Inside Suffolk Division I football
Longwood's Terrance Robinson returns a kickoff in the first quarter during a Suffolk Division I game against Whitman on Sept. 10, 2021, at Longwood. Credit: Bob Sorensen
MUST-SEE GAMES
Sept. 24, Sachem North at Sachem East, 2 p.m.
These cross-town rivals are playing for bragging rights to one of Long Island’s largest districts. North leads the series 6-3 including last season’s 48-35 shootout. Both head coaches are Sachem alums.
Oct. 1, Longwood at Floyd, 1 p.m.
This game has been dubbed Parkway Bowl because six miles of the William Floyd Parkway separates the two schools. Floyd leads the all-time series 38-18-2 and has won the last 8 meetings. This is a rivalry game that always features intensity and big hits.
Oct. 15, Ward Melville at Floyd, 2:30 p.m.
This pits the preseason top two seeds for, possibly, the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. Floyd is 23-1 in this series since 1995 and has won the last 7 consecutive games. Both teams will feature outstanding running games. The quarterback who plays better gives his team the advantage in this game.
Oct. 22, Bay Shore at Patchogue-Medford, 2 p.m.
These are two of the oldest teams in Suffolk County. Patchogue-Medford is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its first football team dating to 1922. Bay Shore started football in 1927. This is the 54th meeting of these teams. Bay Shore leads the series 31-17-5.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW
John Papadakis played at Floyd from 1993-1995. He was an All-Suffolk defensive lineman. He played college football at Bucknell. Papadakis has been in the Nassau County police department for the last 15 years where he is currently a lieutenant.
GOOD VENUE
Central Islip is a great place to watch a high school football game because there is no track around the field so the stands are very close to the playing field. When the stands are full the atmosphere is raucous and loud.
GREAT ENTERTAINMENT
The Brentwood band is a show unto itself. The “Green Machine” is over 100 members strong, loud and proud.
WHAT A CHARACTER
The Cougar at Commack runs around and fires up the crow. He adds to the excitement of the game.
COACHING SPOTLIGHT
At 70 years old, Gary Marangi is still full of enthusiasm and love for the game of football.
He has been involved in football for 60 years, from youth league football to being a star quarterback at Elmont where he graduated in 1970.
Marangi played college football at Boston College.
He then had a four-year stint in the NFL, playing three years with the Buffalo Bills and a year with the Cleveland Browns.
After 20 plus years as an assistant coach in various Suffolk high schools Marangi became the head coach of Patchogue-Medford in 2012. The Raiders have qualified for the Division I playoffs four times and lost in the 2014 final to Longwood.
“I still love the kids and the competition”, said Marangi.
