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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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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