All-Long Island Football, 2001
Front row, from left: Joe Holden (Wantagh), Darwin Powell (Harborfields), Chris Martocchia (Wantagh), Eric Neugebauer (Sayville), Pat Walsh (Wantagh), Chad Rissland (Floyd), Brian Rath (Wantagh).
Middle row, from left: Rob Bonaguro (Farmingdale), Stephon Sair (Huntington), Trevon Rodney (Babylon), Bryant Daniels (South Side), Hansen Award-winner Josh Johnston (Harborfields), Travis Jinks (Freeport), Drew Peters (Babylon), Robbie Felicetta (Bellport), Mike Affronti (Commack), Mike Molloy (Bellport).
Back row, from left: Nassau Coach
A look at the Long Island high school student-athletes who starred on the football field this fall.
OFFENSE
JASON CAPPADORO
Quarterback, MacArthur (6-2, 180, Senior)
Cappadoro was an accurate passer and so much more. He led MacArthur to its first appearance in the Nassau Conference II playoffs since 1995. He went from little-used wideout and backup quarterback as a junior to a source of strength and leadership. Cappadoro was unflappable under pressure, according to coach Bob Fehrenbach. MacArthur trailed early in games five times this season, only to have Cappadoro work his magic and deliver victory. He completed 95 of 167 passes for 1,323 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also played cornerback, making 14 tackles and breaking up six passes. "He found his way into games last year, but he didn't start," .Fehrenbach said. "He wasn't the most athletic kid, but he developed into a leader. He's a cool kid, doesn't get rattled. And he knows where everyone is supposed to be."
ROBBIE FELICETTA
Quarterback, Bellport (6-2, 220, Junior)
Felicetta could do three important things with the football. And he did them well. He could throw it on the run, tuck it under his arm and run defenders over, or give it to one of his three talented halfbacks on the option. His decision-making was a key factor in the Clippers' drive to the Long Island Class II title. Felicetta gave the Clippers an added dimension that wouldn't allow teams to focus on the rushing attack. "It was his second year as a starter and he grew into the role, coach Joe Cipp Jr. said. "He made some plays from nothing. And he was so tough. He completed 57 of 121 passes for 1,060 yards and 11 touchdowns. He added another 404 yards on 61 carries and ran for eight touchdowns.
BRIAN RATH
Quarterback, Wantagh (5-9, 175, Senior)
Rath played 10 games before breaking his right wrist in the Nassau Conference III title game against Bethpage. He completed 101 of 142 passes for 1,338 yards and 20 touchdowns and was intercepted only twice. Defensively, Rath had 25 tackles and five interceptions at free safety. He was a co-winner of the Kessenich Scholarship Award, which goes to a three-sport athlete in Nassau with strong academic credentials and a history of community involvement. He also was an All-Nassau pick in baseball and basketball. Rath will play baseball at Dowling. "He's special," coach Keith Sachs said. "He makes everyone on the field better in every way -- and he does it in every sport. He wouldn't care if he didn't complete a pass all year. He just runs the machine and makes it all work."
BRYANT DANIELS
Running Back, South Side (5-11, 185, Senior)
Daniels was Long Island's most electrifying back for the Island's biggest success story. South Side made the playoffs for the first time since 1979, and Daniels pushed aside the likes of Garden City and Lawrence to propel the Cyclones to the Long Island Class II title game. Only a determined effort by Suffolk champ Bellport in the fourth quarter kept South Side from a miraculous finish. Daniels ran for 166 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown in the title game to cap a season in which he gained a Long Island-record 2,241 yards and scored 27 touchdowns. He finished his three-year career with 3,710 yards and 46 scores on 395 attempts. Daniels was nearly as dominant at linebacker, recording 88 tackles and five sacks, recovering five fumbles and intercepting two passes.
JOSH JOHNSTON
Running Back, Harborfields (6-2, 195, Senior)
Give him a crack and he'll give you the slip. Known for his graceful gliding ability, Johnston was the game-breaker in the Harborfields offense. He .totaled 1,759 yards on 203 carries and 19 touchdowns in 10 games as the Tornadoes captured the Suffolk Division III title. He was named the 42nd recipient of the Hansen Award, given to Suffolk's best player. He broke a school-record 97-yard scoring run against Huntington in the division title game, finishing with 283 yards and four scores. "He was so powerful and so quick, coach Tom Combs said. "Once he got into the open field, it was over. He also had 56 tackles, two fumble recoveries and three interceptions. He finished his career with 4,241 yards and 42 touchdowns. Johnston is considering Maryland, Georgia Tech and Hofstra.
MIKE AFFRONTI
Wide Receiver, Commack (6-2, 180, Senior)
Now he can add an All-Long Island award in football to the one he earned as a junior in baseball. Affronti made the transition from soccer star to football star look easy. He caught 27 passes for 477 yards and seven touchdowns. He had a rushing touchdown and a two-point conversion. On special teams, he averaged 39.5 yards per punt and kicked four extra points. "He picked up the offense quickly and became a playmaker, coach John Foley said. "He was very aggressive and went after the ball. Affronti had 31 solo tackles, 15 assists and 2 interceptions at safety. He scored 19 points in a 22-19 loss to Brentwood, making five catches for 108 yards and three touchdowns in the game. Against Division I champion Floyd, Affronti took a lateral from tailback Jeff Dena on a hook-and-ladder play and completed a 71-yard touchdown with no time remaining. He has many Division I scholarship offers for baseball and football.
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