Football's 2012 preseason Big Ten
Floyd quarterback A.J. Otranto goes airborne after the hit by Longwood's Khalik Evans. (Nov. 11, 2011) Credit: George A. Faella
1. FLOYD
The top seed in Suffolk I and the defending Long Island Class I champion is loaded with experience on both sides of the ball. All-LI linebackers Marc Coles and Miguel Brennin anchor a hard-hitting defense. Quarterback A.J. Otranto threw for two touchdowns in the LI championship game and is one of the Island's top signal callers.
2. LAWRENCE
Record-breaking junior quarterback Joe Capobianco, wide receiver Eddie Robinson and halfback Tyler Fredericks make the Lawrence offense unstoppable. The Golden Tornado should find the end zone often with a lineup that also includes dynamic sophomore Jordan Fredericks.
3. SACHEM NORTH
The return of junior quarterback Trent Crossan and junior halfback Malik Pierre are keys to the success of a talented team that has won 30 games in the last three years. Senior linebacker Tyler Andreassi is one of Long Island's very best linebackers.
4. ST. ANTHONY'S
The Friars earned their 10th CHSFL title in the past 11 years last season. The infusion of youth in the skill positions and added muscle on the lines will make it tough to dethrone them. The first two games of the season against New Jersey powerhouse Bergen Catholic and the CHSFL's Iona Prep will set the tone for the Friars' season.
5. SAYVILLE
The Long Island Class III champions don't skip a beat with a stronger group of skill positions and senior halfback-turned-quarterback Zach Sirico and wide receivers Matt Starr and Jim Giattino. Senior halfback John Haggart, a 1,200-yard rusher, adds balance to the offense.
6. EAST MEADOW
A big line and a fullback in Billy Andrle that crushed the opposition on the way to the Nassau Conference I title will make the Jets the team to beat again. How do they replace the offensive numbers of graduated halfback Robbie Healy is the key question?
7. NEWFIELD
The defending Long Island Class II champion Wolverines will roll behind All-Long Island lineman James Manginelli.
8. GARDEN CITY
The defending Nassau II champions graduated a ton of talent but coach Tom Flatley has reloaded with a bevy of underclassmen to carry the winning tradition.
9. PLAINEDGE
The Red Devils and three-year starting quarterback Nick Frenger, a junior, are a threat to win Nassau Conference III. Frenger owns the Plainedge passing records and will threaten all of Nassau's records.
10. OCEANSIDE
The Sailors, with wide receiver Anthony Pintibona, are widely considered a threat to win the Nassau I crown. Transfer Vassili Grigorakos from Massapequa is a big boost to the defense.
