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Nassau Conference III preview

September 14, 2008

The conference improved immensely when Lawrence dropped down from Nassau Conference II. Top-seeded Bethpage, which cruised into the Long Island Class III championship a year ago with big wins over Plainedge and Wantagh, will now have another hurdle to get back to the title game.

The Golden Eagles are a perennial title contender and bring back enough experience to earn another shot at the crown. But a host of teams have improved and are likely to make the road a bit bumpy for the Golden Eagles.

Lawrence has been to two consecutive Long Island Class II championships, edging Bellport, 28-27, for the title in 2006. The Golden Tornado lost to East Islip, 35-7, in the LIC last year and graduated most of its starting team. The Golden Tornado is on a 19-game winning streak within the county and the cupboard is always far from bare. Watch for Wantagh's offense to overwhelm opponents this year. Do not be fooled by the Warriors' No.6 seed as the overall team speed could be the difference in a quest for the county crown.

Plainedge's senior-oriented team also has championship dreams. The Red Devils won the county crown in 2005. And will push the top seeds with their high-octane offense.

-- Gregg Sarra

1. BETHPAGE (9-2)

Coach: Howie Vogts (55th season).

Key players: Sr. HB/LB Kevin Glueckert (5-11, 195), Sr. OT/DT Robert Swierkowski (6-0, 210), Sr. C/DE Matt Carrello (6-3, 225), Sr. QB/S Ed Conway (5-11, 175), Sr. FB/LB Phil Luongo (6-0, 215), Sr. OT/DE Tim Lyons (6-0, 205).

On the Golden Eagles: The Eagles have been the measuring stick of the conference for three decades, winning 15 county titles and five Long Island titles. They lost a heartbreaker in the Long Island Class III championship to Islip, 14-12. The Golden Eagles return a bevy of experience in the backfield and hope they can control the play clock and the flow of games.

2. WANTAGH (9-1)

Coach: Keith Sachs (16th season).

Key players: Sr. LB/OL John Jansen (6-0, 215), Sr. RB/CB Vinny Polo (5-11, 190), Sr. RB/DB Joe Biscardi (5-8, 165), Jr. QB Kyle Ambury (6-0, 220), Sr. DE/TE Jeff Melsopp (6-3, 205), Jr. OT/DT Rob Burke (6-3, 235).

On the Warriors: Wantagh has been in the conference final seven times in the last 11 years. The Warriors had to raise money (because they're on an austerity budget) just to play this season. Wantagh has an explosive offensive and should be in the mix. A new turf field and the return of senior linebacker John Jansen has everyone pointing to a county crown.

3. LAWRENCE (10-1)

Coach: Lou Andre (ninth season).

Key players: Sr. LB John Daniel (6-0, 190), Sr. DE Andrew Whalen (5-10, 190), Jr. QB John Kinder (6-3, 180), Jr. RB Ken Barnett (6-0, 190).

On the Golden Tornado: After going to back-to-back Long Island Class II title games (winning in 2006), Lawrence drops down to Conference III because of declining enrollment. The team has many newcomers and is looking to establish its own identity. There is always a glut of skill position players ready to jump in and make Lawrence a winner. They are a No. 3 seed despite heavy graduation.

4. PLAINEDGE (6-3)

Coach: Rob Shaver (13th season).

Key players: Sr. QB Mike Rossi (5-10, 165), Sr. OL Rob Cappadora (6-1, 260), Sr. LB Nick Camera (6-0, 195), Sr. DB Rob Bellairs (6-2, 180), Sr. RB Kevin Kennedy (5-10, 180), Sr. LB Steve Corrado (5-10, 180).