Long Island's Elite 11 football teams to start the 2022 season
St. Anthony's quarterback Dante Torres against Iona Prep on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021. Credit: James Escher
Our look at Long Island’s Elite 11 football teams for the fall season of 2022, regardless of classification.
1. ST. ANTHONY’S (6-3)
The Friars have the most proficient passing attack on Long Island with quarterback Dante Torres and a core of outstanding receivers, including Newsday All-Long Island first-teamer Korey Duff Jr. and Kenyon Miles. The Friars can make a big move in the CHSFL AAA Division.
2. GARDEN CITY (12-0)
The Trojans completed their fifth perfect season in the last six years on the way to the Long Island Class II crown. They are 64-2 in that span and reload again in 2022.
3. MASSAPEQUA (11-1)
Massapequa has won two straight Nassau Conference I crowns and is the defending Long Island Class I champions.
4. PLAINEDGE (12-0)
The Red Devils have won two Class III crowns with 12-0 records in both 2019 and 2021. There was no season in 2020 and no LIC in the spring of 2021.
5. FLOYD (9-2)
The Colonials' streak of three straight Suffolk Division I playoff titles was halted by Whitman in last year's final, 42-7. Floyd has won a record 13 Division I titles since 2001 and can climb back on top this season.
6. FARMINGDALE (7-3)
Head coach Buddy Krumenacker is in his 30th season with the Dalers. They’ve had 25 winning seasons in that span and will give Massapequa a run for the title.
7. BELLPORT (10-2)
The Clippers are the defending Division II champions and move athletic Justin Miles to quarterback to work alongside electric halfback Donte Phillips.
8. SAYVILLE (10-1)
Sophomore halfback Kyle Messina is a big-play threat and the Golden Flashes' defense led by Benny Sands can dominate. They’re confident in junior Jake Tripptree, who takes over at quarterback.
9. KELLENBERG (4-4)
The Firebirds move up to the highly competitive CHSFL AAA division for the first time with quarterback Devin Page. They won back-to-back AA titles in 2017 and 2018.
10. CHAMINADE (7-3)
The Flyers won the CHSFL AA-1 playoff title last season and return 14 starters from that team. The athletic Matt Dieguez takes over at quarterback.
11. HALF HOLLOW HILLS EAST (7-3)
The Thunderbirds were stunned in last year’s playoffs at Bellport. They bring back a healthy core of linemen to compete for the crown.
Gregg Sarra is Newsday's high school sports editor and has been on the beat since the mid-1980s.
