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SEPTEMBER 8, 2011
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INSIDE PROSPECTS FOR THE ’11 SEASON
23 SCHOOLS CONFERENCE RANKINGS
R A D N E L A LE THE C or
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September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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ON THE FIELD
Football Preview
A special adverti advertising supplement to the HERALD Community Newspapers SEPTEMBER 8, 2011
A fall ritual to cherish
This year, for the firstt time, there will be two weekkends of games, 13 total, all which will be played at the Carrier Dome. The teams will also get the opportunity to attend a Syracuse University football game. For Roosevelt head coach Joe Vito, passing on the game would mean missing a terrific life experience. “This is a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity for r the kids,” Vito said. “Many these boys have never McCLURE of been outside of their neighborhood, and most have never visited a university. From an educational standpoint, it’s something Roosevelt is very happy about. The boys are talking about it everyday. The committee has done a great at thing by attempting to bring high school football together in the state. The only downside is a very long bus ride home for or the losing team.” Clarke head coach John Boyle is excited ted for his players. "It's going to be an experiience they'll never forget," he said. There are few things that can rally a school community like an exciting high school football team. If you haven’t taken n in a game in some time, the uniforms likely kely changed, the field may be new and not real eal grass in some cases, but the emotional highs and lows will take you back to your r teen years. Plus, you can’t beat the price!! Maybe this is the year to spend Saturday day afternoons, or an occasional Friday night, ht, watching the young men from your commumunity play their hearts out on the gridiron. n.
High School Sports
t’s that time of year again. Grueling two-a-days have concluded, the cheerleaders are set to kick up a storm, the bands are ready to perform, and school pride is at its zenith. High school football, a piece of pure Americana, is back. For the next few months, high schools throughout the country will take part in the annual fall staple; a tie that binds neighbors, student bodANDREW ies, communities, and rivals. Some teams will open up at home; others will travel by yellow school bus to take on a longtime rival. Then there’s the pair of teams from Nassau who will have an opening day that is unlike all others. Roosevelt and Clarke will travel to Syracuse to take part in Kickoff Classic weekend. The event, which has been in existence for more than 20 years, is held at the Carrier Dome on the campus of Syracuse University. New York State Section III football chairman Bob Campese and the Central New York Chapter of the National Football Foundation, along with tremendous support for Syracuse football, have made this a long-standing event. Campese is pleased that teams from Long Island are participating for the first time. “There were years when it was just Section III teams, but this year we made a big effort to lure teams from all over the state,” Campese said. “We want football to be promoted throughout New York, not just upstate.”
Publishers CLIFFORD RICHNER STUART RICHNER Executive Editor JOHN C. O’CONNELL Section Editor TONY BELLISSIMO Editorial Designer JEFFREY A. NEGRIN Production Manager KAREN MENGEL Production Assistant SHEAUWEI PIDD Art Director CRAIG CARDONE Photo Editor CHRISTINA DALY Photo Editing ALYSON GOODMAN Vice President of Sales RHONDA GLICKMAN Sales Administrator JANIE FAHEY-MAGEE Page Editors JEFF BESSEN SCOTT BRINTON ANDREW HACKMACK Account Executives MIMMA BARONE JOAN BATTINO ROBERT CUMMINGS NANCY FRIEDMAN ELLEN FRISCH JILL KAPLAN VICKI KAPLAN KAREN RESNICK TRICIA SKINNER TH COVER ON THE
INDEX
Baldwin Bruins ....................................3 Calhoun Colts (Bellmore-Merrick) ....... 4 Carey Seahawks (Franklin Square) ..... 5 Clarke Rams (Westbury) .................... 6 East Meadow Jets .............................. 7 East Rockaway Rocks......................... 8 Elmont Spartans ................................ 9 Freeport Red Devils .......................... 10 Hewlett Bulldogs .............................. 11 Kennedy Cougars (Bellmore-Merrick) ........................... 12 Lawrence Golden Tornadoes ............. 13 Long Beach Marines......................... 20
Lynbrook Owls .................................. 21 Malverne Mules ................................ 22 Mepham Pirates (Bellmore-Merrick) ........................... 23 Oceanside Sailors ............................ 24 Roosevelt Rough Riders ................... 25 Sewanhaka Indians (Floral Park)....... 26 South Side Cyclones (Rockville Centre) ............................. 27 Valley Stream Central Eagles ............ 28 Valley Stream North Spartans .......... 29 Valley Stream South Falcons ............ 30 West Hempstead Rams .................... 31
MATT TROTTA
Lynbrook High School Photo by Ron Manfredi
CONTRIBUTING SPORTSWRITERS
TONY BELLISSIMO, ANDREW McCLURE, STEVE SINISKI, TOM JORDAN Football Preview is an advertising supplement to the HERALD Community Newspapers. Copyright © 2011 Richner Communications, Inc. Published by Richner Communications, Inc. 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 569-4000 • www.ilherald.com
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September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
BALDWIN
Bruins looking to boot competition Schedule
By TOM JORDAN
September
I
t is not always a good sign when a coach wants to talk about his placekicker. As a general rule, the guys who boot extra points and figgies are better seen and not heard, but it so happens that Baldwin head coach Steve Carroll loves what he hears from Nick Carrino. Specifically, the sound of Carrino’s instep making solid contact with a football is music to Carroll’s ears. “He really booms the ball,” Carroll said. “It sounds like it was shot out of a cannon.” Not many teams enjoy the advantage of a kicker who can be a threat from anywhere on the field, but that’s what the burly converted soccer player gives the Bruins. Never was that more evident than in last year’s regular-season finale. The Bruins, needing a victory over Hicksville to qualify for the playoffs, got a game-tying 24-yarder from Carrino in the fourth quarter, then went on to win in overtime. In a 42-13 win over Port Washington last Sept. 24, he went 6-for-6 on extra-point attempts. Carrino is already showing he can be even more of a factor, regularly kicking off into or near the end zone in practice, which bodes well for the question of field position. Carroll also thinks Carrino could, if need be, connect on a field goal from beyond the 30. So add placekicking to the Bruins list of strengths. In addition, they have a proven quarterback, a slew of running backs, a squadron of fleet receivers, a solid offensive line and a pretty good defense, too. Even so, things won’t be a breeze in Conference I, where Baldwin is the No. 6 seed. “That’s a compliment to all the good coaches in our conference. We don’t get any breathers in Conference I,” said Carroll, who will rely on captains Patrick Dillon, Derek Darnulc, Michael Ainbinder and Nate Smith to lead the way. Dillon, a senior quarterback, broke his arm two games into last season but hasn’t,
9 17 24
@ Farmingdale Hempstead @ Massapequa
6:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
October 1 6 15 21 29
Oceanside @ V.S. Central @ East Meadow Port Washington Freeport
3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
PATRICK DILLON
DEREK DARNULC
Quarterback
Linebacker
Linebacker to Carroll, missed a beat. He’s savvy enough that the team has installed some West Coast packages and will run some play action out of running plays. Darnult heads a capable crew of receivers that includes seniors Elijah McMillan and Eric Malone, as well as juniors Travis Hilton and Trayvon Mask. So explosive is Mask that he returned a kick 99 yards for a touchdown in a game against East Meadow last season. That doesn’t mean, though, that the Bruins bread isn’t still buttered with the Power I offensive set. Ainbinder and fellow senior Luckney Lambert will get plenty of carries, as will juniors John Robinson, Jevon Tomlinson and Michael Abrahams. The sturdy line features Smith at left tackle, as well as Kendall Bramble at right tackle, Brian Bellinzoni at center and Luke Krucher and Alex Holcombe at the guard spots. Osama Aibangabee is a hybrid-type of player that Carroll will use at a variety of positions, both on offense and on defense. Aibangabee recovered a key fumble in the Bruins 7-0 win over Syosset last October, and Carroll calls him an “integral” part of the team. Carrino, when he is not busy kicking, is a very good option on the offensive line. On the defensive side, Ainbinder,
Darnulc and Kucker are the linebackckers, Tomlinson and Mask are the corners and Travis Hilton and George Abreu are the safeties. Bramble and Smith are joined up front by Eric Blunt, a nose guard. Abrahams and Robinson are inside linebackers, and sophomore Matt Guifoyle is “a tough ugh kid brought up from the JV.” Seniors rs Ryan Mahoney and Matthew Derley willl vie for playing time. In the dramatic win in over Hicksville that put Baldwin in the playoffs, Ainbinder returned a fumble 42 yards rds for a score after the Bruins had been held d scoreless in the first half. Baldwin opens Sept. 9 under the he lights at Farmingdale. The home opener for the Bruins is Sept. 17 versus Hempstead. d.
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2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
CALHOUN
Colts drive for five and beyond Schedule
By STEVE SINISKI
September
C
oming off of four consecutive playoff appearances, Calhoun is hoping to take the next step forward in 2011 by advancing to the Big Four and the turf at Hofstra's Shuart Stadium. "We're losing to good teams [in the playoffs] but we're not reaching our goal of going to Hofstra," head coach Joe Bianca said. "And we're not going to be happy until we get there." Seeded sixth in Conference II and faced with a tough opener on the road against Wantagh and each of the top three seeds down the road, the Colts (3-6 last season) have tweaked their offense and changed defensive schemes allowing for more versatility on both sides of the ball. Senior quarterback Matt Brennan made good use of his first full offseason in the Calhoun program, and the progress showed on the field in summer camp. The 6-5, 205-pounder gives the Colts a big arm in the pocket, and with a number of talented weapons to throw to, Bianca won't be afraid to use it. "His arm [is strong]," Bianca said. "He can sling it all over the field. He's poised in the pocket and is getting a good crash course on playing at a high level. But you've still got to be able to run the ball if you want to throw it." And that's where a core of experienced offensive linemen and running backs come in to play. Senior center Rob Rinck, a two-year starter at center and an All-Conference honoree last season, returns along junior left guard Steve Valentino and tackles Dan Pepassi, a senior, and Jack Bennett, a junior. In the backfield, senior Julian Lee, a dynamic returner, is in line to get as many as 15-20 carries per game. "He's improved his hands tremendously," Bianca said. "He's picking up his blocks, he hits the holes, makes cuts and makes people miss." The well-rounded Lee will be joined in the backfield by senior tailback Brian Behnke, a three-year varsity player, and potential-
10 17 24
@ Wantagh Carle Place @ Westbury
1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
October 1 6 15 22 29
Elmont @ New Hyde Park @ Garden City Great Neck South Carey
3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
KURT BROWN
JON STREZENEC
Receiver
Tight End
ly senior Alex Vargas, a speedy runner/ receiver that could pose matchup problems in a variety of situations. Seniors Jon Strezenec and Vinny Stampinato each logged snaps under center before the arrival of Brennan last season, and have transformed into big targets in the passing game. The 6-3, 230-pound Strezenec and the 6-1, 215-pound Stampinato will now provide size on the line at tight end and two pairs of soft hands for Brennan to look for through the air. "They are two big dudes that can catch and run and block," Bianca said. Seniors Brandon Furia and Kurt Brown are slated to lineup at the two receiver slots with sophomores Kyle McGinley and Jack Mastrangelo also vying for time. The biggest change comes across the field, where Calhoun will employ a 4-2-5 base formation to take advantage of the talent that's in the huddle. Pepassi, Bennett and junior Jenard Rosemond are in the mix on the defensive line, along with senior Matt Lemonis a defensive tackle that's shifted to end and senior Tyler Melman, a three-year varsity player. Rinck, Behnke, Brown, Furia and senior Anthony Wilders give the new-look
defense plenty of experience nce and depth at linebacker. "Thee middle linebackers have less responesponsibility in the passing game ame and are more run-oriented," ed," Bianca explained of the forormation, which has just two wo linebackers on the field. "We're able to call different coverages because we're splitting the field down the middle." The now-expanded secondary includes Vargas, McGinley, Mastrangelo and junior T.J. Marratodi as part of a rotation at cornerback. ack. Brown may also log time as a hybrid linebacker/strong nebacker/strong safety, while junior Julian ian Arroyo and sophomore Brandon Lee see snaps at free safety. Julian Lee and Vargas as give Calhoun a pair of game-breaking returners, and senior Angelo DiMatteo, a former wide receiver-turned-soccer-player ayer will handle the kicking duties. "They're a tight group up of kids who are disciplined and believee in what they're doing together," Bianca said. id.
ROB RINCK
Center
Photos by Jeff Wilson
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September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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Good Luck Calhoun Colts
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2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
CAREY
This could be the year for Seahawks Schedule
By ANDREW McCLURE
September
C
arey had everything going its way when it took the field in the Nassau Conference II title game in 2010. The Seahawks were a perfect 10-0, had never trailed in a game all season long, and had outscored opponents by a whopping 368-87, including a 160-0 edge in the first quarter of games. But, once again, Garden City proved to be Carey’s kryptonite, as the Trojans marched to a 27-6 victory. It’s no surprise that the Seahawks, the top seed in Conference II, came to training camp with a little unfinished business on their minds. Head coach Mike Stanley is looking forward to the season. “We’re very anxious to get going,� Stanley said. “The expectations are high, and, of course, the guys still have a bad taste in their mouths about how last season ended. We’re excited about getting back on the field.� Senior Rob Zorn, a second-team AllLong Island performer, is one of the county’s top players. Zorn is an outstanding inside runner who is as tough to bring down as any back in Nassau. What’s scary is that he’s better on the defensive side of the ball. Citing his nose for the ball and terrific football IQ, Stanley believes Zorn is as talented as any linebacker to ever play at the school. Taking over at quarterback is senior Mike LoCicero. The Seahawks have had signal-callers who can throw, and others who could tuck it away and run, LoCicero does both. He is a very effective runner and makes all the throws he’s asked to make. When LoCicero goes to the air, he has a bevy of weapons. Senior Jesse Milonas, who may be Carey’s most versatile player, lines up at tight end and wideout, and does some nice things out of the Wildcat formation. Senior Steven Marino is a perfect complement to Milonas. As a junior, Marino scored seven touchdowns and averaged
10 17 24
Jericho Mepham @ Elmont
1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
October 1 6 15 22 29
@ Westbury Wantagh @ Long Beach Garden City @ Calhoun
3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
STEVEN MARINO
ROB ZORN
Receiver
Linebacker
nearly 30 yards per reception. He runs outstanding routes and has excellent hands. Senior Ed Eymold gives Carey another threat through the air. The Seahawks should be very strong up front. Senior tackles Peter Nicholls and Ronald Blanc anchor a line that is athletic and experienced on both sides of the ball. Juniors Matt Lucito and Sean Nagy each have the versatility to play center, guard and tackle. Junior Tim Turcic and senior Joe Larosa will both start on an offensive line that figures to be very strong. On defense, Nicholls and Blanc set the tone inside and are joined by a pair of talented senior defensive ends in Tom Opitz and Dan O’Connell. Stanley expects his front four to be strong against the run. Surprisingly, Carey has little drop off at linebacker despite losing All-Long Island honoree John Daddino. Lucito is an excellent complement to Zorn at inside linebacker, and senior Tom DeSimone is expected to do big things on the outside. Milonas is as flexible on defense as he is on offense. He’s aggressive against the run at safety, and provides strong containment at outside linebacker. Andrew Gentile, a solid special teams’ performer as a junior, will contribute all
over the field. Marino, Eymold, ld, senior Peter Conte, and junior or Matt Robison comprise a sound secondary. While Elmont, Wantagh, Mepham, and Calhoun should all be playoff teams in Conference II, the Seahawks and Trojans are clearly the cream of the crop. The teams will meet at Carey in week 7. Stanley likes being in the company of greatness. “If we’re considered Garden City’s chief rival, and they aree ours, then we’re clearly doing ng something right,� Stanley said. id. “We’ll see them late in the regular ular season, and we’ll probably run n into them again a few weeks later in the playoffs. Hopefully, we’ll be there here in the end.� The Seahawks open the season son at home as they welcome Jericho on Sept. pt. 10. After hosting semifinalist Mepham, they’ll visit local rival Elmont in Week 3.
JESSE MILONAS Receiver
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September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
CLARKE
Rams pack punch at skill positions
Schedule
By STEVE SINISKI
September
A
s Clarke looks to build on last season's 4-4 finish and appearance in the Nassau Conference IV playoffs, there's some shuffling going on in the trenches. The Rams, seeded eighth in the conference for 2011, are rebuilding an offensive line that lost four starters, but have a strong core of returning skill position players and an influx of talent from a junior varsity team that finished 7-0-1 to help make the transition a smooth one. "That's really [the area] we concentrated the most on [the line]," head coach John Boyle said of the focus during camp. "We have a lot of skill position players returning." Senior Mike Martiello enters his third year as the starting quarterback, the first time that's happened in the program since 1987, when current assistant coach Tim O'Malley did it. An outstanding athlete with a strong arm, the dual-threat Martiello keeps defenses off balance, but he brings more than just physical attributes to the huddle. "Definitely his leadership ability [stands out]," Boyle said. "He has a way about him and leads by example. He encourages his teammates. He's seen a lot so the kids respect him. "He's a good runner and passing quarterback and everything's gotten better,” he added. “His accuracy and arm strength are better and he can run." A pair of fleet-footed seniors, Chris Puchalski and Mike Quintela, give Clarke a solid one-two punch in the backfield. Misdirection is key in the Rams Wing-T offense, and the quick-cutting Puchalski and Quintela are tailor-made for a scheme that will rely heavily on their ability. Junior fullback Andrew Eannucci also figures into the run-heavy offense. Senior guard Austin Peraza is the lone returning starter on the offensive line, but he'll be surrounded by plenty of size. Senior tackle Joe Livermore checks in
10 17 24
@ Roosevelt @ V.S. North Island Trees
1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
October 1 6 15 22 29
Seaford @ Friends Academy Oyster Bay @ East Rockaway North Shore
3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
AUSTIN PERAZA
JEVON CLARKE
Guard
Receiver
at 6-3, 220 pounds and is back after missing all of last season due to injury, while junior tackle Jimmy Morace stands 6-2, 290. Junior Anthony Yodice is set to step in opposite Peraza at guard, and senior Shane Lauria made a quick adjustment at center after getting some reps late in summer camp. "They're jelling now," said Boyle, noting the improvement during the summer. "The group is starting to play together. We want to give Mike [Martiello] time to do real well with the wide receivers." Martiello has a deep group of wideouts in seniors Anthony Gomes, Nick DiCamillo, Jevon Clarke and Peter Rodriques and juniors John Fogarty and T.J. Clappi. Tight ends Joe Brillatino, a senior, and John Hess, a 6-2, 240-pound junior, give Martiello another two pairs of reliable hands to target in the passing attack. "We're going to do our best to get them the ball," Boyle said. The key to the defense is team speed, particularly in the first two rows of the unit, despite the absence of 6-3, 290-pound lineman David Flores, who's out for the season due to injury. Peraza, a one-time linebacker, ended camp at one of the defensive tackle slots with DeCamillo,
Yodice and senior Vinny Lombardo ardo all eyeing playing time off the edges. Martiello, Eannucci and Brillantino llantino are going to log the lion's share of the time at linebacker, and many of the wide de receivers are going to log double duty in the secondary. Clarke, the team leader in tackles (54), is back at cornerback along ong with Puchalski, with Rodriques and d Gomes lining up at safety. Brillantino ended camp as the placekicker for a special teams ms unit that also features several speedy peedy returners. The Rams kickoff the 2011 campaign at Syracuse University'ss Carrier Dome against Roosevelt on Sept. 11. "It's going to be an experience ence they'll never forget," Boyle said. Clarke's schedule to start the season was set to feature just seven games, as Friends Academy made ade a late decision not field a team, so o all of its opponents receive a forfeit rfeit victory. The Rams’ home openerr is Sept. 24 versus Island Trees.
MIKE MARTIELLO Quarterback
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September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
EAST MEADOW
Jets’ line ready to serve pancakes
Schedule
By STEVE SINISKI
September
T
he name of the game for East Meadow is smashmouth football. It always has been and always will be. The Jets, seeded second in Conference I after finishing 5-3 last season and advancing to the playoffs, will continue breaking off yards in big chunks behind yet another big, experienced offensive line. “The No. 2 seed has a very difficult schedule,” Jets head coach Vin Mascia said. “We have a tough road, but we’re going to pound the ball at people and play good defense.” Anchoring the line is senior Dom Morales, an All-County retur nee at guard, who’s joined up front by junior tackle Giancarlo Carvalho, a third-year varsity player. Both top 270 pounds, giving the wingbacks plenty of room to run behind on the strong side. Senior Joe Callan and junior Rich Renkle are vying for time at center, while juniors Ben Fritzen and Chris Green were locked in a summer camp battle at quick guard. Senior Chris Zitz is slated to start at quick tackle. Senior Lenny Volpe is in the mix at strong tackle, while senior Kenny Vega and junior Tommy Hippner will see time at strong guard and quick tackle, respectively. “The [returning] experience is huge,” Mascia said. “To be at the varsity level and see that competition and learn at the level is big.” The line will pave the way for several running backs, including senior Robbie Healy, a returning All-County receiver now in line for a big uptick in touches. “We’ve got to get him the ball as much as possible,” Mascia said of switching Healy’s position. “He’s very shifty and will make people miss. He’s a very good ballcarrier and he’ll get more opportunities [to make plays].” Seniors James Delia and Andrew Lynch give the East Meadow offense another pair of quick wingbacks who will
7 16 25
@ Port Washington @ Farmingdale MacArthur
4:15 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
October 2 9 16 23 30
@ Oceanside Hicksville @ Freeport Baldwin Syosset
4:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
DOM MORALES
DYLAN CURRY
Guard
Quarterback
be running behind the blocks of sophomore fullback Billy Andrle. Senior quarterback Dylan Curry had plenty of on-the-job training in his first season as the starter, and those lessons only served to make the dual-threat develop quickly. A strong runner and thrower, he’s the key to a triple-option offense that also mixes in a healthy dose of play-action passing. “He had a tough year but it really treated him well [in the long run],” Mascia said. “He’s got a whole year under his belt. He played all nine games and got a chance to gain experience.” Senior tight end John Posillico not only extends the line, he also offers Curry a target over the middle in the passing game. Speedy seniors Marvin Cajoles and Matt Casteneda will log time at wide receiver, while senior Billy Koebel fills the role of possession receiver. “On offense we have experience and we definitely have talent,” Mascia said. “We’re absolutely going to put some points on the board.” The benefit of having a strong offensive line means the same is usually true when possession flips. And that’s exactly the case for the Jets, as Vega, the nose guard, and the trio of Morales, Carvalho and Green also line up in the trenches on
the defensive side. Junior Rafi Aguirres is also going to see time at nose guard in the 3-5 alignment. Andrle may only be a sophomore, but he’s earned some hefty responsibilities as a lead blocker and runner as well as East Meaddow’s starting middle linebacker. r. Senior Evan Pantofel and Posil-lico man the inside spots, with h juniors Chris Buschi and David d Zea seeing time on the strong side. ide. Casteneda and Lynch are in the mix at the Hero linebacker slot. The secondary features Cajoles oles and Delia at cornerback, supported by y juniors Jack Ritter and Rob Bergmann, n, while Healy is locked in at free safety ety with junior Jake Borressen also slated ed to see time. Healy is expected to be featured ured on return units after bringing back k both a punt and a kick for scores last season. son.
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Tailback
Photos By Susan Grieco
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2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
EAST ROCKAWAY
Balanced Rocks expect to compete
Schedule
By ANDREW McCLURE
September
E
ast Rockaway had a banner season in 2010. The Rocks went 6-2 in league play, hosted and won their opening round playoff game against Floral Park, and advanced to the conference semifinals at Hofstra where they lost to Roosevelt. Despite the loss of some key players, East Rockaway, the No. 4 seed in Conference IV, has a crew of experienced players who expect to be successful. Despite a difficult schedule, Russ Pajer, in his 17th season as head coach, is optimistic. “You want to be a high seed, play a tough schedule, and face the league’s best competition,” Pajer said. “This is an interesting team for many different reasons. There are no superstar players, but there are more players than usual who are capable of stepping in and getting the job done. We’re very deep at some skill positions, but don’t have a lot of depth on the line. I expect to be a very competitive team.” East Rockaway is known as a team that looks to pound the ground with its double wing offensive attack, and win the time of possession battle. That remains the same. Senior quarterback Sean Bohan will call the signals for the Rocks. While they prefer to keep the ball on the ground, opponents can’t overlook East Rockaway’s passing game. Bohan is a dual-threat quarterback with a strong throwing arm. In the backfield, the Rocks have a committee of talented wingbacks and fullbacks. Senior fullback Anthony Tesoriero, an All-Conference honoree, found the end zone often as a junior. Tesoriero is a northsouth style runner who is difficult to stop when he gets in the open field. Seniors Nick Ulip, Nick Massari, and Luke Fahrenkrug all return at wingback for East Rockaway, which opens at home against Island Trees. Juniors Cameron Ralph, Matt Daube, and Adam Reicherter will also see time in the backfield. When Bohan goes to the air, senior tight end Danny McClure will be one of
10 17 24 30
Island Trees Roosevelt @ North Shore West Hempstead
1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
October 6 15 22 29
@ Seaford @ V.S. North Clarke @ Locust Valley
7:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
MICHAEL LORES
TOMMY DOLAN
Guard
Safety
his chief targets. Junior David McClure, and seniors Justin Jonas and Tommy Dolan, will all be threats in the passing game. Senior guard Michael Lores returns from a line that enabled the Rocks to have one of the top rushing attacks in the conference last fall. While East Rockaway isn’t very deep upfront, seniors Joseph Lores and Josh Warner, and junior Ben Giliberti are all experienced, talented linemen. Senior Casey Gioe and junior John Draude will both contribute on the offensive line. Defensively, the Rocks are athletic and versatile. The Lores’ brothers, Giliberti, and Draude make up the front four, which is a bit undersized. Warner, Gioe and Tesoriero are all veterans at defensive end. Ulip, one of the conference’s fiercest hitters from his middle linebacker position, is a three-year varsity starter. The McClures, Tesoriero, and Ralph will all contribute at linebacker. Senior Juan Rodriguez will also see time at ‘backer. In the secondary, the Rocks are led by Dolan, the team’s leading tackler from his safety position. Bohan returns at one cornerback position, while Fahrenkrug, Reicherter, Jonas, and others are fighting for time in the secondary.
East Rockaway’s schedule has no weak spots. In addition to Island Trees, the Rocks will meet four-time defending champion Seaford, Roosevelt, Clarke, Locust Valley, West Hempstead, Valley Stream North and North Shore in a conference that is deeper and more wide-open than in past years. While top-seeded Seaford is clearly the he team to beat, Roosevelt is always solid, and nd most of the teams in the confernce have ve improved considerably, Pajer believes his team is capable of playing with anyone in the conference. “We have a core of guys who work rk extremely hard, and want to succeed ed at this level,” he said. “They’re excited, ed, focused, and ready to go. Obviously, Seaeaford is the strongest team in the league, ue, but I think we can play with them. I’m m excited to see what we can do.”
SEAN BOHAN
Quarterback
Photos by Kathy Leistner
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September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW- HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
ELMONT
Spartans contenders in big picture Schedule
By TONY BELLISSIMO
September
W
hile Garden City enters 2011 as the two-time defending Nassau Conference II champions, Elmont is looking to get back to the top after winning the crown in 2008 and will rely heavily on its skill position players to lead the way. “We have limited depth, but I like our chemistry and think we’re capable of winning the whole thing,” head coach Jay Hegi said. “The kids have been punctual at practice and working hard.” The Spartans, ranked third in the conference, come off a disappointing 5-4 campaign that ended with a first-round playoff loss at home to Mepham. “We got what we deserved,” Hegi said. “Mepham was the hungrier team and played better.” Elmont must wait until Oct. 15 for its shot at redemption against the Pirates. First Hegi has to figure out the quarterback situation leading up to the opener at home against Long Beach. Senior Qusarn Caldwell served as the starting signal-caller last season and is likely to do so again, but senior William Faison is also in the mix. Caldwell, a hardworking athlete, experienced his share of ups and downs in his first varsity season and Hegi didn’t rule out a move to receiver. “Qusarn’s an incredible running quarterback and inconsistent passing quarterback,” Hegi said. “He’s shown some improvement.” If Caldwell’s not joining seniors Kyle Johnson and Ben Odugbesan at wideout, he’ll be counted on to get the ball to a tandem Hegi considers to be among the best on Long Island. The 6-foot-2 Johnson, who also does damage on special teams, had more than 300 yards receiving a year ago when Elmont primarily pounded the ball with Jaquan Smith. “We have to get the ball in Kyle’s hands,” Hegi noted. Odugbesan played exclusively on defense a year ago but enjoyed a major growth spurt the
10 17 24
Long Beach @ Herricks Carey
1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
October 1 6 15 22 29
@ Calhoun @ Garden City Mepham @ Jericho Wantagh
3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
QUSARN CALDWELL
KYLE JOHNSON
Quarterback
Receiver
past six months and has all the tools. “He’s 6-4 and can make things happen vertically and horizontally,” Hegi said. Plans to run a double tight-end set blew up but senior Jean Altidor is a big target (6-6) and someone Hegi is trying to work into the scheme. Junior Calvin Aristide is the lead candidate to take over the rushing workload left by the departure of Smith. Aristide comes off a solid JV season and brings speed and toughness to the table. Juniors Bradley Atkins and Daniel Crawford are also expected to get carries behind an offensive line returning three starters. “Our line is better than average and better than last year,” said Hegi, “but we can’t afford any injuries.” Senior tackle Jeffrey Brenya and senior guard Nikai Carter return on the left side, and senior center Mike Estinville is also back in the fold. Senior Chris Henry takes over at right guard and junior Jon Johnson will start at right tackle. Some of the same linemen will rotate along the defensive front, where senior Denis Melendez returns at nose guard and senior Patrick Laroque at end. “Denis is a coach’s dream,” Hegi said of the 6-1, 185pound. “He’s not the biggest kid but he’s
strong and quick and we’re expecting even more from him this year.” The Spartans are likely to employ five linebackers. Brenya covers a lot of ground and makes a lot of tackles from the middle, Aristide and Odugbesan comprise the he outside pair, while Atkins and Jon Johnhnson support the run from the inside. In the secondary, Caldwell gets the he nod at safety and there’s depth and talalent at cornerback with Crawford, senior or Lyadell Sutherland and juniors Reginald ald Pierre and Jaelen Morris. “I’m not concer ned about the he defense,” Hegi said. “I’m concerned ed about staying healthy on offense and getting the ball to our big weapons.” Elmont will face the conference’s top op two seeded teams, Carey and Garden en City, over a three-week stretch begininning Sept. 24 at home against the rival ival Seahawks. The Spartans travel to takee on the Trojans 12 days later.
BEN ODUGBESAN AN Receiver
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2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
FREEPORT
Red Devils seek fourth straight title Schedule
By ANDREW McCLURE
September
T
he goal remains the same. At Freeport, where the Red Devils have won three consecutive Nassau County titles and back-to-back Long Island championships, being the last team standing among Conference I teams is always the aim. In its illustrious history on the gridiron, Freeport has brought home the Rutgers Cup, which is awarded to the top team in Nassau, 11 times, more than any other team in the county, including last year. Russ Cellan, in his 26th season as head coach, knows his team has the talent to put plenty of points on the board, but he’s concerned with the guys upfront. “We have either inexperienced seniors or underclassmen on the line,” Cellan said. “It’s critical that they develop. We don’t need the line to be outstanding; we just need guys to get better. We have skill guys who should be able to make a ton of plays.” Senior captain Isaiah Barnes, a second-team All-Long Island honoree, returns as signal-caller. Barnes, who ran for six touchdowns and passed for another to lead Freeport to a 62-35 win over William Floyd in the Long Island Championship Game, is a threat to score every time he has the ball in his hands. He threw for 18 touchdowns and ran for 16 as a junior. One constant at Freeport has been a feature back. In 2011, the Red Devils don’t have one go-to guy, but have a multitude of versatile players who can line up anywhere, and get it done on the ground or through the air. Running back Maurice Irby found the end zone 13 times as a junior. Look for Irby to have plenty of touches out of the backfield. The Red Devils, who finished with a record of 11-1 in 2010, are loaded with players who fit perfectly in their vaunted spread attack. Senior captain Jere Brown figures to be one of the county’s top receivers. Evan Lapice and Cedric Smiley are both dual threats that can beat defenders
10 17 23
MacArthur Syosset @ Oceanside
1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
October 1 6 15 22 29
@ Massapequa Farmingdale @ Uniondale East Meadow @ Baldwin
3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
KEN BERRYHILL
ISAIAH BARNES
Lineman
Quarterback
on the ground and through the air. Senior Leondre Simmons has extraordinary leaping ability and adds another element to the offense. Senior captain Ken Berryhill, a 6-foot2, 250-pound tackle, anchors a line that is a work in progress on both sides of the ball. Cellan hopes to find the right mix. “Everybody is new,” Cellan said. “We have a bunch of guys we’re looking at, but we’re still trying to figure it out. It’s going to take time.” Senior Errol Small will move from outside to inside linebacker. Small is a hardhitting, intelligent backer with a knack for getting to the ball carrier. Senior Chris Gutierrez will occupy one outside linebacker slot. Freeport, the top seed in the conference, will have one of the strongest secondary units in the county. Brown and Lapice form an outstanding tandem at safety, and Smiley, Irby, and Simmons will handle cornerback duties. Conference I, on paper, is a bit down compared to recent seasons. Farmingdale lost all of its starters, but have plenty of talented players to step in. Syosset, which returns Evan Kappatos, the two-time winner of the Piner Award, which is present-
ed to the county’s most outstanding ng linebacker, will be in the hunt. East st Meadow, Uniondale, MacArthur, Oceanside, Baldwin, and Uniondale all will be looking to knock of the defending champions. Cellan, who begins the season third among active coaches in Nassau with 178 career wins, feels that the progress of the guys is the trenches is of utmost imporortance if the Red Devils are to repeat. at. “We have guys back who combined forr about 30 touchdowns last season, so we’re re very strong in some areas,” Cellan said. id. “We need the guys upfront to just be average. It’s a slow process. The goal is to bee a team playing its 12th game in December.”” Freeport welcomes in MacArthur hur for the season opener on Sept. 10. It resumes esumes its rivalry with Oceanside on the he road Sept. 23.
JERE BROWN Receiver
Photos By Janette Pellegrini
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2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
HEWLETT
Bulldogs no strangers to semifinals Schedule
By TONY BELLISSIMO
September
H
ewlett has become a fixture in the Nassau football playoffs with eight appearances in the last nine years, including seven trips to Hofstra for the semifinals with the latest coming in 2010 when it came up short against Lawrence. The Bulldogs, winners of seven games a year ago, will be back at Hofstra this weekend when they host Floral Park in the opener as their home field gets new turf and permanent lights. They’ll hope to return to the college campus in November for the postseason, and as the No. 3 seed in Conference III are expected to do so. “With 10 returning starters we’re in between a veteran and a young team,� head coach Jay Iaquinta said. “We seem pretty strong at the offensive skill positions. How we’re going to stop teams is our biggest concern.� Defending conference and Long Island champion Lynbrook, top-seeded Lawrence, Plainedge, Sewanhaka, Bethpage and Manhasset — all returning playoff teams — can be found on Hewlett’s schedule. It’s possible the Lawrence game, scheduled for Sept. 24, could be played the night before at Hofstra or Hewlett. “I can’t confirm anything with the schedule yet,� Iaquinta said. The Bulldogs’ premier lacrosse players are also two of the key cylinders that crank the football offense’s engine. Senior Mark Rizzo, headed to North Carolina on a lacrosse scholarship, takes over at quarterback after spending last season at running back, while senior Sam Martorella, bound for Michigan to play lacrosse, is the featured wingback. “Mark is one of the better athletes in the conference and is a former JV quarterback,� Iaquinta said of Rizzo, who had seven touchdowns last season. “He’s a great option guy who also throws the ball well.� Martorella, who suffered a serious knee injury last fall that cost him the playoffs and eventually required surgery, had 850 yards on the ground and nine touchdowns.
10 17 24
Floral Park @ South Side Lawrence
1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
October 1 6 15 22 29
@ Sewanhaka @ Lynbrook Bethpage @ Manhasset Plainedge
3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
HABNER SANCHEZ
MARK RIZZO
Lineman
Quarterback
The All-County selection heads a backfield that includes senior Justin Fyne, junior Drew Schweitzer and freshman Jeremy Leguillow. “Sam’s just about 100 percent,� Iaquinta said of Martorella. “He’s one of the most explosive backs in the conference and his 40 time is very close to what it was before the injury.� Iaquinta said the offensive front has “as much depth as we’ve had in a while.� Senior center Stanley Friedman is the lone returning full-time starter to the group. Seniors Jared Brent (right tackle), Andrew Ballin (right guard), Carlos Ubiera (left guard) and Pat Vardaro (left tackle) are stepping into starting roles and junior Ayo Akinnowonu is pushing to crack the lineup. Split end Michael Gray (22 catches) has all the tools and is someone sure to give opposing defensive backs fits. The 6-foot-1 senior serves as Rizzo’s go-to receiver. “He’s got great hands, improved speed, and runs good routes,� Iaquinta said. Joining Gray is junior Weldon Irvine, the top receiver on the JV team in 2010 who possesses outstanding size (6-3) and leaping ability. Hewlett’s also capable of putting up points on special teams. Senior Trevor Ellman will try to continue the team’s long line of quality placekickers, and Martorel-
la leads the return units. Rizzo is the returning punter. Iaquinta called his defense “a work in progress� and wants to limit two-way way starters so the unit can jell quicker. The defense played well in all but two wo games last season and returns All-County nty senior linebacker Gabe Rodriguez, who had 52 tackles before missing the playoffs offs due to injury. “Gabe has great instincts cts and makes a lot of stops behind the linee of scrimmage,� Iaquinta said. Gray is a newcomer to the linebacker ker spot where his athleticism will come in handy. Junior Woodley Augustin starts in the middle and junior Logan Grossman n will contribute on the outside. Martorella, fellow seniors Matt Mill-er and Dylan Sasson, junior Zach Rich-man and sophomore Oran Revivo comomprise the secondary, and leading the pass ass rush up front are ends Irvine and senior ior Habner Sanchez.
SAM MARTORELLA Tailback
Photos By Ron Manfredi
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2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
KENNEDY
Cougars present multiple front attack Schedule
By STEVE SINISKI
September
J
udging Kennedy by its 2010 record of 2-6 in Conference II may not be the fairest of barometers, given that two of the defeats were by less than a field goal. With an influx of talent from a rising JV team and a more versatile offense, the 13th-seeded Cougars are hoping for a super ball-like rebound. “We had some pretty good success at the junior-varsity level and we're looking to build off that," head coach Nick Martone said. "The guys are coming in, putting their work and they're getting better every day." Juniors Chris Racalbuto and Nick DiGangi staged a camp-long battle for the top quarterback job, and regardless of who opens the season in the huddle, both will see time on the field. Racalbuto, the JV starter last year, and DiGangi, are also tough runners to bring down and give Martone the option of putting another in a strong line of runners in the backfield. Senior Matt DelBianco, junior Chris Jones and sophomore Tom Ferner are all expected to see carries in the running game. "We're going to do more running than last year but we'll also like to throw to our wide receivers," Martone said. Whether it's Racalbuto or DiGangi attacking defenses through the air, Kennedy has a solid wide receiving unit led by senior Matt Gavigan and juniors Ralph Faiella and Mike McCormick. In terms of matchup problems, McCormick's speed will be tough for opposing corners to keep up with, while Faiella looks to build on a strong junior varsity campaign. "We have a lot of guys that are going to get a lot of touches," Martone said, noting that a number of Cougars will be playing both offense and defense and it's a way to keep guys fresh. "They all have similar body types. They may not be burners but they can certainly get around guys and run over people."
10 17 23
Mepham @ Jericho @ Long Beach
1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
October 1 6 15 21 29
DYLAN HERNANDEZ Lineman
The shift from a spread attack to one that features multiple formations would appear to put an additional burden on the offensive line, but that hasn't necessarily been the case in camp. "It's awfully tough on a lineman when you make wholesale offensive changes," Martone said. "But they're bright kids and they're picking up things real quick." Senior tackle Jeff Scialo and senior Dylan Hernandez are already locked into spots on a line that has strength in numbers. Junior Brandon Klein has proven to be a quick study and will see time up front along with seniors Ryan Fox and Alex Naftal and Jake Kapoosuzian and junior Chris Alfaro. "Some of our [linemen] are smaller and quicker and we'll be able to pull them and move them around," Martone said. "We have some guys that can move." The 4-4 defensive scheme is keyed by a linebacker unit that includes DelBianco, Jones, DiGangi and senior Steven Weitzman, who could be the surest tackler on the team. "He could be the best form tackler I've ever seen," Martone said. "I don't even have to watch, even in one-onone situations in the open field. He always makes the tackle." Senior James DeChicco comes off the
Great Neck South Carle Place @ Westbury @ Herricks New Hyde y Park
3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. p
JEFF SCIALO Lineman
ball well and could be a force in terms off stuffing the run on the defensive line, and d could open up space for not only the lineebackers but also Scialo and Corey Shapiro, o, a 6-3 junior coming off the edge. Senior Patrick Kutil and McCormick k are slated to log time on the corners, while le senior Rob Van Ness and Faiella are goingg to pack punch at the safety slots. The Cougars open the season at home against Mepham on Sept. 10 in a district-rivalry game that only adds to the excitement of opening week. "There are no easy weeks on the schedule," Martone said. "[For us] it will be about ball control, sustaining drives and winding the clock on our behalf lf and not getting off the field so quickly."
MATT DELBIANCO
Linebacker
Photos By Susan Grieco
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2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
LAWRENCE
Golden Tornadoes always in title hunt Schedule
By TONY BELLISSIMO
September
W
ith three county championships, a Long Island title and Conference III runner-up finish, Lawrence has enjoyed as much success as any program in Nassau over the past five years. The Golden Tornadoes, who won seven of 10 games in 2010, enter their second season under head coach Joe Martillotti as the No. 1 seed in Conference III and will attempt to get out of the gate quickly with home games against Manhasset and Bethpage in Weeks 1 and 2, respectively. “Things are falling into place,” Martillotti said. “We’ve got nice battles for starting jobs at certain positions and some tough decisions to make before the opener.” For the third time in as many seasons, Lawrence’s offense features a new starting quarterback. Sophomore Joey Capabianco takes over for Samson Bialostok, one of the team’s four All-County selections last fall. Capabianco, who reminds the coaching staff of former signal-caller P.J. Preziosa, starred at the JV level and cut his varsity teeth in a few playoff games. “Joey throws the ball really well and is a hard runner,” Martillotti said. “He brings a lot of intangibles too.” The main weapons at Capabianco’s disposal are senior Ryan Fredericks, a dynamic rushing and receiving threat coming off an All-County campaign that saw him rush for 1,347 yards and 13 touchdowns, junior Tyler Fredericks, who also scored 13 times, and junior receiver Eddie Robinson. Defenses will have to pick their poison when it comes to focusing on the Fredericks’ brothers. Ryan is a Thorp Award candidate with wiggle in his step, while Tyler is strong in the open field. Also, freshman Jordan Fredericks can have an impact out of the backfield as well as on special teams.
10 16 24 30
Manhasset Bethpage @ Hewlett @ Glen Cove
1:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
October 6 15 22 29
Plainedge @ Floral Park Lynbrook @ Sewanhaka
6:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
CHRIS HERCULES
TYLER FREDERICKS
Linebacker
Tailback
Robinson, a tremendous three-sport athlete, is another playmaker sure to keep defenders on their toes. He’ll be taking some snaps from senior center Dom Salbutti, Martillotti said, in addition to using his leaping ability and hands to haul down Capabianco’s throws. Juniors John Ganes, Mike Fragner and Mike Pappalardo are also in the mix at wideout, and senior Chris Hercules brings an added dimension to the unit at tight end. Ganes, who caught a touchdown pass in last year’s first-round playoff victory over Glen Cove, has blazing speed, and Fragner a 6-foot-2 frame that’ll make him tough to match from a size standpoint. On the offensive line, the Golden Tornadoes bring back a pair with starting experience in Salbutti and senior left guard Derek Jacobs. Senior Karl Ravilus and junior Islam Mohamed have the inside track to start at the tackle spots, with senior Anthony Montilli at right guard. “We’re quicker up front,” Martillotti said. Speed is one of Lawrence’s defensive assets for the first time in years, Martillotti said, and something that will come in handy against the likes of Lynbrook, Hewlett and Plainedge. “I’m excited about the defense,” he said. “We haven’t been
this fast in quite some time.” Hercules, an All-County selection, n, brings a nonstop motor and anchors the unit from the middle linebacker spot. He had 66 tackles, 10 sacks and six forced fumbles a year ago. “Chris iss still 220 [pounds], but he can really move,” ove,” Martillotti said. Ryan and Tyler Frededericks, and juniors Kenny Perez, Mattt Leone and Ludwig Velasquez round out a solid group. Up front, the defense has a differentt look and a lot of potential. Junior Jake ke Bernstein has starting experience at end and is joined by junior Florian Capabiabianco. Senior Isiah Batts and junior John hn Perrone will both see action at nosee tackle. In the secondary, senior safety Chris Donahue has a nose for the ball (five interceptions) and good speed and anticipation skills. Fraggner could also start at safety and handle ndle kicking duties. Robinson, the punter, and senior Rondi Gethers are the likely ly starting cornerbacks. As usual, expectations are high. “We’ll have week-to-week goals too accomplish, but our main focus is wininning a championship,” Martillotti said..
RYAN FREDERICKS Tailback
Photos by Kathy Leistner
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September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
14
2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
2011 Nassau County
FOOTBALL RANKINGS
MICHAEL AINBINDER
Baldwin Bruins - Tailback
CONFERENCE I
1. Freeport Red Devils 2. East Meadow Jets 3. Oceanside Sailors 4. Farmingdale Dalers 5. Syosset Braves 6. Baldwin Bruins 7. Uniondale Knights 8. Massapequa Chiefs 9. MacArthur Generals 10. V.S. Central Eagles 11. Hicksville Comets 12. Hempstead Tigers 13. Plainview-JFK Hawks 14. Port Washington Vikings
CONFERENCE II
1. Carey Seahawks 2. Garden City Trojans 3. Elmont Spartans 4. Wantagh Warriors 5. Mepham Pirates 6. Calhoun Colts 7. Long Beach Marines 8. Westbury Green Dragons 9. Jericho Jayhawks 10. New Hyde Park Gladiators 11. Herricks Highlanders 12. Carle Place Frogs 13. Kennedy Cougars 14. Great Neck South Rebels
CONFERENCE III
1. Lawrence Golden Tornadoes 2. Lynbrook Owls 3. Hewlett Bulldogs 4. Plainedge Red Devils 5. Bethpage Golden Eagles 6. Sewanhaka Indians 7. Floral Park Knights 8. Glen Cove Big Red 9. Manhasset Indians 10. Division Dragons 11. South Side Cyclones 12. V.S. South Falcons 13. Roslyn Bulldogs 14. Great Neck North Blazers
CONFERENCE IV
1. Seaford Vikings 2. Roosevelt Rough Riders 3. Locust Valley Falcons 4. East Rockaway Rocks 5. West Hempstead Rams 6. Island Trees Bulldogs 7. Mineola Mustangs 8. Clarke Rams 9. Cold Spring Harbor Seahawks 10. Valley Stream North Spartans 11. Malverne Mules 12. North Shore Vikings 13. Oyster Bay Baymen 14. Friends Academy Quakers
September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
15
2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
CIRCLE THE CALENDAR September
COACH JOE BIANCA
Calhoun
COACH RUSS PAJER
East Rockaway
COACH JAY HEGI
Elmont
DAY
DATE
VISITOR
HOME
Fri. Fri. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Fri. Fri. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat.
9 9 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 16 16 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17
BALDWIN Uniondale CALHOUN Jericho CLARKE Massapequa Island Trees LONG BEACH MacArthur Floral Park MEPHAM Manhasset Glen Cove MALVERNE SEWANHAKA SOUTH SIDE Port Washington Friends Aca. WEST HEMPSTEAD Bethpage EAST MEADOW Hempstead Carle Place MEPHAM CLARKE ROOSEVELT ELMONT Syosset HEWLETT KENNEDY LONG BEACH LYNBROOK Locust Valley OCEANSIDE V.S. SOUTH Massapequa WEST HEMPSTEAD
Farmingdale OCEANSIDE Wantagh CAREY ROOSEVELT EAST MEADOW EAST ROCKAWAY ELMONT FREEPORT HEWLETT KENNEDY LAWRENCE LYNBROOK North Shore Plainview V.S. SOUTH V.S. CENTRAL V.S. NORTH Oyster Bay LAWRENCE Farmingdale BALDWIN CALHOUN CAREY V.S. NORTH EAST ROCKAWAY Herricks FREEPORT SOUTH SIDE Jericho G.N. South Plainedge MALVERNE Hicksville SEWANHAKA V.S. CENTRAL Seaford
NT OB BOLceOanUside COACH R
COACH JOE VITTO O Roosevelt
SIMATIS ORGE KSAew anhaka COACH GE
TIME 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
COACH JOE MARTILLOTTI
Lawrence
COACH SCOTT MARTIN
Long Beach
COACH ANTHONY CRACCO
Mepham
COACH TOM
Valley S Strea CHIAVO m No rth
2011 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE PULL-OU
16
DAY Fri. Fri. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Fri. Fri.
DATE 23 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 30 30
VISITOR KENNEDY FREEPORT BALDWIN CALHOUN CAREY Island Trees V.S. CENTRAL EAST ROCKAWAY LAWRENCE Division MALVERNE Jericho V.S. NORTH SEWANHAKA SOUTH SIDE Plainedge C.S. Harbor LAWRENCE WEST HEMPSTEAD
HOME LONG BEACH OCEANSIDE Massapequa Westbury ELMONT CLARKE EAST MEADOW North Shore HEWLETT LYNBROOK Friends Aca. MEPHAM ROOSEVELT Glen Cove G.N. North V.S. SOUTH WEST HEMPSTEAD Glen Cove EAST ROCKAWAY
TIME 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
October Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat.
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
OCEANSIDE ELMONT CAREY CLARKE EAST MEADOW FREEPORT HEWLETT G.N. South Garden City LYNBROOK V.S. NORTH MEPHAM ROOSEVELT Division V.S. CENTRAL V.S. SOUTH
BALDWIN CALHOUN Westbury Seaford Uniondale Massapequa SEWANHAKA KENNEDY LONG BEACH Floral Park MALVERNE Wantagh Mineola SOUTH SIDE Hicksville set Manhasset
3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
VALLEY STREAM CENTRAL
HERALD ELEVEN
Player
Team
Grade
Position
Kareem Are
Sewanhaka
12
Lineman
Jere Brown
Freeport
12
Receiver
Jonathan Espinosa
Lynbrook
12
Lineman
Ryan Fredericks
Lawrence
12
Tailback
Tayvon Hall
West Hempstead 11
Tailback
Chris Hercules
Lawrence
12
Linebacker
Sam Martorella
Hewlett
12
Tailback
Dom Morales
East Meadow
12
Lineman
Erin Parker
Roosevelt
12
Tailback
Hector Quintin
Oceanside
12
Linebacker
Rob Zorn
Carey
12
Linebacker
NOTE: Local teams listed in n BOLD/CAPS
OCEANSIDE
COACH STEVE CARROLL
Baldwin
NLEY IKE STAC arey COACH M
COAC H JOH N BOY L Cla E rke
UT COURTESY OF THE HERALD
September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
September
September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
CIRCLE THE CALENDAR October
COACH VIN MASCIA
East Meadow
COACH RUSS CELLAN
Freeport
COACH JAY IAQUINTA
Hewlett
DAY Thu. Thu. Thu. Thu. Thu. Thu. Thu. Thu. Thu. Thu. Thu. Thu. Thu. Thu. Thu. Thu. Thu. Thu. Thu. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Fri.
DATE 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 21
TO HIL ONES COACH P South Side
VISITOR BALDWIN CALHOUN Wantagh CLARKE OCEANSIDE ELMONT FREEPORT HEWLETT Carle Place LONG BEACH MALVERNE Herricks Locust Valley SEWANHAKA SOUTH SIDE Island Trees V.S. SOUTH Plainedge EAST ROCKAWAY BALDWIN CALHOUN CAREY Oyster Bay EAST ROCKAWAY MEPHAM FREEPORT Bethpage KENNEDY LAWRENCE SEWANHAKA C.S. Harbor Syosset Island Trees Manhasset Farmingdale G.N. North WEST HEMPSTEAD Port Washington
COACH FRANK CHIMIEN TI Valley Stream Central
HOME V.S. CENTRAL New Hyde Park CAREY Friends Aca. EAST MEADOW Garden City Farmingdale LYNBROOK KENNEDY Jericho WEST HEMPSTEAD MEPHAM ROOSEVELT Division Bethpage V.S. NORTH Roslyn LAWRENCE Seaford EAST MEADOW Garden City LONG BEACH CLARKE V.S. NORTH ELMONT Uniondale HEWLETT Westbury Floral Park LYNBROOK MALVERNE OCEANSIDE ROOSEVELT SOUTH SIDE V.S. CENTRAL V.S. SOUTH Locust Valley BALDWIN
TIME 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
COACH LANCE GRIFFIN
Valley Stream South
COACH NICK MARTONE
Kennedy
COACH STEVE LOCICERO
Lynbrook
COACH KITO LOCKWOOD
Malverne
COACH DOM
C West HempARRE stead
2011 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE PULL-O
18
DAY Fri. Fri. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Fri. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat. Sat.
DATE 21 21 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 28 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29
VISITOR KENNEDY ROOSEVELT G.N. South Garden City CLARKE EAST MEADOW ELMONT HEWLETT LYNBROOK Oyster Bay LONG BEACH OCEANSIDE G.N. North Roslyn V.S. CENTRAL V.S. NORTH Division Mineola V.S. SOUTH FREEPORT CAREY North Shore EAST MEADOW EAST ROCKAWAY Wantagh Plainedge New Hyde Park LAWRENCE Herricks LYNBROOK MALVERNE Garden City Farmingdale ROOSEVELT SOUTH SIDE V.S. CENTRAL V.S. NORTH
HOME Herricks Seaford CALHOUN CAREY EAST ROCKAWAY FREEPORT Jericho Manhasset LAWRENCE MALVERNE MEPHAM MacArthur SEWANHAKA SOUTH SIDE Hempstead North Shore V.S. SOUTH WEST HEMPSTEAD Glen Cove BALDWIN CALHOUN CLARKE Syosset Locust Valley ELMONT HEWLETT KENNEDY SEWANHAKA LONG BEACH Bethpage Mineola MEPHAM OCEANSIDE WEST HEMPSTEAD Floral Park Plainview-JFK Oyster Bay
TIME 7:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
MALVERNE
HERALD ELEVEN
Player
Team
Grade
Position
Kareem Are
Sewanhaka
12
Lineman
Jere Brown
Freeport
12
Receiver
Jonathan Espinosa
Lynbrook
12
Lineman
Ryan Fredericks
Lawrence
12
Tailback
Tayvon Hall
West Hempstead 11
Tailback
Chris Hercules
Lawrence
12
Linebacker
Sam Martorella
Hewlett
12
Tailback
Dom Morales
East Meadow
12
Lineman
Erin Parker
Roosevelt
12
Tailback
Hector Quintin
Oceanside
12
Linebacker
Rob Zorn
Carey
12
Linebacker
NOTE: Local teams listed in BOLD/CAPS
EAST ROCKAWAY CALHOUN
OUT COURTESY OF THE HERALD
September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
October
19
2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
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. Freeport was the 2010 receipient. The Red Devils won the Nassau Conference I and Long Island Class I championships and finished with a record of 11-1. A list of the winners:
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
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
1982 1981 1980 1979 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
Division Division Massapequa Sewanhaka 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
THE PUBLISHERS AND STAFF OF THE
HERALD Community Newspapers
CONGRATULATES THE FREEPORT HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM AND ITS COACHES ON THE REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT OF WINNING THE 2010 RUTGERS CUP
September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
RUTGERS CUP
2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
LONG BEACH
Playoffs on Marines’ radar again
Schedule
By TONY BELLISSIMO
September
C
oming off its first five-win season in a decade, Long Beach seeks a third trip to the Conference II playoffs in the last four years and is fired up to get things started with a bang against Elmont. “We have to put a lot more work in, but I like what I see so far,” Marines head coach Scott Martin said. “We’ve had about 40 kids at double sessions and everyone’s amped to go to Elmont for the opener. We’ve played them tough two years in a row and it’ll be great to gauge where we’re at early.” Long Beach, which lost a first-round playoff game at Wantagh to finish 5-4 overall last season, is seeded seventh in the conference. Martin is looking for an upset victory somewhere along the way that would land the Marines higher than their seeding come playoff time. “Maybe we could grab the five or even the four seed, get a playoff win and get to Hofstra,” he said. “I don’t know how many people think we can make that happen, but we’ve got some All-County and All-Conference caliber players and depth at certain positions.” Running the show on offense will be senior quarterback Tom Rowley, a player Martin considers to be one of the best in the conference. Rowley accounted for 10 touchdowns in 2010 and is a passing and running threat. “He throws a nice deep ball and has as much speed as anyone we’ll hand the ball to,” Martin said. “He’s probably going to see more time on defense this year as well.” Heading Rowley’s group of targets is senior receiver Jake Kempinski, who has good size and reliable hands and can throw a block when necessary. Junior Jake Brown, the backup quarterback, is in the mix to start opposite Kempinski. Speedy senior Brandt Scott has home-run potential, junior John Delahanty impressed coaches throughout camp, and junior Matt Firpo, one of the team’s top defenders,
10 17 23
@ Elmont 1:30 p.m. @ Great Neck South 1:30 p.m. Kennedy 7:00 p.m.
October 1 6 15 22 29
Garden City @ Jericho Carey @ Mepham Herricks
3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
TOM RAWLEY
TARIQ COLE
Quarterback
Lineman
added the tight end role to his plate. Senior Lorenzo Torres will line up in the slot. The offensive front consists of four seniors — center Mike Rourke, left guard Bryan Adames, right tackle Jacob Heidenfelder and right guard Jacob Wright — and talented sophomore left tackle Tariq Cole. Rourke is a three-year starter, while the 6-foot-5, 350-pound Cole presents a matchup problem for anyone on the opposite side of scrimmage. The running game can thrive with Rowley, junior J.T. Forkin and senior Peter Amabile. Forkin’s athleticism will be utilized in the slot as well, and Amabile can grind out tough yards and contribute to the short passing game. “Our offense has a lot of quality pieces,” Martin said. “I think we’ll do some really good things.” Defensively, the coach said he’s counting on the pass rush to come from the linebackers. Forkin and senior Ikiel Williams will start on the strong side and weak side, respectively, with Firpo and Amabile working the inside. Firpo is a proven run-stuffer who has the agility to aid the secondary by dropping into pass coverage. Junior Sam Golding will contribute at the position.
Torres, who will handle punting responsibilities, is a three-year starting safety and anchors the defensive backfield. Junior Alex Friganza is pushing for time at safety ty and provides depth. Scott is a physical shutdown cornerback, and nd Brown can track opposing receiverss with his combination of speed and athleticism. hleticism. Additional help at corner comes mes in the form of sophomore Liam Rafferty. rty. Up front, Cole is going to be playing most of the important downs at nose tackle. Rourke gets the nod at onee end, while Heidenfelder and Wright could ld rotate at the other end. With close games expected d to be the rule and not the exception, Martin artin is hoping a kicker emerges to fill a void. id. “We want to be the best we can be and make no excuses,” Martin said. aid. “We’ve faced all the big teams for a few w years now and we’re not intimidated.””
PETER AMABILE Fullback
Photos by Jeff Wilson
/HWҋV 0DUL *R QHV
September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
LYNBROOK
Owls still equipped to fly high
Schedule
By TONY BELLISSIMO
September
D
efending Nassau Conference III and Long Island Class III champion Lynbrook is reloaded and ready for all challenges, beginning with a visit from Glen Cove on Sept. 10. Head coach Steve LoCicero returns almost 30 players with varsity experience and said the Owls had one of the best camps in his six years at the helm. Neither bodes well for the competition. “We don’t have to defend anything, because nobody can take away what we accomplished,” LoCicero said. “Our primary goal is to become as close-knit a family as we can. We’re looking to win as many games as we can along the way, but wherever the journey takes us, it takes us.” Despite losing 38 players from last year’s 11-1 history-making squad, secondseeded Lynbrook is loaded with depth and talent and figures to be in the title hunt. It has reached the semifinals in four of the past five seasons. “We always play a lot of kids,” LoCicero said. “We’re looking for 22 different starters. Some guys will play on both sides, but only in certain packages.” The Owls will be aggressive in their multiple 4-3 defensive scheme and rotate plenty of bodies. Seniors Johnny Emmerich, Matt Trotta (78 tackles) and Dylan Bien anchor the secondary, linebacker and line, respectively, but are only part of a deep huddle. “We’re going to be really aggressive on defense and force quarterbacks to make quick decisions,” LoCicero said. Emmerich, a free safety, is considered by LoCicero to be one of the best athletes in the school. “He has great instincts and tackles well,” LoCicero said. Seniors Kenneth Jorge and Matt McGoldrich, and sophomore Joe Gross lead the cornerback contingency, and senior Brandon Carmona will operate at strong safety. Trotta’s quickness, strength and tackling ability make him a tall order for
10 17 24
Glen Cove @ Plainedge Division
1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
October 1 6 15 22 29
@ Floral Park Hewlett Sewanhaka @ Lawrence @ Bethpage p g
3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. p
JONATHAN ESPINOSA
DYLAN BIEN
Lineman
Lineman
opposing ballcarriers to avoid. Other vital parts to the success of the linebacker corps are senior Dusty Mashkuli and juniors Kevin Estrada, Austin Bilello and Kenny Rubin. Up front, Lynbrook is well-stocked with Bien, seniors Alex Watkins-Lopez, Joe Martindale and James Colin, as well as juniors Matt Mott, Nick Mascia and John Vitale. “Our defense can be as strong as our offense,” LoCicero said. Though many of the Owls’ dynamic skill players are gone from an offense that piled up 30-plus points every week, the cupboard is far from bare. Senior Luke Spitzer is slated to take over at quarterback after serving as a slot receiver/tailback a year ago. “Luke’s one of the best athletes I’ve coached and we’re going to make teams defend him,” LoCicero said. “He can do a lot of good things on the fly.” At running back, senior Rocco Scibelli will be the go-to guy a year after scoring six touchdowns as a reserve. His combination of speed and strength will come in handy every touch he gets. Junior Danny Kelly, up from JV, provides reinforcement and won’t be easy to take down. Holes are to be provided by a young but deep front five. In fact, the position is
so deep LoCicero is contemplating rotating two full sets, save for thirdyear starting right tackle Jonathan Espinosa (6-foot-4, 275 pounds) who’ll hardly come off the field when the Owls have possession. “Jon’s as talented a linemen as we’ve had here,” LoCicero noted. Senior Andrew Varricchio takes over at center after cutting his varsity teeth a year ago, and senior Brian Killelea will protect Spitzer’s blind side as the left tackle. The guard spots are up for grabs, though seniors Mario Puccio, Michael McHenry and senior Casey Gannon, along with junior Michael ael Cantanno, are all going to contribute. The receiver corps has all the tools, ols, led by seniors Anthony Rainone, Alex lex Weingarten and Jake Siciliano, and junior nior Nicholas LoCicero. Senior John Borgia gia will see time at split end and in the backackfield. “The guys are focused and already ady doing things off the field to become closer ser as a team,” LoCicero said.
LUKE SPITZER Quarterback
Photos By Ron Manfredi
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12011 HERALD High School Football Preview
MALVERNE
New beginnings for the Mules
Schedule
By ANDREW McCLURE
September
T
he 2010 football season at Malverne was disappointing to say the least. The Mules headed into the season with high hopes, but after starting the year at 2-2, they lost their last four games. But with a slew of new players, a new quarterback, a new attitude, and a new turf field, the Mules, the No. 11 seed in Conference IV, are looking to make some noise this year. Kito Lockwood, in his third year as head coach, is looking forward to a fresh start. “I don’t even want to talk about last year; it’s in the past,� Lockwood said. “This group is working very hard, and have bought into our system. Now we have to go out and get it done on the field. It’s time to play the games.� The Mules should be stingy on the defensive side of the ball. The heart and soul of the unit, senior Jordan Richard, leads a group of linebackers that figures to be the strength of the defense. Richard is a hard-hitting inside backer who can do it all. Senior Dwayne LaCroix joins Richard on the inside to form what should be a terrific tandem. Senior Tylek Wilson and sophomore Tyler Zimmerman, a player Lockwood expects big things from now and in the future, and a pair of seniors in Jose Rodriguez and Jason Milfort, are all pushing for time at linebacker. The defensive line has the potential to be pretty strong. Senior Michael Lucchese, who missed his junior year with an injury, has the talent to be the anchor of both the offensive and defensive lines. Senior Alton Kelly, sophomore William Hackett, and junior Charles Williams round out the group. The secondary of seniors Marcus Similton, Marquise Rowe and Alexander Meacham, and junior speedster Antonio Soares, are fast and athletic, but lack size. Malique Merchant takes over as signalcaller. The left-handed junior brings very good skill sets and athletic ability to the
10 17 24
@ North Shore Locust Valley @ Friends Academy
1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
October 1 6 15 22 29
V.S. North @ West Hempstead Cold Spring Harbor Oyster Bay @ Mineola
3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
JORDAN RICHARD
ALTON KELLY
Linebacker
Tight End
quarterback position. Merchant’s passing ability adds another element to a Malverne offense that typically keeps the ball on the ground. When Merchant throws, he will look to wide receivers Matthew Sandoval and Similton. Malverne’s ground game will be led by Richard. The rugged fullback is tough between the tackles and always fights for the extra yard. Senior halfback Kern Mascall is a workhorse with good breakaway speed. Lockwood is impressed with Mascall. “He has an incredible work ethic, and he’s very good student,� Lockwood said. “It’s unbelievable how much time and effort he puts in. There are times when we have to ask him to slow down.� Soares will also contribute in the backfield. Senior Jeremy Sarnataro returns at center for the Mules. Sarnataro does a great job at recognizing defenses and calling the blocking assignments. Lucchese, Lacroix, senior Sidney Thevenot, and sophomore Michael Salamone comprise a talented offensive line. Kelly is a big target at tight end. While four-time defending champion Seaford is still the team to beat, the conference is as deep and wide-open as ever. Roosevelt, Locust Valley, East Rockaway,
and Clarke should all be in the hunt. Valley Stream North has improved, and West Hempstead, which was a .500 team in the tough Conference III, will also be a team to be reckoned with as it moved to Conference IV. Lockwood hopes the Mules will be one of the 32 teams competing in the he Nassau playoffs. “The first goal is to have a winning inning season, and we absolutely want to bee a playoff team,� Lockwood said. “We don’t n’t have a lot of experience at the varsity y level, so that’s a concern, but the guys ys have hit the weight room and some attended ttended camps. I tell the kids that not a coach in this league knows their names. They have to go out and make themselves known, and give people something to talk about. bout. I like what we’ve got.�
KERN MASCALL Halfback
Photos By Kathy Leistner
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2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
MEPHAM
Aggressive defense to spark Pirates Schedule
By STEVE SINISKI
September
W
hen opponents prepare for the Pirates, they likely spend the lion's share of their time trying to figure out how to slow down the potent offense. But the way the team has developed over the last several seasons, it's actually on the other side of the field where Mepham gets its energy. "We are definitely a defensive football team," coach Anthony Cracco said. "We have a good offense and score a ton of points, but our defense sets the tone for our program.� The hard-hitting, aggressive unit, coupled with a versatile offense helped push the Pirates to a 7-3 season in Conference II and the playoff turf at Hofstra for the first time in 10 years after a first-round victory at Elmont. Seeded fifth in the conference, Mepham returns six starters on each side of the ball, including three starters on the offensive line and its top two rushers. "It's our highest seed in a long time," Cracco said. "The expectations for the kids have been raised and the days of us sneaking up on people are over." Senior Kevin Tauriello, a powerful runner at 5-10, 200 pounds, ran for more than 800 yards and a dozen touchdowns and will team with senior Nick Wenthen in the backfield. Senior Miguel Shaw finished second in rushing, and the All-County sprinter plays a key role not only in the Pirates' perimeter ground attack but also at fullback. The three backs have the luxury of running behind a powerful and experienced offensive line that welcomes back a pair of junior starters — Joe Aliberti and John Rizzo — and senior Pete Grieco. Aliberti and Rizzo were locked in at center and tackle last season, but depth and versatility up front have given Cracco some options on where his three returning starters will ultimately play Week 1 against Kennedy. "Most of the guys we're going to put out there have some experience and have got-
10 @ Kennedy 17 @ Carey 24 Jericho
1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
October 1 6 15 22 29
@ Wantagh Herricks @ Elmont Long Beach Garden City
3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
ELIAS LOZADA
DYLAN GORDON
Linebacker
Receiver
ten some time," he said. "It helps with the communication." The stability will only help the team's new starting quarterback make a smooth transition. Seniors A.J. Heller and Kyle Berlin were both quarterbacks at the JV level and also made their mark as receivers last season. Now, they are battling to lead the huddle. Seniors Joe Dentici and John Maniscalco are slated to log time at slot receiver, while seniors Elias Lozada and Dylan Gordon will line up at split end and receiver, respectively. Under the tutelage of coordinator Rich Biancanello, the defense has taken big strides and ranked among the Conference II leaders in several categories last season. With the return of Lozada, the team's leading tackler (65) at outside linebacker and plenty of depth all the way around, opponents can expect to have the action taken to them. "[Rich] has completely transformed what we're doing defensively," Cracco said. "We're physical. We get to the ball and we're aggressive and sound. We're not a sit-back-and-wait defense. We're an attacking defense.� Junior nose guard Cory Heller is back for his second varsity campaign, while Shaw and Rizzo are also slated to return
to the line. Juniors Anthony hony Maltese, Ray Pena and Bryan Ferris are all expected to contribute up front. Alongside Lozada, who also netted five sacks and a pair ir of blocked punts, Mepham returns ns Aliberti in the middle. Junior Pat Receno turned in a strong camp and joins Wenthen and junior Shane Agostino at linebacker. backer. Agostino, in particular, has a big role as a hybrid strong safety/linebacker. r. "He is very good at recogniznizing offenses and not only nly playing the run but getting ng the secondary in the right ght spots," Cracco said. Gordon, Heller, Manisniscalco and sophomore Chris Gabriel are slated to log time at cornerback, with Denitici, nitici, Berlin and sophomore Chris Vento in the mix at free safety. Senior kicker Rob Lagomarsini is back to handle field goals and extra points. "It's an asset to have an experienced kicker," Cracco said.
KEVIN TAUREILLO
Tailback
Photos by Jeff Wilson
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2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
OCEANSIDE
Senior-led Sailors back for more
Schedule
By TONY BELLISSIMO
September
T
hough they fell short of winning a county championship a year ago, the Sailors lost just once in the regular season, played in the semifinals at Hofstra for the first time in school history and served notice to the rest of Conference I. “We’re circled on teams’ schedules now,� third-year head coach Rob Blount said. “Last year was pretty special. We don’t have the big names this year, but we’re big up front and deep at running back. This is probably the best camp I’ve been involved with in seven years as a coach, and we have a lot to strive for after back-to-back playoff appearances.� Replacing even a portion of the production provided by Nassau’s most prolific pass-catch combination of quarterback Tyler Heuer and receiver Gene Garay presents a serious challenge, yet Oceanside is seeded a notch higher — third — than it was last season. The Sailors open at home under the lights against Uniondale Sept. 9. “We have 30 seniors who know what it takes to reach Hofstra,� Blount said. “We’ve got some big question marks but also the potential to be right back in the semifinals and battle for a championship. If our players become dudes and we jell at the right time, we’ll be in the thick of things come November.� It’s safe to assume the Sailors will be more of a running team a year after Heuer set the county single-season record for touchdown passes, the majority of which landed in the arms of Garay. Senior John Grassi, the backup to Heuer in 2010, and junior Tom Capone, the JV starting signalcaller, are vying for the lead quarterback role and Blount was prepared to base his decision on scrimmages. “John and Tom both throw the ball well and can run,� Blount said. “I’m confident either one can get the job done.� Oceanside’s beef, strength and experience up front will be tough for the competi-
9 17 23
Uniondale @ Hicksville Freeport
6:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
October 1 6 15 21 29
@ Baldwin @ East Meadow Syosset @ MacArthur Farmingdale
3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
HECTOR QUINTIN
DAN HERNANDEZ
Linebacker
Lineman
tion to match. Senior right guard Andrew Borruso, senior right tackle Jason Scibelli and senior left tackle Hector Quintin, an All-County linebacker, all squat better than 600 pounds. The 6-foot-2, 275pound Borruso is considered one of the top linemen in the conference. Senior Dan Hernandez is a returning starter at left guard, and senior Rich O’Flanagan split time at center a year ago. “This may end up being the best line we’ve had in three years,� Blount said of a group deepened by seniors Anthony Artino and John Rubino. The ground attack has a breakout candidate in junior Justin Buckley, who has been outstanding in practice. “He’s quite the specimen,� Blount said of the 6-2, 205pound back. Junior Shane Saucier and sophomore Luke Schwasniek were JV standouts looking to continue their success at the varsity level. When the Sailors go to the air, senior wideout Phil Ragona will be the go-to guy. Shifty and explosive like Garay, he had more than 300 yards receiving and five touchdowns a year ago. Senior Jimmy Keane is a relaible target with varsity experience, and senior tight end Mike Camejo is someone opponents might want to keep tabs of.
Another offensive — and defensive — weapon is senior kicker Travis Feinberg. g. Also one of the top soccer players walking the hallways, he’s consistent nsistent on extra-point attempts and can boot kickoffs into the end zone. Defensive coordinator Joe Supple has Quintin (52 tackles, threee sacks) and senior free safety Alex Meller er to lead a unit sure to be tested by a schedule chedule that includes defending Long Island and Class I champion Freeport, East Meadow and Farmingdale. Camejo, Saucier and senior ior Tommy Anderson join Quentin at linebacker, ebacker, the push up front will come from m Borruso, Hernandez and senior Jesse Haskell, and the secondary includes Ragona, ona, seniors Steve Checco and John Ramalho, malho, and junior Anthony Pintabona. “We’ve got Freeport, Baldwin win and East Meadow three weeks in a row w and Farmingdale at the end, so we’re looking ooking for a fast start,� Blount said.
PHIL RAGONA Receiver ver
Photos by Kathy Leistner
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September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
Rough Riders should vie for title Schedule
By ANDREW McCLURE
September
A
new field is being installed at Roosevelt High School forcing the Rough Riders to conduct training camp workouts at a local park. The field isn’t the only thing that’s new for the perennial Conference IV power, as a slew of new faces will suit up for longtime head coach Joe Vito in 2011. Seven sophomores will start for the Rough Riders, who finished at 9-2 and lost to four-time defending champion Seaford in the conference championship game. Vito is cautiously optimistic despite the youth. “They’re a great bunch of hard-working kids,” he said. “I’m excited because they’re excited. They’re a very enthusiastic group. The young guys are progressing very well, but it will take time for them to learn, and they’re likely going to make their share of mental mistakes. They’re working hard, and they have put a lot of time in, in the weight room.” Similar to last season, the Rough Riders will not have a bevy of big bodies up front, but an athletic and powerful offensive line should be able to open holes for a group of highly talented players at the skill positions. Junior tackle Neftali Henderson anchors a line that lacks experience, but has the potential to be a solid unit. Senior Makese Powe, a first-year varsity starter, will play the other tackle. Sophomore Sam Edouard will handle the center duties, and a pair of sophomores, Rob Hansen and James Nuapah both figure to start at guard. Khalil Wilson and Raymond James, both sophomores, provide versatility at tight end. Senior Erin Parker, a track star who emerged as one of the top sprinters in the state, has the talent to be one of the county’s most exciting players. Vito will be using Parker at tailback and quarterback, and will put the ball in his hands out of the Wildcat formation. A strong throwing
10 17 24
Clarke @ East Rockaway V.S. North
1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
October 1 6 15 22 29
ROB SWEENEY Quarterback
arm makes Parker a dual threat when he’s taking snaps. Hard-nosed fullback Manny Jones, an All-County recipient as a junior, will pound the ball between the tackles and open up holes. Sophomore Johnny Akins is a fast and powerful back. Expect Akins to get plenty of touches out of the backfield. Senior Rob Sweeney will call signals for Roosevelt. Sweeney is an intelligent quarterback with a strong arm. With a talented crew of receivers, Vito expects the passing game to be stronger compared to recent years. When Sweeney goes to the air, senior Teddy Santana is his go-to guy. Santana runs terrific routes and is extremely elusive in the open field. Junior Marquelle Saunders is a versatile player with excellent hands. The Rough Riders will have a new look on defense as well. This should be a ton of fun for the defenders, but no treat for foes. Hansen and Henderson will flank senior nose guard Luke Graham in the trenches. Senior Brandon Jackson has improved and should play a big role in clogging up opponent’s running games. Sweeney and Raymond Jones are formidable at outside linebacker. Manny Jones returns at middle linebacker, with Akins and Wilson joining
@ Mineola Locust Valley Island Trees @ Seaford @ West Hempstead
3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
ERIN PARKER Tailback
him on the inside. Santana, Saunders, and Jared Carver comprise a strong secondary. Seaford is once again the team to beat in Conference IV, which should d be a little deeper. Second-seeded Roosevelt, which opens up against Clarke at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse as part of the Kickoff Classic weekend, faces a difficult fficult schedule which includes trips to Seaford, aford, West Hempstead, East Rockaway and Mineola, and home games with Valley Stream tream North, Locust Valley and Island Trees. s. Vito is hopeful that a more balanced anced offensive attack, and a new look defense fense can take the Rough Riders a long way. “The league is pretty strong,” Vito said. “Teams Teams like Locust Valley and West Hempstead stead should be much improved, and East Rockaway gives everyone fits. Seaford iss still king until someone knocks them off.”
MANNY JONES
Linebacker
Photos by Susan Grieco and Christina Daly
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September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
SEWANHAKA
Young Indians to grind it out
Schedule
By ANDREW McCLURE
September
I
10 17 24
n 2010, Sewanhaka had a roster chock full of talent and experience. The Indians posted a 6-2 record in one of the toughest conferences on Long Island before losing to Hewlett in the opening round of the playoffs for the second straight season. Fast forward a year, and Sewanhaka, the sixth-ranked team in Nassau Conference III, has just two returning starters and faces a very difficult schedule. Third-year head coach George Kasimatis likes the disposition of his team, and is hopeful it will have enough talent to compete with the likes of Lawrence, Lynbrook, Hewlett, Plainedge and others. “If we can minimize mistakes and turnovers, and not take too many penalties, we could be a competitive team,� Kasimatis said. “I like this group a lot. They’re a great bunch of kids. I look forward to working with them each and every day.� Sewanhaka’s strength should be its ability to run the ball, move the chains, and control the clock. Following in the footsteps of outstanding big men like Sajjad Chagani and Osama Bhutta is guard Kareem Are, a 6-foot-6, 328-pound senior. Are, who is drawing attention from Syracuse, Rutgers, Maryland, Virginia, and other schools, is a mountain of a man who will anchor a line that should enable the Indians to move the ball on the ground. Senior Chris Jean will line up next to Are to form a tremendous right side. The 6-foot-3, 275 pound tackle is a three-year starter. Junior Nick Montoni and senior Rasan Catlin will both see time at center for the Indians, who open at Plainedge. With a dearth of experienced linemen, Catlin and Montoni will need to be ready to fill in at guard and tackle if called upon. Senior guard Chris Smith and senior tackle Ryan Julian round out what should be a strong offensive front. Senior tight end Schneider
@ Plainedge V.S. South @ Glen Cove
1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
October 1 6 15 22 29
Hewlett @ Division @ Lynbrook Great Neck North Lawrence
3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
KAREEM ARE
CHRIS JEAN
Guard
Tackle
Permidor is a solid blocker. Senior Corey Jones and junior Arslan Younis both have the ability to run the double wing offensive attack. Both should see time calling signals. The Indians do not have a prototypical go-to guy out of the backfield, but possess a slew of backs that are more than capable of getting the job done. Senior fullback Stephen Wellington will carry the load in between the tackles, while seniors Malik Morris and David Ford, and junior Jaquan Johnson will be threats on the outside. Senior Woodley Edouard is another bruising fullback who will get plenty of touches. When the Indians go to the air, junior wide receivers Matt Laguerre and Jerry Bolivar are both threats. Without a lot of depth, the Indians will have many players lining up on both sides of the ball. Sewanhaka likes to show multiple looks on defense, and should have enough athleticism and flexibility to adjust to whatever opponents throw at them. Are, Jean, Catlin, and Julian comprise a solid front four. They’ll look to contain the run and get to the quarterback. The hard-hitting Woodley, along with Wellington, Morris, and senior inside
linebacker Thomas Brown, are an athletic crew of backers. The secondecondary is composed of Jones, Johnson, hnson, Laguerre, and Bolivar. As usual, there are no easy ddition games in Conference III. In addition to Plainedge, the Indians will go on the road to take on Glen Cove, e, Division, and defending Long Island nd Class III champion Lynbrook, and host Valley Stream South, Hewlett, Great at Neck North, and top-seeded Lawrence. Kasimatis believes his team will be prepared each week. “Our philosoilosophy is to control the ball, and have long, sustained drives,� Kasimatis matis said. “We’re in good physical condition, and shouldn’t wear down wn late in games. The guys are very ry dedicated to the game. They run, n, lift weights, and have completely y bought into the program. If we do our job and control the ball, we can be a playoff team. If we make too many mental mistakes and turn the ball over, we can easily be alsorans.�
MALIK MORRIS
Tailback
Photos by Janette Pellegrini
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September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
SOUTH SIDE
Cyclones aim for a resurgence
Schedule
By TOM JORDAN
September
T
en years ago, in front of 5,000 fans on a drizzly, foggy November night at Hofstra Stadium, South Side went toe to toe with a nationally ranked Bellport team in the Long Island Championship Game. The Cyclones, who had won seven regular-season games and a couple of playoff encounters, including the school’s first county championship since 1979, led 19-18 going into the fourth quarter before wearing down. It was a magical and memorable run nonetheless, a fantastic finish fueled by unforgettable players like Mike Ambort and Bryant Daniels and Bill Carey and Mike Poulson, and by the inimitable head coach Walter Denton, a coordinator for that ‘79 team who was then in his third season at the helm. In fact, Denton was so pleased with his kids after their 54-34 win over Lawrence in the Nassau County title game that he couldn’t find the proper words, and instead literally tipped his cap to them. New head coach Phil Onesto was one of Denton’s trusted lieutenants on that team, a captain and a starter at receiver and strong safety. After getting his feet wet with the JV the last four seasons, including the first two under Denton, Onesto takes over a team that finished 1-7 last year and was at times overwhelmed by their Conference III competitors. They were shut out three times. He said he knows it’s a long climb back to the top, but he is optimistic about the steps this year’s squad has already taken. With a solid defense, a promising young quarterback and a roster replenished by fresh talent, Onesto is confident the Cyclones can be competitive again. As in, right now. “The first thing I told the players is that we’re not that far removed from being a championship caliber team,” Onesto said. Onesto likes his defensive secondary in particular. Senior strong safety Zach
10 17 24
@ V.S. South 1:30 p.m. Hewlett 1:30 p.m. @ Great Neck North 1:30 p.m.
October 1 6 15 22 29
Division @ Bethpage Manhasset Roslyn @ Floral Park
3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
MIKE RAFFERTY
HARRY DANTONA
Lineman
Lineman
Scaduto headlines that unit, and he is joined by junior Matt Berry and cornerbacks Eric Willie and Nolan Kelly, recently recruited from the lacrosse team. Another senior, Brendan Jackson, is a force at linebacker, where he’ll play alongside Sean Kenny, Jake Saia and Eddie Seganti. Scaduto also starts at receiver, and he scored twice in South Side’s 21-18 comeback win over Valley Stream South last September 16. In that game, Scaduto carried the ball five times for 55 yards and had two catches. His second touchdown capped an 11-play, 65-yard drive late in the fourth quarter. He also had 11 tackles. Berry is the receiver on the other side, and senior Tim Zeremba has sparkled in practice. Willie is also a running back, and he rushed for 110 yards in the victory over Valley Stream South. He’ll expect a full workload again, but with Kelly giving him the occasional breather. Kenny and Saia will vie for time at tight end and sophomore Kevin Rafferty will start at fullback. Mike Rafferty and Harry Dantona are the anchors on the offensive line, though Onesto still has some holes to plug there and on the defensive interior. Much will depend upon the play of junior quarterback Cole Considine, who
started for Onesto with th the JV last year. Considine was brand new to the position but pro g ressed rapidly and earned his coach’s confidence. His athleti-cism, Onesto says, will allow ow the team to utilize both h its power running game and nd some spread formations. He is one of at least 20 juniors who will havee a hand in the Cyclones season. “We have a lot of youth uth and a lot of talent,” Onesto says. “We have good team speed at receiver and at defensive back, and we have senior leaders aders who have stepped up for us. They know it’s a privilege to be a football playerr and a privilege to play for South Side.” The Cyclones, seeded No. 11, open their season on Sept. 10 at Valley ey Stream South. Their first home game is the he following Saturday against Hewlett.
ZACH SCADUTO
Safety
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2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
V.S. CENTRAL
Eagles hope to take playoff flight
Schedule
By TONY BELLISSIMO
September
I
n the Conference II playoff chase right down to the wire a year ago, Valley Stream Central has strength in numbers — 40 — for third-year head coach Frank Chimienti and will try to break into the top eight despite a bump to Conference I. “Our numbers are great and we had a tremendous turnout for summer workouts,” Chimienti said. “We’re excited about the move to Conference I. We’ve got a tough road, but we played a tough schedule in Conference II and it’s nothing we can control.” The Eagles, who went 4-4 in 2010, open at home Sept. 10 against Port Washington and host Massapequa in Week 2. After that, they’ve got second-seeded East Meadow, Hicksville, Baldwin, Farmingdale, Hempstead and Plainview-JFK. “We’ve got nice speed on the perimeter and I think we’ll score if the line holds up,” Chimienti said. Chimienti and his staff spent every day in camp evaluation Central’s two quarterback candidates. Senior Kwesi Harrison, who started at free safety last season but didn’t play offense, and senior Ricky Grosso, were impressive throughout camp. “Kwesi is our best athlete and can probably play five positions,” Chimienti said. “We want the ball in his hands. He’s a runner and understands the offense. Whatever happens, we’ll find a spot [on offense] for him somewhere.” Grosso is a pocket passer with a strong and accurate arm, as well as experience at the position and knowledge of the offense. Junior Laton Butler, off a 1,276-yard campaign, heads the ground attack. He’s explosive with great vision and patience. “He’s a very special player and we’re looking to use him a little more on defense,” Chimienti said. “He’s a powerful runner between the tackles and can also beat defenders to the outside.” Sophomore running back Boljan Cas-
10 17 24
Port Washington Massapequa @ East Meadow
1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
October 1 6 15 22 29
DAVID JOSEPH Lineman
tillo has been the biggest surprise at camp, Chimienti said, and will serve as a nice compliment to Butler after starring at the JV level. Senior Calvin Rosario starts at fullback. Either Harrison or Grosso will have plenty of options in the passing game. “We can diversify the ball,” Chimienti said. Senior Dan Napollonello can be dangerous on screens and gobbles up yards after the catch, and seniors Chris Johnson and Mike Marmol also bring experience to the table. Junior Brandon Wilder has a great set of hands and junior Chris Blaize a quick set of feet. Some of the wideouts will also contribute on special teams in the return game. The Eagles lost a good deal of talent and size up front, but Chimienti said the line is jelling quickly and could hold its own. Seniors David Joseph and Stephan Collins are the starting guards, junior Francisco Montalvo looks strong at center, and senior Dan Craw and junior Aaron Martino have the inside track to be the starting tackles. Avoiding as many two-way starters as possible is something Central’s coaching staff is trying to accomplish. Montalvo will anchor the defensive front from nose
@ Hicksville Baldwin Farmingdale @ Hempstead @ Plainview-JFK
3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
LATON BUTLER Tailback
guard and everyone else on the line could be full-time, oneway performers. Senior Demitri Taylor can make things happen, senior Corey Brown is back k in action off an injury, and sophomore homore Chris Robert has a nonstop motor. In the secondary, the non-starting ing quarterback — Harrison or Grosso — will be a starter at safety, and Marmol and nd Blaize comprise a fast tandem of cornerbacks. erbacks. Grosso is also handling kicking and punting duties. Evan Nicholson can play at strong rong safety or outside linebacker. Napollonello nello keys the middle of the defense from a linebacker position that includes seniors rs Terry Gagstetter and Ian McGovern, n, junior Delencio Blanco-Holstead, and Castillo. stillo. “We have a bunch of guys competing ompeting for jobs, which leads to better depth,” pth,” Chimienti said. “I can’t say more about bout the commitment level of the kids. They’ve been great since last season ended nded and hopefully we’ll be able to break through and make the playoffs.” The Eagles last qualified for postseason ostseason play in 1993 when they finished fourth in Conference II.
KWESI HARRISON Quarterback
Photos by Kathy Leistner
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September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
V.S. NORTH
Spartans happy for fresh start
Schedule
By TONY BELLISSIMO
September
V
alley Stream North is eager to turn the page on last year’s 1-7 finish in Conference IV, but the Spartans must wait until Sept. 17 to take the field after learning their opener against Friends Academy will count as a forfeit win. “It’s nice to have a fresh start, but learning Friends won’t have a team again this year and not playing in Week 1 is very disappointing,” North head coach Tom Schaivo said. “It’s not the first time this happened to us and not the first time we’re losing a home game. Now we’re looking for someone to play to help us prepare for Clarke in Week 2.” Schiavo, in his 14th season guiding the Spartans, said 2010 was his toughest and the team is returning only five full-time starters. “We need to get back to doing all the little things well and pay attention to detail,” he said. “We’ve had a good camp. The kids are positive and upbeat and they like being around each other.” The offense, now under the direction of Carmine Colasanto, has an experienced quarterback in junior Anthony Martelli, a big-time receiving threat in senior Jesse Oppenheimer, a potentially top rusher in senior Evan Henry, and anchor up front in senior Kendel Levy. If they produce, North, the No. 10 seed, is sure to challenge for a playoff spot. Martelli, a three-sport athlete, passed for 1,300 yards a year ago and should be more comfortable in his second season running the unit. “Anthony has a very strong arm and we’re going to ask him to do a little bit of everything,” Schiavo said. Oppenheimer, who missed most of last season with a broken leg but recovered in time for the winter and captured a county title in wrestling, has a great set of wheels and hands. He’ll pick up plenty of real estate after catches and can stop opponents from doing the same when he
10 17 24
Friends Academy Clarke @ Roosevelt
1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
October 1 6 15 22 29
ANTHONY MARTELLI Quarterback
flips to cornerback on defense. Senior Ed Dietrich, who had a broken leg, and junior Stephen Giuliante, also return at receiver. Henry did some nice things last fall, Schiavo said, and even more is expected of the 200-pound feature back who worked hard during the offseason with a personal trainer — his father, Bernie. Levy, a four-year starter at left tackle, is one of the team’s vocal leaders. “Kendel looks great and he’s a tremendous lineman and leader,” Schiavo said. “He wants to be part of a winning team.” Levy spearheads a line that includes senior John Ravert at center, senior Omar Anderson at left guard, and junior Nick Gonzalez at right tackle. The starting spot at right guard remains up for grabs between senior Islam Fermas and juniors Matt Michel and Mike Carucci. Junior Isaiah Short, a starting lineman on last year’s JV squad, has moved to fullback and will get some carries and clear paths for Henry. “Coach Colasanto is doing incredible things with the offense and it definitely has potential,” Schiavo said. Defensively, the Spartans have size and quickness but also question marks. Without a returning starter on the line, Schiavo and coordinator Tom Maddock
@ Malverne Island Trees East Rockaway @ North Shore @ Oyster Bay
3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
KENDELL LEVY Lineman
are searching for the right combination mbination that will keep the team competitive titive in the trenches. “We’re runningg a 4-4-3 and have eight guys in thee mix for four spots on the line,”” Schiavo said. Levy, who plays middle lineinebacker, and Henry, the free safety, afety, are proven run stuffers and keys ys to the unit’s success. North has depth epth at outside linebacker with juniors Anthony Funaro, James Capoziello, Chris ris Dinko and Frank Trotta, while Oppenheimer, enheimer, Dietrich and Giuliante join Henry nry in the secondary. “We have some veteran guys uys we’re counting on, but there will be plenty of opportunities for newcomers to make a difference,” Schiavo said. “Everyone yone has to work hard every day.” In addition to hosting Clarke,, the Spartans get Island Trees and East Rockaway at home. They’ll visit Roosevelt, Malverne, North Shore and Oyster Bay.
JESSE OPPENHEIMER ER Receiver
Photos by Ron Manfredi
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2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
V.S. SOUTH
Falcons have ability to improve Schedule
By TONY BELLISSIMO
September
O
ff a rough 7-1 season in Conference III, Valley Stream South may be young on paper with only five seniors but longtime head coach Lance Griffin’s roster isn’t lacking experience. “We have some good senior leaders along with seasoned juniors who played as sophomores,” Griffin said. “Our junior varsity went 7-1 last year and found ways to win close games. Those guys showed character and we’re counting on a bunch of them this year to contribute on varsity.” The Falcons, seeded 12th, open at home against South Side and will be out to avenge last year’s last-minute defeat to the Cyclones. Additional opponents are Sewanhaka, Plainedge, Manhasset, Roslyn, Great Neck North, Division and Glen Cove. “It’s a competitive schedule,” Griffin said. “We play the four [Plainedge] and six [Sewanhaka] seeds within the first three weeks so those will be a real challenge.” Senior Thomas Meaney returns at quarterback and is surrounded by promising weapons in the Wing-T offense. “We run a complicated offense and Tom has shown a lot of progress,” Griffin said. “In our first scrimmage he made good reads and decisions on the run. He’s got a strong arm and can run. We need him to have a big year.” Meaney could also see some snaps on the defensive side as a nickel cornerback. When South’s in passing situations, he’ll be looking for targets Marco Sammarone, Bryan Providence and Chris Infantino down the field. Sammarone, a senior, is a returning starter at wideout and someone capable of spreading a defense. “Marco has speed and teams will need to keep an eye on him,” Griffin explained. Providence, a junior receiver who scored twice in the opening scrimmage, is quick and athletic, while Infantino, a 6-foot-3 junior, is a converted lineman expected to contribute as a pass-catcher and blocker at tight end.
10 17 24
South Side @ Sewanhaka Plainedge
1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
October 1 6 15 22 28
@ Manhasset @ Roslyn Great Neck North Division @ Glen Cove
3:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
THOMAS MEANEY
FRANK ACCARDI
Quarterback
Tailback
“The tight end is an important position for us and we have an advantage with Chris being a former lineman,” Griffin said of Infantino. “He has some of the best hands on the team, but he’s also a real good blocker.” Most of the line is set, but competition for at least one spot is ongoing. The unit returns a pair of starting guards, seniors Andrew Karavelas and Dan Tammaro. The position is vital to providing the quarterback with a few extra seconds to determine whether he’ll tuck the ball and run or throw. Senior Oscar Hernandez and junior Anthony Stallone are vying for the top job at center, and Griffin is considering starting both by shifting the latter to tackle. “We’re still trying to figure out all the pieces on the line, but the offense has a lot of potential,” Griffin said. The running game has two sources in juniors Frank Accardi and Phil Crisci. Accardi added muscle and improved his quickness, Griffin said, and was one of the team’s top performers a year ago. The speedy Crisci potentially gives South its best backfield tandem since it last reached the playoffs in 2006. “I expect them to give us a pretty productive backfield,” Griffin said.
The goals on defense are to be aggressive, which is something last year’s unit failed to accomplish, and improve against the run. The Falcons continue to employ four linemen, four linebackers and three in the secondary. Junior Anthony Giganti, who is likely to handle kicking duties, junior Eric Servian and Cresci should rack up tackles from linebacker. Accardi could also play there, but he’s also a candidate to help the cause up front. Stallone, Infantino and sophomore Frank Romano are the top defensive tackles, and junior Michael Springer can make things happen on the edge. In the secondary, Sammarone and Providence will fill a safety and cornerback spot and junior Steven Gotkin is another corner. All are agile enough to keep up with opposing threats through the air. “Our depth is going to be better and we should be more competitive,” Griffin said.
MARCO SAMMARONE Receiver
Photos By Janette Pellegrini
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September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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2011 HERALD High School Football Preview
September 8, 2011 - FOOTBALL PREVIEW - HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
WEST HEMPSTEAD
Rams out to snap playoff drought
Schedule
By TONY BELLISSIMO
September
A
year ago, West Hempstead was mired in a 17-game losing streak that eventually grew by two before the Rams put it in the rearview mirror and showed they no longer could be taken for granted. Now, after a breakthrough 4-4 campaign they’re thinking playoffs following a move from Conference III to IV. “We’re a typical small team,� head coach Dom Carre said. “The biggest thing about the conference change is we’ll be playing teams with almost the same size roster and same size players. Nobody pushed us around last year, but most opponents had more depth than we did.� While Carre called Conference IV “no walk in the park,� he’s optimistic the fifthseeded Rams can compete each week and have a good chance to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2003. “We have more experience than last year and not too many guys have to adjust to the speed of varsity football,� Carre said. “But at the same time, we’ve got a tough schedule ahead of us. Seaford hasn’t lost in four years, Roosevelt is always a powerhouse, and East Rockaway and Locust Valley are always solid.� West Hempstead’s new rivals, beginning at Oyster Bay Sept. 10, will have to find a way to contain an offensive attack spearheaded by tailbacks Tayvon Hall and Justin Boatwright as well as quarterback Bruno DeVito. Hall, a shifty and explosive junior, rushed for more than 900 yards and totaled 15 touchdowns in 2010, while Boatwright, a senior and straight-ahead powerful runner, topped 600 yards and scored five times. Junior Michael Petrizzo is also part of the backfield and will get involved. “It’s going to be a challenge to distribute the ball evenly and there are some weeks we won’t,� Carre said. “Teams know Tayvon, and he’ll have to be a decoy at times. Then if teams also key on Justin, we can give
10 17 24 30
@ Oyster Bay @ Seaford Cold Spring Harbor @ East Rockaway
1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
October 6 15 22 29
JUSTIN BOATWRIGHT Tailback
the ball to Michael.� But it won’t be all ground and pound. DeVito started every game under center last season and possesses a strong arm that allows him to be accurate while rolling out. “A lot of Bruno’s throws were on the run last year,� Carre said. “He can tuck it and run if he has to, but we’re definitely going to look to keep defenses honest.� When DeVito airs it out, he’ll first check the direction of senior receiver Danny Sheeler, who runs sharp routes and is strong enough to get off the line of scrimmage against tough cornerbacks. “Danny’s a great athlete and doesn’t drop a thing,� Carre said of Sheeler, who’s also in line to handle the kicking and punting duties. Carre said he’s hoping the front five will set the tone with its physical play. While the tackle spots remain up for grabs with the opener on the horizon, the Rams will be counting on sophomore center Christian Jean-Louis, junior guard Danny Njoku, and senior guard James Gomez to lead the push at the line. Jean-Louis, Njoku, and Gomez will pull double duty on the defensive front and along with senior Steffan Vieria form what Carre considers the strongest part of
Malverne @ Locust Valley Mineola Roosevelt
4:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 1:30 p.m.
BRUNO DEVITO Quarterback
the stop-unit. Boatwright, Petrizzo and sophomore Dean McCabe lead the linebacker group, and the secondary features Hall, Sheeler and sophomore Bruce Gibbs. “Our defense will be tested,� Carre re said. “We’ll do our best to keep players yers fresh.� In close games, the Rams’ special teams ams could make the difference by winningg the battle of field position or even scoring. ing. Hall, Boatwright, Petrizzo and Sheelerr are all capable of breaking a long return and finding the end zone. Three of West Hempstead’s first four games are away from home. The Rams ams travel to Seaford in Week 2 and takee on East Rockaway, Carre’s alma mater, r, in Week 4 on Friday night. In between they’ll ey’ll host Cold Spring Harbor in Week 3. “We came within a game of the playoffs last year,� he said. “Getting in this year is a goal.�
TAYVON HALL
Tailback
Photos By Ron Manfredi
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High School Football Preview - 2011 Herald Community Newspapers
