2022 HIGH SCHOOL
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2022 HERALD High School Football Preview Football Preview
A special advertising supplement to the
TEAM INDEX Herald Community Newspapers
Baldwin Bruins ................................ 6 Publisher
Calhoun Colts................................. 8 STUART RICHNER
Carey Seahawks........................... 10 Executive Editor
Clarke Rams................................. 12 MICHAEL HINMAN
East Meadow Jets ........................ 14
East Rockaway Rocks................... 16 Deputy Editor
Elmont Spartans .......................... 17 JEFF BESSEN
Freeport Red Devils...................... 18 Vice President of Sales
Hempstead Tigers.......................... 20 RHONDA GLICKMAN
Hewlett Bulldogs .......................... 21 Creative Director
Kennedy Cougars ......................... 22 Editorial Designer
Lawrence Golden Tornadoes......... 23 JEFFREY A. NEGRIN
Long Beach Marines..................... 26 Section Editor
Lynbrook Owls.............................. 27 TONY BELLISSIMO
MacArthur Generals ..................... 28 Photo Editor
Malverne Mules............................ 29 TIM BAKER
Mepham Pirates........................... 30 Senior Editors
Oceanside Sailors ........................ 32 LAURA LANE
Seaford Vikings ............................ 34 DANIEL OFFNER
Sewanhaka Indians ...................... 35 Contributing
South Side Cyclones .................... 36
Uniondale Knights......................... 37 Writers
Valley Stream Central Eagles........ 42 TONY BELLISSIMO
Valley Stream North Spartans ...... 43
Valley Stream South Falcons ......... 44 ANDREW COEN
Wantagh Warriors ......................... 46 BRIAN KACHARABA
West Hempstead Rams................ 47 DAVID WEINGRAD
ON THE COVER
Logan Lyson F O OT BA L L2022 HIG H SCHOOL
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SEPTEMBER 8, 2022
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2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
BALDWIN
Bruins return to
Conference I
LBy TONY BELLISSIMO was last season, he took a pound- leadership. Anthony Byron
ast season couldn’t have been ing so he worked really hard to get The strength of the
any different for Baldwin’s stronger,” the coach said. “He’s KWASI BONSU
football program. athletic and powerful and we’re defense is in the trenches with
expecting more big things.” Bonsu, Mills, Davidson, Pace Schedule
It welcomed a new head coach and senior Jaden Brutus. In the
for the first time since the late Kwasi Bonsu had a memorable secondary, Byron and junior September
1980s and wasn’t a member of junior year of high school, playing Eugene Brown start at safety, 10 @ Massapequa 2:00 p.m.
Nassau’s top conference for the organized football for the first time with Jean-Pierre, Chenet, senior 17 Uniondale 2:00 p.m.
first time ever due to enrollment. he earned All-Conference honors Dan Concepcion and junior 24 @ Syosset 2:00 p.m.
Frank Chimienti, who took over and then went on to become a Aubrey Moore all in the mix at October
the helm from Stephen Carroll, county champion wrestler in the corner. 1 Plainview 3:00 p.m.
guided the Bruins to a 4-4 mark in winter. Bonsu is a fullback/defen- 8 Port Washington 2:00 p.m.
Conference II but they missed the sive lineman with size, skill and RODNEY MILLS 15 @ East Meadow 2:00 p.m.
playoffs by the slimmest of power strength. “He’s a smart kid and an VAUGHNDREA JOHNSON 22 Freeport 2:00 p.m.
rating points. incredible athlete,” Chimienti said. 29 @ Westbury 2:00 p.m.
“We took care of business Sophomore Vaughndrea Photos by Neil Miller
against teams ranked below us, Johnson is slated to be Baldwin’s
but we were unable to beat a starting quarterback. He’s a
team seeded higher,” Chimienti 6-foot-3, 175-pound three-sport
said. “Overall, I thought it was a athlete with good wheels and an
solid season. We had an outstand- improved arm. “He’s been at every
ing group of seniors who gave workout and I can’t say enough
everything they had.” about the kid,” Chimienti said.
Baldwin returns to its longtime Serving as Johnson’s main
home in Conference I this fall and targets are senior wideout Cedric
opens against two-time defending Jean-Pierre, junior receivers Jadis
county champion Massapequa. Cheret and Caleb Wilson, and
“Baldwin has always been in the senior tight end Lincoln DaCosta.
top conference, so we’re not mak- Jean-Pierre had a few breakout
ing a big deal about it,” Chimienti games last season and is also the
said. “Last year was a big deal team’s kicker and punter. Cheret
since we weren’t in Conference I. is a nice-sized option at 6-2,
and Wilson is the top newcomer
“We have a ton of starters on varsity following a strong JV
back and I was happy with the season. DaCosta will chip in as
commitment during the offsea- a blocker and is also a starting
son,” he added. “We had at least linebacker.
30 kids in the weight room four
days a week. If we’re not a playoff Up front, Chimienti said
team this year it’s going to be the Bruins have the luxury of
highly disappointing.” increased depth on both sides of
the ball. Senior Jason Rivera is
Running back/safety Anthony ultra-physical and forms an expe-
Byron emerged as the Bruins’ big- rienced guard tandem with junior
gest offensive weapon last season Jake Davidson, another third-year
and built an All-County resume member of the varsity. Rivera
with over 700 yards rushing and also starts at linebacker. Junior
9 touchdowns while leading the Rodney Mills is an athletic right
defense in tackles. He’s bulked up tackle with swift footwork, and
going into his senior campaign on the left side will be junior Jack
from 140 to 165 pounds, Chi- Pace, described by Chimienti as
mienti said, and is likely to lead the the roster’s most improved. Senior
team in touches. “As good as he center Darien Ward has stepped
up his game as well and brings
6 — September 8, 2022 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
CALHOUN
New era begins for
promising Colts
IBy BRIAN KACHARABA ouard and Brandon Sherman likely Higgins will Joey Goodman
n its search for a new football getting the most carries. Isaiah be the weak
coach, Calhoun turned to a Hernandez will team with fellow side safety AIDAN HIGGINS
conference-rival’s assistant senior Kyle Auty to form what opposite
who has been waiting a long time could be a dangerous receiving strong sider Schedule
for his opportunity. tandem. Matt Baci and Hayden Edouard.
Higgins are also in the mix at September
Fourteen-year Sewanhaka receiver with the team moving In an 9 @ MacArthur 7:00 p.m.
assistant Nick Rawls will take over away from the triple option. ironic twist, Sewanhaka’s 17 Herricks 2:00 p.m.
on the Colts’ sideline this fall and homecoming game 24 @ Mepham 2:00 p.m.
inherits a team that showed signs Junior tight end Dylan Grech will be Oct. 8 against October
of improvement last season but is is hard to miss on the field and Calhoun. But Rawls 1 Roslyn/Friends 3:00 p.m.
still learning how to win. The team his 6-foot-5 frame will also be an channeled his inner Bill 8 @ Sewanhaka 2:00 p.m.
started 3-1 in 2021 – the win total inviting target for Goodman. Belichick when asked 15 Garden City 2:00 p.m.
being two better than the previous about returning to face 22 Kennedy 2:00 p.m.
two seasons combined – before “He’s big, he’s strong, he’s his former team. 29 @ Long Beach 2:00 p.m.
suffering a five-game losing streak fast,” Rawls said of Grech. “When
to end the campaign. you walk into the weight room and “I’m thinking Photos by Neil Miller
see that kid, it kind of opens your about Week 1 first and
Rawls, a former offensive line- eyes a little bit.” foremost,” he said.
man with Holy Trinity High School
and Towson University, hopes to The Colts will have a younger MATT BACI
lead Calhoun to its first winning and smaller offensive line this KYLE AUTY
season since 2017. season with the exception of
6-foot-4, 330-pounder junior Tan-
“It was one of those things ner Kranmas. Kranmas can play
where I was an assistant for so any spot on the offensive line and
long that I was looking forward to impressed Rawls with his work
becoming a head coach one day,” ethic during the offseason.
he said. “I was keeping my eye out
and when Calhoun opened up, it “He’s been working out like
almost seemed like a dream come a demon,” he said. “He’s getting
true. It seemed like the perfect spot bigger and he’s getting stronger.
for me to land in.” The sky’s the limit for him. He has
a unique size, just like Dylan, at
Junior Joey Goodman returns their position.”
at quarterback and is a dual threat
with his improving arm and run- Kranmas and Grech will
ning ability. He threw two touch- also man the defensive line and
down passes in a 55-24 win over Bailey and Sherman are vying for
Roslyn on Sept. 25 and followed playing time at inside linebacker.
that up with three rushing scores, But Rawls took particular notice
including a 12-yarder in overtime of another linebacker – Connor
that gave Calhoun a 27-20 victory Faughman – while watching last
over Herricks the next week. year’s game film.
“Joey’s a tremendous ath- “When he was on defense,
lete,” Rawls said. “He can run the his number was always on the
ball and we’ve been working on screen,” Rawls said. “Wherever
his throwing mechanics and he’s the play was happening, whether
been improving every single week. it was his side or away from him,
I’m very excited about what Joey it didn’t matter. I also noticed that
can bring to the table.” he was the guy sometimes in the
backfield and sometimes returning
The offense will feature a kicks.”
two-back set, with senior bruiser
Josh Bailey and juniors Josh Ed- Auty is slated to be the start-
ing free safety and Rawls expects
him to be “one of our big guys”
defensively. Fellow junior Aidan
8 — September 8, 2022 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
CAREY
Seahawks take flight in
unfamiliar conference
TBy TONY BELLISSIMO been a while since we had four duties and contribute Vin Tierney
here’s plenty of anticipa- of five starting linemen returning, at linebacker along
tion for Carey football this and Jack is coming off a nice JV with Zitarosa and GIANLUCA MAGLIARO
fall. The Seahawks, who season,” Stanley said. “I expect Berrenger. Up front,
recovered from a tough 2-4 start them to be a tough, smart and sophomore Ali Jouda Schedule
last season to finish .500 and physical group.” will set the tone in
reach the Nassau Conference II the trenches and September
semifinals, are in Conference III for Stanley said it won’t take there’s additional 10 Manhasset 2:00 p.m.
the first time in more than 20 years much of a crease for junior Will talent with Magliaro, 17 Plainedge 2:00 p.m.
and planned Homecoming on a Tolliver to break through and rip Paz, senior Jake 24 @ Lynbrook 2:00 p.m.
Friday night. off big yardage. The explosive Toll- Vitale and 30 @ Division 7:00 p.m.
iver had multiple 200-yard rushing sophomore Sean October
“There’s a high level of excite- games last season and double MacNamee. 7 Wantagh 7:00 p.m.
ment,” head coach Mike Stanley digits in touchdowns, including a 15 Roosevelt 2:00 p.m.
said. “At first it was a very strange few on special teams. He was Hon- MATT METZGER 22 @ Bethpage 2:00 p.m.
feeling not to see Garden City, orable Mention All-County. “He’s WILL TOLLIVER 29 @ Floral Park 3:00 p.m.
MacArthur, Mepham and Elmont the fastest back we’ve ever had
on the schedule. Now it’s starting and if he finds a seam, nobody is Photos by Brian Ballweg
to sink in that we’ve got a whole going to catch him,” Stanley said.
new bunch of teams to prepare for, “He’s also dynamic on returns. He
and we’re looking forward to it.” really has the ability to be a special
player.”
Carey, the No. 3 seed, opens
at home against Manhasset and Junior Ben Rose, who was
then hosts defending county elevated from JV late last season
champion Plainedge in Week 2. On and contributed in the playoffs
Friday, Oct. 7, Wantagh visits for at linebacker and helped Carey
Homecoming. The Seahawks also knock off New Hyde Park in the
host Roosevelt. first round, will also get some
carries and hold down a starting
“We have a bunch of seniors ‘backer spot. “He has good field
who played a lot last fall as well as awareness and instincts,” Stanley
the previous Covid spring season,” said.
Stanley said. “The leadership has
been great. All the guys killed it in At quarterback, senior Matt
the weight room over the summer Metzger gained valuable experi-
and they’re pumped to get going.” ence last fall and will be asked to
make things happen with his arm
One of the more experienced and legs. He was the JV starting
groups of linemen in recent years signal-caller in the spring of 2021.
leads the charge up front. Senior “He did a lot of good things and
Vin Tierney anchors the O-line at he’s come back stronger,” Stanley
left tackle and is also the face of said. “He’s fit and crafty and
the defense at middle linebacker knows the system.”
who led the unit in stops last fall.
“He’s an excellent left tackle and At receiver, the Seahawks
an outstanding linebacker,” Stanley will look to junior Mateo Tufano,
said. sophomore Christian Todaro, ju-
nior T.J. Wakely, and senior Frankie
Junior guard Jack Tierney, up Arrigali to make plays. Of the
from JV, is Vin’s younger brother group, Tufano has the most experi-
and the only non-senior expected ence at the position and is also a
to start on the line. Jake Berringer returning starting cornerback with
returns at center, and the right Arrigali. Seniors James Gangone
side features returnees Gianluca and Rob Zitarosa lead the way at
Magliaro and Jaden Paz. “It has tight end.
Gangone will handle kicking
10 — September 8, 2022 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
CLARKE
Rams retool after
semifinal appearance
TBy ANDREW COEN be paced by senior Justin Somyak, Clarke was seeded Anthony Velez
he graduation of 18 mem- who was starting halfback for fourth in Conference
bers of last season’s Clarke much of last season while bat- IV behind defending NICK IANNUCCI
football team that reached tling injuries. O’Hagan said he champion North Shore,
the Conference IV semifinals made added some muscle weight in the Cold Spring Harbor and Schedule
summer offseason work that much offseason that should make him Seaford. The Rams, who
more crucial in preparing for this even more of a backfield force as fell to North Shore in September
fall. a senior potential to become an the semifinals last year, 10 East Rockaway 2:00 p.m.
All-County running back. have reached the semis 17 C.S. Harbor 2:00 p.m.
Second-year head coach stage at Hofstra’s 24 @ Carle Place 6:30 p.m.
Kevin O’Hagan said workouts Versatile senior Nick Iannucci Shuart Stadium two October
four days a week in summer and will also be an integral part of of the last three 1 Malverne 3:00 p.m.
competing against other teams in the offense after starting at wide seasons. 8 @ North Shore 2:00 p.m.
7-on-7 scrimmages provided an receiver as a junior. In addition 14 @ Mineola 7:00 p.m.
opportune time for new players to to being a key receiving target, “We want to 22 Island Trees 2:00 p.m.
stand out. O’Hagan also expects Iannucci to make that a regular 28 @ Seaford 6:00 p.m.
be a threat out of the backfield thing getting to
“We had a lot of turnover when he takes direct snaps out of Hofstra every sea- Photos by Brian Ballweg
this year from last year with a lot the Ram’s Wildcat package. son,” O’Hagan said.
of seniors that graduated so it is
important offseason to try and “We are going to try and get DAN MCGRADY
find some new faces to replace him the ball in space,” O’Hagan JUSTIN SOMYAK
what we lost,” said O’Hagan, who said. “He’s a big player who’s fast
assumed the role as Clarke’s head and strong and is probably our
coach last year after serving as strongest player on the team.”
an offensive coordinator for three
seasons. Seniors Liam Fonal and Tom
Roche are also expected to be in
One of Clarke’s big losses the mix at the receiving position
came at the quarterback position along with junior Dominic Cano-
in Nick Giardino, who rushed for nico, who played tight end on JV
143 yards in the Rams’ 20-12 as a sophomore.
quarterfinal playoff win against
East Rockaway last season. Vying Last year’s starting tight end,
to replace Giardino in leading Dan McGrady, is moving to the
Clarke’s spread wing T offense offensive line this season as one
under center are junior Giancarlo of the Ram’s key lead blockers at
Rengiofo, who can also play the guard position. Junior Anthony
running back, and Joey Kern, who Velez will anchor the line after
was starting quarterback on junior starting as a sophomore and
varsity as a sophomore. playing on varsity for about half
his freshman season.
“We changed our offense
over a few years back to more of McGrady will also be an
like a spread run attack from the integral part of the Rams’ defense
quarterback position,” O’Hagan at middle linebacker. Junior Aidan
said. “So that’s really one of the Piotrowski and sophomore Justin
things we look for in our quar- Gonzalez are also expected to
terbacks is the ability to run the start on the Ram’s defensive line.
ball because it really puts a lot of
pressure on the defense because On special teams, the starting
you have an extra player now that field goal kicker position remained
you have to really account for in up for grabs entering the season.
the run game.” The Rams have opted not to kick
extra points the last three seasons
The Clarke running game will and for two point conversions
after each touchdown, an aggres-
sive strategy O’Hagan plans to
keep in place this fall.
12 — September 8, 2022 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
EAST MEADOW
Opening result could
set direction for Jets
IBy TONY BELLISSIMO “He might even drive the Javier and sophomore Brian Terino
t’ll be Vin Mascia’s 20th season bus,” Mascia quipped. “Brian is Manny Martinez both
as East Meadow’s head coach our best overall player and a dy- started at the JV level FRANK IMPERIALE
but first since 2017. Much namic playmaker. He’s tough and and will be counted on at
has changed over the past four has speed, agility and vision. We’re guard. Schedule
seasons including a short stint in planning on him being our leading
Conference II. rusher but he’s also the backup “The work ethic couldn’t September
quarterback who we’re going to be better,” Mascia said. 9 @ Plainview 6:30 p.m.
The Jets remain in Confer- design some packages for.” 17 Freeport 2:00 p.m.
ence I after going 4-5 under Frank JOE ARBITELLO 23 @ Westbury 5:00 p.m.
Baglivo last fall and reaching the The Jets will have the ability BRANDON TAUBER October
playoffs. But they’re all but assured to roll out fresh wing backs thanks 1 Hicksville 3:00 p.m.
a return to II in 2023 due to declin- to depth at the position. Junior 8 @ Syosset 2:00 p.m.
ing enrollment. Seeded No. 11, Matt Rodriguez found the end 15 Baldwin 2:00 p.m.
they’ll open with what Mascia zone 5 times last season and 22 Uniondale 2:00 p.m.
termed a “huge game” at Pla- gained 318 yards. Seniors Brandon 28 @ Port Wash. 6:00 p.m.
inview, which is ranked one spot Kebreau and Isaiah McIntosh are
below in the 14-team conference. also part of the rotation. Photos by Brian Ballweg
“Right off the bat that’s a big Fullback is a key position in
game for both teams,” he said. the triple option attack and Mascia
“Our schedule is more than fair. projects senior Joe Festa and junior
We don’t see three of the top four Nick Longardino to share the job
seeds.” and also make things happen
at linebacker. Festa missed last
East Meadow hosts No. 3 season due to injury.
Freeport in the home opener in
Week 2. Homecoming is Oct. 15 Senior Brandon Tauber is ex-
versus Baldwin. pected to take the offensive reigns
at quarterback but has only a
“The kids worked their tails pinch of experience on the varsity
off all summer and showed up in field and is new to the scheme.
numbers,” Mascia said. “Myself He led the JV to a 5-1 record in
and the other coaches are very the spring of 2021. “He’s not a
happy with the commitment level. big kid but he throws the ball well
and with accuracy,” Mascia said.
We only return a hand- “He’s hasn’t done anything that
ful of starters and we’re going would lead me to believe he can’t
to be counting on a lot of kids run the offense.”
who were reserves last year and
didn’t get a ton of playing time,” The receiver group is new
he added. “Jobs are going to be and unproven, led by seniors
decided in camp and a scrimmage Jayden Hernandez and Anthony
against MacArthur. It’s going to be Pastore, as well as junior Kevin
important to evaluate that game Canto. At tight end, seniors Devin
action because we have so many McQuillan and Liam Kondelka are
legitimate position battles.” vying for playing time.
One thing is likely, Mascia Anchoring the line is junior
said, senior Brian Terino won’t Joe Arbitello, a pulling guard with
come off the field unless he asks excellent footwork and agility.
to. Terino averaged 8.2 yards on 41 Senior tackle Fernando Flores,
carries as a wing back and scored who tops the depth chart at kicker,
5 touchdowns, and had 38 tackles works alongside Arbitello. Senior
and a pair of sacks from outside Jason Reyes returns after suffering
linebacker. He’s also the long snap- an injury in last season’s opener,
per on special teams. and senior Frank Imperiale takes
over at center. Junior James
14 — September 8, 2022 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
EAST ROCKAWAY
Rocks strive to
continue playoff trend
EBy BRIAN KACHARABA I expect him this year to take that with Giannotti John Giannotti
ast Rockaway won’t have to next step.” moving to free
wait long to exact revenge safety. Thomas Guarino CHRIS BECKER
on the team that knocked it The running back position has booted a 25-yard field
out of the Conference IV playoffs had plenty of turnover in recent goal against North Shore Schedule
in heartbreaking fashion last fall. years and this fall is no different last season and could September
after Aiden Green (7 touchdowns) provide some clutch kicks. 10 @ Clarke 2:00 p.m.
Following a 4-4 regular and Joe Bruzzo (5) graduated. But 16 Carle Place 6:00 p.m.
season, the Rocks were about nine All-County senior John Giannotti COLIN SHARKEY 24 @ Island Trees 2:00 p.m.
minutes away from eliminating is back after co-leading the team TYLER HYLAND October
third-seeded Clarke on the Rams’ in rushing scores with Green, 1 Seaford 6:00 p.m.
home field before yielding 14 including two against Cold Spring 8 @ Mineola 2:00 p.m.
fourth-quarter points en route to Harbor on Oct. 29. 14 @ C.S. Harbor 7:00 p.m.
a 20-12 defeat. But as luck would 21 Oyster Bay 7:00 p.m.
have it, the teams will meet at Sophomore Anthony Grimaldi, 28 North Shore 6:00 p.m.
Clarke again in the season opener who ran for over 200 yards and
on Sept. 10. four TDs in a JV game against Photos by Sue Grieco
Seaford last season, should also HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
And that’s just fine with Rocks see plenty of action.
head coach Russ Pajer. “Let’s go
right away and see how good we “Running back will be pretty
are,” he said. solid,” Pajer said. “John is going to
be our No. 1, but we got three or
The Rocks have made the four other guys who could help us
playoffs in five of the last six fall in there.”
seasons and Pajer thinks this year’s
group should continue that trend Senior Chase Vertucci is
thanks to some returning key play- expected to see action at tight
ers at the skill positions and their end and fullback this season and
depth. will help bookend an offensive
line with returning tackles Chris
“The kids think this could be a Becker and Anthony Polizzi. Senior
good year for us,” he said. “They’re Dom Jordan established himself at
really excited. We’ve got a bunch guard last fall and junior George
of key guys coming back. We have Wayar, John Serino, a transfer
depth at some positions. We have from Valley Stream South last year,
to fill some big shoes on defense, and fellow senior Kieran Panzella
but I think we’re in a good spot will be in the mix for the interior
and we should be real competi- positions. Senior Jack Sweetman
tive.” may also see time at tight end
and both lines.
Senior Tyler Hyland returns
at quarterback and has plenty Becker and Vertucci will
of experience with the team’s anchor the defensive line along
offensive scheme since he began with Colin Sharkey. Pajer believes
learning it as a seventh grader with that Vertucci has the potential to
the JV squad. He will not throw a wreak havoc in 2022.
lot as the Rocks use a triple back,
two tight end set, but that doesn’t “Chase is going to be a
lessen his importance on the field. phenomenal defensive end,” Pajer
said. “He might be one of the top
“[I expect him] to grow, be able defensive ends in the conference.
to make some big throws when we He’s strong, he’s thick, he’s fast.
need it and control the offense,” When he puts his mind to it, he’s
Pajer said. “Our quarterback has to hard to control.”
be a leader, has to be tough, has
to be able to put his nose in there Grimaldi, Hyland, and Frank
and do a couple of different things. Passanisi start atop the depth
chart at linebacker and Devin
Hickam and Lucas Cortazar are
the early favorites at cornerback
16 — September 8, 2022 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
ELMONT
Spartans talented at
skill positions
EBy TONY BELLISSIMO Nathaniel, who was thrown into turnees the unit will count on to Isaiah Davis
lmont’s 2021 fall regular the fire late last season with no contribute include seniors Xavier
season and postseason both experience at the position. Eaddy, Joshua Malloy and Kymani SABYAN SCHMITZ
ended in the same fashion Walker.
— with a loss to the best team Davis, said Hegi, is pound for Schedule
in Nassau County. Garden City pound the strongest athlete on Senior kicker Gustavo Moreno September
knocked out the Spartans on its the roster and expected to get the returns, and Nathaniel is working 10 Mepham 2:00 p.m.
way to a sixth consecutive Confer- most touches. “Isaiah is our fea- to take over punting duties. 16 @ Kennedy 4:15 p.m.
ence II championship and went on tured guy now and has potential 24 New Hyde Park 2:00 p.m.
to capture the Long Island title. to play at the next level,” Hegi JUSTUS NATHANIEL October
said. “He had a few touchdowns ERIC BURKETT II 1 @ Garden City 3:00 p.m.
Sixteen players return for last season as a sophomore but he 8 Roslyn 2:00 p.m.
Elmont, which went 4-3 last fall didn’t get a ton of carries. He has 14 @ MacArthur 7:00 p.m.
against teams not from Garden the power to run inside and the 22 @ Herricks 2:00 p.m.
City. quickness to run outside.” 29 South Side 2:00 p.m.
“We’re seeded fifth and I The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Photos by Brian Ballweg
fought for as high of a seed as Nathaniel is a receiver by trade but
possible because I prefer a tough is super athletic and the Spartans
schedule,” said Jay Hegi, who’s have a need at quarterback. He
20th season as the Spartans’ head threw a touchdown pass in the
coach begins at home against playoff loss to Garden City as
Mepham. “We have a difficult Elmont became the only opponent
opener to test us right off the bat to score in the first half last season
and we close with a tough one against the Trojans. “I know a lot
against South Side,” he added. of coaches don’t use their quarter-
backs on defense, but Justus is
Developing offensive and going to be a two-way starter for
defensive fronts were the biggest us,” Hegi said. “He’s big, strong
dilemmas heading into camp, Hegi and fast. He’ll be a dual threat
said. “We’re going to be strong at quarterback and might need
at the skill positions and in the to learn how to release the ball
back seven on defense,” he noted. quickly depending how our O-line
“We have a lot to evaluate when pans out.”
it comes to the lines. We lack
experienced linemen and it’s going Senior Kimani Lewis, a track
to be a while before we have star who had 4 touchdown
continuity.” receptions last season, is the No.
1 receiver, cornerback, and return
Senior Kenny Weaver is the specialist. Hegi said Lewis has
most experienced lineman on the excellent hands and quickness.
roster and is making a move from Senior Erik Burnett II is another
center to guard. Junior Chase talented receiver who’s in the mix
Waite takes over at center after a to contribute in the secondary.
solid JV campaign. Senior Sabyan Burnett II can catch the deep ball
Schmitz, one of three captains, was as well as beat defenders in traffic.
as dedicated to the weight room Juniors Osagie Ekator (a 6-4 tight
as anyone during the offseason end) and Davidson Ba Lafortune,
and could fill a void on the O-line and sophomore Nassir Edwards,
while remaining a mainstay at are additional targets.
linebacker.
On defense, with a wealth of
The offense will revolve linebackers and defensive backs,
around the legs of junior running finding a way to hold their own at
back Isaiah Davis and the emer- the line of scrimmage will be a key
gence of senior quarterback Justus for the Spartans to make a run at
a home playoff game. Other re-
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2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
FREEPORT
Red Devils ranked
among title contenders
ABy ANDREW COEN and he’s also going to be one of a Conference I school. D’Angelo Gordon
fter returning to the playoffs our linebackers,” said Cellan of The 2019 season when
last season, Freeport is seek- the 6-foot-2 Neas. “He’s a good MARTESE DAVENPORT
ing a return to champion- athlete.” Freeport went unbeaten and
ship contention this fall. captured a Long Island Class Schedule
The offensive line will also be A title was the last time the September
A season removed from miss- entirely new this fall with junior program appeared on the big 9 Port Washington 6:00 p.m.
ing the postseason with a limited Jonthan Meza the lone returning stage at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium 17 @ East Meadow 2:00 p.m.
roster, Freeport achieved the fifth starter. Meza played tackle last in the playoffs. While the goal 23 Massapequa 6:00 p.m.
seed with a 4-4 record before season, but has enough versatil- is to end up at Hofstra and October
narrowly falling in the quarterfinal ity to move to guard or center if beyond, Cellan said his 1 @ Hempstead 3:00 p.m.
round of the playoffs to Farming- needed. team isn’t looking that far 7 @ Farmingdale 6:30 p.m.
dale, 21-20. The Red Devils enter ahead. 15 Syosset 2:00 p.m.
the 2022 campaign as the third Meza will also be a major 22 @ Baldwin 2:00 p.m.
seed in Conference I. force on defense as starting “We tell that stuff 28 Oceanside 6:00 p.m.
defensive end. A big strength of will all work itself out
“We got better as the season Freeport’s defense will be in the and just concentrate Photos by Ron Manfredi
went on,” said longtime Freeport secondary with Jayden Gordon on this week,” he said.
head coach Russ Cellan. “We at cornerback and his brother “Always take care
should hit the ground running this D’Angelo at free safety. The other of the week ahead
year.” cornerback spot could be filled and that stuff will all
by Davenport or senior Javon work itself out.”
The Red Devils return most Edwards.
skilled position players from last JONATHAN MEZA
year including junior quarterback On special teams, Freeport NAZAIR JEAN LUBIN
D’Angelo Gordon, who made will have a big void to fill after
strides as a sophomore with All- the graduation of Dillon DeBourg,
County honors after starting under who handled kicking and punting
center during an abridged fresh- duties the last two years. Enter-
man season played in the spring ing preseason Cellan was still
of 2021 due to the Covid-19 someone who can handle either
pandemic. Gordon displayed his punts, kickoffs or field goals and
versatility as an athlete last year said it is possible the team may try
when he rushed for 150 yards for more two-point conversions.
and completed 5-of-9 passes for
111 yards in a 42-14 win against As the three seed, Freeport
Uniondale. will tackle a challenging schedule
that includes a Friday night home
Senior running back game against two-time defending
Martese Davenport will anchor Conference I champion Mass-
the backfield after rushing for apequa at 6 p.m. The schedule is
nine touchdowns and receiving also highlighted by a Oct. 7 road
All-Conference accolades as a game at second-seeded Farm-
junior. Nazair Jean-Lubin, also a ingdale and home game versus
senior, will provide experience at Oceanside in the regular season
wide receiver after hauling in 40 finale on Oct. 28 at 6 p.m.
receptions with five touchdowns a
season ago. Freeport’s roster size has
creeped up since losing a number
Sophomore Jayden Gordon of players during the pandemic-
and senior Jaheem Clenant also plagued spring 2021 season when
return as starting wide receivers. the Red Devils went 1-4 and was
Senior Yvan Neas will split time in the high 30s entering preseason
between the slot receiver, tight end practices. While an improvement
and h-back positions. over the last couple seasons,
Cellan said it is far cry from the
“He moves around a bit high 40s he saw during the 2019
season and is on the low side for
18 — September 8, 2022 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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20 — September 8, 2022 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
HEWLETT
Bulldogs focused on
own agenda
HBy TONY BELLISSIMO while the rest of the offense takes with Waldman, Jaden Margulies
ewlett jumped three spots shape.” a captain and
from its preseason seed last receiver. Rochler, LUKE ROCHLER
fall to earn a spot in the Senior Jadon Margulies is a a three-sport ath-
Nassau Conference III playoffs as third-year starter and will anchor lete, will work at Schedule
the No. 7 seed with a 5-3 record. the unit at tackle. He’s 6-foot-3, multiple positions. September
The Bulldogs saw their season end 260 pounds and a captain. “Jadon 9 @ Wantagh 7:00 p.m.
with a first-round playoff defeat at is just a wonderful character kid Palladino has a 16 Roosevelt 6:00 p.m.
Wantagh and will begin the 2022 who practices hard and plays myriad of questions to 24 @ Bethpage 2:00 p.m.
campaign on the same field under hard,” Palladino said of the answer on defense. 30 Lynbrook 6:00 p.m.
the Friday night lights. two-way starting lineman. Senior Margulies, Maio- October
Jon Menkes and sophomore C.J. rano, Waldman 8 @ V.S. North 2:00 p.m.
“We never get too wrapped Maiorano comprise the starting and Rochler are 14 Plainedge 6:00 p.m.
up in the schedule and just worry guards. Menkes is a captain and the only return- 22 Glen Cove 3:00 p.m.
about ourselves,” head coach John also an experienced kicker. “Jon ing starters. 28 @ Division 7:00 p.m.
Palladino said. “Wantagh is a big is a strong kid going into his third “The defense is
football town and they’re going to year on varsity,” Palladino said. a puzzle right Photos by Ron Manfredi
be strong again. Maiorano was a full-time defensive now,” the
starter last season who saw some coach said.
“We were a senior-oriented snaps on offense. Junior Danny
team that has to replace seven Sheinin is back as the starting cen- JOHN CUSUMANO
defensive starters along with an ter following a solid and consistent ARIEL WALDMAN
outstanding quarterback and our campaign.
leading rusher,” he added. “We
had a pretty good offseason. We The tackle spot opposite
changed from evening to morning Margulies was the only vacated
workouts and learned a lot about job up for grabs and Palladino
our group.” said juniors Gabe Montoya and
Tyler Parchment, both JV starters
The Bulldogs are ranked in 2021, have shown the ability to
eighth in the 12-team conference fill the void. They could also form
and face three of the top four a rotation.
seeds, including defending county
champion Plainedge at home in Mark Winker had a dynamic
Week 6, and runner-up Bethpage season at quarterback and his
on the road in Week 3. backup for back-to-back seasons,
John Cusumano, now has the keys
“Our defense is going to be a to the offense. Cusumano, who
work in progress,” Palladino said. has a sprinkle of game experience
“It’s open competition except for under center and also punts, was
one lineman, one linebacker and a standout in the weight room
two safeties. We have about three during the summer and brings
weeks and a scrimmage against a strong arm. “We have to build
Lawrence to figure everything out. offensive packages to fit John’s
I’m sure we’ll have multiple kids skills,” Palladino said. “It’ll be his
rotating in some spots.” third year being on varsity and
was the JV starting quarterback as
The biggest plus for Hewlett, a freshman.”
Palladino said, is the return of 80
percent of its offensive line. “One Leading the depth chart at
of these years maybe we’ll return the skill positions are senior Ariel
most of our skills guys and the Waldman, one of the premier
line,” he joked. “It seems like it’s wrestlers in the school, and juniors
either one or the other for us. So Mekhi Jean-Baptiste and Luke
we’re going to lean on the guys Rochler. Jean-Baptiste is moving
up front to take the pressure off from flanker to running back and
will lead the return units along
TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW September 8, 2022 — 21
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
KENNEDY
Cougars search
for elusive win
KBy BRIAN KACHARABA option in order to take advantage backer last fall and That elusive win could
ennedy is changing up a of Vaccaro’s speed. possibly the return come early when the Cougars
couple of things in hopes of Nick Larsen. host winless Roslyn/Friends
of snapping its long “We’re hoping he takes in the Sept. 10 opener before
losing streak. that next step and provides some Speedy visiting 1-7 Sewanhaka two
consistency,” McGuire said. “He’s Peter Kourkou- weeks later.
The Cougars are back in really taken to the offense. He melis is back Brandon Goldstein
Conference II after struggling in really likes it. I think it hones on his at cornerback
III last year and adjusting their skills a little better.” and McGuire is JOSH AMIEL
offense that fifth-year head coach optimistic that
John McGuire hopes will utilize the Power running back Ray Tor- junior Brennan Schedule
strengths of his main weapons. cia returns after an injury-plagued Cleary can be September
sophomore season and attended on the opposite 10 @ Roslyn 2:00 p.m.
Kennedy went 0-8 last season some offseason camps to help him side. Torcia will 16 Elmont 4:15 p.m.
and has dropped 14 in a row become a dual threat in the back- regain one of 24 Sewanhaka 2:00 p.m.
since beating Calhoun in the 2019 field. Junior fullback Devin Pryor the safety October
season finale. The Cougars lost will provide the blocking and is spots. 1 @ Herricks 3:00 p.m.
the first seven games that year to also expected to get some carries 7 @ Long Beach 7:00 p.m.
make the slump look even worse with a year of varsity experience JOE VACCARO 15 New Hyde Park 2:00 p.m.
at 1-21. under his belt. RAY TORCHIA 22 @ Calhoun 2:00 p.m.
29 MacArthur 2:00 p.m.
Kennedy almost snapped Six-foot-4 senior Leo Gerunda
the skid during its homecoming is back as the team’s No.1 receiver Photos by Ron Manfredi
game last Sept. 25, but confusion and will also see time at tight
amongst the officials about how end, with lanky Nick Pizzirusso
much time was left on the clock possibly starting on the other side.
resulted in Valley Stream South Pizzirusso is a smart route runner
kicking the game-winning field with good hands and recorded
goal at the gun for a 16-15 loss. one of Kennedy’s four offensive
The Cougars scored just 19 more touchdowns last season when he
points over their last five games hauled in an 8-yard pass against
to finish with 34, the program’s Manhasset on Oct. 22.
lowest since it amassed just
16 in 2000. Three of the spots on the
offensive line are solidified with
McGuire is hoping his team’s the “Crunch and Munch” tandem
fortunes change just like it did for of junior Brandon Goldstein
a school on the North Shore. and senior Josh Amiel, both of
whom, according to McGuire, lost
“We’re looking to get on weight and gained strength and
the board and, hopefully, follow athleticism, and senior center Tyler
what Glen Cove did and turn it Casesi.
around,” he said of the Big Red,
which dropped 20 straight before “Goldstein, I can’t talk about
winning four of five to end 2021. him enough,” McGuire said. “He
“[They] turned around their season was an All-Conference player for
to the most improved team type us as a tenth grader. If he’s not All-
of deal.” County this year, I’ll be shocked.
I think he’ll have a breakout year
Senior Joe Vaccaro will this year.”
embark on his first full season as
the starting quarterback after mak- The three will again man
ing several appearances during the defensive line as well, with
the middle portion of last year’s Gerunda moving from linebacker
schedule. This year, McGuire is to the line this season in the
changing his offense from a spread 4-2-5 scheme. That will leave the
formation to a flex bone triple- linebacking corps a little “green”,
with senior Matt Chou gaining
some experience at inside line-
22 — September 8, 2022 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
LAWRENCE
Golden Tornadoes
aim to compete
ABy TONY BELLISSIMO King. They’ll form bookends on the Junior Josh Shivers is a two- Jackson Mondesir
fter serving as Lawrence’s defensive line and lead the offense way starting tackle with good
defensive coordinator for at running back and receiver, size, strength and footwork. JAHKING KING
the past five seasons and respectively. Senior Manny Martinez is a
coaching in the district at various returning starter at guard. Schedule
levels for decades, former Golden Mondesir is a four-year starter Junior Nick Gause is moving September
Tornadoes captain Pat Palleschi, coming off an All-County season. into a bigger role and has 10 Malverne 2:00 p.m.
a 1991 grad, takes over as head He’s 6-foot-2, 230 pounds and potential to start on both 17 @ Locust Valley 2:00 p.m.
coach of one of Nassau County’s “ridiculously strong,” Palleschi sides of the ball, the coach 24 @ West Hemp. 2:00 p.m.
most successful football programs said. “Jackson is such a coachable said, and junior Bobby October
of all-time. kid and really came into his own in Hicks brings experience 1 Oyster Bay 3:00 p.m.
terms of leadership last year,” the at center after serving as 8 Carle Place 2:00 p.m.
“Lawrence has done a lot coach noted. “He’s an all-around the JV starter. 15 @ Island Trees 2:00 p.m.
of winning going back 100 years quality defensive end and on 22 @ V.S. South 2:00 p.m.
and I’m only the 12th head coach offense he runs hard and can also BRYAN GUEVARA 29 Mineola 2:00 p.m.
we’ve ever had,” Palleschi said. catch.” ZAINE GARRAWAY
“I’m honored and proud to say I’ve Photos by Donovan Berthoud
gotten to this level. King is a three-year starter
who organized much of the team’s
“We have our work cut out,” offseason workout schedule. “He’s
he added. “We’re really feeling a strong speed rusher off the edge
the effects of not having a youth and as a receiver he can stretch
program in the community. Our the field and get yards after the
numbers aren’t what they used catch,” Palleschi said.
to be, but I think we’ll be able
to continue to field a JV and put Junior Zaire Garraway has
competitive teams on the field. The experience as a running back and
senior class we have now is the receiver, but he won’t be at either
last group of kids that put on an position. He’s the new starting
Inwood Buccaneers uniform.” quarterback who may also be
needed at cornerback or safety.
The Golden Tornadoes were “He hasn’t taken a snap in a high
pretty competitive last season school game, but he’s extremely
under former coach Jason Supple, athletic and developing arm
who recently became the school’s strength,” Palleschi said. “He’s
director of athletics. They went 2-5, not going to throw a ton. We’re
with one game canceled due to just looking for improvement each
Covid protocols, and lost a few by week.”
one score. They’re seeded No. 13
in the 14-team Conference IV and Senior Kody Kirchner was one
open at home against Malverne. of several Lawrence quarterbacks
last fall but eventually moved to
“I asked for the 9-seed the backfield. A three-year starter,
and hopefully we can prove the he’s transitioning again into a slot
seeding wrong,” Palleschi said. receiver and will start at linebacker
“We had between 15 and 20 kids or safety. Another key two-way
in the weight room all summer contributor will be junior Bryan
and a good turnout for 7 on 7s Guevara, the team’s top linebacker
at Hewlett. Some of the teams and an option to take some
we beat last year are back on the handoffs.
schedule and I believe there are a
bunch of winnable games.” Senior Shamel Medley, a
proven cornerback and aggressive
Setting the tone on both sides tackler, provides depth at receiver
of the ball will be senior captains along with senior Quinn Kerins.
Jackson Mondesir and Jahking
Palleschi said one spot on
the offensive line remains up for
grabs heading into the opener.
TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW September 8, 2022 — 23
Fri. Sept. 9 WEST HEMPSTEAD SEAFORD 6:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 9 Port Washington
F2o0o2t2balHlEPreRviAeLwDHigh School CIRCLE THE CALENDAR Fri. Sept. 9 HEMPSTEAD FREEPORT 6:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 9 V.S. SOUTH
Fri. Sept. 9 V.S. CENTRAL OCEANSIDE 6:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 9 EAST MEADOW
Fri. Sept. 9 CALHOUN Carle Place 6:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 9 HEWLETT
Sat. Sept. 10 BALDWIN Farmingdale 6:30 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 10 Manhasset
Sat. Sept. 10 EAST ROCKAWAY Plainview 6:30 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 10 MEPHAM
Sat. Sept. 10 KENNEDY MACARTHUR 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 10 MALVERNE
Sat. Sept. 10 LONG BEACH WANTAGH 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 10 Glen Cove
Sat. Sept. 10 Herricks Massapequa 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 10 New Hyde Park
Sat. Sept. 10 Syosset CAREY 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 10 Roosevelt
Fri. Sept. 16 ELMONT CLARKE 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 16 Roosevelt
Fri. Sept. 16 Carle Place ELMONT 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 16 Farmingdale
Fri. Sept. 16 Garden City Roslyn 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 UNIONDALE
Sat. Sept. 17 Herricks LAWRENCE 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 Plainedge
Sat. Sept. 17 C.S. Harbor Garden City 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 FREEPORT
Sat. Sept. 17 Plainview LYNBROOK 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 LAWRENCE
Sat. Sept. 17 SEWANHAKA SEWANHAKA 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 LYNBROOK
Sat. Sept. 17 MACARTHUR SOUTH SIDE 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 MALVERNE
Sat. Sept. 17 SEAFORD UNIONDALE 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 V.S. CENTRAL
Sat. Sept. 17 V.S. NORTH V.S. NORTH 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 17 WANTAGH
Sat. Sept. 17 WEST HEMPSTEAD KENNEDY 4:15 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 23 EAST MEADOW
Fri. Sept. 23 Massapequa HEWLETT 6:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 23 North Shore
Fri. Sept. 23 V.S. CENTRAL EAST ROCKAWAY 6:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 23 HEWLETT
Fri. Sept. 23 V.S. NORTH OCEANSIDE 6:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 BALDWIN
Sat. Sept. 24 CALHOUN SOUTH SIDE 6:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 CAREY
Sat. Sept. 24 CLARKE BALDWIN 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 EAST ROCKAWAY
Sat. Sept. 24 New Hyde Park CALHOUN 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 SEWANHAKA
Sat. Sept. 24 LAWRENCE CAREY 2:00 p.m.
CLARKE 2:00 p.m.
EAST MEADOW 2:00 p.m.
HEMPSTEAD 2:00 p.m.
Locust Valley 2:00 p.m.
LONG BEACH 2:00 p.m.
Manhasset 2:00 p.m.
MEPHAM 2:00 p.m.
North Shore 2:00 p.m.
V.S. SOUTH 2:00 p.m.
Hicksville 2:00 p.m.
Division 2:00 p.m.
Bethpage 2:00 p.m.
Oyster Bay 2:00 p.m.
Westbury 5:00 p.m.
FREEPORT 6:00 p.m.
SEAFORD 6:00 p.m.
HEMPSTEAD 6:30 p.m.
Bethpage 6:30 p.m.
Glen Cove 7:00 p.m.
Syosset 2:00 p.m.
MEPHAM 2:00 p.m.
LYNBROOK 2:00 p.m.
Carle Place 2:00 p.m.
Island Trees 2:00 p.m.
ELMONT 2:00 p.m.
KENNEDY 2:00 p.m.
WEST HEMPSTEAD 2:00 p.m.
24 — September 8, 2022 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
Sat. Sept. 24 LONG BEACH MACARTHUR 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 Garden City CALHOUN 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 Locust Valley
Sat. Sept. 24 OCEANSIDE MALVERNE 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 Roosevelt CAREY 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 SOUTH SIDE
Sat. Sept. 24 UNIONDALE Plainview 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 Syosset FREEPORT 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Sept. 24 V.S. SOUTH
Sat. Sept. 24 Division Roslyn 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 New Hyde Park KENNEDY 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 30 LYNBROOK
Fri. Sept. 30 WANTAGH Port Washington 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 LAWRENCE Island Trees 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Sept. 30 C.S. Harbor
Fri. Sept. 30 CAREY Oyster Bay 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 LONG BEACH MEPHAM 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 Plainview
Sat. Oct. 1 Roslyn WANTAGH 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 V.S. NORTH LYNBROOK 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 MALVERNE
Sat. Oct. 1 Hicksville HEWLETT 6:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 MALVERNE SEAFORD 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 ELMONT
Sat. Oct. 1 FREEPORT V.S. NORTH 6:30 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 OCEANSIDE Hicksville 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 KENNEDY
Sat. Oct. 1 Oyster Bay WEST HEMPSTEAD 6:30 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 SEWANHAKA Roslyn 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 SOUTH SIDE
Sat. Oct. 1 MACARTHUR Division 7:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 Herricks SOUTH SIDE 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 MEPHAM
Sat. Oct. 1 Syosset BALDWIN 3:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 UNIONDALE V.S. CENTRAL 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 Westbury
Sat. Oct. 1 Massapequa CALHOUN 3:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 Floral Park WANTAGH 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 1 Mineola
Sat. Oct. 1 SEAFORD CLARKE 3:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 15 North Shore WEST HEMPSTEAD 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 7 V.S. CENTRAL
Fri. Oct. 7 MACARTHUR EAST MEADOW 3:00 p.m. Fri. Oct. 21 V.S. CENTRAL OCEANSIDE 6:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 7 FREEPORT
Fri. Oct. 7 KENNEDY Garden City 3:00 p.m. Fri. Oct. 21 Garden City MACARTHUR 7:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 7 V.S. SOUTH
Fri. Oct. 7 SEAFORD HEMPSTEAD 3:00 p.m. Fri. Oct. 21 WEST HEMPSTEAD MALVERNE 7:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 7 WANTAGH
Sat. Oct. 8 Port Washington Herricks 3:00 p.m. Fri. Oct. 21 V.S. NORTH Manhasset 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 CALHOUN
Sat. Oct. 8 CLARKE LAWRENCE 3:00 p.m. Fri. Oct. 21 Oyster Bay EAST ROCKAWAY 7:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 EAST MEADOW
Sat. Oct. 8 EAST ROCKAWAY LONG BEACH 3:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 FREEPORT BALDWIN 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 Roslyn
Sat. Oct. 8 HEMPSTEAD SEWANHAKA 3:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 KENNEDY CALHOUN 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 HEWLETT
Sat. Oct. 8 Carle Place New Hyde Park 3:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 CAREY Bethpage 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 LYNBROOK
Sat. Oct. 8 MEPHAM OCEANSIDE 3:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 Island Trees CLARKE 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 OCEANSIDE
Sat. Oct. 8 Plainview UNIONDALE 3:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 UNIONDALE EAST MEADOW 2:00 p.m.
Sat. Oct. 8 WEST HEMPSTEAD
Fri. Oct. 14 Plainedge V.S. CENTRAL 3:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 ELMONT Herricks 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 14 HEMPSTEAD
Fri. Oct. 14 Locust Valley V.S. SOUTH 3:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 Westbury HEMPSTEAD 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 14 ELMONT
Fri. Oct. 14 CLARKE EAST ROCKAWAY 6:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 LAWRENCE V.S. SOUTH 2:00 p.m.
Fri. Oct. 14 EAST ROCKAWAY
Sat. Oct. 15 BALDWIN Westbury 6:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 LONG BEACH Roslyn 2:00 p.m.
SOUTH SIDE 6:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 Division LYNBROOK 2:00 p.m.
Farmingdale 6:30 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 SOUTH SIDE MEPHAM 2:00 p.m.
LONG BEACH 7:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 SEAFORD Locust Valley 2:00 p.m.
MALVERNE 7:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 SEWANHAKA New Hyde Park 2:00 p.m.
C.S. Harbor 7:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 Plainedge WANTAGH 2:00 p.m.
CAREY 7:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 22 Glen Cove HEWLETT 3:00 p.m.
BALDWIN 2:00 p.m. Fri. Oct. 28 OCEANSIDE FREEPORT 6:00 p.m.
SEWANHAKA 2:00 p.m. Fri. Oct. 28 CLARKE SEAFORD 6:00 p.m.
North Shore 2:00 p.m. Fri. Oct. 28 EAST MEADOW Port Washington 6:00 p.m.
Syosset 2:00 p.m. Fri. Oct. 28 North Shore EAST ROCKAWAY 6:00 p.m.
Mineola 2:00 p.m. Fri. Oct. 28 HEWLETT Division 7:00 p.m.
ELMONT 2:00 p.m. Fri. Oct. 28 C.S, Harbor MALVERNE 7:00 p.m.
Hicksville 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 29 BALDWIN Westbury 2:00 p.m.
V.S. NORTH 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 29 CALHOUN LONG BEACH 2:00 p.m.
LAWRENCE 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 29 CAREY Floral Park 2:00 p.m.
Floral Park 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 29 SOUTH SIDE ELMONT 2:00 p.m.
Garden City 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 29 Massapequa HEMPSTEAD 2:00 p.m.
Massapequa 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 29 MACARTHUR KENNEDY 2:00 p.m.
UNIONDALE 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 29 Mineola LAWRENCE 2:00 p.m.
Locust Valley 2:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 29 LYNBROOK Roosevelt 2:00 p.m.
HEWLETT 6:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 29 MEPHAM SEWANHAKA 2:00 p.m.
Farmingdale 6:30 p.m. Sat. Oct. 29 Hicksville UNIONDALE 2:00 p.m.
V.S. SOUTH 6:30 p.m. Sat. Oct. 29 V.S. SOUTH WEST HEMPSTEAD 2:00 p.m.
MACARTHUR 7:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 29 Plainview V.S. CENTRAL 2:00 p.m.
Mineola 7:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 29 V.S. NORTH Bethpage 2:00 p.m.
C.S, Harbor 7:00 p.m. Sat. Oct. 29 WANTAGH Glen Cove 2:00 p.m.
EAST MEADOW 2:00 p.m. NOTE: Home teams on right. Local teams listed in BOLD/CAPS
TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW September 8, 2022 — 25
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
LONG BEACH
Marines set sights
on playoff voyage
RBy DAVID WEINGRAD interceptions last year as The Marines will know who we are
anked as the No. 6 seed a junior and will also play will be tested right by game five,” Martin
in 12-team Conference II, an increased role as a receiver, away, with matchups against said.
longtime head coach Scott both in the slot position and high-ranked Garden City, South
Martin said he thinks his Marines split out wide. Side and MacArthur in three of “This team, this
have what it takes to go toe-to-toe their first four games that will group, looks really
with their top conference foes. A welcome sight in camp is serve as a good litmus test. “We excited for football,”
the return of junior C.J. Merchant, JEFF CONWAY the coach added. “We
The team is returning most whose sophomore season was HAYDEN SOFIELD have guys that con-
of its defensive starters and had a interrupted by injuries last year, sider themselves top
great turnout at camp this summer and could also be football players and
featuring many pieces that Martin a major factor they want to prove it.”
thinks can be assets on the of- at running back. Jack Skarren
fensive end. At 6-foot and
210 lbs., “We’re JACK MILLER
If all goes well, he said, a visit looking for him
to the county semifinals at Hofstra to be our main Schedule
is not out of the question. runner between the
tackles,” Martin said. September
A tight quarterback competi- 10 @ Garden City 2:00 p.m.
tion features senior Jeff Conway, A reshaped offensive line 17 Sewanhaka 2:00 p.m.
who saw much of the action as will have a few question marks 24 @ MacArthur 2:00 p.m.
signal-caller last season, and who heading into the year, but Martin October
Martin praised as a strong kid who praised junior offensive tackles 1 South Side 3:00 p.m.
can beat you with his arm and John Sofield – brother of Hayden 7 Kennedy 7:00 p.m.
his legs. Also in the mix is senior – who will be a leading force in 15 @ Mepham 2:00 p.m.
Hayden Sofield, who also devel- the middle, and Nico Kanganis 22 @ Roslyn 2:00 p.m.
oped some size in the offseason who played on junior varsity least 29 Calhoun 2:00 p.m.
and has impressed Martin’s staff. year. Guards Mhasyn Rowland ,
a senior, and Julian Mercado, a Photos by Ron Manfredi
If playing time wasn’t enough junior, will also step in as starters.
incentive for competition – Battling for the final spot to fortify
Conway and Sofield also happen the offensive line are juniors An-
to be cousins. “That adds another tonio Sanders and Tucker Bogacki,
drama to it,” Martin said. “They’ve both of whom Martin hailed for
been competing and playing each their size and skill.
other since they were young. So
they’re used to it.” In all, Martin said there
are 15 linemen who he can
Returning senior Jack Skarren, mix and match throughout the
who Martin considers one of the year. And what they may lack in
top players in the conference, will varsity experience, they more than
be an offensive weapon at tight compensate in athleticism. “A lot
end with his 6-foot-2 size. He’ll of these kids were in backup roles
double as middle linebacker, where but they’re healthy and ready to
he recorded 90 tackles last season slot in,” said Martin. “We look like
– the most by any player in a we’ll be set offensively as well as
single season in Martin’s 15 years our experience defensively.”
at Long Beach.
Martin also noted senior
Two-way senior Jack Miller Ronald Washington as an agile
will start at fullback and inside defensive tackle and speedy junior
linebacker. With 10 catches last receiver Shaquille Johnson, who
season, Martin said he expects him will each play key roles. The coach
to be much more involved in the also praised senior kicker Mike
offense. Contreras, a soccer star, as a
weapon on special teams.
Luke Hartman recorded three
26 — September 8, 2022 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
LYNBROOK
Owls sideline features
new but familiar face
NBy TONY BELLISSIMO going 7 on 7 with Oceanside, Byrne are close to Jaylin Walker
ew Lynbrook head coach South Side and Holy Cross, and securing starting
David Yaker brings more we’re challenging them again with gigs as well. MICHAEL O’HAGAN
than 25 years of high a tough scrimmage at Cold Spring
school football coaching experi- Harbor,” Yaker said. “We have a Senior Tyler Schedule
ence to the Owls’ sideline and really good senior class that’s been Denker is a returning
inherited a senior-laden roster and leading the way.” starting linebacker and September
familiar staff from Stephen LoCi- a key to a defensive unit 10 Glen Cove 2:00 p.m.
cero, who spent 16 seasons at the There’s a good chance Lyn- with some pieces to fill. 17 @ Manhasset 2:00 p.m.
helm and led the team to Nassau brook will have a Division I athlete Junior Craig Lescczak is 24 Carey 2:00 p.m.
and Long Island titles in 2010. at the controls of the offense, if not up from JV and making 30 @ Hewlett 6:00 p.m.
a very big part of it. Senior Michael noise in camp. October
“It’s been beyond my wildest Fagen was a slot receiver/running 8 @ Floral Park 2:00 p.m.
expectations,” said Yaker, a 1992 back last season but could become MICHAEL FAGEN 15 V.S. North 2:00 p.m.
Lynbrook graduate and member of the quarterback. He’s headed to JAKE LUNATI 22 Division 2:00 p.m.
the county championship team as the University of Richmond to play 29 @ Roosevelt 2:00 p.m.
a senior. “It’s something that I’ve lacrosse. “The bottom line is the
dreamed about,” he added. “I’ve ball has to be in Michael’s hands,” Photos by Sue Grieco
coached with and learned from Yaker said. “He’s too talented and
a lot of incredible people and I’m tough of a kid. He has unbeliev-
looking to build on the success able vision and speed, and his
coach LoCicero had here. It’s a leadership has been great all sum-
great program and community.” mer. He can do it all, so we’re not
going to write anything in stone
Yaker’s debut comes at home about where he’ll be.” Fagen is
Sept. 10 against Glen Cove in the also a starter in the secondary,
Conference III opener. The Owls punts and returns punts and kicks.
are seeded No. 11 in the 12-team
conference and will also face Senior Chris Lucchese started
Manhasset, Carey, Hewlett, Floral a handful of games at quarter-
Park, Valley Stream North, Division back last season before an injury
and Roosevelt. Yaker spent 20 put him on the shelf. He has a
seasons on the Hewlett staff, so strong arm and was impressive in
the Sept. 30 matchup there will be camp, Yaker said. Lucchese throw-
interesting, he said. ing passes to Fagen and a slew
of other skilled receivers isn’t
“The schedule is some tough off the table.
sledding, but I certainly like the
way our kids competed in 7 on 7s Seniors Jaylin Walker and
over the summer and dedicated Ryan Shapiro rate at the top
themselves to workouts,” Yaker of the receiver and secondary
explained. “We had at least 30 depth charts. Both can by dynamic
varsity guys at every weight room playmakers, Yaker said. Shapiro
session. I didn’t take over until was a standout in 7 on 7s, he
June 8, but we hit the ground run- noted. Juniors Ramon Calderon
ning. and Amah Agwu are tall targets.
Senior Max Dantona and Mike
“I can’t really spend too much Hendrickson are also part of a
time worrying about who we’re deep group.
playing,” he added. “I don’t know
who we are yet.” Seniors Chris Benson and
Daniel Barrosso are projected to
The Owls went 5-3 last season form a tandem at running back.
but finished just short of qualifying
for the playoffs. “We challenged Anchoring the line are return-
the kids during the summer by ing starters Jake Lunati at tackle
and Michael O’Hagan at center.
Seniors Ralph Caputo and Thomas
TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW September 8, 2022 — 27
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
MacARTHUR
Generals undergo a
complete makeover
WBy ANDREW COEN back where I could keep mixing right time and Rocco Hogan
hen MacArthur kicks kids in there and not have much of at least make it
off its 2022 season the a drop off.” to the semifinal SAL ORLANDO
team will look almost stage at Hofstra
unrecognizable from last fall after The starting quarterback spot University’s Shuart Schedule
graduating 33 seniors. was up for grabs during preseason Stadium.
practices. Seniors Junito Palomino September 7:00 p.m.
The Generals bring back only and Andrew Cardon served in “That’s always 9 Calhoun
two starters from last season’s 9-2 backup roles last year while junior the goal of most high 17 @ Mepham 2:00 p.m.
team that fell to Garden City in Alex Varga was starting quarter- school programs to 24 Long Beach 2:00 p.m.
the Conference II finals. Most of back on the junior varsity team. get to Hofstra,” he said. October
the returning players only received “We always feel we’re 1 @ Sewanhaka 3:00 p.m.
playing time at the end of games Possible receiving targets for in the thick of it each and 7 @ South Side 6:00 p.m.
where the result wasn’t in doubt whoever starts under center will every year, but this year the 14 Elmont 7:00 p.m.
late. include seniors Peter Michielini work is going to be cut out 21 Garden City 7:00 p.m.
and John Dinkelman. The versatile for us.” 29 @ Kennedy 2:00 p.m.
“We have decent players, but Hogan also may line up at wide
they don’t have meaningful experi- receiver or tight end on certain JOEY FORCHELLI Photos by Karen Millindorf
ence,” said longtime MacArthur plays in addition to his running NICK MILAU
head coach Bobby Fehrenbach. back duties.
“They got some time last year,
but it was mopup time when the The offensive line will feature
game was decided one way or the contributions from Scott Milau,
other.” Sal Orlando, Ben Velasquez, Scott
Molina, Jack Orlando and Ray
Senior Joey Forchelli brings Dwyer.
the most experience to the table
after starting at cornerback the last Defensively, Hogan will be a
two seasons. Forchelli, who tore key leader at free safety, a posi-
his ACL in the fourth game last tion Fehrenbach expects him to
season, returns healthy this fall to make a smooth transition to after
once play a key role in the second- starting at middle linebacker.
ary and will also be one of the
starting running backs on offense. “He’s very athletic back there
with a great lead on the ball,”
Rocco Hogan was starting said Fehrenbach of Hogan. “Being
inside linebacker last year and will that he was a linebacker last year
move over to the free safety posi- he saw a lot of things up close so
tion for his senior season. Hogan he was reacting from four yards
will also share the backfield duties and now he is reacting from 12
with Forchelli as the other tailback. yards so it’s a lot easier for him to
see things now.”
Forchelli started off last
season as the second running On special teams, Jack
back behind James Napoli with Maurer is expected to handle the
Hogan taking his spot following kickoff and field goal kicking du-
his injury. Other running back ties after serving as backup kicker
spots remained up for grab, but last year.
Fehrenback hopes to use multiple
players for the role. MacArthur opens the season
at home against Calhoun on
“The last three years we Sept. 9. The Generals final home
ran pretty much most of the time game will feature a county finals
because I had three really good rematch against Garden City on
running backs so things worked Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.
out for us,” Fehrenbach said. “I
have enough depth at running MacArthur enters the season
seeded fourth in Conference II
behind Garden City, Mepham and
South Side. Fehrenbach said he
hopes the team will peak at the
28 — September 8, 2022 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
MALVERNE
Front line work a key to
success for Mules
MBy TONY BELLISSIMO parlay two seasons at that level to punter,” said Norman Brown
alverne head coach Kito the center job on varsity. “We’re Lockwood.
Lockwood believes the in the shotgun a lot so the snap ARMONDO WHITE
front line is likely the key is very important to what we do,” Defensively,
to the Mules’ chances of advanc- Lockwood said. Elevated from junior Hugh Schedule
ing to the Nassau Conference IV JV late last season, junior Tristan Wilkerson III and Brown set
semifinals at Hofstra for the first Brunson has a chance to be a the tone at linebacker. Wilk- September
time since 2008. two-way starting lineman and fill erson is a third-year starter 10 @ Lawrence 2:00 p.m.
voids the Mules desperate need and as consistent as 17 @ North Shore 2:00 p.m.
Last season, they finished 4-4 answered. The other spot up front anyone on the unit, Lock- 24 Locust Valley 2:00 p.m.
in the regular season and lost the is completely up for grabs. wood said. Aidelogie and October
playoff opener to eventual county senior Michael Williams 1 @ Clarke 3:00 p.m.
and Long Island champion North Senior running back/linebacker lead the way up front, 7 V.S. South 7:00 p.m.
Shore. Malverne is seeded No. 5 in Norman Brown is Malverne’s best and Castin headlines 15 @ Seaford 2:00 p.m.
the 14-team conference this year overall player, Lockwood said, en- a deep secondary that 21 West Hempstead 7:00 p.m.
and has a talented enough roster tering his fourth varsity campaign. could include Wesley, 28 C.S. Harbor 7:00 p.m.
to do damage, Lockwood said, but Brown was Honorable Mention All- McLaughlin Jr., White
isn’t without its share of question County last season and a captain. and Hartley. Photos by Sue Grieco
marks. “Other coaches noticed him and
he’s not just a great player but also JEDIDIAH AIDELOGIE
“I’m confident we’ll be a great person,” Lockwood said. SYLVAIN CASTIN
competitive enough to make the “He’s a student of the game and
playoffs,” he said. “Whether or not the heart and soul of our team.
we can win a playoff game and We expect him to get into the end
make the Big Four will probably zone and make more tackles.”
depend on the line.”
Junior Branden Roy McLaugh-
The Mules play their first two lin Jr. is another backfield threat
on the road (Lawrence and North who runs the ball with attitude,
Shore) before hosting Locust the coach said. He led the team
Valley for Homecoming in Week 3. in rushing touchdowns and is just
“Good teams prove themselves on scratching the surface.
the road,” Lockwood explained.
“We were able to win at Lawrence At quarterback, both senior
last year after they beat us at our Farvens Ulysse and junior Chad
place in the spring season. I hate Wesley will get snaps. Ulysse is
saying it’s a must-win opener, but a pocket type with a strong arm,
it is especially considering we have while Wesley is more of a dual
to travel to North Shore in Week threat. “We’re not going to make
2.” it easy for defenses to prepare,”
Lockwood said.
Junior Jedidiah Aidelogie
made the ultimate sacrifice for the Wesley can also serve as a
benefit of the team last season, target for Ulysse in pass situations.
Lockwood said, covering to line- Seniors Sylvain Castin and Ar-
man from his natural position of mondo White, and junior William
running back. “He started every Hartley comprise a talented group
game at guard and played well,” of receivers. Castin is a captain
Lockwood said. “He’s an unselfish and leader with an uncanny work
kid and a great teammate.” ethic. White missed last season
due to injury. Hartley’s height
Junior Kevin Estime is the creates a matchup advantage in
returning starting left tackle and single coverage.
brings athleticism and quick
footwork to the trenches. Up from The Mules’ kicking game
JV, Abdullah Bhudta is ready to has improved dramatically with
Javier Fuentes. “He’s been a huge
asset as a true kicker and also our
TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW September 8, 2022 — 29
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
MEPHAM
Talented Pirates
set lofty goals
IBy DAVID WEINGRAD considering his 225-pound frame. her take the next step,” said Kevin Perry
f there’s ever such a thing as “If you take a bad angle, he will Moody.
a veteran rookie head coach, beat you to the edge.” DYLAN DUNN
it’s Matthew Moody, who The tone for this
began his coaching career at Dylan Dunn will spell him at season, said the first- Schedule
Marist College 12 years ago before running back and will also see year head coach, was
moving to Long Island and joining snaps at wide receiver. A natural set right at the start of September
Mepham’s coaching staff in 2017. playmaker, Moody said the goal camp. “This summer has 10 @ Elmont 2:00 p.m.
This year, he’ll take the reins as is to get the ball in the senior’s been awesome from 17 MacArthur 2:00 p.m.
head coach. hands as much as possible. “He’s our player’s turnout,” 24 Calhoun 2:00 p.m.
the lightning to Thier’s thunder,” he he said. “The kids October
With his squad ranked second said. bought in day one 1 @ New Hyde Park 3:00 p.m.
in preseason in Conference II and put us into a 8 @ Garden City 2:00 p.m.
and inheriting a returning core Third-year varsity player good position as 15 Long Beach 2:00 p.m.
of seniors that led the Pirates to Michael Cucinella is expected to the season started. 22 South Side 2:00 p.m.
the Nassau County semifinals last be the team’s top target at wide It’s a special group 29 @ Sewanhaka 2:00 p.m.
season, he has every reason to be receiver and will also double at of kids who push
optimistic. cornerback. “In desperation, when each other and Photos by Ron Manfredi
you put the ball up, he’s the kind work hard with
“We’ve put ourselves in a of kid who is going to come down each other.”
position to take the next step,” with it,” said Moody, adding that
said Moody “I said to the kids, the Cucinella is one of the best corner- MICHAEL CUCINELLA
Long Island championship is not backs he’s ever coached. RYAN THIER
an unrealistic expectation.”
If there is any question
The abundance of return- mark, it’s the offensive line, with
ing skill players, many of whom only one returning starter. But
have played together since their Moody said he’s confident after
P.A.L. days, gives Moody plenty placing extra focus fortifying it
of options. In late August, the this summer. The lone returning
quarterback position was still in starter, senior Kevin Perry, will be
competition between four players a solidifying force in the trenches,
to fill the shoes of star quarterback Moody said.
Nick Honerkamp, who gradu-
ated. Most notable of the bunch On the defensive side, senior
is senior Dominick Novello, a Chris Norris will be key in putting
4-year varsity player and 2-time pressure on opposing quarter-
All-County player, who will also see backs as defensive end. “He has
time at running back, wide receiver an extremely good get-off,” said
and linebacker. “He’s unquestion- Moody. “He’s going to cause
ably the leader of the team,” said some problems in the backfield.”
Moody. “Everyone sees how hard
he works, the time he put in during Junior Steven Mulqueen will
the offseason. He sets the tone be the other starting cornerback
and standard for how we expect opposite Cucinella, and Moody
the Pirates to play.” described him as a lockdown
corner.
Another key returner is senior
Ryan Thier, a 3-year varsity player, And senior Sofia LaSpina,
who will be the primary running who made history last year
back and start at linebacker. “He’s becoming the first female in
the thunder in our one-two punch Long Island history to score a
of running backs,” said Moody, touchdown and who led the
lauding his physical downhill run- regional Bellmore-Merrick squad
ning style and unique elusiveness, to the Long Island flag 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
30 — September 8, 2022 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
H20EA22D
COACHES
FRANK CHIMIENTI - Baldwin NICK RAWLS - Calhoun MIKE STANLEY - Carey
KEVIN O’HAGAN - Clarke VIN MASCIA - East Meadow RUSS PAJER - East Rockaway JAY HEGI - Elmont
RUSS CELLAN - Freeport MATTHEW ALI - Hempstead JOHN PALLADINO - Hewlett JOHN MCGUIRE - Kennedy
PAT PALLESCHI - Lawrence SCOTT MARTIN - Long Beach DAVE YAKER - Lynbrook BOB FEHRENBACH - MacArthur
KITO LOCKWOOD - Malverne MATT MOODY - Mepham ROB BLOUNT - Oceanside MIKE CORCORAN - Seaford
GEORGE KASIMATIS - Sewanhaka PHIL ONESTO - South Side PHIL COPPOLA - Uniondale TOM SCHIAVO - VS Central
MIKE PAOLILLO - VS North JOE GUASTAFESTE - VS South KEITH SACHS - Wantagh DOM CARRE - West Hempstead
TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000 September 8, 2022 — 31
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
OCEANSIDE
New-look Sailors seek
to continue voyage
IBy TONY BELLISSIMO well as 64 tackles at linebacker. or sophomore Dylan Nicky Cairo
t’s a new era for Oceanside “Logan is a rare breed of athlete,” Bender outside.
following the graduation of Blount said. “He catches the ball JAKE MOSHKOVICH
record-setting quarterback downfield and in traffic, he blocks, Blount is
Charlie McKee, who took his and on defense he’s one of the counting on Schedule
talents to Stony Brook Univer- best linebackers in the county.” Oceanside’s special
sity after passing for a Nassau teams to be special. September
County record 8,533 yards and 91 Cairo, who may sneak into Kicker Alessio 9 Hempstead 6:00 p.m.
touchdowns. the mix at quarterback, is a dual Ancona is consistent 16 Farmingdale 6:00 p.m.
threat out of the backfield and inside 40 yards and 24 @ Plainview 2:00 p.m.
The Sailors, who advanced the lone starter returning to the could emerge as one October
to the Conference I championship defensive secondary. He had 8 of the top legs in the 1 Syosset 3:00 p.m.
game five times in seven seasons touchdowns last season — 4 county. Andrew Zinzi 8 @ Massapequa 2:00 p.m.
including two straight runner-up rushing and 4 receiving — and will handle the punting. 15 @ Hicksville 2:00 p.m.
finishes to Massapequa, are the 499 yards from scrimmage. Senior Junior Justin Diaz is the 21 V.S. Central 6:00 p.m.
No. 4 seed behind the Chiefs, tailback Cole Parker (475 yards long snapper, with 28 @ Freeport 6:00 p.m.
Farmingdale and Freeport. rushing) is a strong downhill Cairo serving as the
runner expected to get double- holder. Photos by Ron Manfredi
“It was disappointing to digit touches and make an impact
lose back-to-back championship each week. Senior fullback Miles “We have some
games, but the silver lining is McGann won’t come off the field, pieces of the puzzle
we’ve become perennial title con- Blount said, and is a physical force to figure out,”
tenders,” head coach Rob Blount on both sides of scrimmage. Blount said.
said. “We know how hard it is to
get to the finals and win. We may Who’s the next quarterback? MILES MCGANN
be a lot different this year in terms That’s the burning question PETER STALTARE
of personnel, but we’re excited to around town and it’ll be deter-
get after it again and be the best mined during camp for the first
we can be.” time since 2011, Blount noted.
Freshman Shane Harmon and
Before a Week 5 showdown sophomore Luke Villela are vying
at Massapequa, the Sailors will for the role and bring different
play three of their first four games skill sets.
at home. That includes the opener
against Hempstead on Sept. 9, and “We have some time to
Homecoming versus Syosset on figure out how we want to shape
Oct. 1. “I’m hopeful we’ll come out our offense,” Blount said.
of the first half of the year in good
shape and then we’ll see what Senior Jake Perinchief, who
we can do against Massapequa,” caught a pair of touchdown
Blount said. passes last season, senior Ethan
Kahl, and juniors Adrian Baez and
The offense won’t resemble Chris LaLima comprise the wide
that of recent seasons. Senior two- receiver group.
time All-County tight end Logan
Lyson and senior running back/ The offensive line took a hit
slot Nicky Cairo will be featured, during the offseason and will lean
Blount noted. “There’s not going heavily on the experience of senior
to be many 4- or 5-receiver sets guard Peter Staltare and junior
like everyone is used to seeing,” he tackle Justin Alvarez. “We’ll prob-
said. ably have moving parts up front,”
Blount said.
Lyson, who’s 6-foot-4, 240
pounds, is a four-year starter who Staltare is a key to the
last season had 21 catches for defensive line as well, along with
343 yards and 3 touchdowns, as senior nose tackle Jake Mosh-
kovich. Lyson and McGann are
the inside ‘backers, with senior
Andrew Greco, junior Jake Kenney
32 — September 8, 2022 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
SEAFORD
Vikings recharge
after 9-1 finish
SBy ANDREW COEN blocker for Calvacca at fullback. A rematch Devin O’Donnell
eaford lost a huge chunk of Sean Costello will take the of last year’s
last year’s roster that went season-ending JASON DONOVAN
unbeaten before suffering reins at quarterback for his senior loss is on tap for Oct. 7
a heartbreaking season-ending season after backing up Kyle Stark when Seaford travels to Schedule
defeat in the Conference IV semi- last fall. Cold Spring Harbor. September
finals. “Expectations are always 9 West Hempstead 6:00 p.m.
“He’s got a pretty strong arm,” high in Seaford,” said 17 @ V.S. South 2:00 p.m.
The Vikings graduated 19, said Corcoran of Costello, who has Corcoran, who was a 23 North Shore 6:00 p.m.
including 10 starters, from a 9-1 committed to play college baseball defensive coordinator under October
team that fell to Cold Spring 28-26 at Pace University. former head coach Rob 1 @ East Rockaway 6:00 p.m.
to be denied a chance to compete Perpall when the program 7 @ C.S. Harbor 7:00 p.m.
for the program’s first county Costello’s big receiving target captured four straight 15 Malverne 2:00 p.m.
crown since 2019. will be O’Donnell, who received county titles from 2007 22 @ Locust Valley 2:00 p.m.
some playing time last season as to 2010. “We are always 28 Clarke 6:00 p.m.
Second-year head coach backup to Jack Murphy. The ver- expected to compete for the
Mike Corcoran is hoping that satile O’Donnell also was starting conference and county and that Photos by Karen Millindorf
disappointing end to the 2021 nose guard as just a sophomore is our expectation.”
campaign at Hofstra’s Shuart and may play inside linebacker as
Stadium fuels the returning players a junior. SEAN COSTELLO
to take that next step this fall COLE HUNTER
“I think he is going to be an
“We don’t have a lot of exceptional football player for
starters back as that was a pretty us,” said Corcoran of the 6-2
senior heavy team, but we have a O’Donnell.
few guys that played and are on
the team this year and hopefully it In addition to O’Donnell, Knox
is still stinging them a little bit so is also expected to be an integral
they remember,” Corcoran said. part of the Vikings’ defense at
“It’s a new season though so you linebacker. Junior wide receiver
have to have a fresh mindset.” TJ Harrington will be a key part of
the defensive backfield after start-
Senior center Cole Hunter is ing a few games in the secondary
the lone returning full-time starter last season due to injuries.
and will be tasked with anchoring
an inexperienced offensive line On special teams, Seaford will
to power Seaford’s run-oriented have new faces after losing Matt
offense. Alex Maugeri, who started Garcia and Murphy as starting
in place of an injured Hunter late kicker and punter, respectively.
in the season, Jason Donovan and Costello was the backup punter
Neriel Colon will be counted on to and may fill the starting role.
fill the gaps along with junior tight
end Devin O’Donnell. Corcoran, who was head foot-
ball coach at Roslyn from 2013
The biggest offensive loss to 2016 and a former Seaford
from last year will be felt in the boys’ varsity lacrosse head coach,
backfield after graduating running returns his offensive coordinator
back James McHugh, who earned from last year in Lou Buschi. The
Conference IV MVP honors last veteran coach Buschi previously
season and is playing on the col- worked alongside Corcoran during
legiate level this fall at Wesleyan his four year-run leading the
University. Aidan Calvacca, who Roslyn program.
was starting tailback on junior
varsity last year, will take the bulk Seaford enters the season
of the carries this season. Senior seeded third in Conference IV
Kevin Knox is slated to be the lead behind defending champion North
Shore and Cold Spring Harbor.
The Vikings kick off the season
against West Hempstead and
will host North Shore for a Friday
night game on Sept. 23 at 6 p.m.
34 — September 8, 2022 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
SEWANHAKA
Deep roster a
plus for Indians
SBy TONY BELLISSIMO threat to throw and run and is a Gadson lead the defen- Dominick Balletta
trength in numbers wasn’t hard-nosed athlete.” sive linebacker corps.
the case at Sewanhaka last MICHAEL STAIANO
season. Gadson played offensive line On the offensive
coming off an impressive run due to a shortage at the position line, it’s all seniors: Schedule
to the Conference II playoffs in last season but is switching to Sebastian Succes and
the spring of 2021, the pandemic tight end where he’ll serve as a big Jhazeel Colimon at September
decimated the Indians’ projected target for Balletta and provide ad- tackle, Armando San- 10 Herricks 2:00 p.m.
returning roster and the result was ditional blocking. “He’s a skill guy chez at center, and Jorge 17 @ Long Beach 2:00 p.m.
a 1-7 finish. with size and strength,” Kasimatis Perez and Jalen Brown 24 @ Kennedy 2:00 p.m.
said of Gadson. “He’s practiced at guard. Some will start October
“Last season was a bit of a all offseason as a tight end and it on defense as well. Senior 1 MacArthur 3:00 p.m.
clunker because we just didn’t was an easy transition for him to Muizz Zulfigar is a key at 8 Calhoun 2:00 p.m.
have enough bodies,” head coach make.” defensive end, and senior 15 @ Roslyn 2:00 p.m.
George Kasimatis said. “Our Jaden Ramsaran returns at 22 @ N.H. Park 2:00 p.m.
numbers were way down and we Denhart is a two-way safety and leads the cover units 29 Mepham 2:00 p.m.
didn’t have a large senior class standout, the coach noted, as on kickoffs and punts.
to lead the way. We played tough the team’s top wide receiver and Photos by Brian Ballweg
every week but a lot of games we defensive back. “Kamari worked Sophomore kicker Hal-
wore down in the second half.” well with Dominick all summer and leluyah Agesin has shown
he’ll probably be the main target,” a strong an accurate leg in
A strong offseason, however, Kasimatis said. “He has great camp.
has Kasimatis optimistic the In- hands and concentration and really
dians can have an uprising and gets after the ball on offense and MARKESE GADSON
move up the standings from their defense. He’s an excellent 1-on-1 KAMARI DENHART
No. 10 seed in the 12-team confer- cover corner.”
ence. They open at home against
ninth-seeded Herricks. Senior Michael Staiano is
one of the more versatile athletes
“We had an outstanding on the roster and will primarily
turnout for summer workouts and serve as a receiver and a member
7 on 7s,” he said. “The veteran of the secondary. A strong route
guys are really leading the young runner, Staiano has had chemistry
guys on and off the field. Usually with Balletta going back a few
when we get this level of dedica- years. He may also be listed as the
tion, we have a good season. backup quarterback and punter.
Hopefully we can get the ball
rolling in the right direction again.” Jermel Heard, another
senior, is an explosive weapon
Most of Sewanhaka’s and special teams dynamo. A slot
experience is at the offensive skill receiver, he had a few highlight-
positions, led by seniors Dominick reel touchdowns on returns last
Balletta, Markese Gadson and season. “He’s our fastest kid with
Kamari Denhart. good hands and leaping ability,”
Kasimatis said.
Balletta is the returning
starting quarterback who could The backfield is headed by
contribute at linebacker should senior Carter Fredericks-Dort,
a need arise. “We will try hard a returning starter who made
to keep him on one side of the progress as last season unfolded.
ball because he’s so valuable at “We’re expecting bigger things
quarterback,” Kasimatis explained. from him,” Kasimatis said. “He
“He’s comfortable with the offense has a quick first step and hits the
and confident to the point where holes and goes.”
he’s directing everyone. He does
everything the right way. He’s a Also in the mix for carries is
senior Chris Pimental, who like
Fredericks-Dort made considerable
progress last fall. Pimental and
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2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
SOUTH SIDE
Experienced Cyclones
back in Conference II
TBy TONY BELLISSIMO campaign. He made tremendous James Sul- Bobby Galindo
he names of more than 30 strides, Onesto said, and threw for livan will also
juniors can be found on 296 yards in a win over Roosevelt. contribute as receivers. ROLPH BRUTUS
South Side’s roster this fall, “Owen has a great arm and
including 11 returning start- pocket presence, and we’re going Papadopulos returns Schedule
ers from a team that split eight to look for him to get the ball into as the starting kicker and
regular-season Conference III the hands of our playmakers,” is in the defensive picture September
games and lost a tough playoff Onesto said. at cornerback. Punter 10 New Hyde Park 2:00 p.m.
opener to Floral Park. Ryan Kassl also returns 16 Garden City 6:00 p.m.
Galindo, who the coach and is the backup 24 @ Roslyn 2:00 p.m.
“We have a talented team considers to be one of the top quarterback. October
and the bulk of guys for two more offensive lineman in Nassau, and 1 @ Long Beach 3:00 p.m.
years,” head coach Phil Onesto Beatty will form bookend tackles Beatty and Aiello 7 MacArthur 6:00 p.m.
said. “Last year was tough because up front. “Bobby is a powerful kid head the linebacker unit 15 Herricks 2:00 p.m.
we played a season in the spring with great size and footwork,” in the 4-3 scheme, and 22 @ Mepham 2:00 p.m.
and came back three months later Onesto noted of Galindo, who’ll the secondary — in 29 @ Elmont 2:00 p.m.
and played another season. It af- work the right side. Junior Billy addition to Melkonian
fected us because of our youth, but Gryboski is the starting center, with — features Lozito, senior Photos by Neil Miller
we’re definitely excited about what seniors Matt Devares and Rolph Jack Schaefer and junior Will
the roster looks like.” Brutus at guard. They’ll also form Barrett.
most of the defensive line along
The Cyclones, who reached with seniors Sean Sandhaas and JAMES BEATTY
the county finals in 2019, are back Dom Milone. JACK LOZITO
in a familiar stomping ground
in Conference II. They’re seeded “The coaching staff is very
third behind six-time defending excited about what the lineman
champion Garden City and No. 2 group is capable of,” Onesto said.
Mepham. South Side hosts Garden “There’s a lot of talent and experi-
City in Week 2, and visits Mepham ence. They block well in the run
in Week 7. game and pass game.”
“I think we’ll forever be one Senior Michael DiFranscica
of the schools that bounces back and junior Jack Lozito are ex-
and forth between conferences,” pected the handle the majority of
Onesto said. “We’re no strangers the ground attack. DiFranscica is a
to facing top competition so we’ll prototypical back capable of piling
be ready for the challenge. Garden up yards between the tackles, and
City is certainly the team to beat, Lozito is a quick and shifty runner
but right now our focus is week 1 with excellent vision, Onesto said.
and New Hyde Park.”
When West drops back to
South Side’s schedule also pass, he’ll be targeting explosive
includes Roslyn, Long Beach, junior receiver Michael Melkonian,
MacArthur, Herricks and Elmont. 6-foot-5 junior wideout Patrick
Mullen, and junior tight end
Onesto said the Cyclones Michael Aiello, as well as others.
have the foundation for a prolific
offense, with junior Owen West re- Melkonian was a two-way
turning as the starting quarterback impact player a year ago, also
and a strong supporting cast led by starting at safety, and will also
junior linemen Bobby Galindo and lead South Side’s return units on
James Beatty. special teams. “He’s the fastest kid
on our team and has a chance to
West started all but one be dynamic,” Onesto said. Mullen
game last season, due to a minor and Aiello will look to use their
injury, after serving as the JV size to their advantage in the red
starting quarterback his freshman zone, and senior Robert Moone
and juniors Nick Papadopulos and
36 — September 8, 2022 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
UNIONDALE
Knights relying
on front line effort
FBy ANDREW COEN at 6-0, 290, bring some size to the better record would Jordyn Davis
ollowing back-to-back tackle position. plant plenty of
seasons ravaged by the confidence for a LUIS LIZAMA
Covid-19 pandemic, Union- The quarterback spot was program looking
dale head coach Philip Coppola up for grabs entering the season to grow back Schedule
is hoping a far more normal fall with junior Jonel Lattore and into a consistent
campaign with an expanded roster sophomore Oladipupo Karimu playoff contender with a September 2:00 p.m.
lays a strong foundation for future both capable starters. The duo may healthy size roster. 10 Syosset
success. rotate throughout games to keep 17 @ Baldwin 2:00 p.m.
defenses on their toes. “We want to get 24 @ Port Wash. 2:00 p.m.
The Knights had limited the young kids better and October
training opportunities during its Senior running back Jonathan we want to compete,” 1 Westbury 3:00 p.m.
abridged 2020 season played Marshall will be a big focus of the Coppola said.” We have 8 Plainview 2:00 p.m.
in spring 2021 when Unionale offense after picking up some big things going in the right 15 @ V.S. Central 2:00 p.m.
students were fully remote and last gains last year. He will likely share direction again with 22 @ East Meadow 2:00 p.m.
year battled through a 1-7 cam- duties with Darius Adeyami out of the numbers going 29 Hicksville 2:00 p.m.
paign with a smaller-than-normal two-back sets. up again and we are
roster. going to try and build Photos by Neil Miller
Uniondale is young at off of that this year.”
“We were hit really hard with receiver, but returns senior starter
Covid as really the only school on Ethan Fingall. Tristan Greenwood, CHRISTIAN JAMISON
Long Island that was out for a year Jayden Acosta and Barry Weed JONATHAN MARSHALL
and a half so the last two years emerging are also possible targets
were just brutal,” said Coppola, who showed promise in the
who has led the program for the preseason.
past nine years. “Last year I was
literally going door to door to find “Our pass game is going
out if kids were playing.” to be predicated on our running
game and setting up screens,”
With numbers back up to pre- Coppola said. “We want to get
pandemic levels, Uniondale will the ball into some of our athletes
tackle the 2022 season as 13th and to let them go.”
seed in Conference I. Coppola said
the schedule against other lower- The defensive side of the ball
seeded teams will give the Knights will be keyed by Davis at nose
a chance to stay competitive in tackle and his ability to disrupt
every game starting in its season running plays and put pressure
opener at home against Syosset on on the quarterback in passing
Sept. 10 for a 2 p.m. kickoff. situations. The attention paid to
Davis will also open doors for oth-
The Knights big strength this ers to step including Lizama and
season will be its offensive line Marshall at linebacker
anchored by senior guard Jordyn
Davis. “Jordyn Davis is going to be
a nightmare to block,” Coppola
“He’s 5-10 270 pounds with said. “They are going to have
lightning quick feet,” said Coppola three kids on him, that is how
of Davis. He is going to be one of good he is.”
the best in the county.”
On special teams, Jason
Junior guard Louis Lizama at Galdamez returns after taking on
6-2, 210 pounds also adds some both the place kicker and punting
quickness and experience to the duties last year. He has a strong
line after getting some playing leg with a soccer background.
time as a sophomore and starting
on defense. Christian Jamison at In addition to Syosset,
6-2, 310 pounds and Jean Fortuna Uniondale will also battle Baldwin,
Port Washington, Westbury,
Plainview-JFK, Valley Stream Cen-
tral, East Meadow and Hicksville.
Coppola said achieving a .500 or
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38 — September 8, 2022 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
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2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
RFCNOAOA2ONU0STK2NSBIN2AATGLUYLS
CONFERENCE I Michael Fagen will lead Lynbrook, the No. 11 seed in Conference III.
1. Massapequa Chiefs CONFERENCE IV 8. Island Trees Bulldogs
2. Farmingdale Dalers 9. Locust Valley Falcons
3. Freeport Red Devils 1. North Shore Vikings 10. Mineola Mustangs
4. Oceanside Sailors 2. Cold Spring Harbor Seahawks 11. V.S. South Falcons
5. Syosset Braves 3. Seaford Vikings 12. Carle Place Frogs
6. Hempstead Tigers 4. Clarke Rams 13. Lawrence Golden Tornadoes
7. Port Washington Vikings 5. Malverne Mules 14. Oyster Bay Baymen
8. V.S. Central Eagles 6. East Rockaway Rocks
9. Baldwin Bruins 7. West Hempstead Rams PhoHtoERbAyLMDeCdOiaMOMrUigNinITIYnNc.EWSPAPERS
10. Hicksville Comets
11. East Meadow Jets HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW
12. Plainview Hawks
13. Uniondale Knights
12. Westbury Green Dragons
CONFERENCE II
1. Garden City Trojans
2. Mepham Pirates
3. South Side Cyclones
4. MacArthur Generals
5. Elmont Spartans
6. Long Beach Marines
7. New Hyde Park Gladiators
8. Calhoun Colts
9. Herricks Highlanders
10. Sewanhaka Indians
11. Roslyn Bulldogs
12. Kennedy Cougars
CONFERENCE III
1. Plainedge Red Devils
2. Bethpage Golden Eagles
3. Carey Seahawks
4. Wantagh Warriors
5. Floral Park Knights
6. Division Dragons
7. Manhasset Indians
8. Hewlett Bulldogs
9. Roosevelt Rough Riders
10. V.S. North Spartans
11. Lynbrook Owls
12. Glen Cove Big Red
40 — September 8, 2022
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
HOM2E0C2O2MING
South Side’s “Cyclone” mascot
School Date Opponent School Date Photo by Neil Miller
Baldwin Oct. 8 Port Washington MacArthur Sept. 24 Opponent
Calhoun Sept. 17 Herricks Malverne Sept. 24
Carey Wantagh Mepham Oct. 15 Long Beach
Clarke Oct. 7 Oceanside Locust Valley
East Meadow Oct. 15 Island Trees Seaford Oct. 1
East Rockaway Oct. 15 Baldwin Sewanhaka Oct. 15 Long Beach
Elmont Oct. 22 South Side Oct. 8 Syosset
Freeport Oct. 29 Oyster Bay Uniondale Oct. 15 Malverne
Hempstead Oct. 15 South Side V.S. Central Oct. 8 Calhoun
Hewlett Oct. 22 V.S. North Oct. 29 Herricks
Kennedy Oct. 22 Syosset V.S. South Oct. 8
Lawrence Sept. 24 Westbury Wantagh Oct. 22 Plainview
Long Beach Oct. 29 Glen Cove West Hempstead Oct. 15 Plainview
Lynbrook Oct. 7 Sewanhaka Sept. 24
Oct. 15 Hewlett
Mineola Lawrence
Kennedy Floral Park
V.S.. North Lawrence
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2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
V.S. CENTRAL
Eagles attempt to
soar in new system
NBy TONY BELLISSIMO contributor at linebacker. “He’s a and juniors Ife Ahmed and Jordan Joshua Rogers
ew Valley Stream Central talented, smart, hard-working and Roldan-Hernandez.
head coach Tom Schiavo humble kid,” Schiavo said. “All the JEROME NEMBHARD
has come full circle — he’s other kids look up to him.We need A deep front four is where
a 1987 VSC grad who spent more him to carry the rock and get first Schiavo believes the strength of the Schedule
than 20 years at the helm of neigh- downs.We’re going downhill as an defense lies. Lumsden, Nembhard,
boring Valley Stream North. offense and he needs to be one of Rivera,Abdullah Ahmed, Roldan- September
the guys who makes things hap- Hernandez, senior Chris Waterton 9 @ Farmingdale 6:30 p.m.
Schiavo inherits a senior-led pen.” and juniors Ezechiel Moise, Matt 17 @ Hicksville 2:00 p.m.
Eagles’ squad coming off a playoff Howard and Michael Severe will all 23 Hempstead 6:30 p.m.
appearance in Conference II but The front line returns a good contribute. October
making a move to Conference deal of experience and size. Seniors 1 Massapequa 3:00 p.m.
I based on enrollment. Central Showayne Lumsden and Jerome Central’s Homecoming is the 7 @ Westbury 6:00 p.m.
reached the Conference II semifinals Nembhard will serve as the anchors, regular-season finale, Oct. 29 versus 15 Uniondale 2:00 p.m.
in 2019 under former head coach Schiavo said. Both started at tackles Plainview.The Eagles host Hemp- 21 @ Oceanside 6:00 p.m.
Mike Rubino. last fall, but Nembhard can play any stead Sept. 23 under the lights. 29 Plainview 2:00 p.m.
position and could move to guard.
“I’m coming back to Central Lumsden is 6-foot-4, 280 pounds. MOHAMED DAFFALLA Photos by Donovan Berthoud
with family, friends and angels by “He’s a grinder who’s athletic and ABDULLAH AHMED
my side,” Schiavo said. “It’s very ex- strong,” the coach noted.
citing and I can’t say enough about
the kids here.They’ve been working Senior Abdullah Ahmed served
hard three or four days a week since as a varsity reserve but is looking to
May. nail down a starting job after stand-
ing out during summer workouts.
“The kids are learning a new Schiavo described junior Charlie
offense, a new defense and getting Rivera as “the man for the next
used to a new coaching staff,” he two years” at center. Rivera brings
added. “It’s not going to be easy. a high football IQ and is absorbing
The schedule is fantastic and awfully the playbook quickly.
challenging.”
The Eagles have a foursome of
As the No. 8 seed in Nassau’s quarterback candidates: senior Jar-
top conference, the Eagles will still ell Leitzsey missed last season due
face three of the top four seeds: to injury, junior Max Cohen, who
No. 1 and two-time defending served as the JV starter, junior Kyle
county champion Massapequa, McCord, who was the JV center,
second-ranked Farmingdale, and and freshman Nelson Frias, a line-
No. 4 Oceanside. Central opens at man on the JHS team. “They’re all
Farmingdale, hosts Massapequa completely different,” Schiavo said.
in Week 4, and visits Oceanside in “They’re all learning and showing
Week 7. promise.”
“We’re playing some of the At receiver, seniors Mohamed
best programs in the state,” Schiavo Daffalla and Garland Jean top the
said. “We play four night games, depth chart. Daffalla is a three-sport
including one at home, and four day athlete (wrestling, lacrosse) and a
games.The kids are excited about throwback type of player Schiavo
everything. If we stay healthy and is counting on to make an impact
play tough, we’ll be in the playoff at safety as well. Jean is one of the
mix.” fastest kids on the roster and also
a member of the secondary. Junior
The offense will have an Jordan Jean-Joseph is another solid
I-formation look and senior Joshua receiver/defensive back.
Rogers as the featured back. Rogers
was Honorable Mention All-County Fullbacks serve an important
last season and also a key defensive role in the offense and Schiavo likes
what he sees in senior Isaiah Arthur
42 — September 8, 2022 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
V.S. NORTH
Spartans regroup
after graduation hit
EBy BRIAN KACHARABA “I expect a whole lot from him perience, Josh Lopez
verything was looking up [this season],” Paolillo said. “He’s Paolillo did
for the Valley Stream North a hard worker and when he knows see some ADEL WALY
Spartans by the end of the he can do it, he tells us. He asked positives
2021 season. They won three of for the ball on that touchdown. He during the off- Schedule
their final four games after a 1-3 goes, ‘Give me the ball and I will season that could
start and capped off a memorable get in.’ That was one of the best prove beneficial. The September
homecoming game by scoring a games he’s been in.” Spartans are seeded 10 Roosevelt 2:00 p.m.
late touchdown to beat Lynbrook Sophomore Imran Paul was the JV No. 10 in Conference III. 17 @ Division 2:00 p.m.
28-21 to clinch the playoffs for the quarterback last year but will spell “We had some great 23 @ Glen Cove 7:00 p.m.
first time since 2017. Lopez at running back as will Terry 7-on-7s that we partic- 30 Wantagh 6:30 p.m.
Then came the dreaded ‘g’ Nedor with senior Danny Rojas at ipated in, so we expect October
word that all coaches hate every fullback. Speedy Gerry DelCarpine some good things,” 8 Hewlett 2:00 p.m.
offseason. caught a touchdown pass in a he said. “We’re a lot 15 @ Lynbrook 2:00 p.m.
Graduation stripped the Spartans’ win over Kennedy last season and faster than we’ve been 21 @ Manhasset 7:00 p.m.
roster bare with only three starters heads an otherwise inexperienced in the past, but we 29 Bethpage 2:00 p.m.
returning and, as of press time, receiving corps with fellow seniors shall see again.
just 25 players on their roster Kevoun Cunningham and Adel Photos by Christina Daly
because of a depleted JV program. Waly. NICK NAUMOV
So, what initially looked promising “Kevoun may be one of the fastest SEBASTIAN GIBBONS
has suddenly turned into another guys on the team,” Paolillo said.
unfortunate phase. “When he gets into open space,
“We’re kind of rebuilding,” head there’s probably nobody that’s
coach Mike Paolillo said. “I have going to catch him. Gerry may be
only three starters returning. After the fastest kid on the team. He
that, I don’t have anybody coming has great hands and has a nose
back that saw significant time.” for the ball.”
Junior Nick Naumov is the team’s Center Nick Navetta and tackle
new quarterback and, despite play- Ethan Smalls are back for their
ing mainly wide receiver on the JV final seasons, but the remaining
squad last season, has impressed spots on the offensive line are
Paolillo with his improved running yet to be determined at press
and passing abilities. Because time. Sebastien Gibbons will likely
of that, Paolillo said he plans to start at nose guard and Nick Feliz
tweak his game plan to a more should see some time at one of
read offense. the end spots on the line for the
“He committed to being quarter- 3-4 defense.
back and has been really a surprise Lopez and Rojas will once again
in the offseason and over the sum- anchor a linebacking group that
mer,” Paolillo said. “He’s a great may also include Paul and Nedor.
runner with the ball, but he’s been DelCarpine will be a hybrid safety/
able to throw the ball really well in corner and Waly and Cunning-
our 7-on-7s.” ham will also see action in the
Senior Josh Lopez is one of the defensive backfield with hopes
three returning starters and stood that their speed and hands can
out in a crowded backfield last fall help stop the opposition’s passing
with three rushing touchdowns. game.
The last was a tiebreaking seven- “Adel might be the better defen-
yard scamper with 3:30 left that sive [player] in the group because
gave North the win over Lynbrook. he was a stud corner last year
towards the end of the season,”
Paolillo said.
Despite the lack of depth and ex-
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2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
V.S. SOUTH
Falcons bank on mix of
returnees, newcomers
NBy TONY BELLISSIMO receiver by trade in a long time,” An exciting home Michael Hernandez
o stranger to Conference IV, Guastafeste said. “Michael is a schedule for the Falcons
Valley Stream South is back dual threat with great football begins in Week 2 with NICK PARISI
in the lowest-enrollment IQ. He was our leading receiver a visit from Seaford.
grouping after a three-year stay in last year and got one start at October includes two dates Schedule
Conference III. quarterback. He puts nice touch on to circle on the calendar. South
the ball.” hosts its first-ever night game Oct. September
Coming off a 1-7 campaign, 14 versus Locust Valley, and eight 9 @ Carle Place 6:00 p.m.
the Falcons are banking on a large Senior tight end Nick days later welcomes in Lawrence 17 Seaford 2:00 p.m.
number of second-year varsity Parisi and junior slot receiver Prince for Homecoming. “We want the 24 @ Oyster Bay 2:00 p.m.
players as well as some newcom- Meeks are the leading weapons in atmosphere for those to be amaz- October
ers from a strong JV team to help the passing game. Parisi is a third- ing,” Guastafeste said. 1 Mineola 3:00 p.m.
them compete for a playoff spot. year starter on both sides of the 7 @ Malverne 7:00 p.m.
They’re seeded 11th (out of 14) ball and will keep linebackers hon- JONATHAN DIAZ 14 Locust Valley 6:30 p.m.
and open at Carle Place. est if they stack the box. He also DIAYAAN MIR 22 Lawrence 2:00 p.m.
has the best hands on the team, 29 @ West Hemp. 2:00 p.m.
“We can’t control or worry Guastafeste noted. Like Parisi,
about which conference we’re in Meeks was on the field for every Photos by Donovan Berthoud
and who we’re playing,” head meaningful snap last season and
coach Joe Guastafeste said. “We is an experienced two-way starter.
have to focus on ourselves and “He’s extremely athletic and had
what we need to do every day to a growth spurt,” the coach said of
get better. We’re not just going to Meeks, who will also be a factor
show up and beat teams. on return units.
“We had a good spring in Senior Daiyaan Mir is the
2021 but that was a senior-heavy featured running back who suf-
team and we weren’t able to fered a broken wrist in last year’s
duplicate that success,” he added. opener and was unable to return.
“One positive thing we took from He’ll also play linebacker. “He’s
last season is we had a lot of unproven on Saturday afternoons
juniors get a ton of playing time. but everyone around here knows
Guys worked hard in the weight his talent level,” Guastafeste
room and in 7 on 7s all sum- said. At wing back, junior Lonnie
mer, and they’re motivated and Creech brings size and athleticism.
hungry.” He’ll contribute on jet sweeps and
help set the edge as a blocker.
This summer was “the first in
quite a while,” Guastafeste said, Up front, senior center
the Falcons competed in 7 on 7 Jonathan Diaz anchors both lines
drills. They went up against Valley as a third-year starter. “He’s a
Stream Central, Valley Stream true workhorse and an excellent
North and East Rockaway. Those shotgun snapper,” Guastafeste
weekly matchups helped junior said. Senior Michael Brooks is a
quarterback Michael Hernandez steady pulling guard and line-
fine tune his skills and develop backer entering his second season
chemistry with a bunch of his tar- as a starter. Senior Aidan Mitchell
gets. He was the JV signal-caller as and junior Brandon Ocasio are
a freshman in the spring of 2021 projected to start at tackle and
and spent last fall as a receiver/ guard, respectively.
cornerback. It remains to be seen if
Hernandez will continue his role as Ocasio and classmates
a defensive starter. Michael Sukhu and Aiden Chance,
“We haven’t had a true quarter- both defensive back/receivers, are
back who’s not a running back or some of last year’s JV standouts
looking to make an impact at the
next level.
44 — September 8, 2022 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
CRUUTGEPRS
Rutgers Cup History
The Rutgers Cup is presented annually to the most outstanding foot-
ball team in Nassau County. Garden City was last year’s recipient.
The Trojans won county and L.I. titles. A list of the winners:
2021 GARDEN CITY 1978 FARMINGDALE THE PUBLISHERS AND STAFF OF THE
2020 MANHASSET 1977 NEW HYDE PARK
2019 1976 Congratulates the Garden City High School football team
2018 PLAINEDGE 1975 FARMINGDALE and its coaches on the remarkable achievement
2017 FREEPORT 1974 FARMINGDALE of winning the Rutgers Cup last season.
2016 GARDEN CITY 1973
2015 GARDEN CITY 1972 CAREY
2014 FARMINGDALE 1971 SYOSSET
2013 1970 FARMINGDALE
2012 CAREY 1969 FARMINGDALE
2011 CAREY 1968 SYOSSET
2010 LAWRENCE 1967 FREEPORT
2009 EAST MEADOW 1966 MASSAPEQUA
2008 FREEPORT 1965 MINEOLA
2007 GARDEN CITY 1964 HICKSVILLE
2006 FREEPORT 1963 MASSAPEQUA
2005 FARMINGDALE 1962 EAST MEADOW
2004 LAWRENCE 1961 FREEPORT
2003 GARDEN CITY 1960 HEMPSTEAD
2002 ROOSEVELT 1959 LAWRENCE
2001 FREEPORT 1958 MINEOLA
2000 BETHPAGE 1957 FREEPORT
1999 WANTAGH 1956 FREEPORT
1998 FREEPORT 1955 MANHASSET
1997 ROOSEVELT 1954 FREEPORT
1996 GARDEN CITY 1953 LAWRENCE
1995 FREEPORT 1952 MINEOLA
1994 DIVISION 1951 BALDWIN
1993 BETHPAGE 1950 MEPHAM
1992 MASSAPEQUA 1949 HEMPSTEAD
1991 BETHPAGE 1948 MEPHAM
1990 GARDEN CITY 1947 GLEN COVE
1989 FARMINGDALE 1946 BALDWIN
1988 MALVERNE 1945 HEMPSTEAD
1987 MASSAPEQUA 1944 HEMPSTEAD
1986 HEMPSTEAD 1943 MINEOLA
1985 SEWANHAKA 1942 BAY SHORE
1984 HEMPSTEAD 1941 GLEN COVE
1983 HEMPSTEAD 1940 FREEPORT
1982 HEMPSTEAD 1939 HEMPSTEAD
1981 NEW HYDE PARK 1938 LAWRENCE
1980 DIVISION 1937 HEMPSTEAD
1979 DIVISION OCEANSIDE
MASSAPEQUA LAWRENCE
SEWANHAKA
TO ADVERTISE CALL 516-569-4000 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW September 8, 2022 — 45
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
WANTAGH
Warriors loom dangerous
with experience
OBy TONY BELLISSIMO said. “He’s a sharp route runner Zervos takes over kicking Nick Cupelli
n the heels of winning with good hands.” duties.
the Nassau Conference IV ANTHONY REALE
championship in the spring Junior Jake Martini, who was The Warriors are
of 2021, Wantagh had another an integral part of the defense last seeded fourth in Confer- Schedule
strong season in the fall with a season with 5 interceptions as a ence III behind defend-
mark of 8-2 in Conference III but a shutdown corner, is set to play a ing champion Plainedge, September 7:00 p.m.
frustrating ending. larger offensive role at fullback. Bethpage, and newcomer 9 Hewlett
He’ll get some carries, and his Carey. They open against Hewlett 17 @ Bethpage 2:00 p.m.
The Warriors, making their blocking skills will come in handy before renewing the rivalry with 24 Division 2:00 p.m.
25th playoff appearance in 26 with only two starters returning to Bethpage. 30 @ V.S. North 6:30 p.m.
seasons, were nipped by rival the offensive line. October
Bethpage in the semifinals. “We “The conference is outstand- 7 @ Carey 7:00 p.m.
wanted a rematch with Plainedge Antony Tsakos is a three- ing and deep,” Sachs said. “We 15 Floral Park 2:00 p.m.
in the finals, but Bethpage had sport standout (wrestling/lacrosse) have a lot of newness and only 22 Plainedge 2:00 p.m.
three or four big plays and we and the anchor of the Warriors’ one scrimmage to help us figure 29 @ Glen Cove 2:00 p.m.
came up short as a result,” Want- front five at left guard. He’s also a things out.”
agh head coach Keith Sachs said. third-year starting defender with 8 Photos by Karen Millindorf
“We’re looking to be back in the career sacks. “He’s a stud athlete ANTHONY TSAKOS
hunt and we’re good and skilled, who’s probably going to be All- JOSEPH LEGOVICH
but we’re not returning a whole lot County in three sports,” Sachs said.
of starting experience.”
Senior Richie Benkovic is a
Among the many depar- strong kid who works hard, the
tures was All-Long Island guard/ coach noted, and returns as the
linebacker Liam Casey, All-State starting tackle on the left side
running back/linebacker Tyler Mar- to form a one-two punch with
tini, who gained more than 2,000 Tsakos. Senior Franco Valentino is
yards, and fellow talented rushers a potential two-way starter who’s
Sean Carlo and Mark Maniet. vying for the center position,
However, the backfield is far from and Sachs expects senior Mike
bare as senior Nick Cupelli has 15 Piscopo and junior Paul Fontana
career touchdowns and over 1,000 to contribute to the group.
yards.
At quarterback, senior Joseph
“Nick had 5 touchdowns last Legovich returns after starting all
year and he only got a handful 10 games last season and totaling
of carries each week because of 650 yards and 8 touchdowns
everyone else we had,” Sachs through the air. “He has as much
said. “He’s lightning fast and an talent as any quarterback we’ve
exceptional athlete. He’s capable had in a while,” Sachs said. “He
of having a huge season.” has a great arm and is probably
our fastest player too. He checks
Senior Anthony Reale, who in every box and we may throw it
the spring of 2021 had the game- more and use all the weapons we
winning touchdown reception have.”
against North Shore in the county
title game, is a dynamic receiver If Reale becomes a wing
who could move to wing back. back, junior TJ Carlo, a 6-foot-4
He also serves as the face of the wideout stepping up from JV, will
defense as a third-year starting be someone Legovich targets
safety. “Anthony led us in catches downfield. Another option is junior
and touchdown receptions, but 6-5 tight end Thomas Conway,
we want to get him even more who had a two-touchdown game
involved in the offense,” Sachs in 2021.
On special teams, Reale,
Cupelli and Martini headline the
return units, whilst junior Nico
46 — September 8, 2022 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PREVIEW HERALD COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS
2022 HERALD High School Football Preview
WEST HEMPSTEAD
Staying healthy top
priority for Rams
TBy TONY BELLISSIMO player Carre compares to former during the offseason into the start- Michael AbiAoun
he No. 1 wish for West NFL bulldozer Mike Alstott, who’s ing tackle spot opposite Clark.
Hempstead head coach Dom a member of the Tampa Bay Buc- JURREL HALL
Carre this fall is a healthy caneers’ Ring of Honor. AbiAoun Defensively, Carre is excited
roster. and Pierre are West Hempstead’s about the linebacker corps and Schedule
first captains in 12 years. secondary. “Those guys are September
“It’s football, so you’re always all ball hawks and smart,” 9 @ Seaford 6:00 p.m.
going to get banged up with inju- “Michael has thick legs and he said. AbiAoun, Balthazard, 17 @ Oyster Bay 2:00 p.m.
ries,” Carre said. “Last year it never is very tough to tackle,” Carre Close and senior Stephen 24 Lawrence 2:00 p.m.
stopped We were missing guys all said. “He’s a leader that other kids Coppola lead the ‘backers, with 30 C.S. Harbor 6:30 p.m.
year and never really put our full gravitate towards. On defense he’s Chapman and Hall shaping the October
team on the field.” just a tackling machine. He moves secondary. 8 @ Locust Valley 2:00 p.m.
well and loves contact.” 15 North Shore 2:00 p.m.
Despite a rash of injuries, the Close is also an expe- 21 @ Malverne 7:00 p.m
Rams still managed to split eight AbiAoun has plenty of rienced punter. It’s an open 29 V.S. South 2:00 p.m.
regular-season games and qualify company in the backfield. Senior competition for the kicking job.
for the Conference IV playoffs as A’Lorenz Chapman is a quality Photos by Christina Daly
the No. 5 seed. They lost at Cold rusher looking to build off his ALORENZ CHAPMAN
Spring Harbor in the first round. experience from the past two COREY PIERRE
seasons, Carre explained. There’s
“If we want to go deeper also Jonathan Balthazard, a senior
in the playoffs, we need to stay and an X-factor after missing all
healthy and answer some ques- but one game last season. “Jon is
tions we’ve got on the line,” Carre very consistent and even-keeled,”
said. the coach said. “He’s a patient
ball-carrier. He waits for an open-
West Hempstead is seeded ing to develop and he’s fast once
7th in the 14-team conference and he gets going.”
opens under the Friday night lights
at Seaford. The Rams also get Senior Jurrell Hall is a pure
Cold Spring Harbor and defending wide receiver with sure hands
county and Long Island champion who also returns kickoffs and
North Shore within a 3-week span punts. “He runs crisp routes and
in October. “I love the atmosphere he’s aggressive going up to get
at Seaford and playing a night the ball,” Carre said. “We’re
game right off the bat,” Carre said. looking for him to be a bigger
part of the offense so teams can’t
Senior fullback/linebacker stack the box against our running
Michael AbiAoun, who earned game.”
All-County honors last season, and
senior quarterback Corey Pierre Senior Brendan Close is an
return to lead an offense that pri- important two-way contributor at
marily relies on the ground attack. tight end and linebacker. He’ll add
some blocking reinforcement to
“I do think we’ll pass a little an inexperienced line and brings
more with Corey’s experience,” grit to both sides of the ball. Junior
Carre said. “He’s our catalyst wideouts Gavin Lee and Niko
and I can’t say enough about the Adikmemenakis are up from JV.
kid. He started every game last
season after being the JV starting A few spots on the of-
quarterback in the spring season. fensive and defensive lines will be
He’s super athletic and can run as determined during camp. Senior
well as throw on the move. We’re Dan Clark is a solid two-way
looking for him to take the next performer and the lone full-time
step.” starting returnee. Senior Giuseppe
D’Agosto tops the depth chart at
AbiAoun is a three-year center, while senior Diego Quijada
starter and a physical throwback will look to parlay his hard work
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