South Side's Rob Cesario lights it up through the air
Robert Cesario Jr. of South Side carries the ball during a Nassau Conference III football game against Manhasset at South Side High School in Rockville Centre on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026. Credit: Derrick Dingle
Stopping South Side’s run game and top backs AJ Magaraci and Ethan Johnson has been the priority for opposing defenses for the last two years.
Rob Cesario Jr. just created another problem for Nassau Conference III football teams to worry about.
In his second year at the helm, the junior quarterback threw two touchdown passes and completed 14 of 21 passes for a career-high 286 yards to lead the Cyclones over visiting Manhasset Friday night.
Cesario entered the game with 256 passing yards through three games this season.
“He’s made a big jump this year,” coach Phil Onesto said. “The game has definitely slowed down for him a little bit. He’s got a lot of arm talent and we’re very comfortable with him putting the ball in the air.”
For more on this Nassau II matchup, check out Matt Lindsay's game story.
Matt Lindsay is a high school sports reporter who joined Newsday in 2022 after graduating from Stony Brook University.
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