MacArthur and Newfield took different paths to same place: The Long Island Class II championship game
MacArthur running back Vin Martino, left, and Newfield's Justin Ottenwalder. Credit: James Escher; Daniel De Mato
Football practice during Thanksgiving week can mean only one thing: Your team is really good, and it's playing for a Long Island championship.
There has been a lot of bounce at MacArthur's practices this week, and why not? The Generals, one of Long Island's proudest programs with 15 straight playoff appearances, are heading to the Long Island Championships for the second time.
The one chip that has eluded this mighty program is a Long Island title. MacArthur's previous appearance in the Class II title game came in 2002 and ended in a 36-15 loss to North Babylon. So there is a great opportunity before the Generals.
An aggressive defense and multiple offensive weapons helped MacArthur battle through the top of a brutal schedule to advance to Friday's Long Island Class II final against undefeated Newfield at Hofstra's Shuart Stadium at 4:30 p.m.
"Winning a Long Island title is always the goal," MacArthur coach Bobby Fehrenbach said. "We've had to win tough games to get here. We took out Carey, the two-time defending Class II champion, to make this a reality."
In all three playoff games, MacArthur (9-2) found itself in a one-possession situation at halftime, only to rise and shut out its opponent the rest of the way.
"We haven't allowed a second-half point in the playoffs," Fehrenbach said. "And that starts with Marc Arboleda pressuring the quarterback with his long arms and big reach and Mike Rothberg shutting down the run."
In contrast, Newfield (11-0) is an offensive power, averaging 43 points per game. The Wolverines scored 27 third-quarter points to blow away the challenge of Half Hollow Hills West, 58-34, in the Suffolk II final.
"We mirror each other in many ways," Fehrenbach said. "They don't change personnel often and they leave the same athletes on the field for different packages, similar to us. I'm excited to see how it plays out."
The difference may lie in the Generals' path to the title game. Quarterback Jimmy Kelleher has made critical throws to big targets in 6-3 Matt DeBlaiso and the 6-4 Arboleda to come from behind.
"I know the pressure late in games," Kelleher said. "You can't understate how important that is as a quarterback. I'm comfortable with it. You have to have the confidence and the feel to lead your team in those moments."
Newfield's path has been cleared like a road grader. The Wolverines have trailed only twice this season -- for a total of about three minutes. They allowed an opening kickoff return for a touchdown to Hills West and went on to down the Colts, 41-7. And they trailed for just over a minute in the second quarter of last week's win.
"We've jumped on teams early and played disciplined defense," Newfield coach Joe Piccininni said. "We have expectations on both sides of the ball. Our defense can be overlooked by what our offense is capable of doing. But our field position has been a result of great defense."
Newfield won its first Long Island Class II title in 2011. The Wolverines, heavy underdogs in a drive to the crown, edged Garden City, 14-7, under the Shuart Stadium lights.
"That team shocked a lot of people," Piccininni said. "They put the Newfield program on the map."
The Wolverines no longer are the hunter but the hunted. A swarming defense, led by end Dylan Ferrari and linebacker Austin Gubelman, has allowed three touchdowns this season.
They've taken on the persona of Piccininni, a high school All-American at Bellport and a firm leader.
"We're all business," Ferrari said. "There will be plenty of time to reflect on what we've accomplished, but only if we finish the job. MacArthur will be a great game."
Gregg Sarra is Newsday's high school sports editor and has been on the beat since the mid-1980s.
