Inside Suffolk Division III
Sayville RB Kyle Messina takes the ball up the middle in the Suffolk III final against East Islip on Nov. 18, 2021, at LaValle Stadium. Credit: George A Faella
Must-see games
Sept. 9, Comsewogue at Islip, 7 p.m.: These teams faced each other in the season opener last year, with Islip winning, 13-10, after taking the lead with 40 seconds left. Expect another defensive affair, although both offenses are expecting to take a step forward this year.
Sept. 16, Deer Park at Sayville, 6 p.m: The first matchup between these teams since Deer Park joined Division III should be a good one. Rachmani Pierre will look to disrupt Kyle Messina and Sayville’s explosive offense. Will Deer Park cement itself as one of the top teams in the division?
Oct. 15, East Islip at Sayville, 2 p.m.: These teams supplied two amazing battles last year, with Sayville winning, 51-44, in Week 6 and East Islip winning, 35-28, in the Division III title game. East Islip’s young players should be all caught up by this matchup. This game could have playoff implications and might be a preview of this year’s title game.
Where Are They Now?
Jack Coan was a three-time Newsday All-Long Island selection at quarterback for Sayville between 2014-2016. After starting at Wisconsin and Notre Dame, Coan was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Indianapolis Colts on May 13. He played in all three preseason games for the Colts and threw for one touchdown, but was released as the roster shrank to 53 men.
Good Venue
Comsewogue’s field is at the bottom of a steep hill, giving the feeling of playing in a pit. Fans have a tradition of sitting on the hill rather than in the bleachers.
Great Entertainment
Islip’s Kickline squad strives for perfection and to wow the fans and they do so with their dazzling halftime performances.
What a Character
The Eagle patrols Hauppauge’s sidelines, hyping the crowd up throughout the game. While fierce looking, he is friendly and willing to take pictures with fans.
Coaching spotlight
Sal J. Ciampi has carried on the incredible legacy his father, Sal Sr., left behind at East Islip for the last 22 years. They’ve each won four county titles and Sal J. has one LIC under his belt. More important than winning, Sal J. saw the relationships his father built with his players and wanted to continue that culture. “I wanted kids to have that same experience and I wanted to continue to do it the way my father had done it,” Ciampi said.
Matt Lindsay is a high school sports reporter who joined Newsday in 2022 after graduating from Stony Brook University.
