Nassau Conference I preview
Freeport Red Devils wide receiver Jere Brown runs with the ball during a kick off return for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Oceanside Saylors. (Oct. 30, 2010) Credit: Christopher Pasatieri
The target is squarely on Freeport's back. But that's what happens when you win the Long Island Championship in grand fashion, beating Floyd, 62-35. Isaiah Barnes scored an LIC-record six touchdowns and threw for another in that game last season, but this is no one-man show. He's surrounded by talented players such as Evan Lapice and Maurice Irby, affectionately nicknamed the Chihuahuas. Though small in stature, they're big-time players.
It's not going to be a coronation, however, and Freeport will have to run a gantlet of hungry teams looking to unseat the Red Devils. Tough defense is the cornerstone of conference titans Oceanside and Farmingdale. The three times Freeport played either school last season, the victor won by six points or fewer. Farmingdale looked to have Freeport licked in the conference final before the Red Devils outscored the Dalers 15-6 in the fourth quarter for a 36-33 win. Both of Freeport's touchdowns at the end came courtesy of Barnes passes. East Meadow is currently injury free and projects to move toward the head of the class with a healthy offense, led by running back Rob Healy. Massapequa running back Vassili Grigorakos and Uniondale tight end William Stanback will keep the top teams honest and lead a contingent of squads a little farther down the conference ladder.
1. FREEPORT (11-1)
COACH: Russ Cellan (26th season).
KEY PLAYERS: Isaiah Barnes, QB, 6-3, 195, Sr.; Jere Brown, WR/DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Evan Lapice, WR/DB, 5-6, 155, Sr.; Maurice Irby, WR/RB/DB, 5-4, 145, Sr.; Ken Berryhill, OL/DL, 6-2, 245, Sr.; Errol Small, RB/LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.
ABOUT THE RED DEVILS: After two straight Long Island Championships, three straight Nassau titles and ending the season on a nine-game winning streak, Freeport wants more of the same. It will have to overcome the loss of most of the offensive and defensive lines, but with a combined 30 touchdowns between those returning on offense, there should be enough fireworks.
2. EAST MEADOW (5-4)
COACH: Vinny Mascia (14th season).
KEY PLAYERS: Rob Healy, RB/FS, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Dom Morales, OG/DE, 6-1, 270, Sr.; John Posillico, TE/LB, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Dylan Curry, QB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Giancarlo Carvalho, OT/DE, 6-1, 275, Jr.; James D'Elia, RB/DB, 5-5, 165, Sr.
ABOUT THE JETS: Injuries helped cause a disappointing finish in 2010, though a solid returning defense and plethora of two-way impact players look to flip the script. The experienced Curry is a key to the triple-option offense and Healy scored eight touchdowns via kick returns, interceptions and receptions. Posillico led the team with 52 tackles.
3. OCEANSIDE (8-2)
COACH: Rob Blount (third season)
KEY PLAYERS: Hector Quintin, LB/DL, 6-1, 245, Sr.; Andrew Borruso, OL/DL, 6-2, 275, Sr.; Phil Ragona, WR/CB, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Dan Hernandez, OL/DL, 5-10, 225, Sr.; Steve Checco, OL/DL, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Rich O'Flanagan, OL/LB, 5-9, 195, Sr.
ABOUT THE SAILORS: After losing a large portion of its offense, Oceanside is relying on veteran offensive and defensive lines to get back to the Conference I semifinals. Ragona was one of the top receivers in 2010, compiling 20 catches, 300 yards and five touchdowns. The Sailors will use several running backs, such as Alex Meller, to get the ground game moving.
4. FARMINGDALE (8-3)
COACH: Buddy Krumenacker (19th season)
KEY PLAYERS: Justin Martin, RB/DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Tyler Ward, WR/DB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Dennis Maroldo, OL/DL, 5-10, 240, Sr.; Ryan O'Keefe, OL/DL, 5-8, 250, Sr.; Jack Doupe, OL/DL, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Vikram Singh, OL/DL, 6-0, 205, Sr.
ABOUT THE DALERS: After losing in the Conference I final last year, it's back to business as usual for Farmingdale. An emerging group of seniors take the reins of the program and Ward should find room to fly in the spread offense. Martin was worked in sparingly last season but is now a key contributor.
COACH: Paul Rorke (18th season).
KEY PLAYERS: Evan Kappatos, OT/DL 6-0, 235, Sr.; Brian Sheng, OT/DE 6-4, 240, Sr.; Joe Morris, RB, 5-7, 150, Jr.; Matt Taurisani, WR/DL, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Brett Resnick, WR/QB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; John Aronson, C/DT, 6-3, 265, Jr.
ABOUT THE BRAVES: After losing in a Conference I semifinal last season, a strong offensive and defensive line is the key to making another deep playoff run. The line is headed by two-time Piner Award winner Kappatos, a physical and powerful player. Morris returns at running back after a strong sophomore season and quarterback Dylan Shangold won the job with an impressive camp.
6. BALDWIN (4-5)
COACH: Stephen Carroll (25th season).
KEY PLAYERS: Michael Ainbinder, RB/LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Derek Darnult, TE/LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Patrick Dillon, QB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Nate Smith, OL/DL, 5-11, 250, Sr.
ABOUT THE BRUINS: Baldwin lost in the first round of the playoffs to eventual champ Freeport, and looks to senior leadership to get back to the postseason. Darnult had five catches for 97 yards last season and Ainbinder added 21 tackles. Receiver Travis Hylton led the junior varsity to a 7-1 record. Running back Jovaun Tomlinson could make some noise.
7. UNIONDALE (4-4)
COACH: Greg Didio (21st season)
KEY PLAYERS: William Stanback, TB, 5-11, 207, Jr.; Dante Salkey, DT, 6-4, 240, Sr.; Davion Porter, OG/MLB, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Tyler Desire, FB/DE, 6-3, 210, Jr.; Soloman Stokley, TB/CB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Brandon Duncan, QB, 6-3, 180, Sr.
ABOUT THE KNIGHTS: The defense is solid and the skill positions on offense are talented and speedy, particularly Stanback, who rushed for more than 1,200 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. The question mark is on the offensive line, where only one starter, Porter, returns. If the line blocks and Stanback can be sprung, the year looks bright.
8. MASSAPEQUA (4-5)
COACH: Kevin Shippos (first season).
KEY PLAYERS: Vassili Grigorakos, RB/LB, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Anthony Tufano, OL/DL, 6-0, 265, Sr.; Mike Sollenne, OL/DL, 6-6, 260, Sr.; Mike McCarren, OL/DL, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Jon Dillon, LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.
ABOUT THE CHIEFS: After losing to Oceanside in the quarterfinals, Massapequa returns experienced running back Grigorakos to help lead a young but competitive team. The Chiefs will lean on senior two-way players Tufano, Sollenne, McCarren and Dillon to help stabilize a program in transition.
9. MACARTHUR (5-4)
COACH: Bobby Fehrenbach (13th season).
KEY PLAYERS: Brett Ellers, RB/LB, 5-7, 155, Sr.; Will Cheshire, WR/DB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Tyler Eppich, RB/DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Gerard Cunningham, QB/LB, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Tom Kelleher, RB/LB, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Joe Tangredi, TE/LB, 5-11, 160, Jr.
ABOUT THE GENERALS: MacArthur lost to Farmingdale in the first round last season by just two points and looks toward a small but athletic squad to be competitive again. Ellers racked up 697 rushing yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions, and Cheshire led the team with three touchdown catches. Eppich and Cunningham, backups in 2010, now have bigger roles.
10. VALLEY STREAM CENTRAL (4-4)
COACH: Frank Chimenti (third season).
KEY PLAYERS: Laton Butler, RB/LB, 6-0, 205, Jr.; Kwesi Harrison, QB/DB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Danny Napolionello, WR/DB, 5-7, 160, Sr.; Dave Joseph, OL/DL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Ricky Grosso, QB/DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Stephan Collins, OL/DL, 6-0, 265, Sr.
ABOUT THE EAGLES: VSC earned its best record since 1993 last season, and after moving up from Conference II this season, look for a more up-tempo offense. Butler had 1,186 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns and Napolionello had 24 catches and five touchdowns. Napolionello, a team captain, also had 60 tackles and Harrison had 53 tackles.
11. HICKSVILLE (4-4)
COACH: Craig Stueber (eighth season).
KEY PLAYERS: Mike McIlwee, QB/LB, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Mike Marchewka, OL/DL, 6-5, 280, Sr.; Mike Hauff, S/WR, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Dan Yates, RB/DB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Shane Sweeney, RB/LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Chris Durham, WR/DB, 6-1, 175, Sr.
ABOUT THE COMETS: It's been near playoff misses for three straight seasons and the team will have to utilize a core of hardworking seniors if it wants to get over the hump. Lack of depth might be a problem, but a trio of backs -- Yates, Sweeney and Fritz Cherubin -- look to take advantage of their speed to push the program ahead.
12. HEMPSTEAD (2-6)
COACH: Antoine Moore (eighth season).
KEY PLAYERS: Malik Howard, RB/DB, 6-0, 180, So.; Raekwon Stith, RB/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Terry Pharr, OL/DL, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Shane McKay, RB/LB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Lashiem Lamar Laws, WR/LB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Mark Braithwaite, QB/DB, 6-2, 190, Jr.
ABOUT THE TIGERS: Rebuilding Hempstead will lean heavily on Howard, who led the team in rushing, receiving and scoring as a freshman. The team hasn't had a winning season since 2008 and is looking to turn things around with good overall speed and is also converting to a spread offense after running the wishbone for 30 years.
13. PLAINVIEW JFK (3-5)
COACH: Chris Rogler (first season).
KEY PLAYERS: Rob Hymowitz, OT/DE, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Dan Brennan, FB/LB, 5-11, 220, Jr.; Alex Abramowitz, QB/S, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Ben Delshad, G/LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Chris Pastier, TE/LB, 6-2, 195, Jr.; Justin Bernstein, C, 5-8, 165, Sr.
ABOUT THE HAWKS: After back-to-back wins to end the regular season, Plainview is looking to a reformed offense (wing T) and defense (4-3) to carry the momentum into this season. This is a team with a lot of speed throughout its ranks, and some young talent. Junior lineman Justin Schenck is praised for his football IQ and junior running back Christian Mueller brings vision and quickness.
14. PORT WASHINGTON (0-8)
COACH: Jamel Ramsay (first season).
KEY PLAYERS: Shawn McKoy, RB/WR/DB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Mike Pedone, WR/FS, 6-3, 175, Sr.; Tommy Maruscak, QB/FS, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Thomas Weil, C/DL, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Anthony D'Aversa, OL/DL, 5-10, 270, Sr.
ABOUT THE VIKINGS: Port Washington is relying on a new group of seniors with speed and determination to bounce back from a winless campaign. Juniors Vincent Misciosia (QB/LB) and Aron Underwood (TE/LB) also might become key players at some point during the season.
