Newsday's preview of the 2021 fall high school football season, from top players to team-by-team outlooks.

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Roger Rubin

He is the most decorated high school football player on Long Island. In three years as a starting varsity quarterback, his teams have a record of 22-5. He has led Nassau County in passing yardage and touchdown passes in all three of his seasons and returns for his senior year after being named to Newsday’s All-Long Island first team and winning Newsday’s prestigious Thorp Award as the county’s most outstanding player. 
And yet, if you ask Charlie McKee about all his accomplishments in high school football, the Oceanside senior’s reply is this: "I haven’t done anything." 
The 6-1, 200-pound McKee has a dazzling resume and a career highlight reel that probably rivals any on the Island. However, something is still missing. McKee is still seeking a championship. 
"I haven’t done anything yet because I haven’t gotten that ring yet," McKee said. "I’ve obviously helped build this program up – me and coach [Rob] Blount, me and my guys – we’ve done that. But the end goal is to win a championship and I haven’t done that in my years here. . . . All the records? That doesn’t really mean too much. The big picture for me is getting us the ring and hopefully us [winning] the LIC. That’s all I really care about for us this year." 
As a 14-year-old freshman, McKee was the quarterback on a Sailors team that reached the Nassau Conference I finals only to suffer a championship-game rout by eventual Long Island Class I champion Freeport. And this past school year, when the football season was transplanted into the spring and compacted by the coronavirus pandemic, Oceanside took an undefeated record into the county championship game and suffered a 36-29 defeat on its home field at the hands of Massapequa. 
"Nothing stings like last year," McKee said. "We played our best people on our home field and [Massapequa] won 36-29 and danced on our logo. That’s going to sting until we finish the job this year. And if it comes to the point where we are there again – and we should be – we’re going to finish the job." 
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Already spectacular when he arrived, McKee’s game each year has been evolving and becoming more sophisticated. He has worked extensively with Blount on how to read defenses and it’s become second nature. He can throw deeper and more accurately. He is much more than a pocket passer. 
The 2020-21 school year saw McKee take a quantum leap. He put on 20-25 pounds while simultaneously becoming faster on the run. Blount no longer feared his signal caller getting injured running the ball and turned him loose. Oceanside gained a new dimension. 
In eight games last spring, McKee completed 69% of his passes for 1,459 yards and 16 touchdowns with just two interceptions. He also averaged 6.8 yards per carry, while rushing for 513 yards and 12 touchdowns. The new dimension was a big reason he was the overwhelming choice for the Thorp Award. 
The only other Thorp winner from Oceanside was Tommy Heuer in 2017, after he led the Sailors to their first county title in 40 years. 
"[McKee] has done just about everything you could ask a high school quarterback to do," Blount said. "He’s become the standard in high school quarterbacking today around here. The thing he’s got to finish here is he’s got to win a championship. 
"For him to come in as a freshman and take us to a championship game was very good; It’s not normal for a 14-year-old to do that. Then to go back again as a junior is nice, but being a runner-up is tough for him. He wants to solidify his name and to do that he has to lead us to a championship, which I think he’s more than ready to do." 
Last season, McKee also emerged as the team’s vocal leader. 
"It’s always been his team since he got here, but even as a sophomore there were older guys and they held the team accountable," Blount explained. "Now he knows everything falls on his shoulders and he will set the standard [here] on how things should be done." 
Only months removed from the past season, McKee’s game should look similar physically. He put on 10 pounds in the weight room and could prove to be a more powerful rusher. However he said that through extensive film study with Blount, "my mental game has gotten better." 
He’s already set all the key Oceanside passing records, throwing for 6,746 and 66 touchdowns. 
Still, there is one box he has not checked. 
"Charlie realizes that this is it," Blount said. "For him, he’s always had another year, but now time is up and he has to make something happen right here and now. A lot of this is going to be on him. There is a pressure with that, but he can handle pressure and even enjoys pressure. We’re happy to have a guy like that leading us." 
McKee may be the high school quarterback on Long Island with the highest profile, but there are a number of others who bear watching this season. 
If no one had noticed Babylon senior Joe Young last season, they surely do now. The 6-2, 190-pounder is a two-way threat who led the Panthers to a 6-0 regular season in Suffolk before they lost a Division IV semifinal. Young completed 75% of his passes for 381 yards and 12 touchdowns and rushed for 786 yards and 10 touchdowns. He may be at a small school, but is the real deal. 
Division may only have finished 3-2 in the spring season, but has a quarterback on the rise in 6-2, 185-pound Christopher Stancarone. He threw for seven touchdowns and ran for seven more in the 2020-21 school year. 
And no look at the quarterback landscape on Long Island would be complete without checking out Suffolk Division III power Sayville and its high-powered passing offense. Inheriting the starting role from Jack Cheshire is 6-2, 190-pound Jack Smalley. Look for Smalley to be accurate in the short game and have the arm strength to throw deep and spread a defense out.

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Despite all his accolades, Oceanside star QB Charlie McKee still is hungry for a championship

Oceanside star QB McKee: 'I haven't done anything yet'

Gregg Sarra

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Michael D’Alessandro of Massapequa, Joe Cruz of Sachem North, Ethan Greenwood of Kellenberg, Luke Filippi of&nbsp;Port Jefferson, Nicholas Giardino of Clarke and Joe Hackal of Newfield.&nbsp;

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Brandon Ivy of Whitman,&nbsp;Jack Halpin of Bellport,&nbsp;Tyree Jackson of&nbsp;Patchogue-Medford,&nbsp;Elijah Kneeland of Babylon,&nbsp;Ronnie Kraemer of Oceanside and&nbsp;Deegan Laube of Westhampton.&nbsp;

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Charlie McKee of Oceanside,&nbsp;Konrad Maciejny of West Islip,&nbsp;Leo Lopez of East Islip,&nbsp;Nico&nbsp;Laviano of Kings Park,&nbsp;Tyler Martini of Wantagh&nbsp;and&nbsp;James McHugh of Seaford.

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Dean Metzger of Carey, James Napoli and Matthew Papach of MacArthur, Kenyon Miles of St. Anthony's, Rino Monteforte of Kellenberg, Mack Murtha of Sayville, Chris Naronis of Floral Park, Calvin Pedatella of Bellport, Daniel Quigley of North Shore, Reece Ramos of North Shore.

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Mark Anthony Scott of St. John the Baptist, Justin Robbert of Centereach, Tyler Roszko of Manhasset, Luke Schmitt of Garden City, Jameson Seeger of Islip, Brady Shannon of Comsewogue, Travis Shaver of Plainedge, Jordan Smikle of Farmingdale, Jameson Smith of Bayport-Blue Point.&nbsp;

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Joey Spallina of Mt. Sinai, Christopher Stancarone of Division, Brendan Staub of Garden City, Jake Trovato of Lindenhurst, Liam Villanti of Whitman, Joe Young of Babylon.

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Top 100 Long Island high school football players for fall 2021

Top 100 football players for fall 2021

Konadu Boadu of Half Hollow Hills East,&nbsp;Max Barone of&nbsp;Shoreham-Wading River,&nbsp;Ryan Amato of Floyd,&nbsp;Jonathan Borkowski of Kings Park, Nicholas Bottoni of Whitman,&nbsp;Derek Burrell of East Islip,&nbsp;Jack Cascadden of Garden City,&nbsp;Liam Casey of Wantagh and&nbsp;Tom Cea of Sayville

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Aspirations of contending for and winning a championship have been circulating around most high school football practices across Long Island the past two weeks. At Half Hollow Hills East, even using the word ‘championship’ is forbidden. 
This was the first rule instituted by first-year coach Alex Marcelin when he took over the program and began shaping a new culture for the program. 
So there won’t be any talk about the Thunderbirds winning a title at Hills East, even though that thought will linger among their Suffolk Division II rivals. They all know the T-Birds’ roster is laden with highly-talented returners including athletic senior defensive back/receiver Louis Mathurin, 265-pound senior two-way lineman Konadu (Tiny) Boadu and physical 6-4 senior linebacker Elias Barrett. 
"We don’t use the word ‘championship’ because we haven’t won one," Marcelin said. "The only way we’re going to reach our potential is by being fundamentally sound, resourceful and disciplined about doing all the little things." 
"If we do what we are supposed to do every single day – build a program and not just a team – everything else will fall into place," senior quarterback Jacob Robinson said. 
It has been two steps up and one back in Hills East’s slow ascent over the past decade. The Thunderbirds have gone from annual also-ran to postseason regular. They were a county semifinalist in two of the past four seasons, including this past one. 
When head coach Mike Maratto left for Eastport-South Manor, Hills East athletic director Deb Ferry sought someone who could take the Thunderbirds up the last rungs of the ladder. The 32-year-old Marcelin, an assistant under Maratto, stood out among a bevy of good candidates. 
"Beyond his love of football, he has a passion for kids," Ferry said. "He understands that he is also a role model, a counselor and sometimes a parental figure. From his work here we already knew he was top-notch on X’s and O’s. He’s put together a great coaching staff and the kids have really embraced him and his style. You don’t see 60 kids going to 6 a.m. workouts every day for just anyone." 
"We love and respect him like an older brother and you always want to go with your older brother," Boadu said. "I know he is the guy to take us the final step." 
Marcelin is one of nine Black football coaches in the public school ranks on Long Island. 
He was a two-way football player at Half Hollow Hills West and played defensive end for NAIA Bethany College. After a brief pursuit of professional football opportunities, he turned toward coaching. 
"Of course we are all about this season, but I envision something beyond," Marcelin said. "I want a football culture that athletes want to be a part of, where the coaches believe in helping them be all they can. We want to be known for football in Suffolk and across Long Island." 
As to what the Thunderbirds will play like under Marcelin – and they will literally be under him as he calls plays from a perch above the stadium to offensive coordinator Brian Hanover and defensive coordinator John Ruggerio – it will be a little unpredictable. He said that with so many versatile athletes – joining Mathurin and Robinson at skill positions are junior receiver Morgan Talifiero and senior receiver Kris Tillis – that "design is key" and he will blend several offensive schemes.
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"New coaches bring new eyes to see things differently and we are going to be way more versatile," said Mathurin, who could play a number of positions when the T-Birds have the ball. "You won’t see many things twice when we have the ball. And teams will have trouble adjusting. The players love the new style." 
Added Robinson: "we have playmakers and new philosophies about how to use them." 
The versatility theme is there on defense, too. The broadly muscled Boadu is expected to lineup at nose tackle, but could move be tactically moved to either defensive end spot. 
"I can confuse a defense," said Boadu, who is garnering Division I interest. "You have to game-plan for me. When they see me somewhere other than nose tackle, they’re going to have to change some things up." 
Barrett heads a linebacking group that includes 245-pound junior Josh Isaacs and aggressive sophomore Anthony Sofia. Isaacs explained that the defensive unit also can take many shapes. 
"We can change defenses on the fly based on what we see at the line," he said, "and that’s because everyone has come to trust each other to do whatever is asked." 
The Thunderbirds actually won their division during the truncated season before dropping its county semifinal game in the truncated spring season. And while much is changing under Marcelin, the Hills East players have seen how close they can get to the ultimate prize and have bought in to do what the new coach believes it will take to get it. 
"Under [Marcelin] everyone has come to a single mindset – it’s about winning the day every day," Barrett said. "We’re going to be able to do it because of the bond between the coaches and players [formed] in all our offseason work. They will do anything for us and we will do anything for them. It’s how a team should be."

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New coaching staff, returning talent have Half Hollow Hills East football on rise

New coaching staff, returning talent have Hills East on rise

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Joe Cruz stepped on the turf inside the Carrier Dome during his Syracuse campus tour on a summer Saturday. On a given fall Saturday, he would see this place turn into a roaring sea of orange, with 40,000 or so fans rooting on their favorite college football team in the ACC. 
The gifted 6-6, 282-pound left tackle for <a href="https://scores.newsday.com/sports/highschool/team/football/sachem-north">Sachem North</a> looked around. He could envision himself playing for the Orange. 
"Oh yeah, definitely," Cruz said. "We walked on the field, and it was amazing." 
Mike Schmidt, Syracuse’s new offensive line coach who had worked out Cruz when the 17-year-old senior from Holbrook visited on July 31, called two days later and offered a scholarship. Two days after that, head coach Dino Babers spoke to Cruz via Zoom and gave him a deadline: "This offer is good for two days." 
"I thought it was kind of strange that it was only good for two days, but he said that they want guys who want to be there," Cruz said. "I wanted to be there, so I didn’t see a problem with that." 
The next day, Cruz FaceTimed with Babers and gave his verbal commitment. It was Aug. 5. Cruz was Orange-bound. But before he begins the college chapter of his story, he has some goals in mind for the ending of his high school chapter with a team that’s seeded second behind Floyd in Suffolk Division I. 
"Our team goal is always to win the Suffolk County championship," said Cruz, who also plays defensive tackle. "That’s a big goal this year. And my personal goal, I guess, is to win the Zellner Award, which is the top lineman award [in Suffolk]." 
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His coach, Dave Caputo, made Cruz a starting lineman as a freshman, inserting him right away at left tackle. 
"The way he moved, it was different than other kids," Caputo said. 
That’s still the case. 
"We traveled to a bunch of camps all over the East Coast this summer, and there is no kid that size that moves like him," Caputo said. "He sort of glides. 
"He’s hands down the top Long Island lineman as far as offense." 
Cruz played just the last two games as a sophomore due to meniscus surgery. Then the pandemic arrived last year and caused side effects. 
"He was a year behind as far as the recruitment process because we didn’t have a fall season and they didn’t do the camps last summer," said Greg Lauri, Sachem North’s offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator. 
But Cruz opened eyes with his film from the team’s 5-1 season last spring — he made the Newsday All-Long Island second team — and on that camp circuit. 
Syracuse, Stony Brook and Lafayette made offers, and Rutgers and Pittsburgh were among several others to show interest. 
"This is Sachem's first FBS scholarship offer since 1995, Jimmy O'Neal to Iowa State," Caputo said. 
Colleges, including Maryland, have continued to phone since Cruz’s verbal commitment. But he doesn’t anticipate calling an audible. 
"I think he’s going to do really well," Lauri said of Cruz going to Syracuse. "When I was at Nassau Community College, I coached a young man who ended up playing at Florida State, another young man who played at Ohio State, another kid who played on the LSU championship team a couple of years ago, all offensive linemen, and I would compare Joe to all of them." 
Yet there’s more to Cruz than just blocking and tackling. 
"He’s a first-class kid," Caputo said. "He’s a 90 student in the classroom. He would have the opportunity to attend a Harvard or Yale if he wanted to. He’s an unbelievable ambassador for our school district and our community. Everything you could imagine out of the face of your program, he is that." 
One Sachem alum went on to play left tackle for the Giants and Jets — Jumbo Elliott. Cruz has drawn comparisons, including from the former Pro Bowler’s coach at Sachem, Fred Fusaro. 
"He always looks up at Joe and says, ‘He looks just like Jumbo did when Jumbo was in high school,’ " Caputo said. 
Cruz has heard the Elliott comparisons a lot. 
"It feels great to be compared to one of the Sachem greats and one of the NFL greats," Cruz said. 
Caputo can envision Cruz in the NFL, too. 
"He has the ability to play on Sunday," Caputo said. 
That would be fine with Cruz. 
"It would be awesome to play in the NFL one day, but I’ve got to go through college first," Cruz said. "So we’ll see how it goes. Maybe in five years, you’ll see me at the NFL Combine." 
More linemen to watch 
Three players who made first-team All-Long Island in the spring for their line work also are back for their senior seasons. They include Floyd’s Brian Benson, who delivered 12 sacks as a defensive end and excelled at tight end; Floral Park offensive tackle/nose guard Joaquin Llaurado; and Garden City offensive tackle/defensive tackle and end Brendan Staub.

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Sachem North's Joe Cruz blocked his way to Syracuse football commitment

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Newsday ranks the top 11 public high school football teams in the Elite 11, regardless of classification or county. 
<h3>1. GARDEN CITY (8-0) </h3> 
Senior halfback Jack Cascadden, a Thorp Award finalist, will lead the Trojans' run at the Long Island Class II championship. Senior two-way lineman Brendan Staub and senior quarterback Luke Schmitt are key contributors. Garden City beat MacArthur, 14-7, in the Nassau Conference II title game in the spring. 
<h3>2. OCEANSIDE (7-1) </h3> 
Oceanside returns nine of 11 starters on offense and eight of 11 starters on defense. Charlie McKee, one of the top quarterbacks in the state, is the returning Thorp Award winner as Nassau’s top player. The Sailors are loaded and look for another shot at an LIC crown. 
<h3>3. FLOYD (5-1) </h3> 
Junior quarterback LaDuke Harris is an explosive runner with a strong arm. The O-line is an athletic one and the defense is keyed by All-Long Island selection Brian Benson. The Colonials won their 13th playoff title in the last 21 years in the spring and haven’t lost to a Suffolk Division I opponent in the three seasons. 
<h3>4. SAYVILLE (6-0) </h3> 
The Golden Flashes feature a heavy-hitting defense led by senior end Tom Cea, linebacker Charlie Sands and backs Matt Bonfanti and Mack Murtha. Quarterback Jack Smalley steps in for graduated Hansen Award winner Jack Cheshire. 
<h3>5. MASSAPEQUA (7-1) </h3> 
The defending Nassau Conference I champions are coming off a terrific spring title run. They averaged 39 points per game in the spring; can the offense, with senior HB Michael D’Alessandro and senior WR Jake Ciolino, match that number? 
<h3>6. PLAINEDGE (6-2) </h3> 
Plainedge won the 2019 LIC Class III title and had a 23-1 record over two years before the spring season of 2021, where they came up short in the title game. A senior core led by quarterback Travis Shaver and two-way linemen Anthony Morello lead 17 returning starters. 
<h3>7. WEST ISLIP (5-0) </h3> 
The mantra is, "Tradition never graduates," and the Lions prove that year in and year out. They won their first division playoff title since 1994 in the spring. Another deep playoff run is probable with a lot of new faces. 
<h3>8. LINDENHURST (3-2) </h3> 
The Bulldogs won three consecutive division playoff titles and two Long Island crowns from 2017-2019. One of Long Island’s most consistent winning programs. 
<h3>9. WANTAGH (6-2) </h3> 
They bounce back up into Nassau Conference III and will challenge Plainedge for a title. Wantagh has made the playoffs 23 of the past 24 years and senior middle linebacker Liam Casey will get them there this fall. 
<h3>10. MACARTHUR (6-2) </h3> 
A powerhouse program that gives Garden City a run for the Nassau Conference II title every year. The Generals will be there in the postseason again. 
<h3>11. WHITMAN (4-2) </h3> 
They were thisclose to taking out Floyd in overtime in the playoffs last spring. This Wildcats team is loaded with skill position players and will challenge for the title behind senior quarterback Nicholas Bottoni and senior wideout Brandon Ivy.

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Long Island's Elite 11 football teams heading into fall 2021 season

Long Island's Elite 11 football teams

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1. OCEANSIDE (7-1) 
Coach: Rob Blount 
Five key players: Charlie McKee, QB, Sr.; Michael Mecca, WR/DB, Sr.; Logan Lyson, TE/WR/LB, Jr.; Ronnie Kraemer, WR/DB, Sr.; Joey Broderick, OL/LB, Sr. 
The Sailors: Oceanside returns nine of 11 starters on offense and eight of 11 starters on defense. McKee, one of the top quarterbacks in the state, completed 126 of 196 passes (65.6 percent) for 1,459 yards and 16 touchdowns compared to two interceptions. He also rushed for 288 yards and 12 touchdowns on 74 carries. 
2. MASSAPEQUA (7-1) 
Coach: Kevin Shippos 
Five key players: Michael D’Alessandro, RB/LB, Sr.; Jake Ciolino, WR/DB, Sr.; Jakob Menichini, OL/DL, Sr.; Ryan Fountain, WR/DB, Jr.; Anthony Matturro, OL/LB, Sr. 
Massapequa: The defending Nassau Conference I champions graduated a strong core but will rely on skill position players like D’Alessandro and Ciolino. Menichini was a key lineman on an offensive averaging 39 points per game last year. 
3. SYOSSET (3-4) 
Coach: Paul Rorke 
Five key players: Luca Cutolo, WR/DB, Sr.; Robert Trapeo, WR/DB, Sr.; Quinn Broggy, OL/DL, Sr.; Gaige Ciccotto, RB/DB, Sr.; Nicholas Macchia, RB/LB, Sr. 
Syosset: Cutolo is the type of player defenses must account for at all times. He had 11 total touchdowns (nine receiving), including four scores of at least 70 yards. He and Trapeo form a strong 1-2 combination at receiver and defensive back. 
4. FARMINGDALE (2-3) 
Coach: Buddy Krumenacker 
Five key players: Anthony Bilello, OL/DE, Sr.; Brandon Bush, OL/DT, Sr.; Jordan Smikle, WR/DB, Sr.; Aiden Steinheimer, OL/DT, Sr.; Kyle Wilson, QB, Sr. 
The Dalers: Smikle, at 6-3, 175 pounds, will be the focal point in Farmingdale’s offense with the ability to score any time he has the ball. Biello, Bush and Steinheimer lead the way upfront on both sides of the ball. 
5. FREEPORT (1-4) 
Coach: Russ Cellan 
Five key players: D’Angelo Gordon, QB/DB, Soph.; Martese Davenport, RB/DB, Jr.; Kobe Valdez, OL/LB, Sr.; Andre Wilkes, WR/LB, Sr.; Angel Arroyo, RB/LB, Sr. 
The Red Devils: Freeport will rely on young talent this fall, including Gordon at quarterback and Davenport in the backfield. Both will also be key players at defensive back. 
6. PORT WASHINGTON (1-2) 
Coach: Kevin Cloghessy 
Five key players: Henry Haberman, RB/S, Sr.; Sahej Walia, C/DT, Sr.; Matt Freeman, OL/LB, Sr.; Jett Reiter, QB/DB, Sr.; John McCarthy, QB/DB, Jr. 
The Vikings: After battling multiple shutdowns due to COVID-19 last season, Port Washington relies on a strong returning set of skill players. Haberman and Walia will be key fixtures on both sides of the ball. 
7. HEMPSTEAD (3-1) 
Coach: Sylas Pratt 
Five key players: Jakkai Stith, QB, Jr.; Dwayne Meadors, RB/LB, Soph.; Jamir Andrews, RB/DB, Jr.; Jaeden Samuels, OL/DL, Sr.; Justin Goodson, WR/DB, Sr. 
The Tigers: Stith looks to take the next step as Hempstead’s offensive leader after leading the Tigers to three wins in four games in a COVID-19 shortened season last year. 
8. EAST MEADOW (4-3) 
Coach: Frank Baglivo 
Five key players: Patrick Spinola, QB/DB, Sr.; Shane McIntyre, RB/S, Sr.; Joe Arbitello, OL/DL, Soph.; Brian Terino, RB/LB, Jr.; Jake Barker, TE/LB, Sr. 
The Jets: Spinola takes over the helm at offense for an East Meadow team that graduated 25 seniors and return two starters from last year. McIntyre and Terino lead the rushing attack. 
9. UNIONDALE (1-4) 
Coach: Philip Coppola 
Five key players: Joshua Smalls, QB, Jr.; RKelly Trajean, RB/CB, Sr.; Matt Jackson, OL/DL, Sr.; Deomiee Scales-Melvin, OL/DL, Sr.; Jordyn Davis, OL/DL, Jr. 
The Knights: Uniondale returns its entire starting line from last season. Smalls looks to progress at quarterback to lead the offense. 
10. PLAINVIEW-OLD BETHPAGE JFK/JERICHO (3-3) 
Coach: Chris Rogler and Brendan Lahti 
Five key players: Evan Gordon, QB, Sr.; Sal Vazquez WR/CB, Sr.; Cooper Dorf, RB/CB, Jr.; Jesse Scharf, WR/CB, Jr.; Xavier Lemus, FB/LB, Jr. 
The Hawks: The combined program looks to take advantage of a versatile set of skill position players with Gordon distributing the ball. 
11. HICKSVILLE (1-5) 
Coach: Ron Modik 
Five key players: Max Shapiro, QB, Sr.; Gus DeJesus, WR/DB, Sr.; Dan Ulloa, RB/LB, Jr.; Jayden Jagmohan, OL/DL, Soph.; Griffin Ward, WR/DB, Sr. 
The Comets: Shapiro and DeJesus have formed nice chemistry on the gridiron. Shapiro completed 50 of 91 passes for 521 yards and four touchdowns in five games and DeJesus had 23 receptions for 287 yards and two touchdowns last season. 
12. WESTBURY (0-5) 
Coach: Savalis Charles 
Five key players: Leonard Edouard, OL/DL, Sr.; Jason Ferguson, QB/DB, Sr.; Kaden Gibson, WR/DB, Sr.; Anderson Louis, WR/DB, Sr.; Jason Velasquez, OL/DL, Jr. 
The Green Dragons: Edouard, at 6-0 and 315 pounds, in an imposing force at the line of scrimmage. Ferguson leads the offense at quarterback with Gibson and Louis as playmakers on the outside.

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Nassau Conference I football team previews

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NASSAU CONFERENCE I 
Coaching spotlight 
For 40 years, Buddy Krumenacker has been the coach at the center of a pregame huddle, commanding his team before taking the field. 
Krumenacker, who graduated from Farmingdale High School in 1965, is entering his 40th season as a varsity head coach. He’s entering his 29th year as Farmingdale head coach, dating back to 1993. Prior, he was the Hempstead head coach for 11 years (1978-1988). 
He has won 13 county championships as a head coach, including eight at Farmingdale and one Long Island Class I championship. 
Must-see games 
Hempstead at Syosset, Saturday, September 11, 2 p.m.: Hempstead’s Jakkai Stith is a natural playmaker at quarterback. He helped lead Hempstead to a 3-1 record last spring after an 0-8 record the year before. This will be one of the toughest tests for Hempstead, going up against another incredible playmaker in Luca Cutolo. Cutolo, a receiver, had 11 touchdowns last season. 
Massapequa at Oceanside, Saturday, October 2, 3 p.m.: The moment the schedule was released, there’s no doubt Nassau County football fans quickly scanned to find this matchup. Oceanside defeated Massapequa, 42-34, in the regular season last year, but Massapequa halted Oceanside’s perfect season with a 36-29 victory in the Nassau Conference I championship. Both teams will have a lot to play for again in what could be another championship preview. 
Farmingdale at Massapequa, Saturday, October 30, 2 p.m.: This is inarguably one of the best rivalries on Long Island. Not just because the schools are separated by fewer than five miles, but they are consistently battling at the top of Nassau I. Massapequa has won three of the last four matchups and both teams certainly have this matchup circled on their calendars. 
Port Washington at East Meadow, Saturday, October 16, 2 p.m.: Port Washington is another program amid a turnaround. The Vikings went 5-4 in 2019 before finishing 1-2 last season (with losses to Massapequa and Oceanside) in a COVID-19 shortened season. East Meadow went 5-4 last season and reached the semifinals, but the Jets graduated 25 players and returned two starters this year. 
Impact players 
Charlie McKee, Oceanside, QB, 6-1, 205, Sr. 
The Stony Brook commit completed 126 of 196 passes (65.6 percent) for 1,459 yards and 16 touchdowns compared with two interceptions last season. The 6-1 dual-threat QB also rushed for 288 yards and 12 touchdowns on 74 carries. 
Luca Cutolo, Syosset, WR/DB, 5-11,185, Sr. 
He is a touchdown waiting to happen any time the ball is in his hands. Cutolo had 11 total touchdowns (nine receiving), including four scores of at least 70 yards, last season. His speed and playmaking ability make him an elite offensive player on Long Island. 
Jordan Smikle, Farmingdale, WR/DB, 6-3, 175, Sr. 
The 6-3, 175-pound receiver has terrific hands and creates matchup nightmares for opponents. The three-year starter had 14 receptions for 307 yards and four touchdowns in five games last season.

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1. FLOYD (5-1) 
Coach: Paul Longo 
Key players: Brian Benson, DE/HB, Sr.; Jayson Thomas, OL/DL, Sr.; Kalanie Pringle-Trotman, DL, Sr.; Ryan Amato, OL, Jr,; LaDuke Harris, QB, Jr.; Jordan O’Brien, WR/CB, Sr. 
The Colonials captured their 13th playoff title in the last 21 years. They have not lost to Division I opponent in the last three seasons. The defense is led by Benson who had nine sacks last season. If Harris plays well another title run is possible. 
2. SACHEM NORTH (5-1) 
Coach: Dave Caputo 
Key players: Joe Cruz, OL/DL, Sr.; Chris Kelly, QB, Sr.; Nick Giorgi LB, Sr.; Trey Morstadt, LB, Sr.; Kevin Lazar, OL/DL, Sr.; Tyler Hall, RB/DB, Jr. 
Sachem North tied for the league II title in the spring. Cruz is a highly recruited two-way line with several Division I scholarship offers. Kelly is the leader of the offense. The defense is led by a fierce corps of linebackers including Giorgi and Morstadt. 
3. WHITMAN (4-2) 
Coach: Robin Rosa 
Key players: Nicholas Bottoni, QB/DB, Sr.; Brandon Ivy, WR/DB, Jr.; Rasahn Thompson, WR/DB, Sr.; Liam Villanti, OL/LB, Sr.; Diego Romero, OL/DL, Sr.; Logan Elmore, OL/DL, Sr. 
The Wildcats took Floyd to overtime last season before losing in the Division I final, 28-21. Bottoni has outstanding receivers in Ivy and Thompson. Senior AJ Evans will be the featured running back. Whitman returns a nucleus of starters including standout LB Villanti. 
4. COMMACK (5-2) 
Coach: Joe Reggio 
Key players: Vincent Rotelli, DE, Sr.; Matt McGurk, QB, Sr.; Ryan Brady, RB/LB, Sr.; Tristan McMahon, WR/DB, Sr.; Christian Baldi, WR/DB, Sr.; John Darrell, OL/DL, Sr. 
The Cougars will throw the ball more now than in the past. Senior Lance Rhodes will play center and lead the O-Line. Senior Ryan Charles and Brady will run the ball. Rotelli is committed to Stony Brook University. Reggio returns as the coach for the first time since 2013. 
5. LONGWOOD (2-3) 
Coach: Sean Kluber 
Key players: Mason Hauser, TE/LB, Jr.; Tyson Taylor, WR/DB, Sr.; Louis Kaleb, QB/DB, Jr.; Ben Neves, C/DT, Sr.; Joey Gallo, G/DT, Sr.; Chase Stapon, G/DT, Sr. 
The Lions look to return to the playoffs. They will run behind an experienced O-Line. Kaleb is one of many talented juniors along with Anthony Ordonez (FB/LB) and Terrance Robinson (TB/OLB). 
6. WARD MELVILLE (2-4) 
Coach: Chris Boltrek 
Key players: Zach Licavoli, OL/DL, Sr.; Kevin Dolan, OL/DL, Sr.; Nick Gaffney, RB, Jr.; Chris Prussen, QB, Sr.; Nolan Fontana, WR/DB, Sr.; Josh Horvath, OL/DL, Sr. 
The Patriots look to return to the playoffs for the sixth time in seven seasons. They have massive lines. Prussen has a talented receiving corps in Fontana and juniors Trevor Murray and Dan Cosentino. 
7. SACHEM EAST (2-3) 
Coach: Tom Pandolf 
Key players: Daniel Banks, WR/LB/DB, Sr.; Jaden Rodriguez, FB/LB, Jr.; Tristan McMahon, RB/DB, Sr.; Michael Vurchio, RB/WB/DB, Jr.; Rob Garcia, WR/OLB/DE, Sr.; Amir Gharbi, OL/DL, Sr. 
Sachem East returns nine starters on defense. Team speed will make the defense a threat to stop most opponents. Banks had 50 tackles last season. Junior Derek Bisaccio takes over at QB. The lines will be anchored Gharbi and senior Matt Lane. 
8. BRENTWOOD (1-5) 
Coach: Rich DeJesus 
Key players: Nahum Benitez, OL/DL, Sr.; Jo’Vanny Brown, RB/WR/DB, Jr.; Julian Gonzalez, OL/DL, Sr.; Juan Ocasio, TE/LB, Sr.; Herman Davis Jr., QB/DE, Sr.; Oscar Rodriguez, RB/TE/DE, Sr. 
Brentwood returns eight starters on both sides of the ball. Three of Brentwood’s biggest playmakers are underclassmen including Brown (697 rushing yards), and receivers Enoryt Copening (sophomore) and freshman Geovanni Alvarez. The Indians averaged almost 200 rushing yards per game in the spring season. 
9. PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD (2-2) 
Coach: Gary Marangi 
Key players: Tyree Jackson, QB, Sr.; Justin Marcia-Joachim, WR, Jr.; Max Adams, OL/DL, Jr.; Alex Hoffman, LB, Jr.; Joe Kelly, LB, Jr; Casey Taylor, RB/S, Sr. 
The Raiders will be led by the dynamic Jackson who can run and pass. This team will have many juniors including C.J. Forgione at WR and DB. Senior Christian Verges is an athletic two-way lineman who will help solidify the lines. 
10. CENTRAL ISLIP (0-0) 
Coach: Mike Pyle 
Key players: Joseph Bonilla, WR/LB, Sr.; Octavio Lomax, OL/DL, Sr.; Julio Martinez, OL/DL, Sr.; Ryan Antwi, RB/TB, Jr.; Sam Duval, OL/DL, Sr. 
The Musketeers strength seems to be in the offensive and defensive lines, but they didn’t have a team in the spring. Junior quarterback Kevin Mills will run the offense. 
11. BAY SHORE (2-4) 
Coach: Mike Brown 
Key players: Taliq Grandberry, WR/DB, Sr.; Alex Ramirez, OL/DL, Sr.; Lawrence Santiago, WR/OLB, Sr.; Christian DuPont, WR/DB, Sr.; Cole Kluepfel, QB/DB, Jr.; Koran Jackson, RB/DL, Jr. 
The Marauders have a bevy of talent at the skill positions, especially WR. The O-line will have to develop in a hurry in order to give Kluepfel time to throw the ball. Bay Shore will have a wide open attack from the spread formation. 
12. RIVERHEAD (0-0) 
Coach: Leif Shay 
Key players: James Foster, OL/DL, Sr.; Gabriel Arruda, WR/DB, Sr.; Lamarion Hopkins, OL/DL, Sr.; Lamaine Hopkins, TE/LB, Sr. 
The Blue Waves didn’t field a team in the spring season. Riverhead is in a total rebuilding stage according to coach Leif Shay. Riverhead returns no players with varsity experience because several players transferred to other schools.

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<h3>Coaching spotlight</h3> 
For Floyd coach Paul Longo, the winning never gets old. His 13 county titles are more than any coach in Suffolk history. Longo, now in his 27th year at the helm of the Colonials has a record of 205-59. 
His teams have won five Long Island titles and three Rutgers Trophies. How does Longo feel when Floyd plays its best competition? "It’s like a chess game. I like the matchups and the challenge," Longo said. 
<h3>Must-see games</h3> 
Whitman at Floyd, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2 p.m.: These teams played an epic game in the Division I playoff final in the spring with Floyd winning, 28-21 in over time. Can Brian Benson and the D-line of Floyd get to Whitman QB Nicholas Bottani to control the Wildcats’ passing game? It doesn’t get better than this one. 
Sachem North at Floyd, Saturday, Oct. 16, 1:30 p.m.: This once storied rivalry has fizzled in the last several years. Floyd has won the last four meetings dating to 2015. A win here would establish Sachem North’s return as an elite team. 
Longwood at Commack, Saturday, Oct. 16, 1:30 p.m.: This game could have playoff implications. Look for the power running game of Longwood versus Commack’s wide open passing attack. These team have split their last four meetings. 
<h3>Impact players</h3> 
Brian Benson, Floyd, DE/HB, 6-3, 230, Sr. -- He is a returning All-Long Island first team selection. He had 12 sacks and 32 tackles as a junior. 
Joe Cruz, Sachem North, OL/DL, 6-6, 285, Sr. -- This mammoth athlete committed to Syracuse. He was second team All-Long Island as a junior. 
Brandon Ivy, Whitman, WR/DB, 6-2, 185, Sr. -- He was a first team All-Long Island selection in the spring. He had four interceptions and 15 receptions.

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1. GARDEN CITY (8-0) 
Coach: Dave Ettinger 
Five key players: Jack Cascadden, RB/DE, Sr.; Brendan Staub, OL/DL, Sr.; Luke Schmitt, QB, Sr.; Will Peters, TE/LB, Sr.; Robert Derkash, WR/DB, Sr. 
The Trojans: Cascadden carried Garden City towards a 14-7 win over MacArthur in the Nassau Conference II championship game in May. He ran for 145 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries. 
2. MACARTHUR (6-2) 
Coach: Bobby Fehrenbach 
Five key players: James Napoli, RB/DB, Sr.; Matthew Papach, WR/DB, Sr.; Finn Duffy, RB/LB, Sr.; Ryan Muller, QB, Sr.; Anthony Tufano, OL/DL, Sr. 
The Generals: Napoli averaged over seven yards per carry in the spring and scored four touchdowns. Duffy made 53 tackles and had a sack and Papach made 22 tackles and had three interceptions. 
3. CAREY (2-3) 
Coach: Mike Stanley 
Five key players: Dean Metzger, QB, Sr.; Kyle Lewis, WR/DB, Sr.; Joseph Bonelli, RB/DL, Sr.; Raymond Bediean, LB/RB, Sr.; Carter Kurz, OL/DL, Sr. 
The Seahawks: Metzger is a duel-threat with a strong arm who can break a long run on any snap, Stanley said Lewis might be the best pure route runner he’s had in his 15 years as coach. 
4. VALLEY STREAM CENTRAL (3-2) 
Coach: Michael Rubino 
Five key players: Josh Rogers, RB/LB, Jr.; Mohammed Dafalla, WR/DB, Jr.; Antonio Padilla, F/LB, Sr.; Showayne Lumsden, LT/DT, Jr.; Ingel Jones, WR/CB, WB/CB, Sr. 
The Eagles: Rogers returns after being injured last spring. He’s extremely quick in small spaces and can read blocks well. Dafalla made 10 catches in the spring. He knows his route tree inside and out and led the team in interceptions as a defensive back. 
5. NEW HYDE PARK (4-2) 
Coach: Colin Maier 
Five key players: Eric Orbon, LB/TE, Sr.; Steve Mirabile, OL/DL, Sr.; Nick DePompeis, RB/DB, Sr.; Dom Fulgieri, WR/DB, Sr.; Jake Rodgers, OL/DL, Jr. 
The Gladiators: Orbon made 72 tackles and Mirabile made 27 in the spring. Walter Reyes added 42 tackles. DePompeis and Fulgieri both scored four touchdowns and made 25 tackles apiece. 
6. ELMONT (3-3) 
Coach: Jay Hegi 
Five key players: Evan Colwell, WR/LB, Sr.; Tyler Myers, RB/LB, Sr.; Rashaun Stephens, WR/CB, Jr,; Precious Ekeh, T/DE, Jr. Taj Young, WR/LB, Jr. 
The Spartans: They are deep at the receiver spot with five viable targets. Stephens is fast and has great hands. Colwell scored four rushing touchdowns and threw for three more last spring. 
7. MEPHAM (1-4) 
Coach: Anthony Cracco 
Five key players: Dominick Novello, RB/LB, Jr.; Ryan Their, RB/DL, Jr.; Nicholas Honerkamp, QB/DB, Sr.; Kevin Perry, OL/DL, Jr.; Chris Norris, DL, Jr. 
The Pirates: Novello can do it all. In addition to making 45 tackles (seven for loss) last spring, he also is the placekicker and punter. He lines up all over the field, creating all kinds of mismatches. 
8. LONG BEACH (3-3) 
Coach: Scott Martin 
Five key players: Matt Grossman, OL/DL, Sr.; Chris Buonocore, WR/DB, Sr.; Jeff Conway, QB/LB, Jr.; Owen Stark, RB/LB, Sr.; Jack Miller, RB/LB, Jr. 
The Marines: Buonocore made 21 tackles as a cornerback last spring. Stark returns after missing four games due to injury, he made ten tackles and had an interception in limited action. 
9. BALDWIN (2-4) 
Coach: Frank Chimienti 
Five key players: Cadeem Ramsay, WR/DE, Sr.; Jake Davidson, OL/DL, So.; Sean Platt, WR/DB, Sr.; Zach Kirschner, QB, Sr.; Dan Taylor, WR/DB, Sr. 
The Bruins: Ramsay is 6-4, 200 pounds and runs a 4.8 – as dangerous a pass catcher as he is coming around the edge on defense. At 5-11, 240, Davidson adds to a strong defensive line. 
10. HERRICKS (4-1) 
Coach: Tom Graef 
Five key players: Ryan Oommen, RB/DB, Sr.; Krish Chand, OL/DE, Sr.; Marvin Lee, QB/MLB, Sr.; Aaron Cho, WR/DB, Sr.; Tegveer, Singh, OL/DT, Sr. 
The Highlanders: They won their final four games in the spring and hope to continue winning ways under first-year head coach Graef. Oommen averaged 6.3 yards per carry and scored seven touchdowns. 
11. CALHOUN (1-7) 
Coach: Brian Moeller 
Five key player: Max Smith, FB/LB, Sr.; Matt Edouard, RB/DB, Sr.; Anthony Cunha, OL/DL, Sr.; Gavin Grech, TE/DL, Sr.; Wyatt Knowles, QB, Sr. 
The Colts: Smith is a film buff, looking at tape of opponents until he can find that perfect edge. His knowledge of an opposing offense is second-to-none come Saturday afternoon. 
12. SEWANHAKA (4-2) 
Coach: George Kasimatis 
Five key players: Tyler Harts, WR/DB, Sr.; Caireek Belnaves, WR/DB, Sr.; Dominick Balleta, QB, Jr.; Markese Gadson, TE/LB, Jr.; Kamari Denhart, WR/DB, Jr. 
Sewanhaka: Expect them to throw more than recent years. Harts and Belnaves are both basketball players and over six feet tall. Kasimatis said Belnaves has the best hands of anyone he’s coached in his 13 years at the helm. 
13. GLEN COVE (0-5) 
Coach: Steve Tripp 
Five key players: Andrew Guster, OL/DL, Sr.; Anthony Schettino, RB/LB, Sr.; Joe Rant, OL/DL, Sr.; Gio White, WR/LB, Sr.; Khaleem Zachary, QB/DB, Sr. 
The Big Red: They’re moving up from Nassau III to II. Guster can play multiple positions and will move from inside linebacker to defensive end this season. 
14. ROSLYN 
Coach: Jordan Haber 
Five key players: Michael Wheat, QB/S, So.; Dylan Goodman, RB/DB, Jr.; Yianni Lagudis, WR/DB, Jr.; Mikey Rice, WR/LB, Sr.; Jack Carrozzo, OL/DL, Sr. 
The Bulldogs: This is their first varsity season in five years. The group went 4-1 as a JV team in the spring. Wheat has been running the offense for the past two seasons and can make any throw on the field.

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Nassau Conference II football team previews

NASSAU CONFERENCE II 
Coaching Spotlight 
Tom Graef used to lead the Herricks offense, now he’s leading the whole team. The former Herricks quarterback is entering his first year as head coach at his alma mater, where he’s been an assistant in some capacity for five years. The 2012 graduate replaces Mike Yoo, his former coach. 
"He’s been my biggest mentor," Graef said. "Just learning how to develop a program, connect to kids, and develop yourself as a coach. He was great at leading and our program wouldn’t be the same without him." 
Must-see games 
Herricks at Roslyn, Saturday, Sept. 11, 1:30 p.m.: Welcome back Bulldogs. This is Roslyn’s first varsity game in five years and it’s at home. 
Carey at Garden City, Saturday, Sept. 25, 2 p.m.: See Carey quarterback Dean Metzger go up against the best team in the conference. Metzger is considered by many to be the best quarterback in Nassau II and Garden City is the defending champion. 
Garden City at MacArthur, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2 p.m.: Not only is this a rematch of last spring’s championship game and a battle of the conference’s two top seeds, but it’s so late in the season that it may have MAJOR playoff implications. 
Impact Players 
Jack Cascadden, Garden City, RB, 6-3, 210, Sr. – Given his incredibly deep skill set, stopping him is nearly impossible. When a game-altering play happens, Cascadden is usually in the middle of it. 
Dean Metzger, Carey, QB, 6-2, 190 – He’s widely considered to be the best quarterback in the conference. He’s athletic as they come with a strong arm. 
James Napoli, MacArthur, RB/DB, 5-10, 170 – He rushed for four touchdowns and made 19 tackles on defense in the spring.

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Nassau Conference II: What to watch for

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1. LINDENHURST (3-2) 
Coach: Nick Lombardo 
Key players: Dan Defelice, OL/DL, Sr.; Chris Carson, WR/LB, Jr.; Jake Trovato, RB/LB, Sr.; Brenden O’Connor, WR/DB/QB, Sr.; Dom Artale, WR/DB, Sr.; 
The Bulldogs won three consecutive division playoff titles and two LICs from 2017-2019. The line will be anchored by Defelice and newcomers Brendan McNeilly and Tom Glikos, all seniors. Linebackers Carson and Trovato return to lead the defense. 
2. WEST ISLIP (5-0) 
Coach: Steve Mileti 
Key players: Konrad Maciejny, TB/LB, Sr.; Sal Calderone, RB/LB, Jr.; Steven Bussa, OG/DT, Sr.; Jeremiah Acosta, C/DT, Sr.; Connor Mushorn, OT, Sr.; Anthony DeCristofaro, OG, So. 
The Lions won their first division playoff title since 1994 in the spring season. Another deep playoff run is possible with a bruising O-line led by center J.J. Gitzinger. Sophomore Joey Tapp will star at guard and tackle. Maciejny is a game changer. With this group tradition never graduates. Athletic junior Patrick Keenan steps in at QB. 
3. HALF HOLLOW HILLS EAST (5-2) 
Coach: Alex Marcelin 
Key players: Elias Barrett, WR/DE/LB, Sr.; Louca Charalambous, OT/DE, Jr,; Konadu Boadu, OG/DL, Sr.; Josh Isaacs, OL/LB, Jr,; Louis Mathurin, RB/WR/FS, Sr.; Kris Tills, RB/FS, Sr. 
The Thunderbirds have a new coach and high expectations. They have reached the playoffs in three of the last four seasons, but have never played in a Suffolk final. Senior Jacob Robinson steps in at quarterback. Boadu (60 tackles), Barrett (55), and Isaacs (43) lead the defense. Mathurin had 500 rushing yards and nine touchdowns last season. 
4. NORTHPORT (5-1) 
Coach: Pat Campbell 
Key players: Owen Johnson, QB/DB, Jr,; J.J. Ahlstrand, RB/DB/K, Sr.; Jack Sandrib. RB/DB, Sr.; Dan Eagers, OL/DL, Sr.; Stelios Politidis, OL/DL, Sr.; Andrew Canales, OL/DL, Sr. 
The Tigers have outstanding skill players including seniors Dylan McNaughton and Jack Helrigel. Both of them are multi-sport athletes. Juniors Mike and Christian Raio will get some playing time at running back and in the secondary. 
5. BELLPORT (5-2) 
Coach: Jamie Fabian 
Key players: Calvin Pedatella, WR/LB, Sr.; Jack Halpin, QB/S, Sr.; Marc Promutico, FB/LB, Sr,; Donte Phillips, RB/CB, Jr,; Jaiden Green, RB/DB, Jr.; Johnnie Booker, OL/DL, Sr. 
The Clippers reached the Division II playoff final in the spring and lost to West Islip, 24-21. Bellport is loaded with experience at running back, but needs the O-line to develop in a hurry to compete. Booker and sophomore Tatum Cipp will secure the line and protect Halpin. Pedatella (73 tackles, 14 for loss) and Promutico (74 tackles) will lead the defense. 
6. CENTEREACH (4-3) 
Coach: Adam Barrett 
Key players: Justin Robbert, QB/OLB, Sr.; Markus Figueroa, RB/LB, Sr.; Riddick Drab, TE/DE, Jr,; Michael Mazza, WR/DB, Sr.; Edwin Morales, OL/DL, Jr.; Sean Stebbins, OL/LB, Sr. 
The Cougars have had five consecutive winning seasons for the first time in school history. They will start many juniors, but will rely heavily on seniors Robbert and Figueroa. Juniors Xavier Calixte and Andrew Ferreira are two of Robbert’s main targets. 
7. NORTH BABYLON (3-4) 
Coach: John Rowland 
Key players: Daivon Lofton, RB/LB, Sr.; Tyler Hovanec, QB/S, Sr.; Jason Kolk, OL/DL, Sr.; Jack Montecalvo, TE/DE, Sr.; Francisco Nieves, C, Sr. 
The Bulldogs have a new coach as Rowland replaces Terry Manning who won 195 games, nine Suffolk crowns, and six LICs in 30 years. North Babylon will still use a run oriented offense as Lofton will be the featured back. He will be joined by juniors Nathaniel Griffith and Calvin Frith. 
8. HUNTINGTON (2-2) 
Coach: Steve Muller 
Key players: Robbie Smith, FB/DL, Sr.; Josiah Melendez, RB/DB, Sr.; Lucas Petrizie, RB/LB, Sr.; Liam McDonald, OL/DL, Sr.; John Chirco, WR/S, Sr.; Jahiem Hawkins, WR/RB/LB, Sr. 
The Blue Devils have talent at the skill positions. Junior QB Anthony Annunziata will have to learn on the job to keep his team competitive. Smith is a dominant linebacker who is committed to Stony Brook to play lacrosse. McDonald and Junior Amari Gordon (6-4, 380) will lead the offensive line. 
9. NEWFIELD (1-4) 
Coach: Nick Adler 
Key players: Joe Hackal, WR/S, Sr,; Charlie Clark, OL/DE, Sr.; Devin Aviles, RB/LB, Sr.; Roman Aponte, OL/DL, Sr.; Kaleb Mapp, FB/DE, Jr,; James Marra, RB/OLB, Jr. 
The Wolverines have back experience on both sides of the ball. Hackal had 493 all-purpose yards and Aviles rushed for 498 yards and eight touchdowns. Sophomores Sean Sullivan (QB) and Kenny Petit-Frere will inject big-play capability into the offense. 
10. SMITHTOWN WEST (4-3) 
Coach: Ron Muscarella 
Key players: Paul Basile, WR/LB, Sr.; Tim Vanderbrink, WR/SS, Jr,; Patrick Noto, OL/DL, Sr.; Nick Petchonka, LB, Sr.; David Weeks, OL/DL Jr,; Jack LaPrarie, WR/DB, Jr. 
The Bulls have a very young team that includes sophomore starters Brayden Stahl (QB) and Jack Melore (WR/SS), a transfer from Smithtown East. The line will rely heavily on Noto and Weeks. 
11. CONNETQUOT (1-6) 
Coach: Mike Konsevitch Jr. 
Key players: Nick Lamantia, WR/RB/SS, Sr.; Matt Gomez, TE/LB, Sr.; Michael Russ, QB, Sr.; Devin Shapiro, WR/CB, Sr.; Stephen Bubier, OL/LB, Jr.; Tommy Malvagno, WR/CB, Jr. 
The Thunderbirds will look to throw the ball more with new coach Konsevitch Jr, an assistant for 24 years. Russ has a talented corps of receivers. Lamantia is a do-it-all player and will shift between RB and WR. Juniors Tyler McCarthy and Gio DeRenzo will contribute on both sides of the ball. 
12. WEST BABYLON (4-3) 
Coach: Kevin Delaney 
Key players: Drew McKittrick, QB/WR/DB, Jr.; Lucas Chang, OL/DL, Jr.; Anthony Borawski, OL/DL, So.; Dom Meo, RB/DB, Sr.; Brendan Barry, WR/DL, Sr.; Dylan Bradley, RB/LB, Sr. 
The Eagles return to Division II after playing in Division III for the last four seasons. West Babylon can run and pass. McKittrick has a talented receiving corps in Barry, and juniors Sean McGuire and Isaiah Richardson. Chang and Borawski anchor the line. 
13. SMITHTOWN EAST (2-4) 
Coach: Stephen Costello 
Key players: Ethan Sterrett, OL/DL, Sr.; Conor Rutolo, OL/DL, Sr.; Julian Castiblanco, WR/DB, Sr.; Justin Spinell, RB/LB, Sr.; Michael Fennel, WR/DB, Sr.; Michael Devlin, OL/DL. Jr. 
The Bulls will be led by their senior offensive line. They have some very talented under classmen at the skill positions in juniors Tommy Azzara (QB), Dom Galati (WR/DB), Ryan Rooney (WR/DB), and sophomore Ryan Diffley (RB/LB). 
14. COPIAGUE (0-4) 
Coach: Ken Rittenhouse 
Key players: Xavier Ramirez, WR/LB, Sr.; Jaden Tiringer, RB/DB, Sr.; Anthony Moore, OL/DL, Jr.; Kaheel White, OL/DL, Jr.; Douglas Cruz-Najera, OL/DL, Jr. 
The Eagles are on a 12-game losing streak. The young O-line with Moore, White, and Cruz-Najera must develop rapidly in order for Copiague to be competitive. The offense will center around Tiringer.

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<h3>Coaching spotlight</h3> 
Who better than Steve Mileti to know West Islip football history? He is a 1992 graduate of the school where he enters his 13th season as the head coach. Mileti was an assistant for nine years before he took over. 
His record is 77-35. In the spring the Lions captured their first Suffolk crown since 1994. West Islip had lost in its previous eight title games. 
"I am so happy for the kids and the community," said Mileti. "West Islip is a really great place." 
<h3>Must-see games</h3> 
Bellport at Northport, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2 p.m.: This is the opener for both teams who reached the playoffs in the spring season. This is the first meeting between these teams since 2003. 
Half Hollow Hills East at West Islip, Friday, Oct. 1, 6 p.m.: West Islip is the defending Division II playoff king. Hills East has won only five of the 30 meetings, all-time, in this series. This is a statement game. 
West Islip at Lindenhurst, Saturday, Oct. 16, 3 p.m.: This game in Week 6 is between the two winners of the past three playoff titles in this division. West Islip is the defending champion. Lindenhurst won titles in 2018 and 2019. 
<h3>Impact players</h3> 
Elias Barrett, Half Hollow Hills East, WR/DE, 6-4, 215, Sr. -- He had 55 tackles and 9 sacks as a defensive end and outside linebacker. 
Dan Defelice, Lindenhurst, OL/DL, 6-0, 245, Sr. -- This team leader can play where on the line on offense or defense. 
Konrad Maciejny, West Islip, TB/LB, 6-0, 205, Sr. -- He is standout player on both sides of the ball. His coach said he is an "old school" type of player.

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Suffolk Division II: What to watch for

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1. PLAINEDGE (6-2) 
Coach: Rob Shaver 
Five Key Players: Travis Shaver, QB/LB, Sr.; Anthony Morello, OL/DL, Sr.; Thomas Everding, OL/DL, Sr.; Joe Iadevaio, WR/DB, Sr.; Shane Mosia, RB/DB, Jr. 
The Red Devils: Coming off an appearance in the Conference III final, Plainedge keeps much of its roster intact as it returns eight starters on offense and nine on defense. It marks the first time in Shaver’s 25 years as coach that the program returns more than five starters on each side of the ball. 
2. WANTAGH (6-2) 
Coach: Keith Sachs 
Five Key Players: Liam Casey, MLB/G, Sr.; Tyler Martini, RB/LB, Sr.; Nick Aldino, OL/DL, Sr.; Nick Cupelli, RB/DB, Jr.; Mark Maniet, RB/DB, Sr. 
Wantagh: Martini and company move up to Conference III and look to make the playoffs for the 24th time in the last 25 seasons following their Nassau Conference IV title in the spring. Casey, an elite blocker, will help lead the way for Martini’s strong running attack. The duo will also shore up the linebacking unit. 
3. SOUTH SIDE (3-3) 
Coach: Phil Onesto 
Five Key Players: TJ Maher, WR/LB, Sr.; Brady West, WR/DB, Sr.; Andrew Fingleton, OL/DL, Sr.; Rolph Brutus, FB/DL, Jr.; Killian Hansman, OL/DL, Sr. 
The Cyclones: South Side moves back to Conference III after advancing to the semifinals in Conference II during the spring. Maher and West will lead the way on both sides of the ball for the Cyclones. 
4. BETHPAGE (4-3) 
Coach: Roddy McCoy 
Five Key Players: Brian Luzzi, RB/LB, Sr.; James David, TE/LB, Sr.; Michael Corbo, FB/LB, Sr.; Luke Galgano, QB/CB, Sr.; Anthony Falabella, L/LB, Jr. 
The Golden Eagles: Bethpage looks to build on its Conference III semifinal appearance last season, where it fell to Plainedge by just one point. The Golden Eagles return five starters on defense and will rely on Luzzi to provide the spark offensively. 
5. FLORAL PARK (3-2) 
Coach: Ron Pickett 
Five Key Players: Joaquin Llaurado, OL/DL, Sr.; Chris Naronis, QB, Sr.; Matt Buonocore, RB/DB, Sr.; Matt Ollen, WR/DB, Sr.; Anthony Martella, WR/LB, Sr. 
The Knights: With the 6-3, 275-pound Llaurado as the centerpiece of both the offensive and defensive lines and Naronis under center, Floral Park is set to make considerable noise once again. The Knights will return nine defensive players, as well as another five from the offensive unit that advanced to the conference semifinals last season. 
6. MANHASSET (8-0) 
Coach: Jay Iaquinta 
Five Key Players: Tyler Roszko, RB/DL, Sr.; Will Carguilo, RB/DB, Sr.; Patrick Leder, OL/LB, Sr.; Connor Chun, RB/DB, Sr.; Matt Carguilo, QB/LB, Jr. 
Manhasset: After defeating Plainedge to complete an undefeated season and winning the Rutgers Cup as Nassau’s top team, Manhasset graduated 29 of 35 players and will be rather inexperienced. One of their few returning starters, Roszko, is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the conference. 
7. DIVISION (3-2) 
Coach: Robert McNamara 
Five Key Players: Christopher Stancarone, QB, Sr.; Ethan Bonnachi, OL/DT, Sr.; Jack Pendergrass, RB/LB, Jr.; Bobby Siemsen, WR/FS, Sr.; Nicholas Barrera, OL/DL, Jr. 
The Blue Dragons: Returning several quality starters this season, Division will lean heavily on the play of seniors such as Stancarone, Bonnachi and Siemsen. Pendergrass, a junior, will bring plenty of versatility on both sides of the ball as well. 
8. VALLEY STREAM NORTH (3-3) 
Coach: Mike Paolillo 
Five Key Players: Brian Farrell, QB/LB, Sr.; Andrew Lusterino, WR/DB, Sr.; Ethan Ramnarain, WR/DB, Sr.; Josh Lopez, RB/LB, Jr.; Jack DelCarpine, OL/DL, Sr. 
The Spartans: Valley Stream North looks to take the next step in Paolillo’s second year at the helm after going 3-3 last spring. With talents such as Farrell, Lusterino, Ramnarain and Lopez, the Spartans feature plenty of speed. 
9. ROOSEVELT (3-3) 
Coach: Joe Vito 
Five Key Players: Xavier Cooper, RB/LB, Sr.; Jeremiah Edmonds, OL/DL, Sr.; Bakail Talmadge, WR/DB, Jr.; Kobe Cowans, LB/DB, Sr.; David Grant, OL/DL, Sr. 
The Rough Riders: After fielding a team that lacked experience last season, Roosevelt looks to get back into contention. Cooper, who rushed for 403 yards and five touchdowns on 75 carries, will be the focal point. 
10. HEWLETT (2-4) 
Coach: John Palladino 
Five Key Players: Mark Winkler, QB/DB, Sr.; Evan Greenberg, H/DE, Sr.; Jacob Maiorano, DL, Sr.; Jon Zenny, RB/LB, Sr.; Ryan Player, H/LB, Sr. 
The Bulldogs: Hewlett aims to put a disappointing spring behind it this season. Winkler will lead the way as a dual threat under center. He had 86 carries for 621 yards and eight touchdowns, as well as 336 yards through the air and two passing touchdowns. 
11. VALLEY STREAM SOUTH (4-2) 
Coach: Joe Guastafeste 
Five Key Players: Xavier Augustin, RB/DB, Sr.; Nicholas Parisi, WR/DB, Jr.; Jonathan Diaz, OL/DL, Jr.; Ahmed Akhtar, TE/OL/DL, Sr.; Brandon Pierre, RB/LB, Sr. 
The Falcons: Valley Stream South has its sights set on a postseason run after finishing last season 4-2. The Falcons want to bring a higher level of physicality, and having players such as the 6-4, 206-pound Parisi should certainly be a good start. 
12. LYNBROOK (0-6) 
Coach: Stephen LoCicero 
Five Key Players: Christian Meszaros, RB/LB, Sr.; Tyler Ippolito, RB/DB, Sr.; Michael Fagen, QB/DB, Jr.; Dylan Murphy, OL/DL, Sr.; Jake Lunati, OL/LB, Jr. 
The Owls: Plagued by a number of injuries throughout the season, as well as having several players opt out, Lynbrook finished winless during the spring. The Owls will look to bounce back behind the leadership of Meszaros and Ippolito. 
13. MINEOLA (0-3) 
Coach: Tim Wienclaw 
Five Key Players: Tommy Renner, WR/DB, Jr.; Maximus Von Massenbach, OL/DL, Sr.; Jack Ryan, QB/DB, Jr.; Lukas Goring, RB/LB, Jr.; Luke Santaniello, OL/DL, Jr. 
The Mustangs: After playing only three games during the spring, Mineola looks forward to showcasing its talent over the course of a full season. Renner and Von Massenbach will be at the forefront for the Mustangs. 
14. BELLMORE JFK (0-6) 
Coach: Johnny McGuire 
Five Key Players: Ethan Katz, QB, Sr.; Bradley Lieberman, OL/LB, Sr.; Brandon Goldstein, OL/DL, Soph.; Bradley Rowe, DB/RB, Sr.; Joe Vaccaro, DB, Jr. 
The Cougars: After losing Katz for half of last season because of injury, Bellmore JFK returns its quarterback in hopes of turning things around in the fall. Rowe will also provide quality playmaking ability out of the backfield.

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NASSAU CONFERENCE III 
Coaching Spotlight 
Jay Iaquinta led Manhasset to the Rutgers Cup as the best team in Nassau with an undefeated season in the spring, which included two victories over Plainedge. He will look to keep Manhasset’s success going in the fall. Despite graduating 29 of 35 players, the expectations for Iaquinta and Manhasset remain at an elite level as they enter with the top seed. 
Must-see games 
Manhasset at Wantagh, Saturday, October 16, 2 p.m.: The top two seeds in the conference square off in a showdown that should feature plenty of exhilarating moments. Manhasset running back Tyler Roszko and Wantagh running back Tyler Martini, two of the best talents in the conference, will put their dynamic playmaking abilities on display. 
Plainedge at Manhasset, Saturday, October 30, 2 p.m.: A rematch of last season’s county final, this regular-season finale could prove to be a preview of a second consecutive championship matchup. On its path toward an undefeated season, Manhasset handed Plainedge its only two losses during the spring. 
Bethpage at South Side, Friday, October 29, 6 p.m.: The winner of this final regular season game could build some added confidence as they prepare to contend against the likes of Manhasset, Wantagh and Plainedge in the postseason. The outcome may ultimately boil down to who makes one more big play in the end, South Side receiver TJ Maher or Bethpage running back Brian Luzzi. 
Impact Players: 
Tyler Martini, Wantagh, RB/LB, 6-2, 215, Sr.: After he compiled 89 carries for 974 yards and 10 touchdowns in the spring, Wantagh will lean heavily on his playmaking ability. 
Tyler Roszko, Manhasset, RB/DL, 5-8, 190, Sr.: Coming off an undefeated season, Manhasset’s hopes of winning a second consecutive county title will largely hinge on his production. 
Travis Shaver, Plainedge, QB/LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.: He’ll look to lead Plainedge to its fourth consecutive county title game appearance

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Nassau Conference III: What to watch for

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1. SAYVILLE (6-0) 
Coach: Reade Sands 
Five key players: Charlie Sands, DB/RB, Sr.; Tom Cea, RB/DE, Sr.; Matthew Bonfanti, CB/WR, Sr.; Colin Gover, DE/OG, Sr.; Mack Murtha, WR/DB, Sr. 
The Golden Flashes: They feature a plethora of talent all over the field. Jack Smalley will start at quarterback and can stretch opposing defenses with his exceptional arm strength. James Gallagher is the only returning offensive lineman and will be called upon to lead a new-look group. 
2. EAST ISLIP (6-1) 
Coach: Sal Ciampi 
Five key players: Leo Lopez, RB/DB, Sr.; Derek Burrell, WR/RB, Sr.; Jason Fiorello, WR/TE/DB, Sr.; Ryan Bayer, G/LB, Sr.; Carson Tessitore, C/DT, Sr. 
East Islip: Leo Lopez is the focal point of the offense and looks to build on a junior season where he rushed for over 1,000 yards and 10 scores. Sophomore Sebastian Regis is a newcomer to varsity this season and will play tackle on both sides of the line. 
3. WESTHAMPTON (5-2) 
Coach: Bryan Schaumloffel 
Five key players: Deegan Laube, Slot/CB, Sr.; Nick Wasekelewicz, WR/SS, Sr.; Robert Moreland, RB/LB, Sr.; Frank Noto, TE/LB, Sr.; Terrall Faines, RB/LB, Sr. 
The Hurricanes: Loaded on offense at the skill positions and will feature a dynamic running game with the quartet of Moreland, Laube, Faines and newcomer Aidan McKeon. They return four starting defensive backs and three linebackers. Junior nose guard Noah Hebberd will solidify the middle of the defensive line. 
4. COMSEWOGUE (2-4) 
Coach: Sean Tremblay 
Five key players: Brady Shannon, QB, Sr; Cole Blatter, OL/DL, Sr.; Mike Emmel, OL/DL, Sr.; Jhendali Nunez, OL/DL, Sr.; James Krieg, WR/S, Jr. 
Comsewogue: Shannon is a three-year starter and leader of the shotgun/Wing-T offense. Blatter, Emmel and Nunez are three key returners on both sides of the line, while sophomores Kaden West and Kevin Schnopp hope to make an impact during their first season on varsity. 
5. KINGS PARK (3-4) 
Coach: Mark O’Brien 
Five key players: Nico Laviano, TB/OLB, Sr.; Jonathan Borkowski, QB/CB, Sr.; Scott McConville, Slot/TE/LB, Jr.; John Matthews, W/FS, Sr.; Mark Griffin, TB/Slot/LB, Jr. 
The Kingsmen: A young team that will feature more of an emphasis on the ground game with an improved offensive line. Laviano is a three-year starter at both tailback and linebacker, led the team in rushing last season and was second in tackles. 
6. HAUPPAUGE (3-3) 
Coach: Patrick Faivre 
Five key players: Jojo Provenzano, RB/DB, Jr.; Matteo Cartafalsa, OL/DL, Sr.; Eric Quinonez, WR/DB, Sr.; Ryan Collins, OL/DL, Sr.; Phoenix Walker, OL/DL, Sr. 
The Eagles: Will rely on their strong offensive line led by Cartafalsa, Collins and Walker. Provenzano will headline a trio of running backs that also features sophomore newcomer John Margolies and Deer Park senior transfer Matt Velez-Brand. 
7. HARBORFIELDS (1-4) 
Coach: Rocco Colucci 
Five key players: Anthony Kelly, OL/LB, Sr.; Dylan Wolf, WR/S, Sr.; Frankie Ciaramitaro, WR/S, Sr.; Gavin Lindkvist, OL/DL, Jr.; Thomas Sullivan, OL/DL, Sr. 
The Tornadoes: The fast-paced offense will feature multiple formations led by Wolf and junior quarterback Shane Longin. The defense is expected to be solid in the secondary and feature a veteran line with Kelly, Ciaramitaro, Lindkvist, Sullivan and Brandon Barnes. 
8. ISLIP (2-5) 
Coach: Jamie Lynch 
Five key players: Jameson Seeger, WR/DB, Sr.; Vinny Rosselli, Slot/DB, Sr.; Nate Moran, OL/LB, Sr.; Richie Rindos, FB/SS, Sr.; Jake Lindskog, TB/DB, Jr. 
The Buccaneers: Seeger and Rosselli are two explosive players and the leaders for an overall young offense. Moran, Rindos and Jack Hodulick will anchor a defense built on speed with a veteran secondary. The Bucs will look to rebuild and have playoff aspirations in a challenging division. 
9. ROCKY POINT (3-3) 
Coach: Anthony DiLorenzo 
Five key players: Cody Miller, QB/DB, Sr.; Marques Cantone, OL/DL, Sr.; Trevor Lamoureux, RB/LB, Sr.; Brandon Nyack, OL/DL, Jr.; Tyler Mathe, RB/DB, Sr. 
The Eagles: Miller is a dual threat quarterback that rushed for seven touchdowns and ran for three more last season. Lamoureux and Mathe are formidable two-way players and will line up next to Miller in the Spread/Wing-T offense. 
10. HALF HOLLOW HILLS WEST (2-4) 
Coach: Gerald Filardi 
Five key players: Malcolm McKinnon, RB/LB, Sr; Jalyn Jacques, RB/DB, Jr.; Michael Coq, RB/LB, Sr.; Ryan Bonocore, TE/LB, Jr.; Ethan Han, OL/DL, Sr. 
The Colts: Han will be joined on both the offensive and defensive line by junior Thomas Nazaruk, who is a newcomer to varsity this season. The three-headed backfield of McKinnon, Jacques and Coq will be explosive, while speedy junior wide receiver Zachary Vasconcellos expects to play an important role in the offense. 
11. DEER PARK (2-5) 
Coach: Dan Bowker 
Five key players: Nicholas Esposito, OL/DL, Sr.; Mathaias Edmond, RB/DB, Sr.; Logan Rhodes, QB/DB, Sr.; John Laird, OL/DL, Jr.; Rachmani Pierre, OL/DL, Jr. 
The Falcons: Will look to run the ball behind a strong offensive line and spread the ball around to a variety of dynamic skill position players. Rhodes is an accurate passer and has explosive running ability, while Edmond is a dynamic running back with excellent vision. The defense returns six starters from last year’s front seven. 
12. AMITYVILLE (0-8) 
Coach: Jason Epps 
Five key players: TyJon Billinger, RB/DB, Sr.; Akinwale Orisajinmi, OG/DE, Sr.; Ulric Farrier, WR/DB, Sr.; Victor Wade, OG/DT, Jr.; Jermaine Jackson, RB/LB, Jr. 
Amityville: Billinger and Farrier provide a ton of speed on offense and flock to the ball on defense. Junior Juan Mejia is a 6-foot-2 tight end appearing on varsity for the first time this year and provides sophomore quarterback Joshua Garrett with another weapon. 
13. EASTPORT-SOUTH MANOR (1-5) 
Coach: Mike Maratto 
Five key players: JT Morello, OL/DL, Sr.; Rich Stanya, RB/DB, Sr.; Jack Bonawandt, OL/DL, Sr.; Paul Drummond, QB/LB, Sr.; Hudson Quijano, RB/LB, Sr. 
The Sharks: Morello and Bonawandt are two crucial pieces of a stout offensive and defensive line, while Aston Lides and Michael LaRusso are new additions at wide receiver and defensive back. ESM will feature a new offensive and defensive scheme this season.

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Suffolk Division III football team previews

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<h3>Coaching spotlight</h3> 
Gerald Filardi is in his third season at Half Hollow Hills West. The Long Island native played football at Whitman and was selected to Newsday’s All-Long Island team in 1991. He finished his career as the all-time leading tackler in school history with 346 stops. After graduating in 1992, he walked on to the Penn State football team in the fall and earned a scholarship. During his time with the Nittany Lions, he won four straight bowl games from 1994-1997 (Citrus Bowl, Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Outback Bowl). Filardi started at inside linebacker during the 1995-96 and 1996-97 seasons and played in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1997 following his college career. 
<h3>Must-see games</h3> 
Westhampton at East Islip, Friday, September 17 at 6 p.m.: The Hurricanes handed East Islip its only loss in the spring season in a 27-21 victory in the Suffolk Division III semifinals. Westhampton scored the final 20 points in the come-from-behind victory. 
Westhampton at Sayville, Friday, October 1 at 6:30 p.m.: The Hurricanes and Golden Flashes will go head-to-head in a rematch of last season’s Suffolk Division III title game. Sayville rushed for over 200 yards in the 32-7 victory and won its record-setting 15th county crown. 
East Islip at Sayville, Saturday, October 16 at 2 p.m.: These two teams enter the season ranked as the top two seeds in the division. The skill players on both sidelines are as dynamic and explosive as they come. This has the potential to be one of the games of the year. 
<h3>Impact players</h3> 
Leo Lopez, East Islip, RB/DB, 6-1, 220, Sr.: Lopez rushed for over 1,000 yards and 11 scores, and had multiple interception returns for touchdowns in his junior season. His speed and ability to flash to the ball will create headaches for opposing coaches. He earned the Cipp Jr. Award as Suffolk’s best running back and was named to Newsday’s All Long Island first team. 
Charlie Sands, Sayville, DB/RB, 5-8, 165, Sr.: Sands was named to Newsday’s All Long Island second team after the 2021 spring season and finished the year with 41 tackles (23 solo), three sacks, an interception and two fumble recoveries. 
Deegan Laube, Westhampton, Slot/CB, 5-10, 170, Sr.: Laube’s quickness and vision allows him to elude defenders when the ball is in his hands and lets him shut down opponents’ wide receivers in the defensive backfield.

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Suffolk Division III: What to watch for

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1. NORTH SHORE (7-1) 
Coach: Daniel Agovino 
Five key players: Daniel Quigley, QB/DB, Sr.; Reece Ramos, OL/DL, Jr.; David Berlin, WR/DB, Sr.; Andrew Noak, OL/LB, Sr.; Mark Russo, RB/LB, Sr. 
The Vikings: They lost in Class IV final to Wantagh. Will look to run the ball with the tandem of Quigley and Russo, behind Ramos and a strong offensive line. 
2. SEAFORD (5-1) 
Coach: Michael Corcoran 
Five key players: James McHugh, RB/LB, Sr.; Tom Kofad, RB/LB, Sr.; Jack Murphy, TE/LB, Sr.; Kyle Starke, QB/DB, Sr.; Jack Kellner, OL/DL, Sr. 
The Vikings: Corcoran takes over coaching duties after the retirement of the iconic Robert Perpall. They lost in Nassau IV semifinals and will be led on offense by McHugh and Starke. 
3. CLARKE (4-2) 
Coach: Kevin O’Hagan 
Five key players: Nicholas Giardino, QB, Sr.; Liam Farrell, OL/DL, Sr.; Mike Delaney OL/DL, Sr.; Tyler Benowitz, OL/LB, Sr.; Anthony Sforza, RB/LB, Sr. 
The Rams: O’Hagan takes over the coaching position. They return three offensive lineman and a dual-threat QB in Giardino, who rushed for over 1,000 yards. 
4. COLD SPRING HARBOR (5-2) 
Coach: Jon Mendreski 
Five key players: Charles Tauckus, FB/LB, Sr.; C.J. Reily, QB/FS, Jr.; Aidan McKean, OL/LB, Sr.; Caden O’Connor, WR/DB, Jr.; Aidan Burdo, RB/LB, Sr. 
The Seahawks: They lost in semifinals to North Shore and return key players at skill positions. Will look to return to the county finals for the fourth time in the past five years. 
5. EAST ROCKAWAY (4-1) 
Coach: Russell Pajer 
Five key players: Aidan Green, RB/LB, Sr.; Jack Mistretta, RB/LB, Sr.; Joseph Bruzzo, RB/DB, Sr.; Michael Kilgus, RB/DB, Sr.; Chris Becker, OL/DL, Jr. 
The Rocks: They will continue to employ a ball control offense. The linebackers will anchor an athletic defense, bolstered by the return from injury of Mistretta, who played just one game last season. 
6. WEST HEMPSTEAD (0-5) 
Coach: Dominic Carre 
Five key players: Zadrian Budhoo, RB/SS, Sr.; Torry Marshall, OL/DL, Sr.; Jourdan Mitchel, OL/DL, Sr.; Michael AbiAoun, OL/DL, Jr.; A’lorenz Chatman, RB/LB, Jr. 
The Rams: A young group which lost three games by a single possession in the spring will look to pound the ball in their Double-Wing offense. 
7. MALVERNE (1-5) 
Coach: Kito Lockwood 
Five key players: Deandre Blagrove, RB/LB, Sr.; Norman Brown, RB/LB, Jr.; Destin McPherson, WR/DB, Jr.; Justin Murphy, OL/DL, Sr.; Ryan Thompson, OL/DL, Sr. 
The Mules: They lost three games by one score and missed the playoffs for the first time in six years. The offensive workload will be carried by RBs, Blagrove and Brown. 
8. ISLAND TREES (3-2) 
Coach: Ryan Vinberg 
Five key players: Ryan Mastropaolo, FB/LB, Sr.; Michael Coppeto, RB/DB, Jr.; Nick Saragossi, QB/DB, Jr.; Dimitri Noulas, OL/DL, Sr.; Chris Antonelli, C/OLB, Sr. 
The Bulldogs: Vinberg takes over as new coach and will continue to employ a Flexbone offense. Experience at FB and QB will be key to improving in standings. 
9. LAWRENCE (1-5) 
Coach: Jay Supple 
Five key players: Jackson Mondesir, RB/DE, Jr.; Kody Kirchner, QB, Jr.; Jahking King, WR/DE/OLB, Jr.; Andres Valle, DL/OL, Sr.; Jared Alexander, RB/WR/LB, Jr. 
The Golden Tornadoes: Led by a strong group of juniors on the offensive side of the ball, they will rely on athleticism and experience to make a playoff push this season. 
10. LOCUST VALLEY (3-3) 
Coach: Casey Neilly 
Five key players: Sean Roberts, RB/LB, Sr.; Colby Zino, OL/DL, Sr.; Christian Garcia, RB/DB, Sr.; Marc Mehta, QB/LB, Sr.; Mitch Harmantis, WR/DB, Sr. 
The Falcons: The return of RBs Roberts and Garcia, headline an important group of seniors for a relatively young group, looking to make a run at the playoffs. 
11. CARLE PLACE/WHEATLEY (3-3) 
Coach: Justin Renna 
Five key players: James McKeough, QB/S, Sr.; Aidan Dearborn, TE/DE, Sr.; Daniel Solomon, RB/NT, Sr.; Ryan Driscoll, OL/LB, Sr.; Anthony Garcia, OL/DL, Sr. 
The WildFrogs: A new coaching staff will look to employ a more up-tempo, spread offense, and fight for a spot in the playoffs. 
12. OYSTER BAY (0-5) 
Coach: Daniel Ruskowski 
Five key players: Justin Ingebrigtsen, TE/LB, Sr.; Michael Barbera, QB/DB, Sr.; Brian Duke, WR/DB, Sr.; Bradley Lopes, WR/DB, Sr.; Harry Pytell, OL/DL, Sr. 
The Baymen: They return a key group of seniors, headlined by Ingebrigtsen, who led the team in tackles. They will look to end their losing streak against Locust Valley, dating back to 1997. 
13. FRIENDS ACADEMY (1-2) 
Coach: Ken Rice 
Five key players: CJ Williams, OL/DL, Jr.; Zach Shallat, RB/LB, Sr.; Malachi Russell, TE/DL, Sr.; Sean Johnson, WR/DB, Sr.; Sean Shallat, RB/LB, Soph. 
The Quakers: They will run a 3-3 stack on defense, in an effort to take advantage of team speed. Play calling will be more aggressive for an offense which will utilize multiple formations.

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NASSAU CONFERENCE IV 
Coaching Spotlight 
Michael Corcoran will take over at traditionally strong Seaford and he has some large shoes to fill after the retirement of head coach Robert Perpall, who was at the helm of the Vikings for 21 seasons. The Vikings have won two of the last four Nassau IV championships and once again figure to be in the mix this upcoming season. Corcoran brings some experience to the position, previously spending four seasons at Roslyn, where he had a .500 winning percentage. 
Must-see games 
Seaford at North Shore, Saturday, Oct. 2, 3 p.m.: A matchup between two high-powered offenses. Features arguably the two best players in the conference, Daniel Quigley of North Shore and James McHugh of Seaford. 
Island Trees at East Rockaway, Saturday, Oct. 16, 2 p.m.: These two teams played the highest-scoring game in the conference last season, combining for 96 points. 
Clarke at Cold Spring Harbor, Friday, Oct. 22, 7 p.m.: A CSH defense that held opponents to single digits on four separate occasions, will look to contain a 1,000-yard rusher at the QB position for Clarke, Nicholas Giardino. 
Impact Players 
Daniel Quigley, North Shore, QB/DB, 6’1, 175, Sr.: A dual-threat QB who can pick apart defenses with his arm or legs. Scored 17 total touchdowns this past season. 
James McHugh, Seaford, RB/LB, 5’9, 180, Sr.: Totaled over 1,000 all-purpose yards this past season and tallied 54 tackles on defense. 
Charles Tauckus, Cold Spring Harbor, FB/LB, 5’10, 185, Sr.: An upperclassman with a penchant for making plays in the backfield, totaled two sacks and three tackles for loss.

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Nassau Conference IV: What to watch for

Nassau Conference IV: What to watch for

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1. BAYPORT-BLUE POINT (4-1) 
Coach: Michael Zafonte 
Five Key Players: Jameson Smith, WR/DB, Sr.; Brady Clark, QB/DB, Jr.; Gavin Locascio, WR/DB, Sr.; JJ Aiello, RB/LB, Jr.; Derek Varley, TE/DE, Jr. 
The Phantoms: They bring back a talented team that just missed the playoffs because of a tie breaker. The top seed in 2021, Bayport-Blue Point will look to Clark to lead the offense along with talent in Locascio and Aiello at the skill positions. 
2. SHOREHAM-WADING RIVER (6-0) 
Coach: Aden Smith 
Five Key Players: Max Barone, RB/SS, Sr.; Anthony Giordano, FB/NT, Sr.; Dylan Kiely, TE/OLB, Sr.; Aidan Clifford, OT/DE, Sr.; James Provencher, C/DT, Sr. 
The Wildcats: They are the defending Suffolk IV champions and will look for a repeat behind a powerful running back in Barone (518 yards on 88 carries) and veteran offensive lineman in Clifford and Provencher. 
3. MILLER PLACE (2-3) 
Coach: Adam St. Nicholas 
Five Key Players: Aidan Glynn, OT/DE, Sr.; Owen Connolly, WR/OLB, Sr.; Justin Klein, QB, Sr.; James Duffy, OT, Sr.; Anthony Bartolotto, WR/DB, Sr. 
The Panthers: They add two impact running backs in Scotty Seymour and Joe’ll Spagnuolo who return after transferring away last season. They’ll be running behind an experienced offensive line led by Glynn. 
4. MOUNT SINAI (3-2) 
Coach: Vin Ammirato 
Five Key Players: Joey Spallina, QB/LB, Sr.; Gavin Takacs, TE/LB, Sr.; Alex Day, OL/DL, Sr.; Chris Kit, OL/DL, Sr.; James Carretta, RB/LB, Sr. 
The Mustangs: The offense will be led by Spallina, a dual threat who ran for 360 yards and threw for 290 yards in five games last season. Day and Kit are two-year starters that will anchor both lines. 
5. BABYLON (6-1) 
Coach: Rick Punzone 
Five Key Players: Joe Young, QB, Sr.; Elijah Kneeland, TE/DE, Sr.; Kevin Mroczka, OL/DL, Sr.; Brady Winter, OL/LB, Jr.; Andrew DiPalma, RB/LB, Jr. 
The Panthers: They return one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in Suffolk in Young (786 rush yards, 10 TDs and 381 passing yards and 12 TDs) and a two-way force in Kneeland (eight receiving TD’s and 51 tackles and six sacks). They’ll be supplemented by five sophomore starters. 
6. GLENN (4-2) 
Coach: Dave Shanahan 
Five Key Players: Joe LaCorte, RB/LB, Sr.; Christian Szokoli, OL/LB, Sr.; Mario Bento, RB/LB, Jr.; Chris Franzese, QB/S, Jr.; Julien Bush, OT/DT, Soph. 
The Knights: They will rely on LaCorte (35 tackles), Bento (32 tackles) and Szokoli to lead a fast and hard hitting defense and on Bush (15 tackles, two sacks) to continue to make an impact as an underclassman. 
7. CENTER MORICHES (2-4) 
Coach: Leonard Wright 
Five Key Players: Judah Williams, RB/DB, Sr.; Paul Loguercio, OL/DL, Sr.; Colin Magill, OL/DL, Sr.; Joel Treadwell, OL/DL, Sr.; James Schildt, OL/DL, Sr. 
The Red Devils: The return a deep and experienced line that will look to control the line of scrimmage and open running lanes for the talented Williams. Looking to win the first playoff game in program history. 
8. PORT JEFFERSON (2-2) 
Coach: Andrew Cosci 
Five Key Players: Luke Filippi, QB/LB, Sr.; Stephen Bayer, WR/LB, Sr.; Peter Murphy, C/DE, Sr.; Brady DeWitt, RB/S, Jr.; Kyle Yannucci, WR/CB, Sr. 
The Royals: They will look to Filippi (11 TD’s and 45 tackles) and Bayer (four TD’s and 41 tackles) to be linchpins on both sides of the ball. Port Jeff returns a lot of depth all over the field and will be looking to make and win a game in the playoffs. 
9. EAST HAMPTON (1-4) 
Coach: Joe McKee 
Five Key Players: Finn Byrnes, RB/LB, Jr.; Danny Lester, TE/LB, Jr.; Melvin Molina, OL/LB, Sr.; Mike Moret, RB/LB, Sr.; Mike Hill, WR/DB, Sr. 
The Bonackers: They are looking to continue making a steady improvement after fielding a varsity team for the first time in two years last season. Sophomore quarterback Charlie Corwin is a newcomer who can have an impact on the offense. 
10. GREENPORT/SOUTHOLD/MATTITUCK (N/A) 
Coach: Tim McArdle 
Five Key Players: Dominick Giovanniello, OL/DL, Sr.; Hunter Anderson, TE/DE, Sr.; Scott Ferguson, OL/DL, Sr.; Danny Breen, RB/LB/K/P, Sr.; Rudy Bruer, WR/OLB, Sr. 
The Porters: They will rely heavily on players that led the JV squad to a 4-0 record last season after not fielding a team. Giovanniello, Anderson and Feguson will lead a strong group up front that will look to control the line of scrimmage. 
11. WYANDANCH (0-3) 
Coach: William Harrison 
Key Players: Antoine Ruddock, WR/LB, Sr.; Deandre Smith, RB/LB, Sr.; 
Wyandanch: They will look to Ruddock and Smith to lead a defense that they believe can carry the team to victories this season. 
12. HAMPTON BAYS (1-3) 
Coach: Sean Gil 
Top Five Players: Cooper Shay, FB/LB, Sr.; Stephen Sutton, WR/CB, Sr.; Timothy Kraycar, OL/DL, Sr.; Nicholas Velasquez, TB/LB, Sr.; Logan Grismer, TB/LB, Sr. 
The Baymen: They have a senior core at key positions as Shay and Velasquez look to key the running game behind the 6-foot-4, 285 pound Kraycar on the offensive line.

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<h3>Coaching spotlight</h3> 
Babylon may be the second smallest Suffolk school to field a football team, but that hasn’t stopped them from putting up big time results over the years. The man in charge, Rick Punzone, has been the head coach for 19 seasons and enters 2021 with a 147-39 career record. In that time the Panthers have won four Long Island Championships and have at least reached the Suffolk IV final 11 times. 
<h3>Must-see games</h3> 
Mount Sinai at Shoreham-Wading River, October 1, 7 p.m.: Another installment of the incredible small-school north shore rivalry that is sure to have playoff implications. It's a rematch of the Suffolk IV championship game, and we can't forget many of the same athletes were involved in the boys regular season lacrosse game of the year won in overtime by SWR just six weeks before that. 
Babylon at Center Moriches, October 8, 7 p.m.: Two teams that return impact players and are hoping to not only make the playoffs but secure first round home games. Can Babylon and quarterback Joe Young pick up a big victory and spoil homecoming for Center Moriches and talented running back Judah Williams? 
Shoreham-Wading River at Bayport-Blue Point, October 16, 1 p.m.: Shoreham-Wading River is the three-time defending Suffolk IV champs but Bayport-Blue Point enters this season as the top-seed. The Wildcats will get a chance to prove they still belong on top when they play the Phantoms on homecoming at Bayport-Blue Point. 
<h3>Impact players</h3> 
Luke Filippi, Port Jefferson, QB/LB, Sr.: Filippi is a big time playmaker for Port Jeff. He showed off his arm with eight passing touchdowns and 300+ yard passing games against Center Moriches and East Hampton last season and had three scores on the ground. He also had 45 tackles. 
Joey Spallina, Mt. Sinai, QB/LB, Sr.: Whether it’s spring or fall you’ll find Spallina making plays on the fields at Mt. Sinai. He had 360 rush yards and 290 pass yards and made 35 tackles last season. 
Joe Young, Babylon, QB, Sr.: A second team all-Long Island selection as a junior, Young ran for 786 yards and 10 TD’s and threw for 381 yards and 12 TD’s in the spring season.

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Suffolk Division IV: What to watch for 

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<h3>CHSFL</h3> 
CHAMINADE (2-3) 
Coach: Kevin Dolan 
Key Players: Connor Collett, LB, Sr.; Nicholas Orphanos OL, Sr.; Michael Miller, WR, Sr.; Thomas Kemp DE, Sr.; Anthony Scala DT, Sr.; Thomas Stueber QB, Sr. 
The Flyers: The defense will be led by Collette, Scala, and Kemp (6-3, 245 pounds). Orphanos headlines Chaminade’s o-line, while QB Stueber, WR Michael Miller and newcomer and junior RB Gavin Creo are some of Chaminade’s top playmakers. The Flyers are looking for their first AAA title since 2012. 
HOLY TRINITY (1-3) 
Coach: Kahmal Roy 
Key Players: Cassius Johnson RB/DB, Sr.; Kameron Robbins, RB, Sr.; Dylan Braithwaite, WR, Jr.; Zayden Michel, DE/OG, Jr.; Irvin Briggs IV, DE/OT, Jr.; Jameer Reeder, RB/LB, Soph. 
The Titans: They have a trio of talented running backs, including seniors Johnson and Robbins, and sophomore Reeder. Braithwaite is one of the receiving corps’ top performers. A pair of juniors are two-way lineman: Michel and 6-4, 265-pound Briggs, who should help Holy Trinity on both interior lines. 
KELLENBERG (4-2) 
Coach: Kevin Hanifan 
Key Players: Ethan Greenwood, QB, Sr.; Brendan Leahy, RB/LB, Sr.; Timothy McGrath, DT, Sr.; Rino Monteforte, LS/OL, Sr.; Jaden Lyons, WR/DB, Sr.; .Peter von Schoenermarck, WR/LB, Sr. 
The Firebirds: Kellenberg could see a platoon at quarterback with Greenwood and 6-4 junior Devin Page (who might play other offensive positions, too). DT McGrath is one of the few returning starters along the Firebirds’ interior line -- a group that could very well determine how Kellenberg fares this year. The Firebirds are 32-6 the last four seasons which is their best stint in school history. 
ST. ANTHONY’S (3-2) 
Coach: Joe Minucci 
Key Players: Andrew Bardak, LB, Sr.; Kenyon Miles, WR, Jr.; Matt Moss, LB , Sr.; Michael Voltaggio, OL, Sr.; Mike Fitzgerald, DL, Sr.; Shawn McCabe, DL, Sr. 
The Friars: They boast two of the best linebackers around in Bardak and Moss. Miles is a D-I talent at wide receiver and Voltaggio is a stalwart on the offensive line. DB Ian Strong and WR Korey Duff Jr. are talented newcomers that should boost the Friars, who have reached the AAA playoffs 33 consecutive seasons. 
ST. DOMINIC (0-3) 
Coach: Andrew Caramico 
Key Players: Christopher Chelius, LB/WR, Jr.; Michael Petrucelly, LB/TE. Sr.; Jonathan Bartolomei, QB/CB, Sr.; Liam Spratt, OT/DE, Jr.; Michael Rossiter, LB, Soph.; Will White, CB/WR/RB, Sr. 
The Bayhawks: They have a solid linebacking corps, including Chelius, Petrucelly, and Rossiter. Newcomers Kristofer Simon and Colin Maher could be book-end offensive tackles for St. Dominic. The Bayhawks’ last win was on Oct. 12, 2018 against Nazareth, the team they will face in their opener. 
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST (2-3) 
Coach: Philip Alba 
Key Players: Mark Anthony Scott, RB/DB, Sr.; Bryce Robinson, WR/DB, Sr.; River Lewis, WR/DB, Sr.; Joseph Fasolino, OL/DL, Jr.; Patrick Moloney, LB/RB, Jr.; Jayson Zeva, WR/DB, Jr. 
The Cougars: St. John the Baptist has a highly-regarded placekicker, RJ Kocan, who will handle all of the Cougars’ kicking duties. Seniors Kyle Chase and Randy Ramnarace are in a heated competition at signal caller that may result in a two-QB system for SJB. The Cougars have won eight CHSFL playoff titles with their last coming in 2013. 
<h3>INDEPENDENT</h3> 
LONG ISLAND LUTHERAN (0-2) 
Coach: Chris Reno 
Key Players: Zion Tracy, WR/DB, Sr.; Ryan Alexander, LB/RB, Jr.; Justin Reshard, WR/DB, Sr.; Gavin Holman, LB/RB, Soph.; Josue Cruz, DE/RB, Sr.; Marleo Neolien, OT, Sr. 
The Crusaders: They'll count on Tracy and Reshard to lead a talented wideout group, while Alexander, Holman and Cruz are a trio of solid RBs that also play defense. Neolien is 6-7, 335 pounder and forms a solid line core with newcomer Matt Kilgannon.

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CHSFL, private school football team previews

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