Class III LI Championship preview
Sayville Steven Ferreira looks down field to pass in the Suffolk Football Division III semifinals. (Nov. 13, 2010) Credit: Alan J Schaefer
LYNBROOK OWLS (10-1) vs.
SAYVILLE GOLDEN FLASHES (10-1)
4:30 p.m. at Hofstra
Oddly, Sayville loves the even years. The Golden Flashes have won the LIC in 2004, 2006 and 2008, and here they are again.
It didn't appear that would be the case after a 41-13 loss to Islip in Week 6 that left many believing Sayville didn't have enough defense to win it all. But coach Rob Hoss inserted five new starters after that loss and noted, "We're a different team because of that."
Offensively, junior quarterback Steven Ferreira quietly has had a terrific season, throwing for 1,987 yards and 26 touchdowns. Sophomore running back John Haggart has rushed for 1,333 yards and 20 touchdowns. Two-way lineman Joe DeLuca has shown his versatility by switching from guard to tackle and he sometimes plays tight end.
Lynbrook doesn't throw like Sayville, but the Owls are a very potent running team that has averaged 37 points per game. Quarterback Paul Magloire and fullback Mike Kozlakowski pound away inside, which springs explosive Travis Lock to the outside.
Lock has had a sensational postseason. In the county semifinals, the senior ran for 250 yards and five touchdowns in a 54-20 victory over Plainedge, then followed that with a 269-yard, three-TD performance against Lawrence in the county final, reversing the Owls' only loss. In that game, Kozlakowski, one of Nassau's best two-way players, had five sacks.
This is Sayville's fifth LIC appearance and fourth under Hoss. The Golden Flashes are 4-0. Lynbrook is making its first appearance under coach Steve LoCicero, but the Owls did win the LIC under coach Joe Knoll in 1992, the event's debut season.
