Hansen Watch
Sachem's Michael Andreassi (31) carries a Connetquot tackler for extra yardage in the first half. (Oct. 2, 2010) Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
The Hansen Award remains wide open as we enter Week 7 in Suffolk. Perhaps the toughest call is which Sachem North linebacker/running back candidate — Mike Andreassi (left) or Jesse Scanna — is having the better season. After missing most of two games with an injury, Mike Pellegrino of Connetquot has had two straight big games. Jeffrey Craig of Islip moves onto the Top 10 list after a huge game against Sayville on Saturday.
Remember, even though I am on the committee that selects the Hansen Trophy winner and have one of Newsday’s votes, this list is not intended to influence other voters, and players are presented alphabetically not in order of preference.
Zog’s Top 10
Mike Andreassi, Sachem North. Had 17 carries for 114 yards and a touchdown in the Flaming Arrows’ convincing 40-6 victory over Floyd last Friday night. Has seven rushing touchdowns and is a stellar linebacker.
Stacey Bedell, Floyd. Held to 28 yards rushing against Sachem North’s stout defense, but remains one of the most explosive running backs in the county and is also a solid defensive back.
Jeffrey Craig, Islip. Came up huge in the Bucs’ huge 41-13 victory over previously unbeaten Sayville. Craig ran for 146 yards and three touchdowns, including scoring runs of 25 and 55 yards. He also threw a 46-yard TD pass on his only completion.
Steven Ferreira, Sayville. Under siege from the Islip pass rush, which sacked him 10 times last Saturday, Ferreira managed to throw two more touchdown passes — on plays of 58 and 37 yards. Has a Suffolk-best 18 TD passes for the season, within striking distance of the county record of 33 set by Commack’s Mike Prahalis. Sayville could play six more games if it reaches the LIC.
Kevin Hutchinson, East Islip. Threw a 29-yard touchdown pass for the game’s only score in a tough 7-0 victory over rival North Babylon. A two-way threat all season, Hutchinson passed for 54 yards and ran for 64. He also kicked the extra point and made an interception.
Mike Pellegrino, Connetquot. Another huge day for this two-way player. In a 34-0 victory over Sachem East, Pellegrino ran for 165 yards and two TDs, returned a punt for a third score, and made 14 tackles, with one sack. For the season, he has 12 touchdowns.
Charlie Raffa, St. Anthony’s. In an easy 28-0 victory over Chaminade, Raffa scored on a 14-yard run. He has rushed for seven touchdowns on the season.
Ryan Rielly, Glenn. One of the most prolific offensive players on Long Island, Rielly passed for 199 yards and two touchdowns — on plays of 74 and 64 yards — and ran for another 86 yards and one TD in a 42-6 victory over Center Moriches. For the season, Rielly has passed for seven touchdowns and run for eight.
Jesse Scanna, Sachem North. The bruising fullback/linebacker ran for 76 yards, including a 71-yard TD run, caught a 30-yard TD pass and grabbed a fumble in mid-air and returned it 38 yards to paydirt in a 40-6 victory over Floyd.
Steve Skon, Lindenhurst. The senior quarterback completed 11 of 14 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns in a 24-0 victory over Patchogue-Medford. For the season, Skon has 10 TD passes.
Honorable mention: Karl Allison, Bay Shore; Ron Denig, Newfield; Derelle Hunter, St. John the Baptist; Preshod McCoy, North Babylon; Ryan McCoy, Bayport-Blue Point; Michael Richardson, West Babylon.
