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Nassau Conference II preview

September 14, 2008

The Conference II title is ripe for the taking. And Elmont, seeded first, may have the inside track with the return fo some outstanding backfield talent in quarterback Diashawn Miller and halfback Justin Mayers. Coach Jay Hegi knows the combination of Elmont's returning senior-laden squad, the realignment that moved Lawrence into Conference III, and a fairly balanced schedule gives his team the opportunity to knock on the LIC door.

"It's all about opportunity and we can do some great things this year with all the talent we have here in Elmont," Hegi said. "We have a championship caliber team and we have to play like one."

Garden City is in a rebuilding mode but never can be counted out and Hewlett should be in the playoff mix behind quarterback Andrew Cohen. Parity seems to be the operative word in the conference this season. Don't count out Calhoun, Carey or New Hyde Park from the playoff mix.

-- Gregg Sarra

1. ELMONT (5-4)

Coach: Jay Hegi (seventh season)

Key players: Sr. RB/CB Justin Mayers (6-0, 180), Jr. QB/S Diashawn Miller (5-10, 190), Sr. RB/LB Brian Cole (5-10, 185), Sr. WR/S James Myers (5-8, 155), Sr. TE/DE Nikita Josephs (6-4, 245), Sr. LB Jimmy Brown III (5-9, 190).

On the Spartans: Elmont is the top seed for good reason. The Spartans are loaded at the skill positions and should score a ton of points. If the defense plays up to par this will be a memorable season. The Spartans got off to a slow start last year, losing two of three games with an inexperienced team. After Week 3, Hegi moved Miller to quarterback. Mayers was the lone halfback and both players flourished in the new offense as the Spartans won four of the last six games. Mayers ran for nine scores and Miller added nine more. The rise of Elmont will go hand in hand with the improvement of Miller at quarterback. Josephs (6-4, 245 pounds) is a key in the passing game.

2. GARDEN CITY (8-2)

Coach: Tom Flatley (24th season)

Key players: Sr. QB/DB Dennis Rice (6-1, 185), Jr. OT/DT Conor Horl (5-11, 230), Sr. WR/DE Pierce Bradley (6-4, 185), Sr. TE/DE Will Fuller (6-2, 200), Jr. QB/DB Matt Montgomery (5-10, 165).

On the Trojans: Garden City is a perennial playoff contender. And any time the Trojans are expected to be in a rebuilding mode, watch out. Flatley doesn't mince words and would be the first to say that he thinks the two seed is a bit high for the Trojans this season. He also would admit that it comes with the territory when you've been so good for so long. Don't ever count out Garden City; give Flatley and his staff enough time to put all the pieces together and they'll be in the playoff mix for sure. Rice is the key component to a team that graduated almost ninety per cent of its starting lineup. Garden City, which has been to the Long Island championship 10 times, lost in the Nassau final for the past two years.

3. HEWLETT (5-3)

Coach: Jay Iaquinta (19th season)

Key players: Sr. QB Andrew Cohen (5-9, 150), Sr. FB/LB Matt Rizzo (6-0, 215), Sr. DB Mac Posner (5-8, 155), Sr. OT/DT Steve Martinez (5-9, 250), Sr. OL/DL Glen Gobetz (6-0, 215), Sr. TE/DE Beau Miller (6-1, 220).

On the Bulldogs: Hewlett seems to always be near the top of the standings. This could be the Bulldogs' break-through year if Cohen has a big season. The elusive Cohen and the addition of Rizzo gives the Bulldogs a nice 1-2 punch in the triple option offense. There are 10 of 22 starters returning and the junior varsity has produced seven-win teams for two straight years. That mixture should produce a county contender.

4. CAREY (5-4)

Coach: Mike Stanley (second season)

Key players: Jr. OL/DL Mike Lisi (6-2, 275), Jr. WR/DB Greg D'Arienzo (6-1, 280), Sr. RB/S Sal Cerami (5-9, 170), Sr. OL/DL Joe Fasano (6-1, 250), Sr. OL/DL Joe Nichols (6-1, 235), Sr. RB/LB Chris Humrich (5-8, 180).

On the Seahawks: Last season was a learning experience for a young coaching staff as the team opened with losses to Garden City and Hewlett. This year the Seahawks are pinning their hopes on a wealth of experience and the size and quickness on the lines should be the key for a successful run at the conference title. Watch for D'Arienzo to have a big season. He had six scores last year.