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Nassau Conference IV preview

September 14, 2008

This could be the year conference teams actually score a few points against Seaford. Maybe.

The Vikings pitched eight shutouts in winning all 10 of their Nassau games before losing to Amity ville in the Long Island championship. A great defense? No doubt, but coach Rob Perpall admitted, "Our offense was so good, we controlled the ball." That may not be the case this year as Perpall will mix some spread in with his power-I to utilize the versatility of quarterback Chris Rigoli. "We might score a little faster," Perpall said.

Top-seeded Seaford can expect a challenge from Manhasset, even though the Indians lost a couple of key veterans to injuries. Powerful Clarke drops down from Conference III, where it went 5-3 and advanced a round in the playoffs, and should be a serious contender here. -- BOB HERZOG

1. SEAFORD (10-1)

Coach: Rob Perpall (ninth season).

Key players: Sr. TE/LB Pat Lasher (6-2, 195); Sr. TB/CB Nicky Barbuto (5-9, 165); Sr. LB/G Bobby Silvestri (5-10, 175); Jr. FB/DL Anthony Gilio (6-1, 215); Sr. OL/DL Ryan Calvey (5-10, 225); Sr. QB Chris Rigoli (6-0, 175).

On the Vikings: Despite three county titles in the last 10 years, trophies are not used as motivational devices. "We don't talk championships at Seaford," veteran coach Rob Perpall said, "but we talk about being as good as we can be today. If we do that, we'll win our share of games and championships." Pretty good philosophy. Pretty good team. Again. Seaford returns some key defensive players from a team that posted eight shutouts in 10 Nassau games last season, led by Lasher, Barbuto, Silvestri, Calvey and Goldstein. Barbuto is also the team's top offensive player, having gained more than 1,500 yards rushing last year. Rigoli is a first-year starter at quarterback, but Perpall called him a "great athlete who can run and throw."

2. MANHASSET (5-4)

Coach: Bill Cherry (28th season).

Key players: Sr. RB Jeff Izzo (5-9, 165); Sr. QB A.J. Diaz (6-0, 175); Sr. OL/LB John Duvnjak (5-9, 200); Sr. WR/DE Kyle Smith (6-4, 210); Sr. OT/DE Brendan Denihan (6-2, 190); Sr. HB/LB Jack Meyer (6-0, 180).

On the Indians: Longtime coach Cherry would feel a lot more comfortable about his high seed if quarterback Jeff Molinari and kicker Zac Koufakis, two outstanding players from last year's team, were not out injured. Manhasset is short on experience but not enthusiasm. "The guys who are here are very motivated," Cherry said. "We have a great attitude." Izzo ran for 924 yards and 11 touchdowns last year. Diaz is the replacement quarterback and has a good arm. Duvnjak is a hard-hitter and was the team's leading tackler last season. Smith was the leading receiver.

3. CLARKE (5-3)

Coach: John Boyle (22nd season).

Key players: Sr. QB John Schilt (6-1, 190); Sr. RB/DB Kris Gray (5-8, 165); Sr. OL/DL Andrew Rollo (6-3, 290); Sr. Tarun Lalwani TE/DE (6-4, 225); Sr. RB/DB John Chodkowski (5-10, 165); Sr. OL/LB Victor Rossi (5-9, 180).

On the Rams: They played in Conference III last season and entered the playoffs as a No. 3 seed, but were upset by Lynbrook in the first round. Now the Rams drop down to Conference IV and bring with them a speedy and versatile offense and some defensive toughness. Schilt threw for six touchdowns and ran for six more last season. Lalwani is a big target at tight end. Rollo is a big and strong athletic presence on both sides of the ball. Gray led the team in interceptions.

4. MALVERNE (8-2)

Coach: Colbert Britt (third season).

Key players: Sr. TB/DB Frank Shanahan (5-11, 190); Sr. OL/DB Cole Hayes (6-2, 210); Jr. LB Brandon Hightower (6-1, 180); Jr. OT/DT Uwagbae Eweka (6-4, 260); Jr. OT/DT Terry Banks Jr. (6-4, 260); Sr. RB Garlinsky Jean (5-10, 180).

On the Mules: They entered last year as a No. 9 seed but wound up as one of the surprise teams, entering the playoffs as a No. 2 seed with one league loss. Malverne beat Oyster Bay and Locust Valley before being blanked by Seaford in the county championship game. To get back, they'll need some new contributors on offense. Shanahan is the top returning rusher with 581 yards and 11 touchdowns. Jean, an all-purpose back, scored 10 touchdowns. The lines feature a couple of 260-pound juniors, Eweka and Banks.

5. LOCUST VALLEY (7-2)