Athlete of the week is Connetquot's Pellegrino

Mike Pellegrino

Connetquot football, seniorThe feat: Pellegrino scored five touchdowns in a 40-26 win over Northport last Saturday, rushing for 280 yards on 22 carries. He scored four of his touchdowns on the ground, including an 87-yard run in the fourth quarter, and caught a 25-yard pass for his other score. A two-way player, Pellegrino also racked up four sacks as a linebacker.

How he prepares: Before taking the field, Pellegrino eats a game-day meal of baked ziti and listens to his iPod but said he really begins to focus when the team gets together for the pregame talk. "I'm just going to go out there, work my hardest and trust in my teammates to help me do my best."

The quote: "I was in the pile, so I'm cramping up a little bit but I'm still driving my feet. And my linemen and fullback pushed me out of the pile and I just ran."

- On his 87-yard touchdown, his fifth of the day

What's next: Pellegrino will head to Johns Hopkins University next fall on a lacrosse scholarship. As a junior, he scooped more than 100 ground balls as a defender, and managed nine goals and five assists on his way to being named a Newsday All-Long Island player. While at Johns Hopkins, Pellegrino hopes to study to become an orthopedic surgeon.

The Lightning RoundCareer highlight: Despite scoring six touchdowns against Longwood in 2009, Pellegrino said Saturday's five-touchdown performance was his best memory. "It was my senior year, and how well we played as a team made it more special."

Last movie you saw: "The Expendables."

What's on your iPod: Linkin Park and Eminem.

Favorite song: "Seduction" by Eminem.

Last concert you were at: Jay-Z and Eminem at Yankee Stadium.

Favorite TV show: "Entourage."

Favorite pro athlete: Jets' LaDainian Tomlinson. "I'm a Giants fan, but he's having a nice comeback."

Favorite subject: Math.

Favorite food: Lasagna.

Favorite holiday: Christmas Eve, "because of the nice Italian meal."

Favorite place to vacation: Hawaii.

Favorite visiting field: Sachem North. "It has a pretty good atmosphere."

Dream car: Ferrari.