Football Preview 2021 - Central Zone

2021 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS PREVIEW

FOOTBALL SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS 8/30/21 2:56 PM

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

TEAM INDEX

Football Preview A special advertising supplement to the Herald Community Newspapers

Baldwin Bruins ................................ 4 Calhoun Colts................................. 7 Carey Seahawks ............................. 8 Clarke Rams................................... 9 East Meadow Jets ........................ 10 East Rockaway Rocks................... 12 Elmont Spartans .......................... 14 Freeport Red Devils ...................... 15 Hempstead Tigers.......................... 16 Hewlett Bulldogs .......................... 20 Kennedy Cougars ......................... 22 Lawrence Golden Tornadoes ......... 23 Long Beach Marines..................... 24 Lynbrook Owls .............................. 31 MacArthur Generals ..................... 34 Malverne Mules ............................ 35 Mepham Pirates ........................... 36 Oceanside Sailors ........................ 38 Seaford Vikings ............................ 41 Sewanhaka Indians ...................... 42 South Side Cyclones .................... 44 Uniondale Knights ......................... 48 Valley Stream Central Eagles ........ 49 Valley Stream North Spartans ...... 51 Valley Stream South Falcons ........ 52 Wantagh Warriors ......................... 54 West Hempstead Rams ................ 55

Editor TONY BELLISSIMO Photo Editor CHRISTINA DALY Page Editor JEFF BESSEN Contributing Sportswriters TONY BELLISSIMO ANDREW COEN BRIAN KACHARABA Creative Director Editorial Designer JEFFREY A. NEGRIN ON THE COVER

Liam Casey Wantagh High School Photo by Ron Manfredi

Cover Design - Jeffrey A. Negrin Photographer - Eric Dunetz Cover Photo - Charlie McKee, Oceanside High School

Football Preview is an advertising supplement to the Herald Community Newspapers.

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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September 9, 2021 — 3

2021 HERALD High School Football ball Preview

BALDWIN New coach, conference for rejuvenated Bruins

T

By TONY BELLISSIMO

and catch passes for the offense as an athletic receiver.

“Cadeem has a quick first step and is here’s a new era for Baldwin difficult to block on football. defense and hard For the first time since the to cover on offense,” late 1980s, someone other than Chimienti said. Davidson Stephen Carroll is leading the brings topnotch technique Bruins as head coach. Frank Chimienti, former head coach at Valley and also returns as a startStream Central and an assistant at ing offensive guard.

A wrist injury sidelined Mills Freeport for the past five seasons, in the spring, but Chimienti is has taken over the help and is thrilled about the energy displayed counting on the 6-1, 235-pounder to be an every-down contributor. during summer workouts.

Bonsu has never played a down of “It’s not like I’m taking over football but possesses a combinaa program in need of a rebuild,” Chimienti said. “Baldwin has such tion of skill, size, strength and work ethic that turned heads in recent a great tradition and there’s a months. “He just has to learn lot of talent around town. We’ve started working with the Bombers football but seriously the sky’s the limit,” Chimienti said. “Everyone youth program and everyone’s excited about getting ready for the is amazed at what he’s shown and we can’t wait to see him in a opener.”

Scrimmaging against perennial game.”

The secondary has depth, led powers Freeport and Plainedge can only help the Bruins, seeded No. 9 by seniors Sean Platt at cornerout of 14 teams, for what’s in store back and Kevin Wallace at safety. for their first-ever game in Nassau Others in the mix include senior Jamir Stewart, junior Anthony Conference II. They’ll hit the road to face five-time defending county Byron and sophomore Aubrey champion Garden City. “We want Brown. Juniors Jason Rivera and Eugene Brown enter the fray at to be as prepared as we can linebacker. and let the chips fall where they Bonsu could wind up the may,” Chimienti said. “We have featured running back, but the no control over what conference Bruins also have Byron coming we’re in. We just want to improve off a strong season at the JV level each week.” and sophomore Shane Mauldin as Baldwin, off a 2-4 finish in Conference I last season, will look additional tough, physical options.

How much the offense will for its front four comprised of one go to the air will depend on the senior, one junior and a pair of opponent and situation, Chimienti sophomores to set the tone on said. Ramsay and fellow seniors defense. It’ll be senior Cadeem Ramsay and soph Rodney Mills at Daniel Taylor and Kevin Wallace the ends, with junior Kwasi Bonsu lead the wideout group. Taylor has plenty of attributes to make things and soph Jake Davidson holding happen down the field, while Waldown the fort in the middle. lace is 6-1 and can move.

Ramsay and Davidson logged Senior Zach Kirchner, who has major minutes last season and hardly came off the field. Ramsay, starting experience and improved arm strength, and freshman Angel who is 6-foot-4 and runs well, can be disruptive as a pass rusher Johnson, are both working at 4 — September 9, 2021

a

Kwasi Bonsu

quarterback. Chimienti said both will see action and certain packages could have Johnson split wide.

Junior D.J. Ward steps up to assume the center position after

SEAN PLATT

solid showing on JV. “He’s strong and does a nice job with assignments and snaps,” Chimienti said. Jack Pace, another sophomore, is in the mix to start.

JAKE DAVIDSON

Schedule 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 RODNEY MILLS

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September @ Garden City 2:00 p.m.

Glen Cove 2:00 p.m. @ New Hyde Park 2:00 p.m.

October Sewanhaka 3:00 p.m.

Mepham 2:00 p.m. @ Calhoun 2:00 p.m.

Carey 2:00 p.m. @ Roslyn 2:00 p.m.

Photos by Jeff Wilson

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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

CALHOUN Colts eager to return to success

By BRIAN KACHARABA

T

he dark cloud that has followed the Calhoun Colts appears to be lifting.

The lengthy losing streak that marred the past two seasons is finally over and there will also be a lot of new faces in the starting lineup to go with their already competitive spirit. All of that could result in a bounce-back season and a return to the playoffs.

Calhoun dropped 14 straight games since its semifinal playoff loss to Garden City in 2018 and almost stopped the skid twice last spring in close defeats to Long Beach (12-6 in double overtime) and Sewanhaka (7-0). But things finally went the Colts’ way in the season finale, when they jumped out a 21-point halftime lead over Kennedy en route to a 28-18 victory.

Head coach Brian Moeller is relieved the slump didn’t carry over to the fall.

“The kids played their best game of the season [against Kennedy] , which was great to see for them,” Moeller said. “There were kids who were juniors who went into that game going, ‘I haven’t won a varsity football game in my career.’ We were just not getting it done. That was a big win and we tried to parlay that into momentum for this season.”

Unfortunately, the players directly involved in the scoring that day are no longer with the team.

But the school’s JV squad went a perfect 6-0 last season and there could be some potential stars coming through the pipeline.

“That was the best JV team we’ve had record-wise since I’ve been at Calhoun,” Moeller said. ”That says something about the kind of kids who were down on the JV and played together as a TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

team. We have some kids coming up that we think are going to be able to help us.”

There is a quarterback competition at training camp between last year’s backup, senior Wyatt Knowles, and sophomore Danny Goodman. Knowles can “throw the ball 50 yards”, according to Moeller, while Goodman was under center during the JV’s undefeated season.

“We’re going to see what happens the first two weeks of camp, where jobs are won and lost,” Moeller said of the quarterback competition.

Athletic junior Peter Thomann is back after missing the spring campaign and is poised for a big season at tailback, with senior Max Smith providing the holes at fullback. Senior Matthew-Jayson Edouard and junior Isaiah Hernandez could also receive some carries with junior Josh Bailey providing relief at fullback.

Receiver Joe Guastafeste Jr. will also be relied on to move the chains. Awareness is his strong suit, a trait he may have learned from his father, Joe Sr., who is the varsity coach at Valley Stream South. “He’s a really smart receiver,” Moeller said. “He gets the game, understands how to get open [and] knows where he has to be and how to get there.”

There are also some big-target tight ends in 6-foot-4 seniors Gavin Grech and Bryan Pena.

The pair will join an offensive line that features third-year starters Anthony Cunha (tackle) and Michael Patti (guard) and 6-foot4, 340-pound sophomore Tanner Kranmas (center). Dan Borger, Gabe Borgese, David Lennon and Jared Getzler are competing for the other spots.

Cunha, Gretch and nose tackle Kranmas will flip to the defensive line and Moeller is hoping for

continued production from Patti there as well. Smith will retain his starting middle linebacker spot with Josh Bailey, Luke Paolillo and Thomann manning the outside.

Speedy Kyle Auty will start at safety in addition to his receiver duties and should to line up next to fellow junior Adian Higgins.

Hernandez, Guastafeste, and Alexander Chen are among the cornerback candidates.

MAX SMITH

Matt Edouard

JOSEPH GUASTAFESTE

Schedule September 11 @ Sewanhaka 2:00 p.m.

18 Carey 2:00 p.m.

25 @ Roslyn 2:00 p.m.

October 2 Herricks 3:00 p.m.

9 @ New Hyde Park 2:00 p.m.

16 Baldwin 2:00 p.m.

23 Glen Cove 2:00 p.m.

30 @ Mepham 2:00 p.m.

ANTHONY CUNHA

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Photos by Jeff Wilson

September 9, 2021 — 7

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

CAREY Seahawks ready to fly into playoffs again

By TONY BELLISSIMO

gest kid.” Sophomore William Toliver got a taste of varsity field and ripped off 47 yards on seven arly season struggles coupled touches in a victory over New with a myriad of key injuries Hyde Park. “He has breakaway were the root causes of speed and potential to be pretty perennial contender Carey missing involved,” the coach explained. the Conference II playoffs with a Senior Kyle Lewis will serve as 2-3 record against Nassau foes. the No. 1 target in the passing The Seahawks, who had their game and also head the return youth on display on both sides units and defensive backfield. of the line, are better situated up Lewis had four touchdown recepfront, head coach Mike Stanley tions last season and led the team said, and feature arguably the best in receiving yards. Senior Shane all-around athlete in the conferHogan also brings a solid skill set ence in senior quarterback Dean and will contribute. “Kyle’s the Metzger, an All-County selection in most complete wideout we’ve football and lacrosse. had,” Stanley said. “His route “We’ll go as Dean goes,” running is excellent and he has Stanley said. “He’s a freak athlete great hands and speed. He’s a trewho’s only going to get better. He mendous weapon and not coming played off the charts in four of six off the field.” games last season and grew as a The offensive line has more leader.” answers than questions with four In Carey’s conference wins, juniors and a couple of seniors Metzger racked up 496 rushing giving Carey a six-deep group. yards and six touchdowns to go Senior Carter Kurz started every along with 254 passing yards and game at guard, while junior five scores. He also shrugged off Gianluca Magliaro started at three interceptions in a hardeither guard or tackle and held fought 35-34 non-conference his own going up against more overtime loss to Sachem North experienced opponents. Junior with four total touchdowns and Jake Berenger enjoyed a quality a pair of two-point conversion offseason and tops the depth throws. He was a finalist for chart at center. Senior Dominick the Snyder Award, given to the Romano added muscle and brings county’s top signal-caller. He’s varsity experience to the trenches. backed up by his junior brother, Junior Vin Tierney features a nice Matt, who led the JV at quartercombination of quick footwork back and could work his way into and toughness, Stanley noted, and the receiver corps. can handle a tackle spot while Aside from Metzger, the roster junior Jaden Paz has what it takes has no proven runners but Stanley to be a reliable two-way starter on the line. is hopeful senior Joseph Bonelli, Defensively, the Seahawks coming off a hand injury, can do allowed at least 27 points in all some damage, and senior Ray six games last season and have Bedeian returns to health from plenty of room for improvement. a knee injury that cost him most They’ll look to Bonelli, Bedeian, of last spring. “Bonelli can be impossible to block,” Stanley said. Tierney and senior Michael Rivera to lead the way at linebacker, and “He doesn’t have experience on offense but I’m not worried about for Lewis and senior Alexander it. He’s pound-for-pound our stron- Almache in the secondary.

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8 — September 9, 2021

Seeded third, Carey opens at home against Mepham and welcomes five-time defending county champion Garden City to town a few weeks later. Stanley, a Baldwin graduate, gets to face his alma mater Oct. 23. “Our schedule is typically tough,” he said. “I can’t remember the last time I was back at Baldwin. It’ll be exciting.”

Dean Metzger

KYLE LEWIS

JOE BONELLI

Schedule September 11 Mepham 3:00 p.m.

18 @ Calhoun 2:00 p.m.

25 Garden City 2:00 p.m.

October 2 @ Elmont 7:00 p.m.

8 @ MacArthur 7:00 p.m.

16 New Hyde Park 2:00 p.m.

23 @ Baldwin 2:00 p.m.

30 V.S. Central 3:00 p.m.

RAY BEDEIAN

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Photos by Brian Ballweg

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

CLARKE Clarke begins new era with a familiar face

By ANDREW COEN

no returns to lead Clarke’s spread Wing T offense after a stellar junior season in which he finished as evin O’Hagan has assumed runner-up for Conference IV Player the role as Clarke’s new of the Year honors. He serves as a head coach after serving dual threat with his running and as an offensive coordinator the passing abilities. past three seasons. He previously Possible targets for Giardino was the Rams’ junior varsity head out of the backfield or receiver coach for 10 years following and include running back Jack Forte has also led the Clarke Middle and wide receiver Sean Welsh. The School football program early in versatile Anthony Sforza and Justin his coaching career.

Rindner will be slotted either in the “It’s very special to be taking backfield or split out at receiver. over after having gone through O’Hagan said the tight end posievery level along the way,” said tion is up for grabs entering the O’Hagan, who replaced Tim season.

O’Malley after he opted to join the A major key, according to coaching staff at West Hempstead. O’Hagan, will be the success of his “It’s nice to make it to the top offensive line anchored by Liam of the program after climbing all Farrell, who earned All-Conference those ladders all those years.” accolades last season. Senior O’Hagan has hit the ground center Mike Delaney also returns running in his first year as head as does Tyler Benowitz, who is coach with offseason training four expected to switch from tight end days a week during the summer. to guard or tackle this fall. SophoHe said a big message during more Anthony Velez also earned those preseason workouts was a some varsity experience at times readiness for taking on a number as a freshman and senior Will of positions.

Fulay, who missed last season, are “If you are in great shape and also poised to make strides this you are strong and fast you can season as starters. play multiple positions in the high Defensively, O’Hagan is hoping school level,” O’Hagan said. “In for a big season from senior a small school with Conference John Bower, who will likely start IV versatility is gold because you at either nose tackle or middle don’t have a roster of 50 kids and linebacker and junior cornerback injuries can sometimes become a Tom Roche. The 3-5 defense problem.” will also feature Giardino (free Clarke finished 4-2 in the spring safety), Forte (linebacker), Sforza and just missed out on qualifying (linebacker), Farrell (defensive end) for the four-team playoff field. The and Delaney (defensive end or Rams enter the new campaign linebacker), Welsh (linebacker or seeded third in Conference IV strong safety), Rindner (defensive back.) and in strong position to make a championship push as the Clarke, which opened the new postseason reverts back to an season earlier than normal on eight-team field. The Rams will get Labor Day weekend against toptested immediately out of the gate seeded North Shore after press by top-seeded North Shore, which time, will travel to second-seeded Seaford on Oct. 9. The Rams close lost in last season’s title game to the regular season versus Cold Wantagh.

Senior quarterback Nick Giardi- Spring Harbor and Locust Valley

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following a late-season bye week on Oct. 16 that O’Hagan hopes proves positive in gearing his team up for a possible deep playoff run that could culminate in the school’s first county title since 1997.

“Assuming we can stay healthy I think we have a lot of really good pieces to compete for the title,” O’Hagan said.

Nicholas Giardino

LIAM FARRELL

MIKE DELANEY

Schedule

September North Shore 2:00 p.m. @ Carle Place 2:00 p.m.

Malverne 2:00 p.m. @ West Hempstead 6:30 p.m.

October 2 East Rockaway 3:00 p.m.

9 @ Seaford 2:00 p.m.

16 Bye 2:00 p.m.

22 @ C.S. Harbor 7:00 p.m.

30 Locust Valley 4:30 p.m.

4 11 18 24

ANTHONY SFORZA

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Photos by Brian Ballweg

September 9, 2021 — 9

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

EAST MEADOW Jets rebuilding after semifinal appearance

By TONY BELLISSIMO

can accelerate in the open field,” Baglivo said of McIntyre, who on defense moves from cornerback to ast Meadow made a sucfree safety. Terino, a junior, raked cessful return to Nassau at the JV level and led the team to Conference I last season a 5-1 mark. He’ll also play outside after a brief stint in II. The seniorlinebacker. “Brian is dynamic and led Jets went 4-2 and pitched a fast and has great vision out of couple of shutouts in the process the backfield,” Baglivo said. “On of being one of the last four teams defense he’s relentless in pursuit.” standing.

Junior Joe Festa and sophomore Now in rebuilding mode with Nick Longardino are both working only a couple of starters returning, at fullback and looking to crack the new head coach Frank Baglivo is defensive rotation at linebacker. looking for a positive summer proTopping the depth chart at regram to serve as the springboard ceiver is senior Brian Sureless, a big to another playoff push. Seeded target with reliable hands and a seventh in the 12-team conference, contagious work ethic. Senior tight the Jets open at home against end Jake Barker will be utilized as defending county champion Mass- a sixth linemen essentially but also apequa in a rematch of a playoff see an occasional toss in his direcsemifinal. tion. Both Sureless and Barker rate “We accomplished a lot with a among the team’s top linebackers. large group of seniors,” said BaUp front, guard Joe Arbitello glivo, who ran the varsity defense accomplished a rare feat last seafor two years after a two-year son when he started every varsity stint as JV head coach. “We’re game as a freshman. “He stood only returning a few kids with a up to the test and got tremendous lot of varsity experience so we’re experience playing every offensive definitely rebuilding,” he added. snap,” said Baglivo, who noted Patrick Spinola was one of East Arbitello will become a two-way Meadow’s defensive leaders as a starter by adding defensive junior, and he’ll continue to do so tackle to his resume. Seniors Kyle moving from free safety to corner- Nacionales, Jeremiah Masih, Joe back, but now he’s become the Abitabile and Donato Zampini all offensive focal point as the starting got a taste of varsity as reserves quarterback. He was listed as the and are now in the mix for startbackup last season but didn’t take ing gigs along with junior Jason a snap. “We’re running the triple Reyes, the top lineman up from JV. option and Patrick is a huge threat “As of now we’ve got six guys on the ground and improving as a we’re looking at for five spots,” passer,” Baglivo said. “He’s a great Baglivo said. “They’re all going to play some.” athlete and very smart.”

Baglivo said a four-way scrimTaking what the defense gives is how the Jets will attack. Spinola mage with Plainview, Bethpage and Roslyn is going to determine and wing backs Shane McIntyre a handful of starting spots, backup and Brian Terino are the likeliest roles and special teams units. Key ballcarriers. McIntyre, a senior, September matchups against two was one of the team’s leading opponents seeded below the Jets receivers in the spring and the — Westbury and Hicksville — idea behind the position change could set the tone for their playoff is to get him more touches. “He’s chances. versatile with great hands and

E

10 — September 9, 2021

“We have three extremely successful opponents on the schedule with Massapequa, Farmingdale and Oceanside, and they all bring back a lot of talent,” Baglivo said. “We still have a goal to finish over .500 and make the playoffs.”

Patrick Spinola

SHANE MCINTYRE

JAKE BARKER

Schedule 11 18 25 1 9 16 22 30 BRIAN SURELESS

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September Massapequa 2:00 p.m.

Westbury 2:00 p.m. @ Hicksville 2:00 p.m.

October @ Farmingdale 6:30 p.m.

Plainview 2:00 p.m.

Port Washington 2:00 p.m. @ Oceanside 6:00 p.m. @ Uniondale 3:00 p.m.

Photos by Brian Ballweg

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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September 9, 2021 — 11

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

EAST ROCKAWAY Rocks hope to roll despite key departures

By BRIAN KACHARABA

A

fter middling at or just above the .500 mark in recent seasons, the East Rockaway Rocks made huge strides last spring by winning four of five games to place them in the upper half of Conference IV. But can the fifth-seeded Rocks continue that upward trend after losing several key players from a powerful rush offense that buoyed them to that success?

Head coach Russ Pajer certainly thinks so.

East Rockaway rushed for at least 200 yards in each game last season, including two 300plus yard efforts in the first two contests. The graduating trio of quarterback Julian Palma and running backs Franklin Infante and Robert Welch combined for over 1,100 yards on the ground and 18 touchdowns, but Pajer said the tutelage they provided to the next crop of starters is invaluable.

“Every year you lose some good kids,” he said. “We still have weapons. I think our starting lineup is solid offensively and defensively. We’ll be fine.“ That lineup also earned the respect of the officials in charge of the rankings.

“We feel we could be in the top four,” Pajer exclaimed. “We’ve been very competitive over the last couple of years. We put our kids in situations to be competitive. We’ll be ready.”

Junior Tyler Hyland takes over at quarterback and plays a similar style as Palma. And because the JV runs the same style of offense as the varsity to make the transition easier, Hyland has had plenty of time to learn the system since starting as a seventh grader.

“He’s been running this offense for four years,” Pajer said. “We throw a little bit here and there

12 — September 9, 2021

and he can make those throws, but he’s working on reads. He wants to learn. I think he’ll be a good leader on our offense.”

East Rockaway will take a running back by committee approach by employing several players at that position. Joe Bruzzo, who scored both of his touchdowns against the Friends Academy on March 27, will get plenty of carries as a wingback and 6-foot-3 Aiden Green and Jack Mistretta will handle fullback duties.

The athletic Green filled in admirably for Mistretta, who tore his ACL in last year’s season opener, by rushing for over 200 yards while proving to be an effective blocker for his running back counterparts.

“Aiden can do a lot of different things,” Pajer said. “He’s athletic and we can move him around. He can go to the wing, he can go to fullback [and] he can go to tight end if we need him there. He’ll definitely be a main part of our offense.”

When Green is in the backfield, senior Tyler Gutierrez and junior Chase Vertucci will figure prominently in the team’s two tight end set.

The Rocks will continue to have an experienced offensive line with guards Matthew Lacey and Eddie Caddle flanking fellow senior center Michael Kilgus.

Junior Chris Becker will man one of the tackle spots and play also on the defensive line alongside Lacey, Kilgus and ends Vertucci and junior Chris Mott.

Green and Mistretta will see plenty of action at linebacker, with the former manning the middle, and Pajer also plans to give senior Joseph Lazazzaro some reps there as the season progresses.

Junior John Giannotti, Bruzzo, senior Tyler Poland and Gutierrez will be patrolling the defensive backfield. Poland and Gutierrez both bring athleticism to the

group, while Giannotti has a more physical style to his game. Bruzzo has a year of experience at safety and Pajer is hoping he can continue to grow at the position during a full eight-game season.

Aiden Green

JACK MISTRETTA

JOSEPH BRUZZO

Schedule

4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 29 JOHN GIANNOTTI

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September @ Seaford 2:00 p.m.

Bye Carle Place 3:00 p.m. @ Locust Valley 2:00 p.m.

October @ Clarke 2:00 p.m.

North Shore 2:00 p.m.

Island Trees 2:00 p.m. @ Oyster Bay 2:00 p.m.

C.S. Harbor 7:00 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

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September 9, 2021 — 13

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

ELMONT Front lines a key for youthful Spartans

By TONY BELLISSIMO

Nathaniel, Rashaun Stephens and Taj Young. “It’s just a real good group,” Hegi said. “We have big and quick and hard-nosed kids to lmont was relegated to catch the ball.” the role of spoiler late last The plan is for junior Reyvaun season and played hard until Powell to take over the offensive the final whistle, finishing with keys at quarterback. He saw action a 3-3 record thanks to an upset over playoff-hopeful Valley Stream in a handful of games at the JV Central in the Conference II finale. level last season and has a lot to learn. “He’s a dual threat and fast, The Spartans, who fell one win but he needs work,” Hegi said. short of the playoffs and suffered “He showed some signs in 7-on-7s a pair of one-score defeats, will need to overcome inexperience at during the summer.”

In the backfield, the status many positions to get back to the of senior Tyler Myers will be an postseason. Head coach Jay Hegi said he has no idea what to expect important factor. He’s been banged up two seasons in a row. “If he from a roster with only eight stays healthy, he’ll be one of the varsity returnees.

“We’re pretty young and facing top five backs in the conference,” a very competitive schedule,” Hegi Hegi said of Myers, who can also handle punting and kicking duties. said. “We have a deep group of receivers and a solid running game “He’s the type of runner who can barrel through defenders.” Senior if our best guy stays healthy, but we also have a bunch of new line- Kymani McDonald might be a bit undersized but makes up for it men. Hopefully we find a way to be consistent enough to make the with talent and toughness. He’s in line for some carries and brings playoffs.” a wrestler’s mentality and toughSeeded sixth in the 14-team ness to the huddle. conference, Elmont returns to The offensive line features a Valley Stream Central to kick off pair of strong two-way starters, the season against the Eagles, whom they beat 22-20 on April 17 Hegi said. Senior Thomas Renauld and junior Precious Ekeh do a lot thanks to three touchdowns from of the dirty work in the trenches then-junior Evan Colwell. and will play tackle and guard, reColwell, the Spartans’ most talented receiver, showed the abil- spectively, on the same side. Both ity to play quarterback in the finale are also run-stuffing defensive tackles. The Spartans could get and could fill a need there. “We’ll be innovative with him,” Hegi said. a major boost from senior Kavan “He’s a tremendous athlete who’s Henry, who missed last season going to play outside linebacker or but would be another two-way starter on the line. One project is corner on defense. He’s not going junior Sabyan Schmitz, who is a to come off the field.” candidate for center but has no Wideout is Elmont’s deepest experience there. position, Hegi noted, and there’s Elmont’s defense, which didn’t also 6-foot-5 sophomore tight end Osagie Ekhator. Senior Kimani allow more than 28 points in any Lewis, who didn’t play last season, game and held three opponents turned heads during summer drills to fewer than 10 points, has no and brings plenty of speed and soft shortage of options in the secondhands to a receiver corps that also ary with many of the wideouts includes juniors Eric Burkett, Justus possessing the ability to shutdown

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14 — September 9, 2021

their counterparts.

Senior Zachary Walton can be tough in manto-man. Myers, McDonald and Young spearhead the linebacker corps.

“We’ll learn a lot in the first three weeks,” Hegi explained.

Evan Colwell

TYLER MYERS

PRECIOUS EKEH

Schedule

11 18 25 2 9 15 23 30 THOMAS RENAULD

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September @ V.S. Central 2:00 p.m.

Sewanhaka 3:00 p.m. @ Long Beach 2:00 p.m.

October Carey 3:00 p.m. @ Herricks 1:30 p.m. @ MacArthur 7:00 p.m.

Roslyn 1:00 p.m.

Garden City 2:00 p.m.

Photos by Brian Ballweg

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

FREEPORT Red Devils will benefit from growing pains

By TONY BELLISSIMO

said he’s still experimenting with senior tackle Angel Arroyo, who is athletic enough to contribute at oming off a rebuilding a skill position. Also a defensive season that saw it go 1-4 end, Arroyo brings a high level of on the heels of back-to-back toughness and can put pressure undefeated Long Island champion- on quarterbacks. Senior Kobe ship runs, Freeport is banking on Valdez Jaquez made big strides growing pains and a strong offsea- during the short offseason, Cellan son to get back into contention. noted, and entered camp in great “The good news is we’ve got a shape and primed to be a leader lot of kids returning,” head coach on both sides of the ball as a Russ Cellan said. “We had a great center and linebacker. Senior Luca summer and the opportunity for Gentile is a returning starting playing time is wide open in many guard and defensive lineman, and cases. We’re not what we were in senior Justin Hopkins is slated to 2018 and 2019, but the kids are move into a key role at tackle and working extremely hard and who defensive end. At least one spot in knows how good we can be by the the trenches is up for grabs. end of the year.”

The running game could rely on Seeded fifth in the 12-team the legs of junior Martese DavenConference I, the Red Devils face port, who was used strictly on desome unfamiliar opponents out of fense last season as a cornerback the gate with No. 12 Westbury in and “thrown into the fire,” Cellan the opener and No. 11 Hicksville said. “He filled a need on defense a week later. Cellan said the vast but didn’t get a good look on majority of playing time could be offense,” he explained. “But, he’s determined by its three-way scrim- getting one now and looks like mage with Plainedge and Baldwin. he has what it takes to be our Over the final six games, Freeport top back. He’s very powerful and faces each of the conference’s top physical.” Also in the mix for some four seeded teams — Syosset, carries is senior Donte Lloyd.

Massapequa, Farmingdale and The plan is to move senior Oceanside.

Andre Wilkes around on offense Then-freshman D’Angelo Gorto keep defenses from tracking don led Freeport’s offense in the him. He’s a receiver/tight end type spring as its starting quarterback who moves well and can make and showed plenty of flashes difficult catches. On defense, he’s of brilliance while learning the a hard-working and physical outvarsity ropes. He had four rushing side linebacker with a nose for the touchdowns, including a pair to ball. Junior Evan Neas has a lot lead a 20-8 victory over Baldwin. of potential at tight end/receiver.

“He’s not the biggest kid, but Senior Tahliel Simpson is a returnhe’s certainly strong and brings a ing two-way starter at receiver tremendous work ethic,” Cellan and in the secondary who’ll be said. “He’s a wrestler and I love counted on for leadership. Juniors that mentality. He can throw the Jaheem Clement (wideout) and ball and he can really run it. He’s Nazair Jean-Lubin (cornerback) are a year better and his confidence is up from JV, and freshman Jayden growing.”

Gordon is another talented young The offensive front returns three target. starters and one reserve ready If the Red Devils are involved to assume a bigger role. Cellan in tight games, Cellan likes the

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idea of senior kicker and new punter Dillon DeBourg getting a chance to be the difference.

“He’s one of the better kickers in the county,” Cellan said.

Martese Davenport

ANDRE WILKES

KOBE VALDEZ JAQUEZ

Schedule

September 10 @ Westbury 5:00 p.m.

17 Hicksville 6:00 p.m.

25 @ Syosset 2:00 p.m.

October 2 Hempstead 3:00 p.m.

8 Massapequa 6:00 p.m.

16 @ Uniondale 2:00 p.m.

22 @ Farmingdale 6:30 p.m.

29 Oceanside 6:00 p.m.

ANGEL ARROYO

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Photos by Eric Dunetz

September 9, 2021 — 15

2021 HERALD High School Football ball Preview

HEMPSTEAD High hopes for Tigers after strong spring

By TONY BELLISSIMO

C

onfidence and offseason dedication are at an all-time high at Hempstead, which worked around a couple of Covidrelated cancellations in the spring to win all but one of four games it played, including a 30-point victory over Baldwin.

“Finishing up the way we did by beating Baldwin was a big-time program mover,” head coach Sylas Pratt said. “It was a nice way to end and it led into the best offseason we’ve ever had. Everything is moving in the right direction and we really have high expectations.”

Pratt said the Tigers, who suffered through an 0-8 campaign in 2019, will learn a lot about themselves early. Seeded seventh in the 12-team Conference I, they open on the road against No. 3 Syosset and host top-seeded Oceanside a couple of weeks later.

In addition to knocking off Baldwin last season, Hempstead downed Hicksville and Westbury while being dealt its only loss to eventual county champion Massapequa.

“If we do what we’re supposed to do, we’ll be right in the thick of things come October,” Pratt said.

“One of our goals is to finish in the top four and earn a home playoff game. We think it’s a legitimate goal we can reach.”

Many of Hempstead’s skill players were underclassmen last season, including quarterback Jakkai Stith, who had seven touchdown passes as a sophomore captain. “He’s an AP student and a big reason why our program is on the upswing,” Pratt said. “He’s a complete leader and other kids follow his example. He thrived in some two-minute drives and showed composure. He’s a dual threat but more of a thrower than a runner.”

16 — September 9, 2021

As a freshman two-way starter, Dwayne Meadors broke a bunch of runs for 50 yards or more and was a reliable linebacker.

Now with four games of varsity experience under his belt, Pratt is expecting even more fireworks from one of the most exciting athletes on the roster. Meadors had rushing touchdowns in three games. “He’s a powerful running back with speed who led us in carries as a freshman,” Pratt noted.

“He’s also one of the reasons we’re going to be better on defense.”

Jamir Andrews may also get an occasional carry but will predominantly pair with fellow junior Naeshawn Parsons to serve as Stith’s main targets downfield and lead the defensive secondary.

Of the two, Andrews saw more touches last season. “Jamir is one of the smartest players on the team and he has great hands,” said Pratt, who noted Parsons has lightning speed and will lead the special teams as a returner. Senior Justin Goodson improved as last season unfolded, the coach said, and is another wideout/defensive back the Tigers will be counting on to produce.

“The way our offense is structured, teams can’t key on any one guy,” Pratt said. “We’re going to be balanced and fun to watch.”

Pratt said he’s hoping to know all of the offensive and defensive starters prior to a three-way scrimmage against Lynbrook and Glen Cove, leaving just depth and rotation battles.

Senior left tackle Jaeden Samuels is the anchor of the offensive front and provides a breather for others on defense. “Jaeden has great size and footwork and is the leader of our run blocking game,” Pratt said. Senior Monroe Holley

is an active two-way lineman, while junior Justin Heslop is expected to take over at center after earning valuable playing time at the JV level.

“We have a tight-knit group of kids and the confidence has never been higher after the success we had last season,” Pratt said.

Jakkai Stith

DWAYNE MEADORS

JAMIR ANDREWS

Schedule

11 18 25 2 8 16 23 30 TAJ MCLEOD

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September @ Syosset 2:00 p.m.

Uniondale 2:00 p.m.

Oceanside 2:00 p.m.

October @ Freeport 3:00 p.m. @ Westbury 5:00 p.m.

Hicksville 1:30 p.m.

Massapequa 2:00 p.m. @ Plainview 2:00 p.m.

Photos by Jeff Wilson

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September 9, 2021 — 17

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

2021 HEAD COACHES FRANK CHIMIENTI - Baldwin

BRIAN MOELLER - Calhoun

MIKE STANLEY - Carey

KEVIN O’HAGAN - Clarke

FRANK BAGLIVO - East Meadow

RUSS PAJER - East Rockaway

JAY HEGI - Elmont

RUSS CELLAN - Freeport

SYLAS PRATT - Hempstead

JOHN PALLADINO - Hewlett

JOHN MCGUIRE - Kennedy

JASON SUPPLE - Lawrence

SCOTT MARTIN - Long Beach

STEVE LOCICERO - Lynbrook

BOB FEHRENBACH - MacArthur

KITO LOCKWOOD - Malverne

ANTHONY CRACCO - Mepham

ROB BLOUNT - Oceanside

MIKE CORCORAN - Seaford

GEORGE KASIMATIS - Sewanhaka

PHIL ONESTO - South Side

PHIL COPPOLA - Uniondale

MIKE RUBINO - VS Central

MIKE PAOLILLO - VS North

JOE GUASTAFESTE - VS South

KEITH SACHS - Wantagh

DOM CARRE - West Hempstead

18 — September 9, 2021

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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September 9, 2021 — 19

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

HEWLETT Bulldogs focused on pivotal opening game

By TONY BELLISSIMO

gives us and it’s all on Mark to make quick decisions whether to keep the ball or pitch it,” Palladino s the No. 10 seed in Nassau said. “He’s a strong and tough runConference III, Hewlett’s ner who can throw when we ask road to the playoffs would him to. He got better each week.” likely need to include one victory Junior John Cusumano saw action against an opponent with a higher at quarterback in all six games seed to go along with wins over all last season in addition to handling those seeded below the Bulldogs. punting duties and is expected to “All we’re focused on is the command the same roles. first game against Kennedy,” John Zenny will once again be head coach John Palladino said. a factor in the offense as the lead “Our opener is pivotal. We have rusher after carrying a team-high to coach, practice and play like 91 times for 516 yards and 7 our hair is on fire every week. It’s touchdowns as a junior. He also going to be a fun challenge to try had a receiving score. “He’s an to make the playoffs, but we have inside runner who can grind out a lot of work to do.” tough yards and rip off chunks,” Hewlett comes off a 2-4 season Palladino said of Zenny, one of the that included narrow defeats to school’s top wrestlers.

Valley Stream North and Valley Senior Evan Greenberg peaked Stream South. The Bulldogs will towards the end of last season have a chance to avenge both and will look to pick up where losses with North visiting in Week he left off in April. At halfback, 2 and a trip to South on the docket he blocks well and has reliable in Week 4. They’ll also face Wanthands out of the backfield. As a agh, which won Conference IV last defensive end, he’s no stranger season and features Palladino’s to picking up a sack or forcing son Drew as a starting lineman. a fumble, Palladino said. Senior Producing a competitive ofStephen Hoffman brings the most fensive line is Palladino’s biggest experience at wideout. concern after the majority of last Defensively, Palladino said seseason’s group graduated. Senior nior nose guard Jacob Maiorano, tackle Ronald Ilyaich and junior a standout wrestler, to set the guard Jadon Margulies bring good tone up front and play every imsize and experience, but the other portant down. “Jacob is a strong, hard-nosed defender who usually three starting spots were up for draws a double team and clogs grabs heading into a scrimmage with neighboring Lawrence on the the middle,” the coach noted.

With senior Ryan Player moving first Saturday of September. from the secondary to linebacker One major asset the Bulldogs to join seniors Eli Menache and bring to battle is senior quarterAnthony Yakush, Palladino is back Mark Winkler, who earned counting on the experience and All-County honors last season. strength at the position to help Winkler rushed for 621 yards lead the unit. Player has a high and 8 touchdowns and threw for football IQ and added size during 336 yards and a pair of scores in the offseason. Menache might be the read-option scheme. “In our system, we take what the defense the smallest kid on the roster but

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20 — September 9, 2021

more than makes up for it with his work in the weight and film rooms and his tenacity on the field, Palladino said.

Yakush was the team’s second-leading tackler last season and has a nose for the ball.

Mark Winkler

JON ZENNY

EVAN GREENBERG

Schedule

10 18 24 2 8 15 23 29 JACOB MAIORANO

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September Kennedy 6:00 p.m.

V.S. North 2:00 p.m. @ Wantagh 7:00 p.m.

October @ V.S. South 3:00 p.m.

Manhasset 6:00 p.m.

Bethpage 6:00 p.m. @ Lynbrook 2:00 p.m. @ Mineola 6:00 p.m.

Photos by Brian Ballweg

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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September 9, 2021 — 21

2021 HERALD High School Football ball Preview

KENNEDY Cougars excited to roam to new conference

By BRIAN KACHARABA

to McGuire. Katz saved his best performance for last in the spring, when he completed 14-of-23 passes for 192 yards and three ins have been few and touchdowns in a 28-18 loss to far between for the Calhoun in the season finale.

Kennedy football team “He is one of the smartest in recent seasons, but a move to a football players that I’ve been new conference and a seemingly around,” he said. “He bought into favorable schedule could put the the [summer] weight program and program back on the road to has gotten stronger and faster.” respectability.

McGuire is “excited” to see The Cougars struggled through a winless season last spring - scor- sophomore newcomer Ray Torcia ing just 37 points in the six games in the backfield this season. A foot- after going 1-7 in 2019. Kennedy ball junkie, Torcia is a strong runner with a keen field awareness who is will now be competing in Conference III this fall and, despite being shaping up to be a future captain with his leadership skills and ranked last in the group, head positive attitude. Senior Thomas coach John McGuire is embracing Osborne should also see time as a the challenge. change-of-pace power back.

“Last year, the conference was The wide receiving corps will be just a banger,” he said. “But not much has really changed going to more inexperienced than last season, but it has a lot of potential.

Conference III unfortunately. You Adam Schmitt is a smooth route have some of the best coaches who have ever coached in Nassau runner who can grab a pass with his height and strength and fellow County. Do we have our work cut senior Matt Cohen can haul in out for us? Absolutely. But I’m the ball wherever it’s thrown, an excited for the kids because they don’t have the notion of looking at attribute that earned him the nickname “Good Catch” during the schedule and saying, “Oh, we his JV days. Six-foot-four junior always lose to them.’”

Leo Gerunda is a hybrid wide The eight-game schedule receiver/tight end who can also includes games against teams that also failed to win a game last contribute on offense.

The offensive and defensive season (Lynbrook, Mineola) and three others that were either at or lines will also be sporting new below .500. Included in that group looks this season. Senior Brad Lieberman is moving from center is Hewlett (2-4), whom Kennedy will face in the opener on Sept. 10. to tackle, but remains the leader But despite all that, McGuire is not of the group that will also include the “Crunch-N-Munch” guard taking any foe lightly.

“It’s tricky,” he said. “We open tandem of sophomore Brandon up with Hewlett. Their record might Goldstein and junior Josh Amiel not have showed, but they were in and junior center Tyler Casesi. The same group will flip over to the most of those games and ahead defensive line side along with end in a lot of those games. They’re a Osborne. really well-coached team.”

The linebacking corps is taking Senior Ethan Katz is projected shape, but Vaccaro and Girunda to be the starting quarterback against Hewlett, but “rising junior” could see time there with Nick Larsen. Brad Rowe returns after Joe Vaccaro could also see some an injury-marred junior season time at the position, according

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22 — September 9, 2021

and will split time between outside linebacker and safety.

The secondary could be one of the Cougars’ strengths this season. Speedy Peter Kourkoumelis will man one cornerback spot and will form a tandem with rising senior Thomas Sweeney. Torcia will be one of the safeties.

Ethan Katz

JOE VACCARO

BRAD LIEBERMAN

Schedule

10 18 25 1 9 16 23 30 BRANDON GOLDSTEIN

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September @ Hewlett 6:00 p.m.

Division 2:00 p.m.

V.S. South 2:00 p.m.

October @ Mineola 7:00 p.m.

V.S. North 2:00 p.m. @ Lynbrook 7:00 p.m. @ Manhasset 2:00 p.m.

Roosevelt 2:00 p.m.

Photos by Jeff Wilson

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

LAWRENCE Golden Tornadoes set at skill positions

By TONY BELLISSIMO

the other side of scrimmage. Senior Dennis Cabrera is a possessiontype who can make grabs in traffic, while senior Kanye Robinson eplenishing the entire offensive line is the biggest (6-foot-3) is a strong route-runner challenge facing head coach who’ll bolster the group after not Jason Supple as ninth-seeded Law- playing last spring.

In the backfield, Supple is high rence will attempt to inch up the standings and get into the Nassau on the potential of junior Jackson Mondesir, who was the Golden Conference IV playoffs after a Tornadoes’ top performer on the rough 1-5 finish last spring. defensive side of the ball last “We didn’t graduate a large season. Mondesir had a rushing senior group, but five of the guys touchdown in their lone win, 19made up our starting offensive 14 over Malverne in Week 3. “He’s line,” Supple said. “We’re going a big kid (6-2, 220 pounds) who to have to piece things together pretty quickly. We have a bunch of can do some real damage running the ball with some coaching,” skill players back, but what hapSupple said. “We’ll get him more pens up front is a total question than five carries a game. It’ll be his mark.” third year on defense.”

The Golden Tornadoes do Sophomore Zaire Garraway have stability and a bright future has the ability to develop into the at quarterback, receiver and in lightning to go with Mondesir’s the backfield. Pressed into action thunder. “The quickness and last season despite no experitalent are there, and he’s working ence under center, Kody Kirchner on strength,” Supple said of developed each week as the Garraway, who’ll play somewhere starting signal-caller and led the team in rushing by a wide margin. in the back seven on defense as well.

Now a junior, he’s improved his Senior Leon Canales is the arm strength to go with his ground only lineman who played a varsity skills. “Kody is one of the most athletic, smartest and reliable kids snap in the offensive trenches last season. “He saw limited time on we’ve got,” Supple said. “He’s no offense but he’s a grinder who longer brand new to the position relies on good technique and and getting better every day.”

Junior wideout Jared Alexander footwork,” Supple said of Canales, a returning starting linebacker. is a dynamic playmaker who’ll be utilized again in the passing game Senior Andres Valle, who scored a defensive touchdown against and jet sweeps. His combination Malverne on a fumble recovery, is of size and speed allow for plenty of yards after a touch, Supple said. likely to become a two-way starter He’ll also play defense for the first and move into a guard spot. The time and contribute as a linebacker same goes for Kevin Martinez, who’ll work on the D-line with or strong safety. “He made a lot Mondesir and Valle, and is a of big plays as a sophomore and candidate to take over at center. we’re excited about what he can Supple believes the first two do,” Supple said. Another junior games, on the road against No. receiver, Jahking King, made tremendous strides last season and 12 Oyster Bay and No. 13 Friends Academy, are crucial to its playoff is another yards-after-the-catch component. King will see action as hopes with matchups against each of the top two seeds (North a defensive end or linebacker on

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Shore and Seaford) down the road. “The first two couldn’t be more important,” he said.

“We’re ranked above both of those teams and if we want to finish eighth or higher, those are must-win games.”

Jackson Mondesir

ANDRES VALLE

JAHKING KING

Schedule

4 11 18 25 1 9 16 23 30 JARED ALEXANDER

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September Bye @ Oyster Bay 2:00 p.m. @ Friends Aca. 2:00 p.m.

Seaford 2:00 p.m.

October @ Island Trees 6:30 p.m.

Malverne 3:00 p.m. @ North Shore 2:00 p.m.

Locust Valley 4:30 p.m.

Carle Place 2:00 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

September 9, 2021 — 23

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

LONG BEACH Marines looking to land in playoff spot

By TONY BELLISSIMO

ball,” Martin said. “He wants to be involved in every contact play and understands our defensive coverong Beach fell a little short of ages and offensive scheme.”

Stark, who missed the second reaching the Nassau Conferhalf of last season due to injury, is ence II playoffs last season, an explosive linebacker who’s gosplitting its six games thanks in ing to be worked into the offense large part to a stingy defense.

The Marines allowed a total of six as a running back. “We expect points in their three wins, including Owen to make a ton of tackles and pressure the quarterback like he a pair of shutouts, and lost onepossession games to Valley Stream did last season,” Martin said. “We were just about to mix him into the Central and South Side.

“In terms of record, the season offense when he got hurt. He has a chance to be our leading rusher.” didn’t go too great, but I thought Junior Jack Miller is a fullback we definitely played well and achieved a lot,” Long Beach head type who can grind out tough coach Scott Martin said. “We have yards and catch passes. He’s also a linebacker. “We haven’t used a a decent amount of kids coming fullback in about eight years but back and when you’re seeded Jack fits the mold,” Martin said. eighth like we are, you get four Also in line for carries is junior games against higher seeds and four against lower seeds. We have Jeff Conway, who did some damage from the quarterback position to take care of business against the teams below us and try to steal out of the Wildcat formation last season. He scored the only one of the others.” touchdown of the game against The Marines face a stiff chalElmont in Long Beach’s 7-0 viclenge out of the gate at secondtory in Week 3 and scored twice seeded MacArthur and close the the following week to lead a win opening half of the schedule at home against five-time defending over Kennedy. “Jeff is one of our top offensive players,” Martin county champion Garden City.

“We’re looking forward to getting said. “He runs hard and brings a back to a normal preseason and a competitive fire.”

Conway and fellow juniors full regular season,” Martin said.

Hayden Sofield and Jack Shields Senior captains Matt Grosscomprise the options at quarman, Chris Buonocore and Owen terback. Sofield led the team in Stark will be counted on to lead passing attempts with 30, Martin the playoff push. The 6-foot-4, said, and makes smart decisions.

250-pound Grossman is a returning starter at center and defensive Shields, who is 6-foot, 225, was the JV starter. “It’s a good problem tackle who Martin described as a “big, strong vocal leader who does to have,” Martin said. “It’s posa lot of the dirty work.” The coach sible we rotate all three and see added Grossman will play as many who emerges.”

In addition to Grossman up snaps on both sides of the ball as front, the Marines have senior possible. tackle Justin Garcia and senior Buonocore is a wide receiver/ guard Jonathan Schurin returning safety with a combination of size with experience. Junior Jack Skarand speed. He’ll lead the secondren could play offensive tackle or ary along with senior Christian move to tight end. Senior Jozeph Tarsia. “Buonocore is a strong Umana and junior Ronald Washtackler who has a nose for the

L

24 — September 9, 2021

ington will start or get significant snaps.

Up from JV, Martin is excited about the potential of junior Chip Bueher and sophomore Luke Hartman.

Both are capable of making an immediate impact on one of both sides of the ball, he said. On special teams, junior kicker Matt Contreras can be a real threat, Martin said.

Chris Buonocore

OWEN STARK

MATT GROSSMAN

Schedule September 10 @ MacArthur 7:00 p.m.

17 @ Herricks 6:00 p.m.

25 Elmont 2:00 p.m.

October 2 Garden City 3:00 p.m.

9 @ Roslyn 2:00 p.m.

15 Glen Cove 7:00 p.m.

23 @ V.S. Central 2:00 p.m.

30 Sewanhaka 3:00 p.m.

CHRISTIAN TARSIA

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Photos by Eric Dunetz

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September 9, 2021 — 25

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September 9, 2021 — 27

CIRCLE THE CALENDAR 2021 HERALD High School Football Preview 28 — September 9, 2021

Fri.

Sept. 3

WEST HEMPSTEAD

MALVERNE

7:00 p.m.

Sat.

Sept. 4

North Shore

CLARKE

2:00 p.m.

Sat.

Sept. 4

EAST ROCKAWAY

SEAFORD

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Sept. 10

FREEPORT

Westbury

5:00 p.m.

Fri.

Sept. 10

KENNEDY

HEWLETT

6:00 p.m.

Fri.

Sept. 10

Division

SOUTH SIDE

6:00 p.m.

Fri.

Sept. 10

SEAFORD

C.S. Harbor

7:00 p.m.

Fri.

Sept. 10

LONG BEACH

MACARTHUR

7:00 p.m.

Fri.

Sept. 10

Locust Valley

MALVERNE

7:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 11

MEPHAM

CAREY

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 11

CLARKE

Carle Place

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 11

Massapequa

EAST MEADOW

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 11

BALDWIN

Garden City

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 11

V.S. SOUTH

LYNBROOK

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 11

LAWRENCE

Oyster Bay

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 11

CALHOUN

SEWANHAKA

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 11

HEMPSTEAD

Syosset

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 11

OCEANSIDE

UNIONDALE

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 11

ELMONT

V.S. CENTRAL

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 11

V.S. NORTH

WANTAGH

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 11

North Shore

WEST HEMPSTEAD 2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Sept. 17

Hicksville

FREEPORT

6:00 p.m.

Fri.

Sept. 17

LONG BEACH

Herricks

6:00 p.m.

Fri.

Sept. 17

Farmingdale

OCEANSIDE

6:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 18

Glen Cove

BALDWIN

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 18

Division

KENNEDY

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 18

WANTAGH

Bethpage

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 18

CAREY

CALHOUN

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 18

MALVERNE

CLARKE

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 18

SEWANHAKA

ELMONT

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 18

Westbury

EAST MEADOW

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 18

Carle Place

EAST ROCKAWAY

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 18

LAWRENCE

Friends Academy

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 18

V.S. NORTH

HEWLETT

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 18

UNIONDALE

HEMPSTEAD

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 18

LYNBROOK

Manhasset

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 18

MEPHAM

Roslyn

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 18

WEST HEMPSTEAD

SEAFORD

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 18

MACARTHUR

V.S. CENTRAL

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 18

SOUTH SIDE

V.S. SOUTH

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Sept. 24

UNIONDALE

Westbury

5:00 p.m.

Fri.

Sept. 24

Plainedge

SOUTH SIDE

6:00 p.m.

Fri.

Sept. 24

CLARKE

WEST HEMPSTEAD 6:30 p.m.

Fri.

Sept. 24

HEWLETT

WANTAGH

7:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 25

V.S. SOUTH

KENNEDY

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 25

Garden City

CAREY

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 25

OCEANSIDE

HEMPSTEAD

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 25

EAST MEADOW

Hicksville

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 25

SEAFORD

LAWRENCE

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 25

ELMONT

LONG BEACH

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 25

EAST ROCKAWAY

Locust Valley

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 25

Bethpage

LYNBROOK

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 25

Herricks

MACARTHUR

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 25

Friends Academy

MALVERNE

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 25

Glen Cove

MEPHAM

2:00 p.m.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Sat. Sept. 25

BALDWIN

New Hyde Park

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 16

Garden City

MEPHAM

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 25

CALHOUN

Roslyn

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 16

LAWRENCE

North Shore

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 25

V.S. CENTRAL

SEWANHAKA

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 16

Roslyn

SEWANHAKA

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 25

FREEPORT

Syosset

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 16

Floral Park

SOUTH SIDE

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Sept. 25

Manhasset

V.S. NORTH

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 16

OCEANSIDE

Syosset

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 1

WEST HEMPSTEAD

C.S. Harbor

6:30 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 16

FREEPORT

UNIONDALE

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 1

EAST MEADOW

Farmingdale

6:30 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 16

Mineola

V.S. NORTH

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 1

LAWRENCE

Island Trees

6:30 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 16

Roosevelt

V.S. SOUTH

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 1

SOUTH SIDE

Manhasset

6:30 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 16

Manhasset

WANTAGH

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 1

KENNEDY

Mineola

7:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 22

EAST MEADOW

OCEANSIDE

6:00 p.m.

Sat.

Oct. 2

SEWANHAKA

BALDWIN

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 22

V.S. NORTH

Bethpage

6:30 p.m.

Sat.

Oct. 2

Herricks

CALHOUN

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 22

FREEPORT

Farmingdale

6:30 p.m.

Sat.

Oct. 2

EAST ROCKAWAY

CLARKE

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 22

CLARKE

C.S. Harbor

7:00 p.m.

Sat.

Oct. 2

CAREY

ELMONT

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 23

Roslyn

ELMONT

1:00 p.m.

Sat.

Oct. 2

Garden City

LONG BEACH

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 23

CAREY

BALDWIN

2:00 p.m.

Sat.

Oct. 2

WANTAGH

Division

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 23

Glen Cove

CALHOUN

2:00 p.m.

Sat.

Oct. 2

MACARTHUR

MEPHAM

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 23

MACARTHUR

Garden City

2:00 p.m.

Sat.

Oct. 2

SEAFORD

North Shore

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 23

Massapequa

HEMPSTEAD

2:00 p.m.

Sat.

Oct. 2

Syosset

UNIONDALE

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 23

HEWLETT

LYNBROOK

2:00 p.m.

Sat.

Oct. 2

Plainedge

V.S. NORTH

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 23

KENNEDY

Manhasset

2:00 p.m.

Sat.

Oct. 2

HEMPSTEAD

FREEPORT

3:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 23

MEPHAM

New Hyde Park

2:00 p.m.

Sat.

Oct. 2

Massapequa

OCEANSIDE

3:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 23

EAST ROCKAWAY

Oyster Bay

2:00 p.m.

Sat.

Oct. 2

LYNBROOK

Roosevelt

3:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 23

UNIONDALE

Plainview

2:00 p.m.

Sat.

Oct. 2

New Hyde Park

V.S. CENTRAL

3:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 23

WANTAGH

Plainedge

2:00 p.m.

Sat.

Oct. 2

HEWLETT

V.S. SOUTH

3:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 23

SOUTH SIDE

Roosevelt

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 8

Massapequa

FREEPORT

6:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 23

MALVERNE

SEAFORD

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 8

Manhasset

HEWLETT

6:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 23

Herricks

SEWANHAKA

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 8

Port Washington

OCEANSIDE

6:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 23

LONG BEACH

V.S. CENTRAL

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 8

SEWANHAKA

Glen Cove

7:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 23

Mineola

V.S. SOUTH

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 8

CAREY

MACARTHUR

7:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 23

Friends Academy

WEST HEMPSTEAD 2:00 p.m.

Sat.

Oct. 9

ELMONT

Herricks

1:30 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 23

Locust Valley

LAWRENCE

4:30 p.m.

Sat.

Oct. 9

MEPHAM

BALDWIN

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 29

OCEANSIDE

FREEPORT

6:00 p.m.

Sat.

Oct. 9

V.S. NORTH

KENNEDY

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 29

HEWLETT

Mineola

6:00 p.m.

Sat.

Oct. 9

Plainview

EAST MEADOW

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 29

Bethpage

SOUTH SIDE

6:00 p.m.

Sat.

Oct. 9

North Shore

EAST ROCKAWAY

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 29

SEAFORD

Island Trees

6:30 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 9

V.S. SOUTH

Floral Park

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 29

C.S. Harbor

EAST ROCKAWAY

7:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 9

UNIONDALE

Hicksville

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 29

V.S. SOUTH

Division

7:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 9

MALVERNE

LAWRENCE

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 30

Roosevelt

KENNEDY

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 9

LYNBROOK

Mineola

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 30

V.S. CENTRAL

CAREY

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 9

CALHOUN

New Hyde Park

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 30

Garden City

ELMONT

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 9

LONG BEACH

Roslyn

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 30

WANTAGH

Floral Park

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 9

CLARKE

SEAFORD

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 30

Carle Place

LAWRENCE

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 9

SOUTH SIDE

WANTAGH

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 30

SEWANHAKA

LONG BEACH

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 15

WEST HEMPSTEAD

Locust Valley

5:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 30

CALHOUN

MEPHAM

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 15

Bethpage

HEWLETT

6:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 30

MACARTHUR

New Hyde Park

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 15

Glen Cove

LONG BEACH

7:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 30

MALVERNE

North Shore

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 15

ELMONT

MACARTHUR

7:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 30

HEMPSTEAD

Plainview

2:00 p.m.

Fri.

Oct. 15

Carle Place

MALVERNE

7:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 30

BALDWIN

Roslyn

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 16

Hicksville

HEMPSTEAD

1:30 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 30

EAST MEADOW

UNIONDALE

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 16

BALDWIN

CALHOUN

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 30

LYNBROOK

V.S. NORTH

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 16

New Hyde Park

CAREY

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 30

Oyster Bay

WEST HEMPSTEAD 2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 16

Port Washington

EAST MEADOW

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 30

Locust Valley

CLARKE

Sat. Oct. 16

Island Trees

EAST ROCKAWAY

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 16

V.S. CENTRAL

Herricks

2:00 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 16

KENNEDY

LYNBROOK

2:00 p.m.

TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

4:30 p.m.

NOTE: Home teams on right. Local teams listed in BOLD/CAPS

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September 9, 2021 — 29

Towers Funeral Home Inc.

B 1142126

Th B 7

516 766-0425 &

Vanella’s Funeral Chapel 516 766-4424

2681 Long Beach Road Oceanside, New York 111572

We wish all the teams a great season.

Since 1933, Towers Funeral Home, Inc., family owned and operated, has been an honest and trusted choice of families in Oceanside and neighboring communities. With the recent acquisition of Vanella’s Funeral Chapel, we pledge to remain committed to serving our families with the same dignity, compassion, personalized attention and affordability. Our belief has always been that, a healthy community is a vibrant community, and we will continue supporting our civil servants, military and veteran programs, youth and senior programs as well as community awareness programs.

At Need and Pre-Need Arrangements and Consultations Irrevocable Trust Accounts for Medicaid and Revocable Trust Accounts for estate purposes

Towers Funeral Home Towers Funeral HomeInc. Inc. Towers Funeral Home OUR FAMILY OF DIRECTORS Towers Funeral Home Inc. 516 516766-0425 766-0425 516 766-0425 && Krissie Kallinikos

516 766-0425 &

&

Vanella’s Funeral Vanella’s FuneralChapel Chapel Funeral Ch Vanella’s George Frangiadakis Vanella’s Funeral Chapel 516 516766-4424 766-4424 516 766-4424 William C. Kallinikos Amy Dagger Frank Criscuolo www.TowersFuneralHomeNY.com

Long Beach Road 2681 Long Beach Road 2681 Long Beach Road 516 766-4424 2681 New York 111572 Oceanside, New York 111572 2681 Long BeachOceanside, Road Oceanside, New York 111572 Oceanside, New York 111572 Since 1933, Towers Funeral Home, Inc., family owned and operated, has been anan honest and Since 1933, Towers Funeral Home, Inc., family owned and operated, has been honest a Since 1933, Towers Funeral Home, Inc., family owned and opera trusted choice ofof families intrusted Oceanside communities.

With thethe recent trusted choice families in Oceanside and neighboring communities.

With recent Since 1933, Towers Funeral Home, Inc., family owned andand operated, hasinbeen an honest choice ofneighboring families Oceanside andand neighboring communit acquisition of Vanella’s Funeral Chapel, we pledge to remain committed to serving our acquisition of Vanella’s Funeral Chapel, we pledge to remain committed to serving our trusted choice of families in Oceanside and neighboring communities.

With the recent acquisition of Vanella’s Funeral Chapel, we pledge to remain com families with thethe same dignity, compassion, personalized attention affordability.

Our families with same dignity, personalized attention and affordability.

Ou acquisition of Vanella’s Funeral Chapel, we pledge tocompassion, remain committed to serving our and families with the same dignity, compassion, personalized attenti belief has always been that, a healthy community isthat, aaffordability. vibrant community, will continu belief has always been that, a healthy community is aavibrant community, and will conti families with the same dignity, compassion, personalized attention Our and belief has always beenand healthy community iswe awe vibrant comm supporting our civil servants, and veteran programs, youth and senior programs asas we supporting our civil servants, and veteran programs, youth and senior programs belief has always been that, a healthy community ismilitary amilitary vibrant community, andmilitary we will continue supporting our civil servants, and veteran programs, youth asas community awareness programs. community awareness programs. supporting our civil servants, military and veteran programs, and senior programs as well Spacious chapels in a comfortable, non-industrial setting, with more than ample parking as communityyouth awareness programs. as community awareness programs.

AtAt Need and Pre-Need Need and Pre-Need At Need and Pre-Need OUR FAMILY OF DIRECTORS Arrangements and Consultations Arrangements and Consultations At Need and Pre-Need Arrangements and Consultations Irrevocable Trust Accounts forfor Medicaid and Revocable Accounts forfor estate purpos Krissie Kallinikos - George Frangiadakis - William C. Kallinikos Irrevocable Trust Accounts Medicaid and Revocable Trust Accounts estate purp Arrangements and Consultations Irrevocable Trust Accounts forTrust Medicaid and Revocable Trust Trust Accounts for Medicaid and Revocable Trust Accounts for estate purposes Timothy J. Donohue FrankIrrevocable Criscuolo

Towers

Vanella’s Funeral Chapel Telephone: (516) 766-4424

Funeral Home Inc. Since 1933

30 — September 9, 2021

2681 Long Beach Road, Oceanside, New York 111572 24 Hour Service Telephone: (516) 766-0425

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

1140414

24 Hour Service www.TowersFuneralHomeNY.com

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

LYNBROOK Owls work towards a bounce-back performance

By TONY BELLISSIMO

field, LoCicero said, and can be at running back or tight end, as well as linebacker or safety. “Tyler has oming off its toughest season an outstanding conditioning level,” LoCicero said. “He’s a smart and in decades for a variety of versatile player.” reasons, Lynbrook gets to Senior Dylan Murphy is a turn the page quickly and has physical presence (6-foot-3, 275 adopted the mantra of “being pounds) on both sides of the ball relentless” as it tackles another and extremely athletic, making him challenging Conference III slate.

“Pound for pound it’s the most a candidate to slide to linebacker difficult conference in my opinion, from defensive tackle. Either way, he’s key to the run-stopping plan especially with Wantagh coming and offensive line. “Dylan just goes back in after winning Conference about his business and is one of IV,” Owls head coach Steve LoCithe standouts in the weight room,” cero said. “It’s the lowest we’ve LoCicero said. ever been seeded and we just Junior Jake Lunati is a lacrosse need to go out there and compete. goaltender and talented two-way We had a pretty strong turnout lineman on the gridiron who for morning workouts over the started every game for the Owls summer and we have a bunch of returning kids we’re counting on.” and played all three spots along the offensive front. “He’s athletic Seeded No. 12 in the 14-team and versatile and has a nice seaconference, Lynbrook, which toson of varsity experience under his taled only 47 points in six defeats last season, opens at home against belt,” LoCicero said. “He does his No. 11 Valley Stream South before job and is easy to coach.”

Others working towards a getting defending county chamstarting gig on the offensive line pion Manhasset and perennial along with Murphy and Lunati contender Bethpage to round out September. The Owls face no team are junior Mike O’Hagan, who seeded higher than eighth over the has varsity experience and a firm grip on the center spot, and final five weeks. senior Manny Terry, who battled a LoCicero traditionally doesn’t shoulder injury. O’Hagan and Terry appoint captains, but he said if can be reliable defenders as well. anyone fits the bill on this roster Opponents can expect to see it’s senior Christian Meszaros, a third-year starter who was limited two different quarterbacks leading the Owls. Using both juniors to three games last season. “He Michael Fagen and Christopher can play anywhere and make an Lucchese will allow the unit to impact and he’s a high-character avoid being predictable, LoCicero leader,” LoCicero said. “He’s in tremendous shape and is talented said. “I think it’s going to be mentally and physically. He’s a big- successful,” he said of the shared responsibilities. Fagen, one of time difference maker.” Meszaros the school’s top lacrosse players will be used at running back and as an occasional slot receiver, and who had two touchdowns on the ground against Division, runs and as a linebacker/safety. throws well but will also be asked Senior Tyler Ippolito is the to catch the ball as a slot target team’s lone returning award winfor Lucchese, who was the JV ner after earning All-Conference starting quarterback. honors. Also a lacrosse standout, Senior Demetri Chambers is a Ippolito doesn’t come off the

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returning starting wideout, and junior Jaylin Walker is a returning varsity receiver/cornerback. Senior Harrison Kirby can work at tight end when Ippolito operates out of the backfield and get involved defensively as a linebacker.

“It’s important we were able to get back into a preseason routine,” LoCicero said.

Christian Meszaros

TYLER IPPOLITO

DYLAN MURPHY

Schedule 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 JAKE LUNATI

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September V.S. South 2:00 p.m. @ Manhasset 2:00 p.m.

Bethpage 2:00 p.m.

October @ Roosevelt 3:00 p.m. @ Mineola 2:00 p.m.

Kennedy 2:00 p.m.

Hewlett 3:00 p.m. @ V.S. North 2:00 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

September 9, 2021 — 31

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September 9, 2021 — 33

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

M MacARTHUR Senior-led Generals part of title hunt

By ANDREW COEN

ending injury in the third game.

MacArthur lost the bulk of its entire offensive line from the spring, but does return senior startne of the larger senior ers James Clarkson and Anthony classes in MacArthur hisTufano. Senior tight ends Vincent tory will look to march the Fundaro and Mario Logozzo will Generals to a county championalso contribute to the line along ship after falling inches short last with serving as receiving weapons. season.

The General offense was Longtime head coach Bobby explosive for most of the season Fehrenbach returns 32 players who were juniors during the spring averaging 34 points a game in the regular season before defeating 2021 season that ended with a South Side 28-7 in the Conference 14-7 loss to Garden City in the Conference II finals after Generals II semifinals on MacArthur’s home field in Levittown. The offensive were stopped twice inside the one-yard line in the fourth quarter. fireworks did not carry over however into the championship While many of the faces of that game when a strong Garden City runner-up finish return, Fehrendefense held MacArthur to just bach said he doesn’t expect the heartbreak of that defeat to linger one touchdown while halting two drives near the goal line in the into the new campaign. second and fourth quarter.

“I don’t use that buildup Defensively, MacArthur returns because it’s a different team,” said senior outside linebacker Finn Fehrenbach, a former standout Duffy, who led the team in tackles football player in the 1990s who has coached his alma mater to two as a junior. Senior defensive ends Connor Cullen and Ryan Larkin county titles in 2002 and 2015. along with junior defensive tackle “Some of the parts are the same, it’s a different team and a different Sal Orlando will also provide experience upfront, year.”

Junior Joey Forchelli shined After graduating star running as a starting cornerback as a back Ryan Isom, Fehrenbach will sophomore and will help lead the look for senior James Napoli to anchor the backfield. Napoli, who defensive backfield along with missed some of last season due to Papach at free safety.

“We’re very deep and there are Covid-19 contact tracing precautions, rushed for 109 yards on just a lot of different kids that could really help us out,” Fehrenbach 12 carries in MacArthur’s 35-14 said. “They are a talented bunch.” win against Carey to close the The Generals are seeded second regular season. out of 14 teams in Conference II Senior wide receiver Matt with five-time defending county Papach should provide a spark to champion Garden City on top. the offense as the Generals’ lone Carey (third), Valley Stream Central returning All-County player. He (fourth), New Hyde Park (fifth) and hauled in a 20-yard touchdown Elmont (sixth) open the season pass during the 28-7 playoff win just behind MacArthur in the against South Side in late April. rankings. The Nassau playoffs will Ryan Muller and Jack Butler, return to a traditional eight-team both seniors, will be in the mix field this season after the springfor the starting quarterback spot.

Muller started most of last season shortened spring campaign was limited to four. after Butler suffered a season-

O

34 — September 9, 2021

MacArthur will tackle a rigorous schedule starting with a Friday night game Sept. 10 versus Long Beach at 7 p.m. The schedule also highlighted Friday night home games versus Carey on Oct. 8 and Elmont on Oct. 15 along with a road tilt at Garden City on Oct. 23 for a rematch of last year’s county finals. The Generals’ regular season concludes on Oct. 30 at New Hyde Park for a 2 p.m. kickoff.

James Napoli

MATTHEW PAPACH

ANTHONY TUFANO

Schedule 10 18 25 2 8 15 23 30 FINN DUFFY

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September Long Beach 7:00 p.m. @ V.S. Central 2:00 p.m.

Herricks 2:00 p.m.

October @ Mepham 2:00 p.m.

Carey 7:00 p.m.

Elmont 7:00 p.m. @ Garden City 2:00 p.m. @ N.H. Park 2:00 p.m.

Photos by Ron Manfredi

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

MALVERNE Excitement surrounds promising young Mules

By TONY BELLISSIMO

M

alverne boasted one of the youngest rosters in Nassau Conference IV last season and will be bolstered by some members of an undefeated JV squad, bringing an excitement level not felt in the program for quite some time.

The Mules suffered some growing pains with three single-digit defeats leading to a 1-5 finish and must replace three high-end two-way starters as well as three role players. Seeded No. 7 in the 13-team conference, they open at home under the Friday night lights against West Hempstead.

“We have a bunch of guys with three or two years of varsity experience and have a lot to be excited about,” head coach Kito Lockwood said. “We lost some tough games in the fourth quarter but it wasn’t for a lack of effort. We have a tough schedule and come Weeks 7 and 8, we’ll find out if we’re a playoff team or not when we face the top two seeds.”

The offense is in the hands of sophomore quarterback Chad Wesley, who Lockwood said showed signs of greatness at the JV level before a late-season callup to the big stage. “He has nice size (5-foot-10) for a sophomore and is still growing,” Lockwood said. “He’s played quarterback, receiver and running back growing up. He’s a dual threat and a perfect fit for our system.”

The face of the unit is senior running back D’Andre Blagrove, a 6-4, 240-pound workhorse with a combination of power and speed.

He rushed for nearly 500 yards and four touchdowns while also serving as a defensive leader. “He’s not really going to come off the field,” Lockwood said.

Blagrove’s backfield and TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000

linebacker mate is junior Norman Brown, who doesn’t possess the same kind of size but is extremely talented, Lockwood said. “We used Norman a lot on defense and he’s going to be a little more involved in the offense,” he said.

“He can be a bowling ball. I’m expecting big things.”

At receiver, the Mules saw Armando White go down in last season’s finale and it’s unknown if he’ll be ready for the start of his junior campaign. White had two touchdown receptions in his first game as a sophomore. If healthy, he’ll form a solid duo with junior Dustin McPherson, who earned All-County honors in spring track and showed a reliable set of hands in the air attack. He’s 6-3 and plays strong safety. White is a cornerback.

A trio of seniors — Ryan Thompson, Justin Murphy and Jeffrey Enwere spearhead the offensive front. Thompson returns as the starting center and handles the shotgun responsibilities well, Lockwood said. Murphy is a third-year starting guard, while Enwere moves into a starting job after filling a reserve role for a few years.

Another weapon on offense, something Malverne had been missing since Lockwood’s playing days in the 1990s, is kicker Javier Fuentes. As a freshman, Fuentes was successful on 85 percent of his extra-point tries and went 1-for-2 on field goals. “He’s legit,” Lockwood said. “Not a lot of teams have a strong kicking game and it could be the difference in close games. He also kicks off and punts.”

Malverne’s strength on defense is its linebacker corps, led by sophomore Hugh Wilkerson III, who has Blagrove and Brown as running mates. Wilkerson III led the team in tackles and posted

double figures in stops in four of six games. “Hugh is a ball-hawk who gets to the ball with attitude,” said Lockwood, who also likes a secondary that includes junior shutdown corner Sylivan Castin and sophomore safety William Hartley. The latter could enter the mix at wideout and also serve as the holder on kicks.

DeAndre Blagrove

NORMAN BROWN

TYLER ROUSE

Schedule

3 10 18 25 2 9 15 23 30 RYAN THOMPSON

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September West Hempstead 7:00 p.m.

Locust Valley 7:00 p.m. @ Clarke 2:00 p.m.

Friends Academy 2:00 p.m.

October Bye @ Lawrence 2:00 p.m.

Carle Place 7:00 p.m. @ Seaford 2:00 p.m. @ North Shore 2:00 p.m.

Photos by Sue Grieco

September 9, 2021 — 35

2021 HERALD High School Football ball Preview

MEPHAM Pirates seek to benefit from growing pains

By TONY BELLISSIMO

season when he became our tailback.”

Novello is likely to be the season after winning featured rusher but can also conseven games and reaching tribute as a slot receiver as well as the Nassau Conference II take some snaps as a quarterback semifinals at Hofstra, Mepham was in the Wildcat formation as he did unable to carry over its momenin the finale against Sewanhaka. tum and lost its last four games He’ll head the linebacker unit on following an opening victory over defense, handle punts and potentially kicking duties also. neighboring Calhoun.

Inexperience up front and some Like Novello, Ryan Thier also key injuries derailed the Pirates, had an impactful sophomore camwho remain on the younger side paign. Both are physical players but hope to benefit from the on both sides of the ball, Cracco spring’s growing pains as well as a noted. Thier can shed tacklers and full preseason camp. “We were so has deceptive speed out of the young last season and it was a dif- backfield and brings a quick first ficult transition because Covid took step as a pass-rushing defensive end. “Ryan has played running away from important preparation,” head coach Anthony Cracco back a long time and has great football instincts like Dominick,” said. “We’re still a young team Cracco said. compared to what we’re used to, For the first time in three seabut a lot of kids are back after getting varsity reps and experienc- sons, the Pirates will have a new starting quarterback. Senior Nick ing the speed of the game. We’re Honerkamp got the nod against confident we can do a bunch of good things and compete.”

Sewanhaka and much-needed experience under his belt. “Nick has Cracco described seventha lot of ability and fits our offense seeded Mepham’s schedule as “interesting.” Over the first half, it well,” Cracco said. “His legs give faces opponents ranked third, 14th us another dimension.” Junior (last), 13th and second, beginning Peter Mayo is a varsity returnee with Carey on the road. The Pirates with a tremendous work ethic, Cracco said, and he’ll compete for will prepare with a four-way snaps. scrimmage with Massapequa, Mepham isn’t expecting to Wantagh and Kellenberg. “We get throw as much as recent seasons. challenged right off the bat,” he said. “It’s become a fun rivalry. We However, juniors Dylan Dunn and opened at Carey in 2019 and had Michael Cucinella, along with seniors Dean Holtzman, Gabriel Terra a nice day. Last season we played and Aidan Amato, and sophomore at our place and they beat us Ryan Harrington, comprise a solid pretty good.”

Dominick Novello, now a junior, group of targets. Dunn and Cuhad one of Mepham’s touchdowns cinella can fly and be differencemakers in the offense and special in last season’s 48-27 defeat to Carey and returns as an All-County teams, Cracco said. Holtzman, a two-way starter. “He’s an absolute leader in the secondary, could see an increased role in the offense. stud with an unbelievable work Senior Brendan Moran, a deethic,” Cracco said. “He’s made an impact from the day he walked fensive end, and junior Chris Norris, a talented defensive lineman, into practice as a freshman. Our could contribute as tight ends or offensive dynamic changed last

A

36 — September 9, 2021

fullbacks in certain packages.

Unlike in March when the Pirates were tasked with rebuilding their offensive and defensive fronts, there are many more answers than questions in the trenches. Seniors Brian Goldstein, Miguel Rivera Anthony Messina, Logan LoGiudici, James Griffin, Connor Ward and Dom Casella, and junior Kevin Perry comprise a deep group of linemen.

Goldstein, Rivera, Messina and Perry were all starters last season.

RYAN THIER

Dominick Novello

NICK HONERKAMP

Schedule September 11 @ Carey 2:00 p.m.

18 @ Roslyn 2:00 p.m.

25 Glen Cove 2:00 p.m.

October 2 MacArthur 2:00 p.m.

9 @ Baldwin 2:00 p.m.

16 Garden City 2:00 p.m.

23 @ New Hyde Park 2:00 p.m.

30 Calhoun 2:00 p.m.

MIGUEL RIVERA

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Photos by Jeff Wilson

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September 9, 2021 — 37

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

OCEANSIDE Sailors aim for title after falling short

By TONY BELLISSIMO

game, resulting in 488 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground.

He’ll once again be a dual threat, Blount said, with the majority ith a roster full of threeof other carries likely going to and four-year varlast season’s top pass catcher in sity players and coming Nassau, senior Michael Mecca. within a possession of winning a county championship in the spring, The All-County wideout/safety had 44 receptions for 462 yards and Oceanside is the team to beat in 6 touchdowns. “We don’t have a Nassau Conference I. “Our guys are hungry and mo- true tailback right now and Mecca is a big-play guy so he’s going to tivated,” head coach Rob Blount get the ball a lot,” Blount said. said. “They know what it takes to Senior Ronnie Kraemer is another go deep in the playoffs. Many of them have been to the finals twice All-County receiver/safety who and the semifinals three times. We had 29 grabs for 367 yards and 3 all want to get over the hump and touchdowns to go with a couple of interceptions on defense. Seniors win it all.”

Dan McCormick and Nick Ebel are The Sailors, who last captured also part of the receiver corps and a county crown in 2017, enjoyed serve as starting cornerbacks. a perfect 6-0 regular season and Blount said the Sailors will use defeated Syosset in the semifinals two tight-end sets often with before losing a heartbreaker to senior Matt Roesler (6-foot-6, 240 Massapequa in a thrilling backpounds) and junior Logan Lyson and-forth title game. “It was a (6-3, 230) creating matchup adtough ending and everyone felt vantages. An Ankle injury limited bad for the seniors, but the silver Roesler, also a disruptive defensive lining is we lost with a bunch of end, to two games last season. Lyjuniors and sophomores who are son, who plays linebacker, earned back,” Blount said.

All-County honors. “It’s a luxury Top-seeded Oceanside returns five All-County selections, including to have two great tight ends,” Blount said. “Both are big-time record-setting senior quarterback difference makers on both sides of Charlie McKee. The winner of the ball.” the Thorp Award, presented to Three starters return to the ofNassau’s most outstanding player, fensive line, and the two vacated McKee is within striking distance spots appear to be filled heading of becoming the county’s all-time leader in passing touchdowns and into the opener at Uniondale.

Senior All-County lineman/linepassing yards. He has 66 career backer Joe Broderick is moving scoring strikes and 6,746 career yards. Both records are held by Joe to left tackle to protect McKee’s Capobianco, who had 100 passing blind side and is a throwback player who enjoys the physicaltouchdowns and 8,013 yards for ity of the sport. Senior Anthony Lawrence. “Charlie is the best allaround player I’ve coached here,” Corvino returns as the starting center following a solid season, Blount said of the Stony Brook and junior Michael Furst is back at commit. “He holds every school passing record there is but always right tackle. Senior Alvin Lugo and junior Peter Staltare are expected puts the team first.” to take over as starting guards as McKee bulked up following well as rotate on the defensive his sophomore campaign and front. added a running element to his

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38 — September 9, 2021

The linebacker group could set the tone on defense, Blount noted, with Lyson and Broderick on the inside, and seniors Jack Hickam and Xavier Miller on the outside.

Blount said he “likes the balance” of the schedule, which includes home games against defending county champion Massapequa, the No. 2 seed, and Farmingdale, the No. 4, within the first four weeks.

Michael Mecca

RONNIE KREAMER

JOE BRODERICK

Schedule 11 17 25 2 8 16 22 29 LOGAN LYSON

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September @ Uniondale 2:00 p.m.

Farmingdale 6:00 p.m. @ Hempstead 2:00 p.m.

October Massapequa 3:00 p.m.

Port Washington 6:00 p.m. @ Syosset 2:00 p.m.

East Meadow 6:00 p.m. @ Freeport 6:00 p.m.

Photos by Jeff Wilson

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2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

SEAFORD Vikings aim to maintain winning tradition

By ANDREW COEN

three touchdowns in a 32-6 victory versus Wantagh to close the regular season.

Thomas Kofod also adds experior the first time in more than two decades Seaford football ence to the backfield after some will have a new face leading explosive performances last year that included rushing for 78 yards the program. on just five carries in a 28-14 win Rob Perpall retired in the offat Clarke on April 10. season after guiding the program While Corcoran wants to to eight county titles and two Long continue Seaford’s recent history of Island crowns in his 21 seasons run game success, he also is hoproaming the sidelines. Mike Corcoran, who was on the coach- ing to open up the passing game with returning senior quarterback ing staff for Seaford’s run of four Kyle Stark, who tossed some clutch straight county titles from 2007 touchdown passes in the spring. to 2010 as defensive coordinator, One of his main targets will be now takes over after eight years senior tight end Jack Murphy, a away and will try to continue the three-year varsity starter. winning tradition established by “We’d like to add a little more his predecessor. passing to the offense but we will “It’s nice to be back,” said try and push the run as much as Corcoran, who returns to Seaford we can,” Corcoran said. after serving as head coach at Seaford graduated the bulk of Roslyn from 2013 to 2016 along last year’s offensive line, which with assistant coaching gigs at was an integral part of driving Bethpage and East Meadow. “It’s the Vikings’ ground game suca really good program and I’m happy to be the one to get to take cess. Seniors Jake Kellner and AJ Arguello bring veteran leadership it over.” to the unit as returning starters Corcoran, a longtime Seaford and Corcoran will use preseason teacher and former boys varsity lacrosse coach, inherits a team that practices to determine who to fill the other spots. went 5-0 in a shortened regular Kellner, Arguello and Murphy season held in the spring due to the Covid-19 pandemic before fall- are also key facets on the other ing to Wantagh in the Conference side of the football as returning starters on the defensive line. The IV semifinals.

Joining Corcoran this fall as of- Vikings also bring back Kofod and McHugh at linebacker along with fensive coordinator is Long Island high school football coaching vet- AJ Barone at free safety.

Seaford is seeded second in eran Lou Buschi, who he worked with at Roslyn. Bushi’s offense will Conference IV behind only last year’s runner-up North Shore with be led largely by senior running back James McHugh, who earned Clarke right behind them at third.

All-County honors as a junior with Defending champion Wantagh has moved back to Conference III more than 900 yards rushing in after just one season in Seaford’s just six games.

“He will definitely be one of our league due to increased enrollment. keys on offense,” said Corcoran After kicking off the season of McHugh, who rushed for 163 yards in just 16 carries in Seaford’s Labor Day weekend against East Rockaway, Seaford travels to season-opening 28-0 win against Cold Spring Harbor for a Friday Lawrence and 165 yards with

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night game on Sept. 10. The Vikings visit North Shore on Oct. 2 before hosting Clarke Oct. 9 and then will have a late-season bye the following weekend.

The regular season concludes on Oct. 23 at home against Malverne and at Island Trees on Oct. 29.

“It should be a lot of tough games and a tough conference,” Corcoran said. “It should be interesting.”

TOM KOFAD

James McHugh

KYLE STARK

Schedule

September East Rockaway 2:00 p.m. @ C.S. Harbor 7:00 p.m.

West Hempstead 2:00 p.m. @ Lawrence 2:00 p.m.

October 2 @ North Shore 2:00 p.m.

9 Clarke 2:00 p.m.

16 Bye 23 Malverne 2:00 p.m.

29 @ Island Trees 6:30 p.m.

4 10 18 25

JACK MURPHY

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Photos by Ron Manfredi

September 9, 2021 — 41

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

SEWANHAKA Hard-working Indians looking to surprise

By TONY BELLISSIMO

being handed over to junior Dominick Balletta, who served as the backup quarterback and got a ewanhaka is coming off its taste of varsity football. He threw a most successful season on touchdown pass in the regularthe gridiron in more than season loss to Garden City and can 25 years. be a dual threat. “He’s an excellent The Indians participated in the athlete who plays travel baseball Nassau semifinals for the first time but also loves football,” Kasimatis since 1994 after winning 4 of 5 said. “He has a calm demeanor regular-season games, beating and can be a running and throwNew Hyde Park, Calhoun, Kennedy ing threat. He just needs to build and Mepham) in Conference II. up experience.”

They were the No. 7 preseason Both sides of the line are where seed. The only opponent to handle Kasimatis expects depth to show. them was five-time defending Senior Paul Caputo is back in county champion Garden City, uniform and being counted on to which pulled away for a 35-14 start at center and the defensive playoff victory after leading by just front as well as provide leadership. seven points midway through the Additional senior two-way linesecond quarter. men Efrain Cortes and Cliff Saint “It’s the best season we’ve Fleurant played in last season’s had since I’m here and we did it opener before opting out. Cortes finishing with 25 kids between the brings aggressiveness and quality varsity and JV,” Sewanhaka head footwork, Kasimatis noted, and coach George Kasimatis said. “We Saint Fleurant is big, strong and played hard and played well and quick and could play a skill posibattled through adversity. Our JV tion if asked. didn’t have enough bodies and Senior Jonathan Edouard folded after three games. One of emerged last season at offensive our recent graduates, Frantz Comp- tackle and has the ideal length ere, said he’ll remember the playoff and quick feet, the coach said. game the most and said how Junior Muizz Zulfiqar made a proud he was that we competed smooth transition from the JV to against Garden City.” varsity and will push for a starting Kasimatis is a little concerned gig up front. There’s also junior with numbers heading into the Jalen Brown and sophomore opener against Calhoun although Cristopher Cruz in the mix. If he expects some projected starters Kasimatis can find a solid group, who sat out last season for perhe said junior Markese Gadson sonal reasons to return. Offseason will move from the line to tight workouts averaged about 40 kids end where his overall skill set is compared to the usual 60. a better fit. “Markese moves well “We should be able to rotate and has a nose for the ball, and he guys at a bunch of positions,” also blocks well,” Kasimatis said.

Kasimatis said. “I thought we held “Ideally he’s our tight end catchour own in 7 on 7s this summer ing some passes and giving us an with the other four teams [Carey, extra body as a blocker.”

Elmont, Floral Park and New Hyde Carter Fredericks-Dort, a junior, Park] in the district. We’re facing has a chance to be the featured a very competitive schedule even running back and can contribute at safety or linebacker on the flip though we’re seeded 12.” side. “He’s played football his The keys to the offense are

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42 — September 9, 2021

whole life,” Kasimatis said.

“He’s got big shoes to fill, but he’s talented.”

Some receiver/ defensive back candidates to start on both sides include seniors Tyler Harts and Caireek Belnavis, and junior Mike Stainano. The latter is also an option to get some carries out of the backfield.

Dominick Balletta

MARKESE GADSON

CARTER FREDERICKS-DORT

Schedule 11 18 25 2 8 16 23 30 KAMARI DENHART

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September Calhoun 2:00 p.m. @ Elmont 2:00 p.m.

V.S. Central 2:00 p.m.

October @ Baldwin 2:00 p.m. @ Glen Cove 7:00 p.m.

Roslyn 2:00 p.m.

Herricks 2:00 p.m. @ Long Beach 2:00 p.m.

Photos by Brian Ballweg

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September 9, 2021 — 43

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

SOUTH SIDE Cyclones emerge as perennial contenders

By TONY BELLISSIMO

over the field on defense and he’ll be at receiver or tight end on offense.” West, a lacrosse standout, ack in Nassau Conference added a physical element to his III and riding a streak of five skill set and is slated to start at consecutive playoff appear- strong safety and receiver. He had ances, including three straight trips a 66-yard touchdown catch in a to the semifinals, South Side has victory over Elmont. nearly 20 varsity returnees and a After working as a backup last talented sophomore class coming season, junior Michael DiFranup the ranks. cisca is on track to become the “We attribute a lot of the sucfeatured runner and also chip in at cess to the offseason dedication linebacker. He’ll catch a few passes and the Rockville Centre Titans as well. “He’s a hard-working kid feeder program,” head coach Phil and getting his body ready for the Onesto said. “Both of those things grind,” Onesto said. have coincided with our playoff Junior Rolph Brutus, who was runs. We’ve had great numbers a punishing fullback last season, in the weight room for years and is likely to join the offensive line to even during the pandemic the kids fill one of two holes. Seniors Killian really worked on their own.”

Hansman and Andrew Fingleton, As the No. 3 seed behind along with sophomore Bobby Plainedge and Wantagh, it’s highly Galindo, all have starting experilikely the Cyclones (3-3 in Conference. Hansman moves from the ence II last season) will continue right side to left tackle, Fingleton their role as contenders. They is expected to return to 2019 played in the 2019 championship form after missing last season due game, falling to Plainedge, and to injury, and Galindo is versatile will kick off the new campaign at enough to play tackle or guard.

Division. “There’s no real dropoff Less than six months after splitfrom Conference II to III,” Onesto ting reps as the JV quarterbacks, said. “Instead of Garden City, Ma- junior Ryan Kassl and sophomore cArthur and Carey at the top, it’s Owen West both make the leap Plainedge, Wantagh and Bethpage. to varsity and bring contrasting We just have to get after it like we styles. They were important parts have been doing.” of an outstanding 5-1 season that Onesto will be counting on two included wins over MacArthur, of the best athletes in the school Carey and Elmont. Kassl is more to be leaders on both sides of the of a pocket passer and West ball. Seniors TJ Maher and Brady provides an additional threat with West are weapons in the passing his legs. “We’ll let things play game and crucial pieces of the out and see how they do in our defense. Maher, who helped the game scrimmage against Long baseball team to a county title Beach,” Onesto said. “They’re last spring, was an All-County and both such good athletes.”

All-Long Island (second team) seWith Maher the lynchpin of a lection after leading South Side in group that’ll include DiFrancisca, tackles and equaling his previous seniors Dan Fuentes and Matt season in stops in just six games Solano, and sophomore Jamie compared to 11. “TJ is one of the Beatty, linebacker will be the top linebackers in the county and strongest part of the defense, has gotten faster and stronger in a Onesto noted. Fuentes and Soshort time,” Onesto said. “He’s all lano also provide depth at running

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44 — September 9, 2021

back. Brutus is a returning starter on the defensive front, where juniors Matt Devares and Sean Sandhaas are slated to contribute.

T.J. Maher

BRADY WEST

KILLIAN HANSMAN

Schedule 10 18 24 1 9 16 23 29 ANDREW FINGLETON

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September Division 6:00 p.m. @ V.S. South 2:00 p.m.

Plainedge 6:00 p.m.

October @ Manhasset 6:30 p.m. @ Wantagh 2:00 p.m.

Floral Park 2:00 p.m. @ Roosevelt 2:00 p.m.

Bethpage 6:00 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

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2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

2021

NASSAU COUNTY FOOTBALL RANKINGS CONFERENCE I

1. Oceanside Sailors 2. Massapequa Chiefs 3. Syosset Braves 4. Farmingdale Dalers 5. Freeport Red Devils 6. Port Washington Vikings 7. Hempstead Tigers 8. East Meadow Jets 9. Uniondale Knights 10. Plainview Hawks 11. Hicksville Comets 12. Westbury Green Dragons

CONFERENCE II

1. Garden City Trojans 2. MacArthur Generals 3. Carey Seahawks 4. V.S. Central Eagles 5. New Hyde Park Gladiators 6. Elmont Spartans 7. Mepham Pirates 8. Long Beach Marines 9. Baldwin Bruins 10. Herricks Highlanders 11. Calhoun Colts 12. Sewanhaka Indians 13. Glen Cove Big Red 14. Roslyn Bulldogs

CONFERENCE III

1. Plainedge Red Devils 2. Wantagh Warriors 3. South Side Cyclones 4. Bethpage Golden Eagles 5. Floral Park Knights 6. Manhasset Indians 7. Division Dragons 8. V.S. North Spartans 9. Roosevelt Rough Riders 10. Hewlett Bulldogs 11. V.S. South Falcons 12. Lynbrook Owls 13. Mineola Mustangs 14. Kennedy Cougars

Jared Alexander will try to lift No. 9 Lawrence into the Conference IV playoffs.

CONFERENCE IV

1. North Shore Vikings 2. Seaford Vikings 3. Clarke Rams 4. Cold Spring Harbor Seahawks 5. East Rockaway Rocks 6. West Hempstead Rams

7. Malverne Mules 8. Island Trees Bulldogs 9. Lawrence Golden Tornadoes 10. Locust Valley Falcons 11. Carle Place Frogs 12. Oyster Bay Baymen 13. Friends Academy Quakers Photo by Eric Dunetz

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September 9, 2021 — 47

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

UNIONDALE Persistent Knights have tools to thrive

By ANDREW COEN

with the return of all five starting offensive linemen including 6-3, 290-pound senior Deomiee niondale head coach Philip Scales-Melvin, who he said has AllCounty potential. The experienced Coppola used this past season’s spring pandemic- offensive line also includes seniors Matt Jackson, Dan Saravia and shortened spring schedule as a Jardel Thomas along with junior building block for what he hopes Jordyn Davis. proves to be a breakthrough fall “We have a really, really solid campaign. line and a quarterback who can The Knights battled through a 1-4 season played amid challeng- run the ball and throw the ball,” Coppola said. “We are very good ing conditions with the players at a disadvantage compared to other upfront.”

Behind a strong line Coppola teams due to Uniondale being the will look to establish an explosive only high school on Long Island ground attack lead by featured operating as fully remote, which running back Rkelly Trajean, who limited training opportunities.

Coppola said despite the adversity was moved into the backfield after faced from not being in school, his playing wide receiver last year.

Coppola said he will determine team persevered throughout the season, which ended with a 22-14 during preseason practices what other players may contribute to win against Hicksville. the running game.

“Our kids haven’t been to Junior wide receiver Teruno Hyschool in 18 months and I am so man, who shined on junior varsity proud of what these kids have last year, will play a pivotal role accomplished,” Coppola said. in the Knight’s passing offense, “They haven’t been around for a year and a half and these kids are which Coppola hopes to mix up working their butts off wanting to with the run in order to keep opposing defenses on their heels. compete with these other schools O’keiff Tyrell will be another target who have been in school for the of Smalls, who moves to receiver past year and I couldn’t be more after playing running back in the proud of them.” spring.

Starting quarterback Joshua Defensively, Uniondale will be Smalls returns after making strides keyed largely by senior middle in the spring and Coppola sees linebacker Darien Fray. Scalespotential for the athletic junior to Melvin, Jackson and Davis will take an even bigger leap this fall.

He was limited to three games as a lead the charge upfront on the sophomore after suffering an early defensive line.

Uniondale enters the season season knee injury, but has worked seeded ninth in Conference I, but hard in the offseason to improve Coppola said his team should be both physically and his command in strong contention for one of the of the playbook.

“He has a great concept of the eight available playoff spots since there is a lot of parity outside offense and runs everything in the top two teams, Oceanside practice,” said Coppola of Smalls, and defending county champion who will run plenty of run-pass Massapequa. option plays. “He is going to be a After opening against top-seedbig player.”

Coppola is excited about the ex- ed Oceanside, Uniondale visits perience upfront protecting Smalls longtime local rival Hempstead on

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48 — September 9, 2021

Sept. 18 for a 2 p.m. kickoff and Westbury for a Friday evening game beginning at 5 p.m. on Sept. 24. The Knights will also host Syosset on Oct. 2 and Freeport Oct. 16, with both games commencing at 2 p.m. The regular season concludes with Homecoming Oct. 30 against neighborhood rival East Meadow, also for a 2 p.m. start time.

“Other than Oceanside I think we can compete with anyone on our schedule,” Coppola said. “If we stay healthy we can surprise some people.”

DEOMIEE SCALES-MELVIN

Joshua Smalls

MATT JACKSON

Schedule September 11 Oceanside 2:00 p.m.

18 @ Hempstead 2:00 p.m.

24 @ Westbury 5:00 p.m.

October 2 Syosset 2:00 p.m.

9 @ Hicksville 2:00 p.m.

16 Freeport 2:00 p.m.

23 @ Plainview 2:00 p.m.

30 East Meadow 2:00 p.m.

RKELLY TRAJEAN

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Photos by Sue Grieco

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

V.S. CENTRAL Eagles relying on defense, ground attack

By TONY BELLISSIMO

consisting of senior Jason Dalis and junior Joshua Rogers. Dalis is a third-year varsity player who started every game at linebacker as fter Valley Stream Central a junior and got an occasional carry fumbled away its chance in a pass-first offense. “We didn’t to be a semifinal playoff run too much, but Jason is a strong team for a second straight season, kid who excels in the weight room dropping its must-win finale to Elmont, the Eagles are out to prove and also has speed,” Rubino said.

Rogers missed last season with they can run with the big dogs in Nassau Conference II despite some a foot injury but is explosive and physical, the coach noted. He was a unexpected summer departures.

“We’re rocking and rolling with standout at the JV level in 2019 and also plays linebacker. “Josh tore it up the kids we’ve got,” head coach on JV when he was a freshman and Michael Rubino said. “We’re going to look a lot like the 2019 team that is really going to help us,” Rubino added. made it to the semifinals. We’ll be The offensive front is anchored big up front, we’ll look to play tough by senior center Hamza Choudry, a defense and slam the ball with our thee-year starter who’s one of the running game.” schools premier wrestlers as well.

The Eagles, who went 3-2 in a “He’s a tough kid with a wrestling condensed season this past spring, mentality and brings it every game,” still have close to 20 returning varsity players and a young quarterback Rubino said. “He communicates with lots of potential. They’re seeded well and makes accurate snaps in the shotgun.” fourth in the 14-team conference The Eagles also return both and open the campaign at home starting tackles with junior against Elmont. An unforgiving Showayne Lumsden (6-foot-3, 250 schedule also includes matchups against four-time defending county pounds) on the left side and junior Jerome Nembhard (6-0, 200) on champion Garden City and perennial title contenders MacArthur and the right. Both are key pieces of the defensive line as well. “Showayne Carey.

“We seriously have our work cut has great feet and he’s still growout,” Rubino said. “The guys realize ing,” Rubino said. “And Jerome is a hard-nosed kid who just loves how important the offseason work is if we want to be successful. We’re football.”

Another returning two-way scrimmaging Syosset from Conference I to help us prepare for Elmont starter and a talented three-sport athlete, junior Mohammad Daffalla and everyone else.” tops the depth chart at receiver Rubino said they’ll take it slow with freshman signal-caller Omarre and is a reliable cornerback. Junior Anthony Castro brings some varsity Gantt, who was the JV starter last season and has a solid grasp of the experience to the receiver group and secondary as well. position. “He has a long way to A handful of seniors could play go but he’s a smart kid and an exprominent roles on one or both tremely hard worker,” Rubino said. sides of the ball. Ingel Jones has the “He’s a dual threat who can run ability to serve as a shutdown corand throw, but we’re not throwing the kitchen sink at him right away.” nerback when opponents air it out.

Charles Pierre-Louis is the team’s Gantt has the benefit on a top tight end and also a defensive sizable and experienced offensive end opposite Nembhard, while front and a talented backfield

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Antonio Padilla is a linebacker who could land a starting nod on offense as well.

Joshua Rogers

MOHAMMAD DAFFALLA

JEROME NEMBHARD

Schedule 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 ANTONIO PADILLA

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September Elmont 2:00 p.m.

MacArthur 2:00 p.m. @ Sewanhaka 7:00 p.m.

October New Hyde Park 3:00 p.m. @ Garden City 2:00 p.m. @ Herricks 2:00 p.m.

Long Beach 2:00 p.m. @ Carey 2:00 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

September 9, 2021 — 49

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

RUTGERS

CUP Rutgers Cup History The Rutgers Cup is presented annually by the Rutgers Club of Long Island to the most outstanding football team in Nassau County.

Manhasset was last season’s recipient. The Indians won the Nassau Conference III championship. A list of the winners: 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979

MANHASSET PLAINEDGE FREEPORT GARDEN CITY GARDEN CITY FARMINGDALE CAREY CAREY LAWRENCE EAST MEADOW FREEPORT GARDEN CITY FREEPORT FARMINGDALE LAWRENCE GARDEN CITY ROOSEVELT FREEPORT BETHPAGE WANTAGH FREEPORT ROOSEVELT GARDEN CITY FREEPORT DIVISION BETHPAGE MASSAPEQUA BETHPAGE GARDEN CITY FARMINGDALE MALVERNE MASSAPEQUA HEMPSTEAD SEWANHAKA HEMPSTEAD HEMPSTEAD HEMPSTEAD NEW HYDE PARK DIVISION DIVISION MASSAPEQUA SEWANHAKA

50 — September 9, 2021

1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950 1949 1948 1947 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942 1941 1940 1939 1938 1937

FARMINGDALE NEW HYDE PARK FARMINGDALE FARMINGDALE CAREY SYOSSET FARMINGDALE FARMINGDALE SYOSSET FREEPORT MASSAPEQUA MINEOLA HICKSVILLE MASSAPEQUA EAST MEADOW FREEPORT HEMPSTEAD LAWRENCE MINEOLA FREEPORT FREEPORT MANHASSET FREEPORT LAWRENCE MINEOLA BALDWIN MEPHAM HEMPSTEAD MEPHAM GLEN COVE BALDWIN HEMPSTEAD HEMPSTEAD MINEOLA BAY SHORE GLEN COVE FREEPORT HEMPSTEAD LAWRENCE HEMPSTEAD OCEANSIDE LAWRENCE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

THE PUBLISHERS AND STAFF OF THE

Congratulates the Manhasset High School football team and its coaches on the remarkable achievement of winning the Rutgers Cup HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

V.S. NORTH Familiar faces return to lead Spartans

By BRIAN KACHARABA

work hard and come back and do what [we] know to do.”

And that hard work, Paolillo believes, could result in a postseason berth.

“After what I saw last summer oes continuity breed and what I saw last year, I think success?

That’s what Valley Stream North we’re going to surprise a lot of people…especially in the first four is hoping for as it takes the field games,” he declared. this fall in search of its first winThe offensive playmakers from ning regular season since 2014.

The Spartans, under then first-year the spring season remains virtually head coach Mike Paolillo, finished intact. Quarterback Brian Farrell returns after making his varsity 3-3 in the spring after rallying to debut as a junior and is coming off defeat Hewlett in the finale to an impressive summer minicamp clinch the program’s first nonwhere he improved on his reads losing season since 2016. and quickness.

Paolillo was North’s JV head “We’re going to set him up to coach for more than a decade be very, very successful,” Paolillo and guided most of the players said. “We have a few things in the on this year’s roster while at the junior level. That comfort level and mix for him this year.”

There is plenty of excitement knowing each other’s tendencies, he believes, can only be a positive surrounding junior tailback Josh Lopez, who rushed for at least 60 entering the new season. yards three times last season with “It’s very important,” Paolillo three touchdowns, including the said. “They know what I expect, game-winning score in the fourth they know how I want them to work [and] they know the routines. quarter against Hewlett.

“I expect him to continue It even helped last year because where he left off,” Paolillo said. there were only two kids on the team that didn’t play for me on JV. “He is an extremely hard worker who gives 150 percent in everyIt was quite an easy transition.” thing he does. He’ll be huge for But taking it to the next level us.” will certainly be a challenge. The Ethan Ramnarain and Andrew Spartans open the Conference III Lusterino are the wideouts and season at Wantagh (Conference fellow senior Michael Capolino IV champions last season) before could see some passes his way home dates against defending county-champion Manhasset (8-0) in addition to his running back duties. Lusterino has been known and Plainedge (10-2) in the third to make the clutch catch when and fourth weeks, respectively. needed, while Ramnarain excels North was outscored 83-0 in the with his size and finesse. two games against the latter two The offensive and defensive schools last season, but Paolillo lines will have a much different believes in his team’s resiliency in look this season with senior center the rematches.

Jack DelCarpine being the lone “It’s going to be a rough one, holdover. Paolillo is looking for but we’re prepared and ready,” Christian Layden, Sebastien GibPaolillo said. “We just have to bons and Nick Navetta to possibly gameplan week-to-week and not be intimidated if we go down by a fill the other spots on offense and touchdown or two. We just have to Capolino and Farrell could see

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time at defensive end.

Lopez and junior Danny Rojas are the projected starters at linebacker. Cornerback-safety hybrid Vaughn Candelario, who recovered two fumbles in a win over Glen Cove last March, returns for his senior season after an injury-plagued spring and will be joined by Ramnarain, Lusterino, Michael Munson and Albean Sarmiento in the defensive backfield.

Rojas, who has soccer experience, could make the difference in some close game at kicker.

ETHAN RAMNARIAN

Andrew Lusterino

JOHN DELCARPINE

Schedule 11 18 25 2 9 16 22 30 MICHAEL CAPOLINO

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September @ Wantagh 2:00 p.m. @ Hewlett 2:00 p.m.

Manhasset 2:00 p.m.

October Plainedge 3:00 p.m. @ Kennedy 2:00 p.m.

Mineola 2:00 p.m. @ Bethpage 6:30 p.m.

Lynbrook 2:00 p.m.

Photos by Sue Grieco

September 9, 2021 — 51

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

V.S. SOUTH Falcons flying high after strong finish

By TONY BELLISSIMO

T

hough it didn’t garner enough power points to finish in the top four of the Nassau Conference III standings to reach the playoffs last season, Valley Stream South has plenty to feel good about.

The Falcons closed on a threegame winning streak for a 4-2 mark. Head coach Joe Guastafeste believes the offseason work ethic carried onto the field and was a major reason for their success.

“The offseason dedication was the best I’ve ever seen at South,” Guastafeste said. “We followed up with another great summer and we’ll see how the season goes. We have to continue to work as hard as we can. Good things come to hard-working teams.”

South is ranked No. 11 in the 14-team conference and faces three similar seeds in the opening half of the schedule with No. 12 Lynbrook, No. 14 Kennedy, and No. 10 Hewlett on the early docket along with third-seeded South Side. “Conference III has quality from top to bottom,” Guastafeste said. “We can’t take any opponent lightly.”

Guastafeste had to shift gears about a month before last season kicked off when starting quarterback Cle-Andre Stewart suffered a torn ACL and underwent surgery.

Since-graduated Yasir Shabbaz-Allah stepped up to lead the offense and had three games with three rushing touchdowns. Stewart, now a senior, is doing everything he can to get back on the field.

“Cle-Andre started every game for us in 2019 and he’s a dual threat,” Guastafeste said. “He’s a strong runner who can also make teams pay when he has to throw.”

Coming off a solid campaign as the JV starting quarterback, 52 — September 9, 2021

sophomore Michael Hernandez possesses a strong arm and quickness, and can make things happen with his legs. He’s likely to get some snaps and can also contribute as a receiver.

Four spots on the offensive line appear locked, according to Guastafeste with junior guard Michael Brooks up from the JV to join junior center Jonathan Diaz, senior guard Sebastian Arenas and senior tackle Ahmad Akhtar, who is expected to make a smooth transition from tight end since the blocking scheme is no different.

The coach said Diaz, who plays nose guard on defense, was at the top of the team’s biggest surprises. “We went to 95 percent shotgun snaps and he didn’t have a bad one all season,” Guastafeste said of Diaz, who put in as much offseason work as anyone since the pandemic. Arenas is an athletic pulling guard with strong footwork.

The backfield features seniors Xavier Augustin and Brandon Pierre. Augustin closed last season with a bang, rushing for 231 yards and three touchdowns to lead a victory over Glen Cove.

He averaged about five carries per game previously and helped lead the secondary at cornerback.

Augustin’s touches could increase and he’s also expected to return punts and kicks. Pierre, who enjoyed a breakout season on defense at linebacker, is tough to bring down and will be an asset in short-yardage situations. He scored a late touchdown to help beat Division, 28-26. “Brandon was our most pleasant surprise on defense,” Guastafeste said. “He’s always around the ball.”

Topping the depth chart at receiver is 6-foot-4 junior Nicholas Parisi, who provides Stewart with a large target out of the slot. Parisi also brings great anticipation skills

and positioning to the safety spot.

Junior Daiyann Mir is a physical linebacker who ranked among the JV’s leading tacklers, and sophomore Prince Meeks is a versatile defender Guastafeste plans to use at linebacker or cornerback.

“There’s a positive vibe around here and we’re looking to keep it going,” Guastafeste said.

Cle-Andre Stewart

XAVIER AUGUSTIN

AHMAD AKHTAR

Schedule 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 29 BRANDON PIERRE

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September @ Lynbrook 2:00 p.m.

South Side 2:00 p.m. @ Kennedy 2:30 p.m.

October Hewlett 3:00 p.m. @ Floral Park 2:00 p.m.

Roosevelt 2:00 p.m.

Mineola 2:00 p.m. @ Division 7:00 p.m.

Photos by Donovan Berthoud

HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

HOMECOMING

2021

Carey Seahawks mascot Photo by Keith O’Reilly

School

Baldwin Calhoun Carey Clarke East Meadow East Rockaway Elmont Freeport Hempstead Hewlett Kennedy Lawrence Long Beach Lynbrook

Date

Sept. 18 Oct. 23 Oct. 16 Oct. 2 Oct. 16 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 2 Oct. 16 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 23 Oct. 15 Oct. 23

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Opponent

vs Glen Cove vs Glen Cove vs New Hyde Park vs East Rockaway vs Port Washington vs Island Trees vs Roslyn vs Hempstead vs Hicksville vs V.S. North vs V.S. South vs Locust Valley vs Glen Cove vs Kennedy

School

MacArthur Malverne Mepham Oceanside Seaford Sewanhaka South Side Uniondale V.S. Central V.S. North V.S. South Wantagh West Hempstead

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Date

Sept. 25 Sept. 25 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 16 Oct. 30 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Oct. 23 Oct. 16 Oct. 23

Opponent

vs Herricks vs Friends Academy vs Glen Cove vs Massapequa vs Clarke vs Roslyn vs Floral Park vs East Meadow vs Long Beach vs Lynbrook vs Mineola vs Manhasset vs Friends Academy

September 9, 2021 — 53

2021 HERALD High School Football Preview

WANTAGH

Warriors stocked for Conference III return

By TONY BELLISSIMO

45-22 victory over Seaford in the semifinals and followed up with 151 yards and a score in a 26-13 win over North Shore in the county ix months ago, Wantagh final. entered the delayed and Maniet, a fullback, bulldozed condensed 2020 season for 148 yards and a touchdown with only two returning starters in the win over North Shore and and an unfamiliar group of opponents after enrollment dropped had nine scores on the season.

Cupelli, who had an interception it into Nassau Conference IV. in the game, was no stranger to With no scrimmage and a the end zone and also started at one-week hiatus due to a Covid situation, the Warriors took a while cornerback. He could remain in the to hit stride. When they finally did, secondary over move to linebacker. avenging regular-season losses to Senior Sean Carlo is an explosive Seaford and North Shore, the result runner who had 105 yards and three touchdowns in the opener was a county championship. against Clarke before suffering a “We weren’t able to really sit season-ending knee injury. back and enjoy the season until “Tyler and Mark are both big the school year ended because we and strong,” Sachs said. “Nick is went right from football to spring very talented and Sean is a homesports,” head coach Keith Sachs run hitter. We’ve never had four said. “We had a nice celebration in July. Now we’re back in Confer- great backs like this all at once.”

Taking over at quarterback is ence III and it’ll be fun to face our junior Joe Legovich, who had an biggest rivals again.” outstanding JV campaign. “He Wantagh, which went 5-2, is runs well and has an excellent the No. 2 seed behind Plainedge arm,” Sachs said. Juniors Anthony and will kick off the campaign at home against Valley Stream North. Reale and Tim Hennig top the depth chart at receiver and could The Warriors renew their highestalso play in the secondary. profile rivalry the following week Up front, All-Long Island senior at Bethpage and will also face defending Conference III champion guard Liam Casey, a standout Manhasset in Week 6. “I’m excited middle linebacker, senior center Drew Palladino and senior tackle about what we’re returning,” Nicholas Aldino are returning Sachs said. “We had 40 kids in starters. Senior Will Balitsos and the weight room throughout the junior Anthony Tsakos bring offseason and they’re ready to varsity experience, and Sachs is get back on the field. While it expecting some linemen from last was harder to do last season, we season’s undefeated JV to step always want to be at our best at right in and contribute. the end.”

Casey serves as the face of the Wantagh’s biggest strengths, defense and is a second-year capSachs said, are in the offensive backfield and linebacker. Senior Ty- tain. He was second in the voting ler Martini, an All-County selection for the Piner Award, given to the top linebacker in Nassau after rewho rushed for more than 1,000 cording more than 100 tackles for yards and scored 10 touchdowns, is part of both groups. So too could a second straight season. Twenty one of those stops came in last be senior Mark Maniet or junior Nick Cupelli. Martini ripped off 227 season’s playoffs. “He’s strong, smart and dedicated,” Sachs said. yards and three touchdowns in a

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54 — September 9, 2021

“He attacks downhill and never guesses.

He has incredible instincts.”

Senior defensive end Luke Janosko had two of his six sacks in the championship game and not only leads the pass rush but is a quality run stuffer.

Aldino is another returning starter on the D-line.

Tyler Martini

NICK ALDINO

MARK MANIET

Schedule 11 18 24 2 9 16 23 30 DREW PALLADINO

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September V.S. North 2:00 p.m. @ Bethpage 2:00 p.m.

Hewlett 7:00 p.m.

October @ Division 2:00 p.m.

South Side 2:00 p.m.

Manhasset 2:00 p.m. @ Plainedge 2:00 p.m. @ Floral Park 2:00 p.m.

Photos by Ron Manfredi

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2021 HERALD High School Football ball Preview

WEST HEMPSTEAD Rams want to make most of fresh start

By TONY BELLISSIMO

things during 7 on 7s.”

There will be no shortage of experienced ball-carriers, Carre noted. Juniors Michael AbiAoun, s the No. 6 seed in NasJonathan Balthazard and A’Lorenz sau Conference IV, West Hempstead will look to flip Chapman, as well as senior Zadrian Budhoo, will all contribute the script on a handful of narrow as returning varsity starters. “It defeats from last season and get took a while for the sophomores into the playoffs following a winwe had last season to get used less campaign. to the speed of varsity football,” “We lost three games by one Carre said. “It’s nice they’ve got a score and probably about five plays made the difference between bunch of games under their belts now. Typically, we have everyone going 0-5 instead of 4-1,” head getting between 8 and 10 carries. coach Dom Carre said. “We have It’s nothing we plan on. With a pretty tough schedule and play our offense, it just turns out that each of the top four seeds. We’ll way because we spread things try to add a week of intramurals around.” to help us get ready for the first AbiAoun is a throwback player game since we don’t have room to with a lot of energy, Carre said, scrimmage.” and loves contact. He’s a fullback The Rams, who consistently and linebacker who grinds out competed in 7 on 7s during the tough yards but also has the abilsummer and had a solid turnout ity to break long runs. On defense, in the weight room four days a week, were expected take the field he goes hard to the ball and tries for the Sept. 3 opener at Malverne to make every tackle. Balthazard is a tailback/linebacker who can with anywhere between 22 and 27 players. They’ll also face each of shed tackles and will be one of the Rams’ X-factors if he takes a the top three seeds in September, step up, the coach noted. Chaphosting top-seeded North Shore and No. 3 Clarke while traveling to man, another running back/lineNo. 2 Seaford. “I’m not really con- backer, is extremely athletic and cerned about the numbers because has breakout potential. Budhoo brings all the physical tools, Carre we’re always in that boat,” Carre said. “Our numbers weren’t down said, and showed signs of what like a lot of teams last season. We he can do last season in a 48-40 were in the usual neighborhood.” loss to Clarke with five touchWest Hempstead’s JV won five downs, including a 53-yarder, and 158 yards. He’ll play in the of six games and Carre said he’ll be counting on some first-year var- secondary on defense along with sity performers to fill starting roles, junior Jurell Hall.

If the offensive front comes none bigger than at quarterback together, the Rams expect to with junior Corey Pierre. He was be much more consistent than the JV starter and an important last season when they scored reason for its success. “He’s a 13 points or fewer in three smart, hard-working kid who fits games. Senior Torry Marshal is a our offense perfectly,” Carre said. third-year, two-way lineman who “In our offense the quarterback brings a combination of size and needs to be one of four running options. Corey can run but he also experience. Senior Mariano Torres returns at center, bringing experihas a nice arm when we need to throw. He showed a good grasp of ence to a key position. Others in

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the mix to start include juniors Dan Clark and Diego Quijada, as well as sophomore Giancarlo Gomez.

West Hempstead’s defense will be under the direction of former Clarke head coach Tim O’Malley.

Zadrian Budhoo

MICHAEL ABIAOUN

TORRY MARSHAL

Schedule

3 11 18 24 1 9 15 23 30 COREY PIERRE

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW

September @ Malverne 7:00 p.m.

North Shore 2:00 p.m. @ Seaford 2:00 p.m.

Clarke 6:30 p.m.

October @ C.S. Harbor 6:30 p.m.

Bye @ Locust Valley 5:00 p.m.

Friends Academy 3:00 p.m Oyster Bay 2:00 p.m.

Photos by Brian Ballweg

September 9, 2021 — 55

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