points for starting positions in the on the board. The 6-3, 215pound senior was injured last secondary. Reyes could slide August and missed all of 2014 from linebacker to strong due to injury. He may see time safety. On special teams, senior at guard if junior Luke Burroughs handles snaps. Junior punter/kicker Jovaughn Sparrow-Thomas has a good Brandon Degand is a returning starter at guard, and soph- skill set. Teachey Jr. spearheads the return units. omores Andrew Washington and Marco Barreta will see more reps after filling reserve
Maurice Teachey Jr
GREGORY GANDOLFO
Schedule September 12 Oyster Bay 2:00 p.m. 19 East Rockaway 2:00 p.m. 26 @ Clarke 2:00 p.m.
October 3 10 16 24 31
@ V.S. South Locust Valley @ Mineola Seaford @ Roslyn
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by Donovan Berthoud
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
MEPHAM New quarterback, same system for Pirates
L
BY STEVE SINISKI
ike every team across Nassau County, Mepham has new faces entering the lineup across the football field. For the Pirates, currently on a run of six straight Conference II playoff appearances, one of the new faces will come under center after the graduation of Tyler Davis, a three-year starter now at the University of Connecticut. “The system doesn’t change,” head coach Anthony Cracco said. “The base of the offense is still designed to get the ball into our tailbacks’ hands and spread [the field]. It should be exciting.” Senior Mike Azzariti, the backup to Davis the last two seasons, was battling for the No. 1 job during summer camp with senior Sean Natier and sophomore Mike Proios, who’s transitioning to the position. “Over the summer and in our seven-on-sevens [the quarterbacks] had a lot of work,” Cracco said. “We’re excited to get a look at all of the quarterbacks [during camp].” Whomever takes the helm for the season-opener against New Hyde Park on Sept. 12 will have one of the more reliable and fundamentally sound wide receivers in Nassau County in his huddle. Senior Isaac Lozada returns and has as good an understanding of the offense as anyone. Capable of making big plays, he’s also an excellent route runner who’s grown within the spread scheme over the last several seasons. A trio of seniors—Greg Laupheimer, Matt Lambert and Zach Daddino—are slated to see substantial snaps at wide receiver with junior Tristan Saadle also expected to be in the rotation. Senior Joe Franco is moving from TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
nd senior running back to tight end, and the outside, Saadle and ated to senior Joey Massaro is transi- Avneek Baines are slated ll also see see time. The unit will tioning over to receiver from he quarcontributions from the quarterback. “Lozada is the terbacks that do not earn the type that leads by example,” e. starting job on offense. Cracco said. “”He’s someone The secondary is boosted you can point to and have the ntino and by the return of Valentino younger guys emulate.” d a deep Massero at safety and A revamped offensive line backs that contingent of cornerbacks includes the transition of dino and includes Lozada, Daddino former running back Darvin n Conroy Jones to one of the guard posi- a pair of juniors, Sean and Steven Liriano. tions. A bruiser in the backhasis “I think a big emphasis field last season, Jones has fseason we had during the offseason bulked up to 250 pounds and ear was and going into this year brings a physical style of play d of our securing the back end and athleticism to the trenchdefense,” Cracco said.. “They es. Seniors Justin Hudek and Kha-lil Goodman will be joined see the spread offensee in practice and that has helped. up front by senior center DilThe guys are getting a lon Morris. Senior Sebastian lot of reps on one Lamadra, junior Ciro Schiavo side of the field or and sophomores Mark Novak and Michael Osorio were competing for time at the one open spot up front. The backfield includes juniors Mike Valentino and Dylan Tarzych, each of whom logged carries last season. The duo gives the Pirates a pair of dynamic runners with speed and also some options in their formations. Valentino has exceptional vision and good hands, while Tarzych is a more physical runner. “We’re predicated on being ISAAC LOZADA a one-back team but we might have some two-back sets,” Cracco said. While the offensive scheme the other.” The Pirates, seeded No. remains the same, Mepham is 7 in Conference II, have a transitioning from an attackpotentially explosive group ing style to a more conventional 4-2 approach on defense. of returners in Valentino, Lozada and Tarzyck on The new look starts with the combination of Goodman and special teams, and senior Jones up front getting support Evan Spector was making continued strides as the from Hudek, Lamadra and placekicker. Novak. Franco and Lambert return at inside linebacker with Tarzyck and Owen Haesker in the mix for playing time. On
Avneek Baines
KHA-LIL GOODMAN
Schedule September 12 New Hyde Park 2:00 p.m. 19 @ Manhasset 2:00 p.m. 26 @ MacArthur 2:00 p.m.
October 3 10 16 24 31
Jericho Carey @ Long Beach @ Calhoun Garden City
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by Victoria Lodi
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
September 10, 2015 — 35
2015 HERALD High School Football Preview
OCEANSIDE Sailors look to rebound after difficult year at tackle. varsity field last fall. Senior On the defensive side, James Paczkowski, the most hia senior Mike Ambrosecchia accomplished of the group, y. sets the tone at free safety hauled down 20 passes for ceanside’s string of “He’s the heart and soul,”” 250 yards. He’ll line up in the five straight playoff ary Blount said. The secondary slot but also could see some appearances came to ri, also features seniors Mari, carries out of the backfield. a screeching halt last season cDou“He’s fast and agile, and we’re Ryan Penna, Andrew McDouwhen the Sailors, seeded No. 2 going to get the ball to him on gal and Greg Alexrod, as well in Conference I, were unable d. a regular basis,” Blount said. as sophomore Dylan Judd. to overcome some early injunt In the trenches, Blount Another option out of the ries and inexperience, and good said the Sailors have a “good slot is senior Gunnar Jones, went 2-6. who brings speed and elusive- combination of size and But with a three-year m athleticism.” Seniors Dom ness to the huddle. Senior starter under center, a seniorli Lopez and Yianni Sofocoli Nick Mari will be split wide laden group at the skill posirt, and serve as a vertical threat. lead the run-stuffing effort, tions, and a less demanding vid while Espinal, senior David He has good size (6-foot-1) schedule, head coach Rob in and Blount said he has poten- Mollin, and juniors Austin Blount believes his team Champman and Damian Bartial to be a big factor in the could be right back in contenup of offense. Senior tight end Aro- rios comprise a solid group tion. “We didn’t take care of dful at ends. Pizzarelli is a handful nis Espinal has a big frame business last year, but we’re ads a (6-4) and can catch and block. inside linebacker and leads looking to rebound,” he said. kowscorps that includes PaczkowsAs far as the ground “There has been a lot of parattack, senior Brandy ity in our conference going Diaz will be the workback several years. A bunch horse after rushing for of teams proved last year you more than 700 yards and can accomplish a lot from reaching the end zone almost any seed.” 11 times. He’s 5-11, 190 Seventh-ranked Oceanside pounds. “He’s strong kicks off the campaign at with good wheels,” said home against Hempstead. Blount, who said junior “The first game is the biggest Gabe Ruiz, up from JV, is one,” Blount explained. “We’ve a power runner sure to got a good amount of seniors get a share of carries. back and we need to start Up front, senior left on the right foot. We want to tackle Nick Pizzarelli is rebuild the culture of winning the anchor of a unit with and get a good vibe going.” ongoing competition for The offense will have a the other four starting new look in the trenches with JAMES PACZKOWSKI jobs. “Nick’s a three-year only one starter back to prostarting linebacker and tect senior All-County quara second-year starting terback Vinny Guarino. In ki, fellow seniors Jesse Billi, offensive lineman,” Blount 2014, Guarino threw for more said. “He’s a vocal leader and Christian Giordano, Dakota than 1,400 yards and seven doing a great job at it.” Senior Swanson and Jack Johnson, touchdowns and ran for 600John Malloy and junior Bran- and junior Danny Marshall. plus yards with five scores. Sophomore Francesco don Roth both performed well “He kept us going throughout Ancona will handle kicks, at center during camp. One the season despite having difand Paczkowski is the will handle snaps, and versaferent receivers and running punter. tility has them in the mix at backs every week it seemed,” “We won 22 of 25 home tackle and guard, respectively. Blount said. “He’s got a strong Junior Paul Schell and sopho- games prior to last year arm and stays composed, and and we want to get back to more Mike Scibelli are vying he’s developed into a very protecting our home field,” for guard spots, and junior good runner.” Blount said. John Gross and sophomore Each of the targets at Vinny Schell will contribute Guarino’s disposal saw the
O
BY TONY BELLISSIMO
36 — September 10, 2015
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Mike Ambrosecchia
VINNY GUARINO
Schedule September 12 Hempstead 6:00 p.m. 19 @ Herricks 2:00 p.m. 26 @ East Meadow 2:00 p.m.
October 3 10 17 24 31
V.S. Central Syosset @ Baldwin @ Uniondale Massapequa
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by Jeff Wilson
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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September 10, 2015 — 39
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2015 HERALD High School Football Preview
HERALD
TOP PERFORMERS
Carey’s Anthony Catapano, center, is one of the top offensive linemen in Nassau County. Photo by Peter Frutkoff
OFFENSE
POS
QB QB RB RB WR WR TE OL OL OL OL OL K
DEFENSE
PLAYER
SCHOOL
Jimmy Kelleher Mike Catanese Aaron Dawson Kyle Sliwak Victor Mintz Jared Wolfe Corey Sachs Anthony Catapano Matt Mascia Nick Ramirez Joe Randazzo Chukwuma Ukuw Matt Libbey
MacArthur Carey Clarke Wantagh Lawrence MacArthur Wantagh Carey East Meadow Lawrence Carey Roosevelt Lawrence
TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
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12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 12 12
DL DL DL DL LB LB LB LB DB DB DB DB P
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
PLAYER
Mike Garcia Mike Curiel Jamil Viaud-Gaspard Frank Lauretti James Paczkowski Billy Piano Tyreek Bromley JD Gebbia Mike Ambrosecchia Elijah Tracey Aston Brown Anthony Millan Troy Dibenedetto
SCHOOL
GRADE
Freeport Hewlett VS North Seaford Oceanside East Meadow Long Beach Lynbrook Oceanside Sewanhaka Elmont Carey Lynbrook
12 12 12 12 12 12 11 12 12 12 12 12 12
September 10, 2015 — 41
2015 HERALD High School Football Preview
2015 TEAM COACHES COACH STEVE CARROLL - Baldwin
COACH BRIAN MOELLER - Calhoun
COACH MIKE STANLEY - Carey
COACH JOHN BOYLE - Clarke
COACH VIN MASCIA - East Meadow
COACH RUSS PAJER - East Rockaway
COACH JAY HEGI - Elmont
COACH RUSS CELLAN - Freeport
COACH JAY IAQUINTA - Hewlett
COACH TOM DURNIN - Kennedy
COACH JOE MARTILLOTTI - Lawrence
COACH SCOTT MARTIN - Long Beach
COACH STEVE LOCICERO - Lynbrook
COACH BOB FEHRENBACH - MacArthur
COACH KITO LOCKWOOD - Malverne
COACH ANTHONY CRACCO - Mepham
COACH ROB BLOUNT - Oceanside
COACH JOE VITO - Roosevelt
COACH ROB PERPALL - Seaford
COACH GEORGE KASIMATIS - Sewanhaka
COACH PHIL ONESTO - South Side
COACH BRYAN GOLDMAN - VS Central
COACH TOM SCHIAVO - VS North
COACH JOE GUSTAFESTE - VS South
COACH KEITH SACHS - Wantagh
COACH DOM CARRE - W Hempstead
42 — September 10, 2015
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
ROOSEVELT Rough Riders excited about new challenge inside linebacker. to carry the load. While Vito Andrew Furline, doesn’t return a go-to back, he d senior Willock, Wilson, and hopes that senior Jude InnoJustin Geistscher form orm the cent will be the guy. Innocent or the fourth consecuinterior front for thee Rough has breakaway speed and tive season, and 12th Riders. Geistscher will also good vision. Junior Chaucer time in program history, see time on the offensive nsive line. McMillan steps into the fullRoosevelt won the county Barnes and Mitchell ll man the back role. McMillan blocks championship in 2014 with a defensive end slots, with Simwell and gets the job done convincing victory over Minemons and Knight att outside when asked to carry the ball ola in the Conference IV title ondary linebacker. The secondary between the tackles. game. The Rough Riders lost comprises Bull, Salmon, mon, Senior Quran Simmons a slew of talent from a team Innocent, and seniors rs Howie will do it all for the Rough that finished with an overall Rhodes and Lance Peter. Riders on offense. Simmons record of 10-2, but key returnSpecial teams is often the will see time at slot, fullback, ees and some promising newdifference at every level of and could even play quarcomers should have them in football. Placekickerr Desterback if needed. Other position to rise to their latest mond Akpanoko, who ho had a weapons when Vailes goes to challenge. utive extra streak of 22 consecutive the air include junior Corey What awaits the Rough Bull, and seniors Joel Salmon points in 2014, is a big asset. Riders is Conference III, a Vito believes his guys and Gianni Knight. Bull has league that many consider to the speed to outrun defenders have an additional challenge. be the toughest in the county and could see time at tailback. “We’re kind of like the flag from top to bottom. Roosevelt Salmon has good hands is seeded fourth in the conferand can also turn on the ence behind Plainedge, threeafterburners. The 6-foot-3 time defending Long Island Knight will cause matchchampion Lawrence, and up problems for opposing Bethpage. defenses. Long-time head coach Joe Senior Chukwuma Vito is excited about the move Ukwu, a four-year starter to the new league. “The bigat right guard, anchors gest thing is the unknown,” a line that returns three Vito said. “It’s very tough starters. He’s flanked when you don’t have familby senior right tackle iarity with opponents. That Elishah Willock. The pair said, we’re very excited about has played side-by-side for the new challenge and look three seasons. Talented forward to matching up with junior Latrell Hollis, a new opponents. I think we’ll 6-foot-4, 315-pound center, be able to play with people, but QURAN SIMMONS is an outstanding run there’s no recall. It’s all new.” blocker. Junior Stephon Vailes will Seniors Cole Grant once again lead the Roosevelt bearers for Conference and Khalil Wilson man the offense. Vailes is a poised IV,” Vito said. “Sometimes left side of the offensive line. quarterback with a strong the league is overlooked. Junior Isaiah Mitchell and throwing arm, and the ability There’s no doubt that this sophomore Deondre Barnes to tuck it in and run. While conference is deeper than are both strong blockers at the Rough Riders are known what we’re used to, but we tight end. for their ground game, expect want to go out and show Roosevelt’s defense had this team to go to the air a people there’s some good games where it gave up far little more than it has in the football played in Confermore points than it’s accuspast. He was not asked to ence IV.” tomed to yielding. As is the throw much as a sophomore, Roosevelt won’t have any norm, many players will go Vailes completed over 75 pertime to settle in. The Rough both ways. McMillan, Ukwu, cent of his passes. Riders travel to Lawrence and sophomore Deandre Roosevelt is known for askJohnson will be formidable at on Sept. 12 at 2 p.m. ing its fleet-footed tailbacks
F
BY ANDREW MCCLURE
44 — September 10, 2015
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Elishah Willock
CHAUCER MCMILLAN
Schedule September 12 @ Lawrence 19 Hewlett 26 @ Glen Cove
2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
October 3 10 17 24 31
Plainedge V.S. North @ Division @ Bethpage North Shore
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by Peter Frutkoff
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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
September 10, 2015 — 45
2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
SEAFORD Vikings bring experience, eye county title
er on roster who is capablee of game that lost Patrick Bizals. converting longer field goals. zarro and John Schaller. The Seaford was seeded No. 6-2 fullback ran for 75 yards in d 1 in Conference IV followed the Vikings’ 33-6 first round eaford enters 2015 with nd by Locust Valley, Clarke and playoff win against Clarke. plenty of experience ings West Hempstead. The Vikings A major strength is the and a championship tch travel to Clarke for a rematch offensive line. Seniors Jack mindset. of last year’s quarterfiLasher, Nicholas Kocienda, The Vikings reached the Peter Couvaris, Kevin Digney nals on Sept. 19 and visit Conference IV semifinals last West Hempstead on Oct. 3. In and junior James Poole year despite losing nearly n between is Homecoming on anchor the line unit along every starter from the 2013 aSept. 26 against East Rockawith Lynch at tight end. The team that reached the county way. Seaford hosts Locust ValViking linemen worked hard title game. Seaford brings ley for a Friday night gamee leading into the fall with offback many of its starters er on Friday Oct. 16 in another season weight-room sessions from last year’s 5-4 team and in preparation to protect Cain match-up that could help has eyes on winning the proin the pocket and create holes decide playoff positioning for gram’s first county title since ds. the top Conference IV seeds. for the running game. 2010. y of “We have the capability “Our line is going to be “We have a nice mix of very strong across the board,” winning a championship,”” experienced players,” said y said Perpall. “We have a solid Perpall said. “We certainly Seaford head coach Rob Pershould be in the mix when the group.” pall, who led the Vikings to dust settles.” Lauretti helps anchor the four straight Conference IV Seaford defense as a force titles from 2007-10 and a 2009 on the defensive line. In Long Island championship. the Vikings’ 24-16 win “We’re very optimistic.” against West Hempstead Junior quarterback A.J. last year, Lauretti forced Cain will run the offense a fumble in the final after a successful sophomore seconds when the Rams season under center. Cain drove to the one-yard line. added a passing dimension to “Lauretti is a beast,” Seaford’s offense last year and said Perpall of his returncan also do damage with his ing All-County player. feet. “He is going to be very, “He’s an outstanding very difficult for teams to quarterback,” said Perpall of block.” Cain, who tossed three touchPerpall is expecting down passes on 10-of-15 throwcontributions on defense ing in a 27-21 homecoming from sophomore linewin against Mineola last year. ANDREW CAIN backer Nick Calandra. “He’s one of the best we have Much of Seaford’s ever had at that position.” defense is comprised of Seaford graduated Cain’s Seaford’s opening game offensive starters who play top receiving weapon from both ways, but with a 33-play- on Sept. 12 against Cold last year, Bobby Buell, but er roster entering the season, Spring Harbor will serve Perpall is hoping for conPerpall has options to choose as a fundraiser for Seaford tinued strides from junior student Nico Fiorello, who from. Danny Roell, who made some was seriously injured in “We have a nice pool of big plays down the stretch a swimming accident this kids to pick from,” said Perlast year as just a sophomore. past May. Fiorello will serve pall, who has been Seaford’s Senior tight end Ryan Lynch as an honorary captain for head coach since 1995. “We is also back and is a solid run the Saturday night game have good depth.” blocker to go along with his and be on the field for the On special teams, Seaford abilities as a receiver off the brings back extra point place- pregame coin toss. Perpall line. kicker Dana Duggan. Perpall said he is hoping for a large Senior Frank Lauretti will said he still looking for a kick- crowd that evening so that help anchor Seaford’s ground
S
BY ANDREW COEN
46 — September 10, 2015
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Frank Lauretti
as much money as possible can be raised for Fiorello’s family to help cover medical expenses.
RYAN LYNCH
Schedule September 12 C.S. Harbor 19 @ Clarke 26 East Rock.
2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
October 3 10 16 24 30
@ West Hemp. @ Roslyn Locust Valley @ Malverne Island Trees
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Photos by Victoria Lodi
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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September 10, 2015 — 47
2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
SEWANHAKA Indians must navigate a difficult schedule
S
BY ANDREW MCCLURE
ewanhaka’s first season in Nassau Conference II was a successful one. The Indians started the season by winning four of their first five games, averaging over 40 points per contest in the four victories. Sewanhaka earned the fifth seed in the playoffs in 2014, and gave No. 4 Wantagh all it could handle before falling by a score of 30-21. The price of last season’s success is a higher seed and a more difficult schedule. The sixth-seeded Indians won’t have an easy go of it in 2015. Among those Sewanhaka will face are No. 2 MacArthur, No. 3 Garden City, and No. 1 Carey, the two-time defending Long Island champions. The Indians finished with an overall record of 5-4. George Kasimatis, in his seventh season as head coach at Sewanhaka, likes the path that his program is on. “Last year was a big challenge, because so much was unknown,” Kasimatis said. “It takes time to learn what new opponents do. The schedule is very tough, this year, but we are where we want to be. We earned the higher seed, and we are starting to move up the ladder. We want to play the toughest teams and opponents, and hopefully get that signature win. So far, we’re looking pretty good in practice.” The Indians will be led, once again, by Elijah Tracey. The senior quarterback is a three-sport star who Kasimatis calls one of the best athletes he’s ever coached at Sewanhaka. “Elijah is a leader on and off the field,” Kasimatis said. “He’s smart,
carries himself very well, and defense, as well, from his free is respected by all. Elijah is amore safety position. Fuseyamore a dual threat at quarterback. orners, will play one of the corners, He gives us the opportunity to with the athletic Regnier nier mix things up.” ition. manning a safety position. y on Taylor-White will play The team’s overall speed he will be a strength. Sewanhaka the defensive side of the will use multiple backs when it ball as well. runs the ball. Junior Shaheim As usual, Kasimatiss Taylor-White will lead a comve is optimistic. “You have mittee of running backs, each to be optimistic going capable of carrying the ball into the season,” Kasieffectively. Senior Kevin Fusey- matis said. “I like how amore and junior Myolritch things are looking at Beaubrun will also get plenty ot this point. We have a lot of touches out of the backfield. of speed and athleticism. sm. risp, Practices have been crisp, When Tracey goes to the and the overall work air, he’ll look to junior Yvans Oscar, and seniors Niko Rullo, ethic is very good. We don’t have the vocal and Trevor Regnier. Oscar leaders we’ve had had a breakout game in the in the past, but we playoff loss to Wantagh. Regnier is a sure-handed receiver have a few guys who are natural born who can go up and get it. Juniors Marty Lee-Mitchell and Stephane Eugene are both athletic players who give Tracey more options in the passing game. Senior Hanza Akram and Vladdimir Cange are the main cogs on the offensive line. Cange is a three-year varsity starter who will play both ways for the Tribe. Akram will likely man one of the defensive end slots. Junior Joe Annunziata will also play on the line on both sides of the ball. ELIJAH TRACEY Three-year player Adly Slater-Dacius returns in the secondary for Sewanhaka. leaders.” Slater-Dacius may see time The Indians will find out in the offensive backfield where they stand pretty as well. Lee-Mitchell brings quickly. After traveling to speed and athleticism to the Jericho and Elmont, Sewansecondary. haka breaks in its new turf Rulo, Beaubrun, and field when perennial power senior Mike Louissaint will Garden City comes to town lead the linebacking crew. in Week 3. The team will Eugene will play both safety also host conference newand outside linebacker. Louis- comer MacArthur, Manhassaint will play all over the set and Wantagh. field on special teams. Tracey is the leader of the
Hamza Akram
TREVOR REGNIER
Schedule September 12 @ Jericho 19 @ Elmont 26 Garden City
2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
October 2 10 17 24 31
@ Westbury MacArthur Manhasset @ Carey Wantagh
7:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by Ron Manfredi
48 — September 10, 2015
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
Rashad Tucker Freeport High School
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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
September 10, 2015 — 49
2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
SOUTH SIDE Rebuilding Cyclones made offseason strides
S
returns and will be key to op nobody ranked in the top stopping the run. werfive. Despite playing lower“He’s a big strong kid,” seeded teams, Onesto iss still outh Side has almost said Onesto of the 6-1 200 nge expecting a stiff challenge an entirely new roster pound Safir. “Getting in there due to the depth of the league. in 2015. as a sophomore he did a good “This might be one of The Cyclones graduated 23 job as a hole stuffer.” s,” the deepest conferences,” of 31 players from last year’s Onesto has a couple Onesto said. “Each week k 3-5 team that just missed out options at quarterback we have to get ready forr a on a playoff spot in Conferbetween senior Peter Malizia battle.” ence II. South Side moved and junior Shane Batyr. MalSouth Side kicks off down to Conference III due izia was backup last year and the 2015 season at Valto a drop in enrollment for is explosive as a runner while ley Stream North on this season and with such a Batyr started on junior varSept. 2 before facing young team is seeded at the sity and has strong arm. North Shore in its bottom of the 12-team league, South Side’s rushing attack home opener on but fifth-year head coach Phil features junior running backs Friday evening Onesto is encouraged by some Jonny Pickett, Ryan Langdon Sept. 18 at 5:30 p.m. of strides his players showed and Tashden Moore. Joe LiCal- The Cyclones’ schedule is in preseason practices. me zi, who has committed to play also highlighted by home “We have a young team, games versus neighboring lacrosse at Georgetown, will but we also have a chance to opponents on Oct. 3 against be one of receiving weapons be a very special team,” said Lynbrook and Oct. 30 against along with Disono, Michael Onesto, who as a wide receiv- Angelis and Dan Riordan. er helped lead South Side to Senior Timmy Awosika its last county title in 2001. “I came out for the football think we can surprise some team this season, and the people.” 6-foot-7 basketball standWith many new faces, out is rapidly picking up Onesto tried having slower the sport as a receiver. “He preseason practices to allow doesn’t play like someone the many younger players to who is playing for the get up to speed. first time,” said Onesto of “We’ve had to step back Awosika. “We are looking and slow things down and to get him involved with make sure everyone is on the the offense.” same page,” Onesto said. South Side’s defensive South Side’s lone returnfront should be strong ing two-way starter is senior led by Dantona along guard/linebacker Sam Danto- with Barrett and Seganti. JOHNNY PICKETT na, who Onesto said displayed Onesto is also happy leadership abilities by helpabout the development ing organize offseason workof Scott at defensive end outs. Dantona will anchor an as just a sophomore. “He has Hewlett. almost entirely new offensive very quick feet for a lineMaking the playoffs will line that features Jimmy Bar- man,” said Onesto of Scott. be a challenge, but is still rett, Sean Keever, Joey MarMoore and Tyler Riccio a goal entering the season. asco, Matthew Seganti and will help lead the defensive Onesto said he is seeking Tygah Scott. backfield as cornerbacks. improvement as the season “He is definitely looked at Picket will also be a comgoes along and toe be playing as a leader,” said Onesto of ponent of the secondary at their best football at the end. Dantona. strong safety. “All I can ask is for them Senior wide receiver Jose By being seeded at the bot- to give their all every day,” Bisono will be key weapon of tom of Conference III, South he said. “We’re going to the offense after starting as Side will face No. 11-seeded have our ups and downs a junior. South Junior defenNorth Shore and No. 10 Diviand just have to roll with sive tackle Wyatt Safir also sion twice apiece and plays the punches.”
BY ANDREW COEN
50 — September 10, 2015
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Sam Dantona
PETER MILIZIA
Schedule September 12 @ V.S. North 18 North Shore 26 @ Floral Park
2:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
October 3 10 17 23 30
Lynbrook Division @ North Shore @ Division Hewlett
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
Photos by Donovan Berthoud
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2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
V.S. CENTRAL Eagles set goal for a winning season
B
BY TONY BELLISSIMO
eing competitive every week and recording the first winning season in 20 years are two goals second-year head coach Bryan Goldman has for the 2015 Eagles, who come off a 2-6 campaign. “We don’t want to concede to anyone,” Goldman said. “The thing we need most around here is competitive football every week. There are at least six games on our schedule that can go either way. We need to pull out most of them to have our first winning season since 1994.” Goldman was inspired by the turnout of 40 kids for the opening day of camp. “Everyone did some soul searching during the offseason,” he said. “Our numbers are up and we’ve got a real nice group of seniors that I’ve coached going back to Junior High.” Two of Central’s 21 seniors will form a solid 1-2 punch coming out of the backfield for an offense that struggled to find consistency a year ago. Thomas Logan (5-10, 210 pounds) can shed tackles and contribute in the passing game with a reliable set of hands, and Anthony Thomas (5-10, 190) brings a combination of size and quickness. Junior Jamal Velox, who made the move from the soccer pitch to the gridiron last season, provides breakaway speed to the ground attack. For the third time in as many seasons, Central has a new quarterback. Goldman is excited about the upside of junior Stephen Sanchez, who’s a little undersized but possesses all the tools. “He’s a quarterback prodigy,” Goldman said. “He’s been coming down to the field since he’s 5 TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
years old. He knows the game Port Washington, in addition dition really well and he’s a strong to Oceanside and Hempstead. stead. pocket passer.” “It’s a manageable schedule,” dule,” The offensive line boasts Goldman said. “We’re scrimcrima good amount of experimaging Mepham to help p us ence and size, led by seniors get ready.” Kristian Gabbidon and Defensively, Goldman n is Corey Saltzman at left guard keeping a 4-2-5 alignment nt and left tackle, respectively. ls to where everything funnels “Kristian’s all muscle and the talented Beauval in the plays with a lot of emotion,” secondary. “I’m real excited ited Goldman said. Saltzman, to see what he’ll do this who also returns as the year,” the coach noted. punter, plays with a chip on Brownlow is the strong his shoulder and finishes safety, with Velox servblocks well. Senior Alejandro ing as the backup. Cruz returns at right guard, Clarke and senior sophomore Prince Williams is Sam Falana are the slated to work at right tackle starting corners. after getting his feet wet on Logan will make varsity late last season, and om all the defensive calls from senior Tyler Jenkins tops the the middle linebacker posiosidepth chart at center. e’s got tion, Goldman said. “He’s When Sanchez comes out a high football IQ,” the coach throwing, he’ll look the way of senior Shakai Brownlow often. Brownlow had a key punt return for a touchdown in the Eagles’ victory over Port Washington last fall. “He’s the most athletic receiver we’ve got,” Goldman said. “If the ball is anywhere near him, he’ll go up and get it. He’s also a great cover guy on defense.” Central’s top defender, senior Scheelener BeauANTHONY THOMAS val, earned All-Conference honors a year ago as a free safety. He’ll also line up opposite Brownlow at receiver. explained. Thomas and Junior Shalome Clarke, the senior Rudini Erisnor, who JV’s leading receiver in 2014, made tremendous strides has an excellent rapport with since last season, are the Sanchez after serving as his outside linebackers. No. 1 target. Up front on defense, senior Jomyah Castor is The offense—and a reliable run-stuffer with defense—will be tested out a high motor. He and Gabof the gate by Freeport, the bidon will be the ends, with highest-seeded opponent on Saltzman, Williams, Cruz the Eagles’ docket. Other home games are against Her- and senior Jarrett Gaither forming a rotation at tackle. ricks, Port Washington and Hicksville. No. 13 Central will also travel to Herricks and HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Scheelener Beauval
TOM LOGAN
Schedule September 12 Freeport 19 @ Port Wash. 26 Herricks
2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
October 3 10 17 23 31
@ Oceanside @ Hempstead Port Wash. @ Herricks Hicksville
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by Peter Frutkoff
September 10, 2015 — 55
2015 HERALD High School Football Preview
2015
NASSAU COUNTY FOOTBALL RANKINGS CONFERENCE I 1. Syosset Braves 2. East Meadow Jets 3. Massapequa Chiefs 4. Farmingdale Dalers 5. Baldwin Bruins 6. Freeport Red Devils 7. Oceanside Sailors 8. Plainview Hawks 9. Uniondale Knights 10. Hicksville Comets 11. Herricks Highlanders 12. Hempstead Tigers 13. V.S. Central Eagles 14. Port Washington Vikings
CONFERENCE II 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.
Carey Seahawks Garden City Trojans Wantagh Warriors Elmont Spartans Mepham Pirates Long Beach Marines Westbury Green Dragons Sewanhaka Indians Calhoun Colts Herricks Highlanders New Hyde Park Gladiators Kennedy Cougars Jericho Jayhawks G.N. South Rebels
CONFERENCE III 1. Plainedge Red Devils 2. Lawrence Golden Tornadoes 3. Bethpage Golden Eagles 4. Roosevelt Rough Riders 5. Glen Cove Big Red 6. Hewlett Bulldogs 7. Lynbrook Owls 8. V.S. North Spartans 56 — September 10, 2015
Matt Mascia, East Meadow High School
9. Floral Park Falcons 10. Division Dragons 11. North Shore Vikings 12. South Side Cyclones
CONFERENCE IV 1. Seaford Vikings 2. Locust Valley Falcons 3. Clarke Rams 4. West Hempstead Rams 5. C.S. Harbor Seahawks HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
6. Malverne Mules 7. Roslyn Bulldogs 8. East Rockaway Rocks 9. Island Trees Bulldogs 10. V.S. South Falcons 11. Carle Place Frogs 12. Mineola Mustangs 13. G.N. North Blazers 14. Friends Academy Quakers 15. G.N. South Rebels 16. Oyster Bay Baymen Photo by J.Heck
HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
V.S. NORTH Spartans aim to extend successful stretch
A
BY TONY BELLISSIMO
fter reaching at least the Conference IV semifinals three years in a row, Valley Stream North held its own last fall following a move to a demanding Conference III. The Spartans won five games and came up short at Hewlett in the opening round of the playoffs. “There’s a large number of quality teams in the conference,” VSN head coach Tom Schiavo said. “It’s extremely physical and every week is a playoff environment. We were pleased with a lot of things we accomplished, but we weren’t totally satisfied.” North graduated 26 players and returned 30. The Spartans are seeded eighth in the 12-team conference and open at home against South Side on Sept. 12. “We lost a ton of experienced and talented kids,” Schiavo said. “But the kids we bring back are very hungry and have high expectations of themselves. They’re high-character, multisport athletes who work extremely hard.” Senior Jamil ViuadGaspard, a third-year starting lineman, sets the tone on both sides of the ball. He’s a 6-foot-4, 240-pound captain described by Schiavo as “the hardest-working kid I’ve ever coached.” Having ViuadGaspard at left tackle, protecting the blind side of North’s new starting quarterback, helps Schiavo sleep better. “His desire and passion is unmatched,” the coach said. The additional pieces on the offensive line are beginning to mold into shape. Senior O’Neil Anderson projects as the starting left guard, while ongoing position battles at center (seniors Matt MarTO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000
tino and Anthony Izzo), right g going real fast and building tackle (Michael Schwartz and up endurance,” he noted. Damien Rodriguez), and right At the point of attack, guard (Carlos Villette and Kyle Viaud-Gaspard will be used d at McGoey) will make for a deep tackle and end. “We plan on n group. “It’s nice to have depth him being very disruptive,”” on the line,” Schiavo said. the coach said. Anderson, Vilnd lette, Martino, Schwartz and The Spartans graduated McNeill could all see time on the majority of their skill o the defensive line, with two position starters. Last year’s likely to start. JV quarterback, sophomore d Ferraiolo is a hard-nosed John Ruddick, is set to take over the controls of the varsi- linebacker who covers a lott ty offense. “He’s worked hard of ground. He’ll start insidee des to earn the job,” Schiavo said. and lead a group that includes ez. Walsh, Times and Rodriguez. “He makes smart decisions.” Feliu starts on the outside, Senior Patrick Kearney is nte with senior Nick DiClemente another capable signal-caller and junior Nick Romano who could serve as one of ready to contribute. Ruddick’s main targets. ey, In the secondary, Kearney, Seniors Frank Tashman and Tom DeMatteis are work- DeMatteis and Carey form a talented group of coring as shot receivers, and nerbacks, and Cali and seniors Dylan Feliu, Rory Carey and Jordan McNeill will be split-wide. “We have six guys who have good hands and can catch passes,” Schiavo said. Coming out of the backfield, senior Isaiah Walsh could prove a handful for opposing defenses. He had two touchdowns in last year’s win over Division. “He can bruise and batter, and he can also catch the ball,” Schiavo said. Senior Nick Cali has good vision and speed, JAMIL VIAUD-GASPARD and sophomore Shamari Griffith can run outside the tackles and is tough to track down in the open field. Griffith comprise a solid tandem at safety. Fullback is a key in North’s Schiavo, who is excited scheme, Schiavo said, and to add veteran coach Tom seniors David Olivo, Patrick Pugh to the staff, said SpeFerraiolo and Jarred Times, cial teams remain a work in along with junior Akil Champrogress. Carey will handle pagne, could contribute. “It takes a selfless player to do what punting duties, but there’s open competition for all a fullback does,” Schiavo said. other areas. While the coach said the Homecoming is set for defense played well a year ago, he added there’s room for Oct. 17 when the Spartans welcome Hewlett for a play improvement. “We’ve been HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
Dylan Feliu
off rematch. Other home games are against Floral Park in Week 4, and Lawrence in Week 8.
NICK CALI
Schedule September 12 South Side 19 @ Lynbrook 26 @ Plainedge
2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
October 3 10 17 24 31
Floral Park 3:00 p.m. @ Roosevelt 2:00 p.m. Hewlett 2:00 p.m. @ North Shore 2:00 p.m. Lawrence 2:00 p.m. Photos by Jeff Wilson
September 10, 2015 — 57
2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
V.S. SOUTH Falcons set sights on playoff appearance
A
BY TONY BELLISSIMO
year after making the transition from Conference III to IV, finishing with three wins in their last four games following an 0-4 start, the Falcons are eying a fast start and a playoff spot under first-year head coach Joe Gustafeste. Gustafeste, the head coach at Valley Stream Central from 2000-03 and longtime South assistant under Lance Griffin, who led the Falcons since 1983 and logged more than 100 victories, is pushing the tempo in practice in hopes to increase the team’s chances of success in the early going. “We’ve finished strong three years in a row,” said Gustafeste, who noted since 2012 the Falcons are 1-11 over the first four weeks and 9-3 over the last four weeks. “We’re looking to make the playoffs,” he added. “In order to be a playoff team, we need to win those games on the fence that on paper can go either way.” Seeded No. 10 in the 16-team conference, South has a pivotal opener at eighthranked East Rockaway on Sept. 12. The Falcons are home the following Saturday against second-seeded Locust Valley and also face No. 4 West Hempstead on the road in Week 6. Gustafeste maintained his role as offensive coordinator and has a newbie at the controls of the Wing-T scheme. Junior quarterback Ozzy Traill is a three-sport athlete who gained experience running the system at the JV level a year ago. “He understands how the system works and he can throw the ball and run it,” Gustafeste said. “He’s looked pretty good in practice.” 58 — September 10, 2015
Isaiah TayThe coach noted in lor topped certain packages, senior the depth Malik Dorant will line up at chart in quarterback where he can make things happen with his camp. With a athleticism. “He’s our best roster of athlete and we need to get him the ball,” Gustafeste said fewer than 30 players, of Dorant, a running back including just with excellent vision and the a handful of ability to reach another gear. lseniors, the FalJunior Johnny Reyes is a hard-nosed, between the tack- cons need mostt to ty and les runner who can grind out pull double duty contribute on both sides tough yards. Junior Lenny tt Johnsen of the ball. Matt Greif is fast and shifty, and efensive coortakes over as defensive junior Joe Sammarone can run, catch and block from the dinator and will continue to employ the 4-4 alignment that wing spot. assistant Scott Steuber ran. The efforts of the guards The run-stopping ability up front are key to the system’s success, Gustafeste said. of linebackers Reyes and Cordero is one thing Gustafeste is South’s lone returning lineman who started all eight games in 2014, junior Justin Cortez, is moving from center to guard, and sophomore Abe Cordero, who started the majority of games, returns to the position. “Justin is extremely smart and uses his body well,” the coach said. “Abe’s a physical presence and gained valuable experience last year.” The new center is sophomore Anthony Bellomo, the JV starter last fall who brings quick feet and MALIK DORANT hands to the varsity huddle. Junior tackle Chris Roberts, also up from JV, knows how to take care of his counting on. They’ll work assignment. The other tackle the inside, with Dorant and spot will be manned by junior either Greif or Sammarone Ryan Rizzo, a converted tight on the outside. Greif is also a candidate to start in the end, or senior Syed Shah. secondary along with Traill Junior Zion Guzman Milton provides the quarterback and DeFreitas at cornerback. The projected starting with a big target at tight end. defensive front has Cortez He’ll also handle punting and Taylor at end, and Robduties and extra-point tries. erts and Rizzo at tackle. The offense usually calls for Gustafeste said scrimjust one wide receiver on the line of scrimmage, and senior maging Calhoun, a member of Conference II, will help Shane DeFreitas and junior
Justin Cortez
the Falcons prepare for the opener and beyond.
OZZY TRAILL
Schedule September 12 @ East Rock. 19 Locust Valley 26 @ Friends Aca.
2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
October 3 10 17 24 31
Malverne G.N. South @ West Hemp. Mineola @ Oyster Bay
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by J. Heck
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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2015 HERALD High School Football Preview
WANTAGH Warriors bring back a solid, experienced nucleus much of its offensive line City and Long Beach including Michael Korwan to be in the mix vying (center), Kyle Loney (tackle), for that county title. Mark Buchner (guard) and “It is one heck of a antagh was loaded Sean Colbert (guard). league,” Sachs said. “We have with youth last On the defensive side of a tough schedule.” season, but returns the ball, Sachs is looking to Wantagh faces a challenge nge multiple core players from a cornerback John Burke to ept. right out of the gate on Sept. 6-4 squad that could be poised help lead a secondary unit her 12 against MacArthur. Other for a 2015 playoff run. that lost safety Vinny Vasheo games that could go a longg The Warriors, who lost 29 to graduation. Sachs said way toward determining the players from the 2013 team, Matt Robbins could take over Warriors’ playoff positionnrode a four-game winning Vasheo’s safety spot. ng ing are Sept. 26 versus Long streak at the end of last seaThe linebacker corps is led Beach, Oct. 3 at Carey and d Oct. son before a Conference II by brothers Bobby and Gavin 24 against Garden City. semifinal setback to Garden Casey along with Colbert. Joe Sachs said the regular City. Wantagh has made the Valenti is expected to start on season games are imporplayoffs 19 times in the last 20 the defensive line. tant, but once the playoffs years. Who will earn the spotlight begin it is a fresh start “I thought we really played on special teams was still and anything can happen. well at the end of last year unknown as August practices Wantagh’s string of 19 playoff yoff and hopefully we can pick were wrapping up. Sliwak as appearances in 20 years has it up from there,” said head served as punter last year and included playing at Hofstra’s a’s coach Keith Sachs, who has also returned kicks with 130 wins in his more than two Beckwith. Last year’s decades leading the program kicker Chris Taibi was including two county titles. lost to graduation and “We really picked it up as the Sachs wasn’t sure yet year went on.” during the first week of Wantagh returns most of its preseason practice who skilled players including senior might take over the kickquarterback Robert Tucker, ing duties. who went 9-of-13 for 196 yards Sachs credits his longin the Warriors’ 30-21 county time coaching staff of quarterfinal win against Tony Carter (defensive Sewanhaka. Senior Matt Legovcoordinator) and Jim ich will back up Tucker. Moro (line coach) for Two of Tucker’s big weapmuch of Wantagh’s sucons last year are back for cess in recent years. The their senior seasons are wing coaches have stayed by back Dylan Beckwith and AllCOREY SACHS Sachs’ side for the last Conference tight end Corey decade with the three fosSachs. Running backs Kyle tering a positive working Sliwak and Bruno Surace also relationship in that stretch. Shuart Stadium 18 times, return to bolster Wantagh’s “We are like family,” said which the Warriors can offensive attack, which Sachs Sachs of working with Carter achieve again by making hopes will be a balanced and Moro on the sideline. the semifinal round. Wantground and passing game. “They do a great job.” agh captured the 2001 Long Surace started at fullback Island championship and last Wantagh is seeded fourth last year before suffering an won a county title in 2004. in a highly competitive Coninjury early in the campaign. ference II that Carey has won “It doesn’t matter if you “The strength of our team the last two years while going are the one, two or three is our skilled players,” said undefeated. Neighborhood seed because once you reach Sachs, who played football rival MacArthur returns the playoffs you are a couple and baseball at Hofstra in the to the league after a year in wins away from something late 80s. “Teams will have to Conference I and is seeded sec- special,” Sachs said. “We defend everyone.” ond. Sachs also expects Garden always have high goals.” Wantagh also returns
W
BY ANDREW COEN
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Rob Tucker
xx
DYLAN BECKWITH
Schedule September 12 MacArthur 19 @ N.H. Park 26 Long Beach
2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
October 3 10 17 24 31
@ Carey Westbury @ Elmont Garden City @ Sewanhaka
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by Peter Frutkoff
September 10, 2015 — 61
2015 HERALD High g School Football Preview
WEST HEMPSTEAD Rams put frustrating year behind them
T
BY ANDREW MCCLURE
o say it was a strange 2014 football season at West Hempstead would be an understatement. The Rams finished with a disappointing mark of 3-6. However, if a handful of plays and calls had gone West Hempstead’s way, it could have finished with six or seven wins. The team held leads in the second half in four of five regular-season losses. A senior-laden team will take the field in Conference IV, a league that figures to be led by Seaford and Locust Valley. West Hempstead is seeded fourth in the conference. Perennial power Roosevelt, the four-time defending champion, moved to Conference III. The Rams were knocked off by the Rough Riders in the opening round of the 2014 playoffs. West Hempstead head coach Dom Carre likes the effort he’s getting in camp, but is unsure how things will play out on the field. “The guys worked real hard in the offseason, and the skill position players have experience running our stuff, but I really don’t know what to expect at this point,” Carre said. “So far, we are looking OK. The guys work hard, and they’re athletic. I think we should be in the mix.” Taking over at quarterback will be Ryan Sandberg. The senior signal-caller didn’t play as a junior, but is intelligent, athletic, and possesses a strong throwing arm. Sandberg played quarterback for the JV as a freshman and sophomore. Carre believes the hard work his quarterback put in during the offseason has him prepared to lead West Hempstead’s double62 — September 10, 2015
The secondary wing attack. should be a strength The Rams have a slew of for West Hempstead. options out of the backfield. Magaraci and Sandberg With no prototypical go-to running back, it will be back- will man the corners, with Beaubrun and Sheel-field by committee. Vinny Messina returns after an inju- er handling safety duties. m ry-riddled junior season. Mes- Carre likes the athleticism of his defensive backs. sina is a hard-nosed fullback o If West Hempstead is to who opens up holes, picks be successful, it will need up the tough yards between solid play from its guys the tackles, and also has the up front. “After being speed to take it outside. in the program for so Noel Beaubrun and many years, our skill Tommy Cannisi should get players have a firm the bulk of the carries, with understanding of what fellow senior Nick Magaraci we do on offense, but the lining up in multiple posihe line is inexperienced at the tions. Cannisi is versatile enough to play both wingback varsity level,” Carre said. “We need to get everyone up and fullback. Beaubrun sufoles to speed. We have some holes fered an injury, last season, but is healthy and ready to go that we have to fill on the line. as a senior. The Rams are at their best when they’re running the ball effectively and controlling the clock, but don’t be surprised if they look to throw the ball a bit more in 2015. When Sandberg goes to the air he’ll look to hook up with Magaraci and senior tight end Brendan Sheeler. There’s uncertainty on the line on both sides of the ball. Seniors Jon Greve and Brian Patterson are the only RYAN SANDBERG returning starters in the trenches. Greve will be a two-way starter, while The sophomores are showPatterson will man an offening some promise.” sive tackle position. Carre is West Hempstead will hopeful that a pair of sophohave a huge test right out of mores, Emerson Maldanado and Tyron Ross, will be ready the gate. The Rams travel to Locust Valley to take on to step in to starting roles. the No. 2 Falcons on Friday, As is the norm in ConferSept. 11. The home opener ence IV, many of the offenisn’t until Week 3 when sive starters will line up Cold Spring Harbor comes on defense as well. Cannisi to town. and Messina will lead the linebacking corps. They’ll be joined by junior newcomer Xavier Delmar.
Noel Beaubrun
TOMMY CANNISI
Schedule September 11 @ Locust Valley 4:30 p.m. 19 @ Mineola 2:00 p.m. 26 C.S. Harbor 2:00 p.m.
October 3 10 17 24 31
Seaford @ East Rock. V.S. South @ Clarke Malverne
3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Photos by J. Heck
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
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