Mepham Pirates

MEPHAM

Pirates seek to benefit from growing pains from growing pains

By TONY BELLISSIMO

Aseason after winning seven games and reaching the Nassau Conference II semifi nals at Hofstra, Mepham was unable to carry over its momentum and lost its last four games following an opening victory over neighboring Calhoun. Inexperience up front and some key injuries derailed the Pirates, who remain on the younger side but hope to benefi t from the spring’s growing pains as well as a full preseason camp. “We were so young last season and it was a diffi cult transition because Covid took away from important preparation,” head coach Anthony Cracco said. “We’re still a young team compared to what we’re used to, but a lot of kids are back after getting varsity reps and experiencing the speed of the game. We’re confi dent we can do a bunch of good things and compete.” Cracco described seventhseeded Mepham’s schedule as “interesting.” Over the fi rst half, it faces opponents ranked third, 14th (last), 13th and second, beginning with Carey on the road. The Pirates will prepare with a four-way scrimmage with Massapequa, Wantagh and Kellenberg. “We get challenged right off the bat,” he said. “It’s become a fun rivalry. We opened at Carey in 2019 and had a nice day. Last season we played at our place and they beat us pretty good.” Dominick Novello, now a junior, had one of Mepham’s touchdowns in last season’s 48-27 defeat to Carey and returns as an All-County two-way starter. “He’s an absolute stud with an unbelievable work ethic,” Cracco said. “He’s made an impact from the day he walked into practice as a freshman. Our offensive dynamic changed last season when he became our tailback.” Novello is likely to be the featured rusher but can also contribute as a slot receiver as well as take some snaps as a quarterback in the Wildcat formation as he did in the fi nale against Sewanhaka. He’ll head the linebacker unit on defense, handle punts and potentially kicking duties also. Like Novello, Ryan Thier also had an impactful sophomore campaign. Both are physical players on both sides of the ball, Cracco noted. Thier can shed tacklers and has deceptive speed out of the backfi eld and brings a quick fi rst step as a pass-rushing defensive end. “Ryan has played running back a long time and has great football instincts like Dominick,” Cracco said. For the fi rst time in three seasons, the Pirates will have a new starting quarterback. Senior Nick Honerkamp got the nod against Sewanhaka and much-needed experience under his belt. “Nick has a lot of ability and fi ts our offense well,” Cracco said. “His legs give us another dimension.” Junior Peter Mayo is a varsity returnee with a tremendous work ethic, Cracco said, and he’ll compete for snaps. Mepham isn’t expecting to throw as much as recent seasons. However, juniors Dylan Dunn and Michael Cucinella, along with seniors Dean Holtzman, Gabriel Terra and Aidan Amato, and sophomore Ryan Harrington, comprise a solid group of targets. Dunn and Cucinella can fl y and be differencemakers in the offense and special teams, Cracco said. Holtzman, a leader in the secondary, could see an increased role in the offense. Senior Brendan Moran, a defensive end, and junior Chris Norris, a talented defensive lineman, could contribute as tight ends or 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 Griffi n, 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.

season when he became our Novello is likely to be the featured rusher but can also contribute as a slot receiver as well as take some snaps as a quarterback in the Wildcat formation as he did in the fi nale against Sewanhaka. He’ll head the linebacker unit on defense, handle punts and poten Like Novello, Ryan Thier also had an impactful sophomore campaign. Both are physical players on both sides of the ball, Cracco noted. Thier can shed tacklers and backfi eld and brings a quick fi rst step as a pass-rushing defensive Sewanhaka and much-needed exfullbacks 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 Griffi n, 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.

Dominick Novello

RYAN THIER 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.