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Suffolk Division III preview

September 14, 2008

There's no question that Islip's run to the Long Island Class III title was one made of opportunistic defense and methodical, yet clutch offense. The Bucs tucked away a fabulous 11-0 season and have a shot to repeat if they can find the same magic that helped them win every close game. The graduation of halfback Malcolm Brown will make it difficult.

Top-seeded Sayville should make its way back into the Long Island championship game with a ton of experience. The Golden Flashes will rely on the strong arm of quarterback Dillon Boos to get past quality contenders in Half Hollow Hills West, Miller Place and Kings Park. Halfbacks Sean Russell of Kings Park and Tyler DeRosa of Miller Place will have an impact on the outcome of this division.

There is no clear-cut favorite again this year. It will be a season of parity. -- Gregg Sarra

1. SAYVILLE (6-3)

Coach: Rob Hoss (seventh season)

Key players: Sr. QB Dillon Boos (6-1, 195), Sr. RB/LB/K Corey Caulfield (5-10, 180), Jr. WR/DB Nick Stover (6-1, 170), Sr. RB/DB Charlie Podgurski (5-9, 175), Sr. RB/LB Nick Meo (5-6, 190), Sr. RB/DB John Bonacore (5-8, 180).

On the Golden Flashes: Last season a young Sayville team was less than a minute away from going to the Division III final before Islip scored to thwart a late comeback. This season Sayville is loaded with experience and should be able to put the finishing touches on a county championship. Sayville, buoyed by a talent-laden senior class, captured the Long Island Class III title in 2006. The Golden Flashes were young and improved as the season wore on last year. The coaching staff will reap the reward of another team that reloads with an experienced quarterback in senior Dillon Boos and senior halfbacks Charlie Podgurski and Corey Caulfield. There are more than 1,400 yards of rushing experience in a backfield that boasts four guys with ball carrying ability. Boos, who passed for 1,039 yards and 10 touchdowns, can also throw it to senior tight end Terence Macken and speedy junior wide out Nick Stover. They are a prohibitive favorite.

2. ISLIP (11-0)

Coach: Jamie Lynch (third season)

Key players: Sr. OT/DE Cody Hinrichs (6-1, 235), Sr. QB/FS Casey Biasi (6-1, 180), Sr. OG/LB Dan Lyons (6-2, 205), Sr. TB/LB Tyler Casolaro (6-0, 180), Sr. OT/LB Mike Grilli (6-0, 225), Jr. OG/LB Steven Provenzano (5-10, 210).

On the Bucs: The seventh-seeded Bucs were the surprise of Long Island, going undefeated and winning the Class III title. Islip won nine of its 11 games by less than 10 points. The Bucs carry a 12-game winning streak into the season and opens against a much-improved Deer Park team. Coach Jamie Lynch will need to find a suitable replacement for All-Long Island halfback Malcolm Brown. That detail could fall to senior Tyler Casolaro, who was a big playmaker for last year's championship team. The Bucs' stingy defense will be led by senior end Cody Hinrichs and a group of linebackers, including senior Mike Grilli, who had 85 tackles as a junior. The Bucs will be right the thick of it again.

3. HALF HOLLOW HILLS WEST (7-3)

Coach: Kyle Madden (ninth season)

Key players: Sr. QB David DiMaria (5-10, 170) Sr. WR/DB Brian Donovan (6-3, 185), Sr. OL/DL Jon Reali (5-11, 255), Jr. RB/DB Jevahn Cruz (5-8, 165), Sr. OL/DL Chris Crescione (5-9, 185).

On the Colts: There is speed in the backfield and an experienced offensive line. Hills West started five sophomores last year and reached the county title game where the Colts lost 10-7 to Islip for the Division III crown. With a wealth of talent returning the Colts are primed for another run to get back to the title game or perhaps a Long Island final. The defense will change to a new 6-2 alignment in the hope of getting more pressure on the quarterback. Senior quarterback David DiMaria was cool under pressure last season and can mix the run with the pass in an offense that will try to get speedy halfback Jevahn Cruz outside for long touchdowns.

4. COMSEWOGUE (3-5)

Coach: Chuck Carron (second season)

Key players: Sr. OL/DL James Taddeo (5-9, 190), Sr. QB/DB Dan Rodriguez (5-9, 160), Sr. TE/LB Rich Kim (6-0, 170), Sr. FB/DT Jon Knab (5-5, 235), Jr. TE/LB Tom Ferrari (6-2, 230), Jr. LB Brian Michalec (5-8, 205).

On the Warriors: After two seasons at 3-5, the Warriors look to get back into the playoffs. The defense will be tough with eight returning starters, but Comsewogue will have to score more points to be in the mix. First-year junior quarterback A.J. Uhl will have junior halfback Scott Lange and junior Alex Zomerfeld to work with. The Warriors lost three games in the final minutes and they can't let those tough ones slip away if they want a spot in the post-season.

5. KINGS PARK (4-4)