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Suffolk Division II preview

September 14, 2008

Andrew Smith gave us a preview of what to expect in 2008. The Riverhead linebacker had some fun showing off a chiseled physique that will undoubtedly thrust him into the spotlight as one of Suffolk's top linebackers. Then Smith got serious and guaranteed that Riverhead would be ringing the school's victory bell all season.

"This is our time," the 6-3, 220-pounder said. "This is our year."

And for Riverhead to make its way past West Islip, a two-time county finalist, Smith and Co. will need to shut down a Lions offense that is diversified and experienced. West Islip is the epitome of consistency, with 30 winning seasons since 1976. The Lions have enough firepower to get to the county final for the third straight year.

East Islip, the defending Class II champion, has an 11-game winning streak but finds itself in a rebuilding phase. The Redmen will start an abundance of underclassmen and look to improve over the course of the season and sneak into the playoffs. Bellport, one year removed from a county championship, is back in the division after a year in Division III. -- Gregg Sarra

1. RIVERHEAD (6-3)

Coach: Leif Shay (11th season)

Key players: Sr. HB/LB Miguel Maysonet (5-10, 190), Sr. TE/LB Andrew Smith (6-3, 220), Sr. QB Tim Velys (5-9, 175), Sr. OL/DL Jon Lague (6-4, 340), Sr. OL/DL Rob Hale (6-2, 190), Sr. RB/LB Tyler Gilliam (5-10, 180).

On the Blue Waves: With so many veterans and a wealth of talent, Riverhead looks to dominate the division. After two heartbreaking losses the past two years in the semifinals, anything less than a Suffolk crown will be a disappointment. Maysonet and Smith are two of Long Island's top players. Senior quarterback Velys is a leader and a three-year starter. He is coming off offseason shoulder surgery and is a bit of question mark as the season gets underway. If he returns to form, the Blue Waves could be unstoppable. The Riverhead defense will be led by highly regarded senior linebackers Smith and Gilliam. Smith is being recruited by many D-I schools and can take over a game. The Blue Waves will move him to DE to utilize his speed.

2. WEST ISLIP (7-3)

Coach: Tim Horan (sixth season)

Key players: Sr. TE/FS Kyle Gelling (6-4, 210), Sr. OL/DL Chris Costea (6-5, 280), Sr. TB/DB Nick Cestaro (6-0, 185), Sr. WR/LB Mike McCormack (5-11, 180), Sr. QB/DB Scott Mattera (6-2, 185), Sr. WR/DB Ian Braddish (6-3, 190).

On the Lions: West Islip has had 30 winning seasons since 1976, more than any team in Suffolk, yet the Lions have not won a Suffolk title since 1994. West Islip will run the ball very well, and if Mattera develops, they might just win that elusive championship. The Lions have many options on offense with Cestaro, Gelling and Braddish. In keeping with tradition, the defense will be strong.

3. COPIAGUE (4-4)

Coach: Bruce Muro (sixth season)

Key players: Jr. RB/LB Steven James (5-10, 190), Sr. WR/CB Chris Nelson 5-9, 180), Sr. OL/DL Derrick Ziegler (6-0, 265), Jr. QB/S Jonathan Ruffin (5-10, 170), Sr. OL/DL Kris LeGendre (5-8, 315).

On the Eagles: Copiague hasn't been to the playoffs in a decade, but this could be the year if the Eagles can limit mistakes and play good defense. Junior RB James will carry the load on offense, but the line is where the Eagles look very much improved.

4. WEST BABYLON (4-4)

Coach: Al Ritacco (sixth season)

Key players: Sr. OT/DT David Williams (6-3, 286), Jr. QB/DB Andrew Smith (5-11, 170), Jr. WR/DB Lionell Fontaine (5-10, 165), Jr. RB/LB Dominic Mantovani (5-9, 175), Jr. RB/DB Frank Speights (5-11, 185).

On the Eagles: West Babylon looks to get back to the playoffs for the first time in three seasons. The Eagles are young but talented.