Floyd forces four interceptions in shutout of Ward Melville

As Justin Tenes hauled in an interception on the opening play from scrimmage on Saturday, it was more than just a tone-setter for the Floyd defensive unit.

It was an immediate glimpse of the dominant performance they had in store.

Floyd forced a total of four interceptions, converting each into touchdowns, in an impressive 38-0 victory over visiting Ward Melville in a Suffolk Division I football game.

Tenes credited his coaching staff for creating an opportunity for him to immediately pick off a pass at the Floyd 47-yard line and set up a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Dylan Harris to jump-start their big day.

“We knew that they were going to come out swinging,” Tenes said. “They have fast, good receivers. Our defensive coordinator called the right play, put me in the right spot where I needed to be and I made it.”

Head coach Paul Longo knew the quick turnover could have a grand impact for Floyd (6-0).

“When we’re able to turn it over on the first play after they get it first, it’s always good for us,” Longo said.

Caden Lesiewicz, who also made a 23-yard field goal, recorded the next two interceptions, which occurred in the end zone and thwarted long, potential scoring drives by Ward Melville (4-2).

“I think those were game-changers,” Lesiewicz said. “They get down to about our 10-yard line and we need to make a big play. Our defense is amazing and I think those plays changed everything because they were demoralizing for the other team.”

Quarterback LaDuke Harris found receiver Geo Alvarez in the end zone on a crossing route for an 18-yard touchdown pass after Lesiewicz’s first pick, extending Floyd’s lead to 14-0 with 3:17 remaining in the opening quarter.

Following Lesiewicz’s second interception, running back Dylan Harris – no relation to LaDuke – bounced off left tackle, juked back inside and ran in for a 9-yard touchdown with 6:06 left in the second to give Floyd a 21-0 advantage entering halftime.

Javon Delaney returned the final interception 40 yards for a touchdown with 4:55 left in the third.

LaDuke Harris led the Floyd ground attack with 105 rushing yards and a 57-yard touchdown. Dylan Harris added 52 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries.

After falling to Whitman in the Suffolk Division I championship last season and only two games remaining before the upcoming playoffs, Floyd looks forward to the opportunity to pursue a seventh consecutive appearance in the county final, and earn its fourth title in five seasons.

“A hundred percent,” LaDuke Harris said. “We fell, but we’re right back up and we’re stronger than ever. We’re just going to keep pushing until we can’t fight any more.”