Nassau Conference I football: What to watch for

MUST-SEE GAMES

Oct. 22, Farmingdale at Massapequa, 2 p.m. : When Farmingdale and Massapequa meet, it’s a can’t-miss contest for fans. This season is certainly no exception as Farmingdale is the No. 2-ranked team in Nassau and Massapequa, the two-time defending county champions, is ranked No. 1. Massapequa’s Ryan Fountain and Farmingdale’s  Tomaso Ramos could be worth the price of admission alone. Add in the schools being separated by less than five miles and this is as good as it gets in Nassau football.

Oct. 7, Freeport at Farmingdale, 6:30 p.m.: Farmingdale defeated Freeport, 21-20, in the Nassau Conference I quarterfinals last season. Both teams are expected to be even better than last season, meaning this may be the first of two meetings between the squads. Freeport won’t forget the feeling of walking off the field losing by one point and Farmingdale isn’t going to be ready to show Freeport an ounce of weakness.

Oct. 28, East Meadow at Port Washington, 6:30 p.m.: The teams meet in the final week of the regular season and this could be a “win and you’re in” the playoffs type of game. John McCarthy looks to lead Port Washington to the postseason and a possible multi-week playoff run. East Meadow coach Vinny Mascia returns to the sideline for his 20th season after taking a few years off to follow his son play in college. Both programs feature solid rosters in the middle of a competitive Conference I.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Charlie McKee, who became Nassau’s all-time career passing leader with 8,930 yards and 94 touchdowns, will suit up for his freshman season at Stony Brook. He started four years at Oceanside (2018-21).

GOOD VENUE

If you’re ever looking for the high school football experience you see on TV or in movies, Oceanside is the place to go. Their student section, named “309”, constantly comes up with clever chants and wears the colors of the team’s uniform that day, or whatever theme the students create. It’s the 13th year of the section, which brings hundreds of students and great energy to Mosback Stadium.

GREAT MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT

Year after year, Freeport has one of the most entertaining bands and puts on tremendous halftime performances to compliment the exciting style of play of the Red Devils football team. The marching band includes dozens of drummers, a flag team and kickline. 

WHAT A CHARACTER

The Farmingdale Lion is a staple at nearly every Dalers sporting event. The Lion is a constant presence during football games and always adds to the gameday atmosphere. 

COACHING SPOTLIGHT

Buddy Krumenacker is entering his 30th season as the Farmingdale head coach. But he’s still chasing his predecessor. 

Krumenacker took over at Farmingdale in 1993 for Don Snyder, who coached 40 years at the school. Although Krumenacker has 279 victories, he still sees himself as continuing the legacy set by Snyder.

“I’ve carried on what they’ve created before me,” he said. “And hopefully the next guy after me will carry it along as well.”

Discipline has always been at the forefront of the Farmingdale program. Krumenacker continues to love working with the new generations of athletes, but he always expects the same standard.

“I think the best part is they leave better young men than when they came,” he said. “It’s not about game planning and all that stupid [stuff]. But I tell them, we live in a democracy, but there will be nothing democratic about this and that’s how we live. You are going to be where you are told, you are going to be where you are supposed to be when you’re supposed to be there and that’s how we are going to do business. And if you’re not OK with that, that’s OK. This isn’t for everybody.”