Hempstead is 'ready to shock everybody'

Hempstead already had a promising quarterback-running back combination returning. The addition of wide receiver/defensive back Sylas Pratt from Westbury gives the Tigers another threat and one of Nassau Conference I’s most intriguing offensive trios.

Junior quarterback Seth Montgomery enters his third varsity season with plenty of experience. He threw for 1,103 yards and 12 touchdowns and rushed for 768 yards and six touchdowns last season. Senior running back Lamarcus Parson rushed for 754 yards and nine touchdowns.

“I learned a lot from the past couple years,” Montgomery said. “People can expect a lot with me, Sylas and Lamarcus. I think we’re gonna bring it home this year.”

Pratt transferring in gives them a new deep threat on the outside and a 6-3 presence that causes matchup problems.

“We’re building chemistry every day,” said Pratt, a senior. “We’re on the field every day, putting in the work, and I’m pumped to be here with them.”

Parson believes the group can surprise people and finish higher than its preseason No. 6 seed.

“I’m ready for my senior season,” Parson said. “Me and Seth have been playing together since youth football. My line is ready to block for me. Sylas is ready to show who he is, and we’re ready to shock everybody and bring it back home.”

There is also some history tying Montgomery and Pratt together.

Montgomery’s father, Bobby, and Pratt’s father, Sylas Pratt Sr., played together at Hempstead and won a Nassau championship in 1990. (Hempstead's program also won five straight Conference I titles from 1984 through 1988.) Now their sons are trying to create their own run alongside Parson.

“My dad played with his dad in high school,” Montgomery said. “I’m excited for me and him to play with each other and show everybody what we could do.”