Mepham Pirates

MEPHAM

Talented Pirates set lofty goals

By DAVID WEINGRAD

If there’s ever such a thing as a veteran rookie head coach, it’s Matthew Moody, who began his coaching career at Marist College 12 years ago before moving to Long Island and joining Mepham’s coaching staff in 2017. This year, he’ll take the reins as head coach. With his squad ranked second in preseason in Conference II and inheriting a returning core of seniors that led the Pirates to the Nassau County semifi nals last season, he has every reason to be optimistic. “We’ve put ourselves in a position to take the next step,” said Moody “I said to the kids, the Long Island championship is not an unrealistic expectation.” The abundance of returning skill players, many of whom have played together since their P.A.L. days, gives Moody plenty of options. In late August, the quarterback position was still in competition between four players to fi ll the shoes of star quarterback Nick Honerkamp, who graduated. Most notable of the bunch is senior Dominick Novello, a 4-year varsity player and 2-time All-County player, who will also see time at running back, wide receiver and linebacker. “He’s unquestionably the leader of the team,” said Moody. “Everyone sees how hard he works, the time he put in during the offseason. He sets the tone and standard for how we expect the Pirates to play.” Another key returner is senior Ryan Thier, a 3-year varsity player, who will be the primary running back and start at linebacker. “He’s the thunder in our one-two punch of running backs,” said Moody, lauding his physical downhill running style and unique elusiveness, considering his 225-pound frame. “If you take a bad angle, he will beat you to the edge.” Dylan Dunn will spell him at running back and will also see snaps at wide receiver. A natural playmaker, Moody said the goal is to get the ball in the senior’s hands as much as possible. “He’s the lightning to Thier’s thunder,” he said. Third-year varsity player Michael Cucinella is expected to be the team’s top target at wide receiver and will also double at cornerback. “In desperation, when you put the ball up, he’s the kind of kid who is going to come down with it,” said Moody, adding that Cucinella is one of the best cornerbacks he’s ever coached. If there is any question mark, it’s the offensive line, with only one returning starter. But Moody said he’s confi dent after placing extra focus fortifying it this summer. The lone returning starter, senior Kevin Perry, will be a solidifying force in the trenches, Moody said. On the defensive side, senior Chris Norris will be key in putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks as defensive end. “He has an extremely good get-off,” said Moody. “He’s going to cause some problems in the backfi eld.” Junior Steven Mulqueen will be the other starting cornerback opposite Cucinella, and Moody described him as a lockdown corner. And senior Sofi a LaSpina, who made history last year becoming the fi rst female in Long Island history to score a touchdown and who led the regional Bellmore-Merrick squad to the Long Island fl ag football championship crown this June, will also play a key role on both sides of the ball at wide receiver and safety. “We’re excited to see her take the next step,” said Moody. The tone for this season, said the fi rstyear head coach, was set right at the start of camp. “This summer has been awesome from our player’s turnout,” he said. “The kids bought in day one and put us into a good position as the season started. It’s a special group of kids who push each other and work hard with each other.”

her take the next step,” said Moody. The tone for this season, said the fi rstyear head coach, was set right at the start of camp. “This summer has been awesome from our player’s turnout,” he said. “The kids bought in day one and put us into a good position as the season started. It’s a special group of kids who push each other and work hard with each other.”

Kevin Perry

MICHAEL CUCINELLA DYLAN DUNN

Schedule

September 10 @ Elmont 2:00 p.m. 17 MacArthur 2:00 p.m. 24 Calhoun 2:00 p.m. October 1 @ New Hyde Park 3:00 p.m. 8 @ Garden City 2:00 p.m. 15 Long Beach 2:00 p.m. 22 South Side 2:00 p.m. 29 @ Sewanhaka 2:00 p.m.