Wantagh Warriors

2022 HERALD High School Football Preview

WANTAGH

Warriors loom dangerous with experience

By TONY BELLISSIMO

On the heels of winning the Nassau Conference IV championship in the spring of 2021, Wantagh had another strong season in the fall with a mark of 8-2 in Conference III but a frustrating ending. The Warriors, making their 25th playoff appearance in 26 seasons, were nipped by rival Bethpage in the semifi nals. “We wanted a rematch with Plainedge in the fi nals, but Bethpage had three or four big plays and we came up short as a result,” Wantagh head coach Keith Sachs said. “We’re looking to be back in the hunt and we’re good and skilled, but we’re not returning a whole lot of starting experience.” Among the many departures was All-Long Island guard/ linebacker Liam Casey, All-State running back/linebacker Tyler Martini, who gained more than 2,000 yards, and fellow talented rushers Sean Carlo and Mark Maniet. However, the backfi eld is far from bare as senior Nick Cupelli has 15 career touchdowns and over 1,000 yards. “Nick had 5 touchdowns last year and he only got a handful of carries each week because of everyone else we had,” Sachs said. “He’s lightning fast and an exceptional athlete. He’s capable of having a huge season.” Senior Anthony Reale, who in the spring of 2021 had the gamewinning touchdown reception against North Shore in the county title game, is a dynamic receiver who could move to wing back. He also serves as the face of the defense as a third-year starting safety. “Anthony led us in catches and touchdown receptions, but we want to get him even more involved in the offense,” Sachs said. “He’s a sharp route runner with good hands.” Junior Jake Martini, who was an integral part of the defense last season with 5 interceptions as a shutdown corner, is set to play a larger offensive role at fullback. He’ll get some carries, and his blocking skills will come in handy with only two starters returning to the offensive line. Antony Tsakos is a threesport standout (wrestling/lacrosse) and the anchor of the Warriors’ front fi ve at left guard. He’s also a third-year starting defender with 8 career sacks. “He’s a stud athlete who’s probably going to be AllCounty in three sports,” Sachs said. Senior Richie Benkovic is a strong kid who works hard, the coach noted, and returns as the starting tackle on the left side to form a one-two punch with Tsakos. Senior Franco Valentino is a potential two-way starter who’s vying for the center position, and Sachs expects senior Mike Piscopo and junior Paul Fontana to contribute to the group. At quarterback, senior Joseph Legovich returns after starting all 10 games last season and totaling 650 yards and 8 touchdowns through the air. “He has as much talent as any quarterback we’ve had in a while,” Sachs said. “He has a great arm and is probably our fastest player too. He checks every box and we may throw it more and use all the weapons we have.” If Reale becomes a wing back, junior TJ Carlo, a 6-foot-4 wideout stepping up from JV, will be someone Legovich targets downfi eld. Another option is junior 6-5 tight end Thomas Conway, who had a two-touchdown game in 2021. On special teams, Reale, Cupelli and Martini headline the return units, whilst junior Nico Zervos takes over kicking duties. The Warriors are seeded fourth in Conference III behind defending champion Plainedge, Bethpage, and newcomer Carey. They open against Hewlett before renewing the rivalry with Bethpage. “The conference is outstanding and deep,” Sachs said. “We have a lot of newness and only one scrimmage to help us fi gure things out.”

Zervos takes over kicking The Warriors are seeded fourth in Conference III behind defending champion Plainedge, Bethpage, and newcomer Carey. They open against Hewlett before renewing the rivalry with “The conference is outstanding and deep,” Sachs said. “We have a lot of newness and only one scrimmage to help us fi gure

Nick Cupelli

ANTHONY TSAKOS ANTHONY REALE

Schedule

September 9 Hewlett 7:00 p.m. 17 @ Bethpage 2:00 p.m. 24 Division 2:00 p.m. 30 @ V.S. North 6:30 p.m. October 7 @ Carey 7:00 p.m. 15 Floral Park 2:00 p.m. 22 Plainedge 2:00 p.m. 29 @ Glen Cove 2:00 p.m.