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Suffolk Division I preview

September 14, 2008

When you've won a Long Island-record 34 games in a row, everyone will be taking aim. Colonials coach Paul Longo's response? "It's fun. How exciting is that?"

It's probably unrealistic to think Floyd can run the table again in 2008, having lost quarterback Joe Sidaras and running back Brock Jackolski along with four of its five starting offensive linemen.

"We're just thinking about a championship," Longo said.

Top players include linebacker Kevin Lacey, whom Longo calls the best in Suffolk, two-way lineman Tom Lindley and tailback Vaughn Magee.

Someone probably will knock off Floyd this year because Division I is balanced and deep. Sachem North is a serious challenger as the No. 2 seed, and Floyd also has toughies Lindenhurst, Longwood, Patchogue-Medford, Brentwood and Connetquot on its schedule.

Sounds like fun, right coach? -- BOB HERZOG

1. FLOYD (11-0)

Coach: Paul Longo (14th season).

Key players: Sr. RB/CB Vaughn Magee (5-10, 165); Jr. FB/LB Kevin Lacey (6-1, 205); Sr. G/DT Tom Lindley (6-4, 300); Sr. QB Steve Murphy (6-1, 200); Sr. FB/DE Marcus Muelthaler; Sr. DE Wayne Magee (6-1, 180).

On the Colonials: We are already in uncharted waters here. No Long Island school has ever won 33 straight football games nor has any team won three consecutive LI championships. That's the streak Floyd is currently riding and even Longo acknowledged, "We're going to lose one of these days." Most likely it will be this season but that doesn't mean Floyd won't wind up on top in tough Division I. The defense looks sturdy, led by Lindley, Lacey and Magee. Where the Colonials really need the speedy Magee, though, is on offense, where he backed up All-LI tailback Brock Jackolski the last couple of years. "He gets his chance to show how good he is," Longo said. So does Steve Murphy, last year's starting tight end and this year's replacement at quarterback for All-LIer Joey Sidaras. Murphy has shown plenty of elusiveness as a runner. But only Lindley returns on the offensive line, so don't expect perfection again.

2. SACHEM NORTH (4-4)

Coach: Dave Falco (sixth season).

Key players: Sr. QB/S Craig Geoghan (6-1, 185); Sr. RB/S Anthony Quezada (5-9, 165); Sr. OT/DT Cong Tian (6-3, 305); Sr. OT/DT Sam Bishop (6-2, 285); Sr. WR/DB Drew Javetski (6-0, 185); Sr. OG/DT Dan Cancro (6-0, 230).

On the Flaming Arrows: It's been five years since the mammoth Sachem school district split, diluting the talent. But Falco isn't complaining now. "It's the best group we've had since the split," the coach said. He loves his senior quarterback Geoghan, who can run or throw from the spread and is an All-LI safety. Tian is one of the biggest and best two-way players on the Island. Quezada, who rushed for 1,201 yards last season, adds speed to the offense. As if playing at Floyd on a Friday night (Oct. 17) in the sixth game of the season isn't enough drama, with the league title possibly on the line, North has something else on its mind. Said Geoghan, "We're trying not to think about Floyd, but we want to be the first team to beat them."

3. LONGWOOD (8-2)

Coach: Chris Meyer (second season).

Key players: Sr. FB/LB Moses White (6-0, 195); Sr. TE/LB Nick Mauceri (6-0, 195); Sr. QB Eddie Wess (6-1, 175); Sr. WR/TB/CB Nick Esposito (6-1, 185); Sr. OT/DT Chris Gonzalez (6-2, 240); Sr. G/DT Pat Caroll (6-1, 230).

On the Lions: Their only losses were to the powerful Colonials. Is this the year those results get reversed? Wess (1,113 passing yards, seven TDs), the versatile Esposito (354 yards rushing, two interceptions), Mauceri (44 tackles, 2.5 sacks) and Gonzalez are three-year starters. White is a premier two-way player who had 78 tackles, 7.5 sacks, two interceptions and ran for 306 yards and three TDs last season. The defense is not afraid to blitz.

4. BRENTWOOD (5-4)

Coach: Steve Perretta (14th season).