Long Island Class IV championship game comes down to Locust Valley's line vs. Shoreham-Wading River's line

Spencer Matthaei can't stand the thought of losing -- even in gym class.

In describing the star offensive lineman's competitiveness, Locust Valley football coach Matt McFarland recalled his favorite memory of Matthaei, a moment from a gym class volleyball tournament last year.

"He didn't care if it was the Super Bowl or a volleyball championship, he wanted to win," said McFarland, whose Falcons will face Shoreham-Wading River for the Long Island Class IV football championship at noon Friday at Hofstra's Shuart Stadium. "If he's going to do something, he's going to do it the right way."

Matthaei, who has committed to Yale, is a left guard on offense and an interior lineman on defense. He is the catalyst behind a power running attack that has propelled Locust Valley to the first 11-0 season in school history, according to McFarland.

Shoreham-Wading River also is 11-0 and has won 23 straight games, the longest active streak on Long Island.

So each team faces a major roadblock in its attempt to finish undefeated.

"[Playing in the title game] has been the goal since as long as I can remember," Matthaei said. "We've created Locust Valley history so far, but there's still one game to go."

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McFarland said the trenches will be key for both sides, and that's where Matthaei comes in.

The Wildcats' strength comes from their size and physicality up front, and Matthaei will be tasked with creating holes for his runners (Tom Talenti and John Pedranghelu) and stuffing holes for Shoreham's top runner (Chris Rosati).

Matthaei isn't your typical offensive guard. He is 6-4 and weighs about 260 pounds -- but McFarland said that while the standard guard might have a belly, Matthaei barely has any body fat. That's because of his determination and training.

"His character, athleticism and his work ethic, it's just very, very rare," McFarland said. "He's definitely one of the top linemen I've had a chance to be around."

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Shoreham-Wading River boasts an impressive crop of linemen as well.

Junior tight end Ethan Wiederkehr, who has been scouted by colleges such as Penn State and Boston College, and senior linemen Dalten Stalzer, Tyler Hughes and Ryan Letscher have started every game of the Wildcats' winning streak. Dean Stalzer and Jimmy Puckey, also seniors, are new to the line this year.

Rosati has found hole after hole to run through under their protection, racking up 1,374 yards and 26 touchdowns this season.

"It makes my job as a coach a little bit easier," Matt Millheiser said of the Wildcats' offensive line. "They know what to do. There's not a ton of coaching that goes on with them. As a running back, Chris can anticipate what they are going to do."

Shoreham and Locust Valley sport similar offenses. Both systems involve few pass plays and smart run calls. Rosati does the bulk of the work for the Wildcats. He's the type of every-down back coaches love.

Locust Valley operates a little differently, as Pedranghelu and Talenti both are featured prominently. Pedranghelu ran for 1,265 yards and 16 touchdowns this season and Talenti added 1,084 yards and 17 touchdowns.

While the linemen do the dirty work in the trenches, these runners will be the focus. All three have the instincts and talent to dictate the game, but they'll be hard-pressed to gain yardage without their blockers doing a good job up front.