Text size:

2003 All-Long Island Football

By Jason Molinet and Gregg Sarra

The 2003 All Long Island Football team poses in front of the Priscilla at the Long Island Maritime Museum in West Sayville. (Newsday Photo / Kathy Kmonicek / December 11, 2003)

A look at the high school football players who stood out on Long Island varsity squads in the fall of 2003.

OFFENSIVE

DONNIE McCARTHY

Quarterback, Floyd (6-1, 195, Jr.): A multidimensional threat that burned the defense with his rifle arm or scrambling ability. He completed more than 60 percent of his passes and totaled 1,399 yards and 15 touchdowns. His escapability allowed him to rush for 567 yards on 51 carries and eight scores.

RANDY MILLS

QB, Freeport (5-11, 180, Sr.): Mills redefined what it means to be a quarterback in Nassau. One year after tossing 19 touchdowns, Mills shattered the 33-year-old county single-season record for touchdown passes with 30. He led Freeport to an 11-0 mark and the Class I Long Island title by completing 73 of 114 for 1,467 yards, and running for 282 yards and 7 TDs. For his career, he had 3,302 passing yards and 55 TDs, with a 60-percent completion rate.

ED WANSOR

QB, Riverhead (5-11, 170, Sr.): Wansor was electric. He was an accurate passer, completing 75 of 120 for 1,399 yards and 16 touchdowns. And he was elusive, rushing for 606 yards on 54 attempts and 8 TDs. His escapability and quick decision-making kept defenders off balance. His unpredictability made him tough to contain. He was named the first recipient of the Boomer Esiason Award, presented to Suffolk's top quarterback.

JASON GWALTNEY

Running Back, North Babylon (6-2, 220, Jr.): Records fell by the wayside on a weekly basis for Gwaltney. He set the Long Island record for touchdowns (45), rushing yardage (2,601) and points (272). He was named the 44th recipient of the Carl A. Hansen award, presented by Newsday to the best player in Suffolk. In his three-year career, he has 5,112 yards, 90 touchdowns and 546 points as North Babylon has rolled to a 26-4 record. And he'll be back for more.

MATT HAHN

RB, St. Anthony's (6-1, 222, Sr.): The most prolific fullback in CHSFL history. Hahn set the league standard in every rushing and scoring category. He led the Friars to three straight AAA crowns, rushing for 3,920 yards and 76 touchdowns. He had a CHSFL-record 36 TDs as St. Anthony's finished its three-peat. He rushed for 2,057 yards this year and totaled 224 points. He is a two-time CHSFL player of the year and will attend Penn State on a full scholarship.

DARYLE McCLENIC

RB, Roosevelt (5-9, 175, Jr.): Roosevelt owes its unlikely 10-1 season and Nassau Conference IV title to one player who turned playmaker when the Rough Riders needed it. That's McClenic, who showcased speed to run for 1,961 yards on 198 carries and score 24 touchdowns. His greatest performance came in the county final against Clarke. McClenic broke free for 373 yards on 24 carries, with five scores, the second-most yards in a Nassau playoff game. He also started at safety, where he amassed 42 tackles and two interceptions.

RICH PENNECKE

Wide Receiver, Holy Trinity (6-3, 189, Sr.): Perhaps the most feared receiver in the state resided in Hicksville, where Pennecke tortured defenses. When Holy Trinity needed yardage, the ball went to Pennecke. All he did was convert 24 third downs and burn CHSFL defenders for 11 scoring receptions. He caught 53 passes for 964 yards, the second-highest single-season total in league history. More importantly, he led the Titans (6-4) back to prominence and a trip to the Class AAA semifinals. He had three TD catches in a loss to St. Anthony's.

ERIK REITMAYR

WR, Freeport (5-11, 175, Sr.): Playmakers don't come any better than Reitmayr, a threat every time he lined up in the slot on offense, returned punts or went after the ball on defense. He had 31 catches for 732 yards and tied the Nassau single-season record with 12 touchdown receptions. The Dragon Award winner as Nassau's top wideout had 30 tackles, 1 interception and 2 passes defensed at cornerback. Reitmayr finished his three-year career with 77 catches for 1,335 yards, 24 scores and one Long Island championship.

ALEX FLETCHER

Offensive Line, St. Anthony's (6-4, 285, Sr.): The ground game at St. Anthony's started behind Fletcher and usually finished in the end zone. The drive-blocking center paved the way for an offense that averaged 44 points and won the CHSFL title three straight years. The intimidating Fletcher was a force in the middle and keyed Hahn's record-breaking career. He was named CHSFL lineman of the year and will attend Stanford on a full scholarship.