Top 5 newcomers for Long Island high school football

Every year, new faces emerge in high school football. This season has seen several athletes come out of nowhere to make a major impact for their teams.

Orji Agwu, Lynbrook

The Owls' offense has emerged as one of the best in Nassau this fall. Lynbrook's passing attack has been a major story, and Agwu, a first-year varsity player, has been a significant contributor. Agwu followed his strong summer with 508 receiving yards, helping Lynbrook to a 4-2 record.

“He figured it out over the summer,” Lynbrook coach David Yaker said. “This summer, he really committed himself to getting better and had a great 7-on-7 league (showing). I think he started to realize he could become really good, and his chemistry with his quarterback, Chase (Samelson), has been great.”

Against last year’s Nassau Conference IV finalist Plainedge, Agwu had a statement game with eight catches for 172 yards and one touchdown. The Owls scored 35 points and showed they could compete with the top programs in the conference.

Colin Clark, Bayport-Blue Point

The three-time defending Suffolk Division IV champions needed a new signal caller this season, and Clark has embraced that role. After leading the scout team last year, Clark took over the offense this season and made it his own.

“Colin didn’t have a huge role on game days last year, but he was huge for us in practice,” coach Mike Zafonte said. “He took on a monster role on the scout team, and this year, he’s stepped in and emerged for our team. He’s only getting better every single week.”

Clark broke through with a 300-yard rushing performance against Kings Park. He has 631 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns while passing for 545 yards and five touchdowns this season. The Phantoms' offense is averaging 45.3 points per game.

Luke Garguilo, Massapequa

Massapequa is coming off back-to-back Long Island Class I championships, and this year's team could be poised to make that a three-peat. After playing sparingly as a receiver last season, Luke Garguilo took over at quarterback this year, and Massapequa has thrived in a 6-0 start. 

“He has complete command of the offense,” Massapequa coach Kevin Shippos said. “He knows the system from last year, he’s extremely intelligent, and he’s getting better every week. It’s a credit to his work ethic.”

In the Nassau Conference I title rematch against rival Farmingdale on Oct. 18, Garguilo had 10 carries for 114 yards and two touchdowns in a 28-3 win.

Ryan Leary, Carle Place

After serving only as a kicker last season, Leary now contributes in all phases of the game for Carle Place. He’s helped his team win four straight games, and the Frogs are in position to make the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

“He’s been a wildcat quarterback, running back, receiver and plays on defense,” Carle Place coach Paul Selhorn said. “He has tremendous athletic ability, and once he was able to play football, he hasn’t left the field. His hand-eye coordination is off the charts.”

Leary has 811 total yards and 10 touchdowns this season, averaging 18 yards per touch. In his last game, he had two receiving touchdowns, a kickoff return for a touchdown, an interception and a 37-yard field goal in a 37-18 win over Island Trees on Oct. 17.

Dominic Prestano, North Babylon

In his first varsity season, Prestano has given the North Babylon offense a massive boost. He’s rushed for 954 yards, which ranks fourth in Suffolk.

“Toughness, work ethic and grit — that’s what he brings,” North Babylon coach John Rowland said. “He’s one of the hardest-working offseason kids I’ve ever had. He’s a good downhill runner and breaks tackles all the time. His legs never stop moving.”

The junior running back has displayed his power all season. He’s played well against some of the top teams in the division, including a signature game against Huntington, when he rushed for 186 yards and four touchdowns.