Can Commack finally overtake Brentwood?
Brentwood sophomore Johnathan Interiano (19) celebrates scoring the game winning goal in the second half of the boys soccer Class D semifinal game against Scarsdale at Faller Field. (Nov. 20, 2010) Credit: Newsday/Christopher Pasatieri
If there is a team that has come close to knocking off Brentwood in Suffolk Class AA boys soccer the last few years it is Commack. The Cougars beat Brentwood once in the regular season in each of the last two years, but lost in the county finals last season and semifinals two years ago. Commack has a lot of seniors, led by midfielder Jack Miller, goalkeeper Jake Amereno and forward Mike Biondo.
Brentwood will aim for its fourth consecutive Class AA county championship behind a large group of experienced juniors, with forward Johnathan Interiano a focal point. He scored a goal in the state semifinals and final last year. Senior midfielder Christian Argueta also will play a big role.
Ward Melville, a physical team, also could win the title. The defense is extremely strong with seniors Shane Dineen and Alex Wolfe and junior Mike Zerbo.
Half Hollow Hills West returns seven starters from a team that went undefeated until the county quarterfinals. The offense is explosive with Maryland-bound senior forward Donovan Fraser, sophomore forward Dylan Greenberg and junior midfielder Brett Nason. The defense is strong and fast.
West Islip has a lot of experience with St. John's-bound Sean Sepe leading the way. The senior forward scored 17 goals last season. Seniors Phil Denara (midfield) and defender Chris Anderson add to a good nucleus.
Sayville, the defending Class A state champions, returns just eight players but have two of the best on the Island with Maryland-bound senior defender Dakota Edwards and senior defender Jared Van Brunt. Sayville scored 63 goals and allowed just four last season.
Miller Place has been to the semifinals three straight seasons. The midfield, led by senior Mike Letterio, is very strong and will help aid a young defense. Senior forward Matt Ebel will provide the goals.
Glenn graduated 17 players, but the Knights have young talent. Senior forward Dela Agbotse and junior forward Adan Cruz lead the way.
The offense will be strong for East Hampton behind senior midfielder Mario Olaya and junior midfielder J.C. Barrientos.
In Class B, Southampton has been in the county finals in two of the last three seasons and lost only one senior to graduation. Matias Ruiz, a senior midfielder, has 42 goals in three seasons. The defense is anchored by senior Marcelo Carvalho.
Mattituck, the defending Long Island champions, graduated 13 players. Two key returnees are senior forward Shaun Smiley and senior goalkeeper Austin Scoggin.
Center Moriches will be very young after losing 16 seniors. The lone returning starter is senior defender Dave DeLong. Joining him as the only players left from the 2009 state championship team is senior goalkeeper Jason Albert.
Port Jefferson has won two consecutive Suffolk Class C championships and returns nine starters to add to a strong incoming sophomore class. The core is junior midfielders Blake Bohlen and Stan Klasek, along with junior goalkeeper Gabe Davis.
Pierson and Southold will be the biggest threats for Port Jefferson.
