Quarterback Anthony Lee spearheads exciting offense for Patchogue-Medford vs. Floyd
Patchogue-Medford quarterback Anthony Lee steps back to throw as Connetquot's Matt Wilson dives for his ankles in the first half. (Sept. 11, 2013) Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan
This isn't the Patchogue-Medford offense of the mid-90s -- the one that rumbled over opponents to two Long Island Class I championships. This is a wide-open Raiders offense, implemented by second-year coach and former NFLer Gary Marangi, to use the teams speed and athleticism.
The result is a 1-1 start and a lot of excitement as the Raiders are averaging 37 points per game behind quarterback Anthony Lee, who has thrown for five touchdowns and 547 yards. His main target is wide receiver Connor Coughlin, Long Island's second leading pass catcher.
Patchogue-Medford will host Floyd, the two-time defending Class I champion, at 6 o'clock Friday night. The Colonials (2-0) play a fierce defensive game and throw all different blitz packages at opponents. they harassed Northport quarterback Connor Quinn all game in last week's 14-7 win. Speedy defensive tackle Jawan Jenkins had four of the Colonials' seven sacks in a game that had Quinn on the run.
Floyd relies on the power of its running game with halfbacks Chris Faison and Vinny Labate.
Patchogue-Medford is without outstanding wide receiver Kevin Morrissey, who was injured in last week's 51-27 win over Brentwood. The last time Patchogue beat Floyd was in 2002. The Colonials have won 15 of last 17 games, including 10 in a row.
The rest of the slate of high school football games this weekend is loaded with interesting matchups, including four games pitting teams with 2-0 records.
