Ray Catapano passes for three TDs as Carey rolls past Long Beach, 42-6
Carey quarterback Ray Catapano looks to pass against Wantagh. (Sept. 21, 2013) Credit: Patrick E. McCarthy
Instead of the usual pump fake with the throwing hand that most quarterbacks use to buy some time and allow receivers to make downfield moves, Ray Catapano prefers a more subtle left-shoulder fake that he has been working on since last season.
"My coaches said I was holding on to the ball too long last year," the Carey senior said. "So I went to the quick shoulder fake to get rid of the ball sooner."
Catapano has the move down pat and showed it off several times Saturday, shouldering the offensive burden in an efficient and proficient performance that led the host Seahawks to a thorough 42-6 victory over Long Beach in a Nassau II contest.
Catapano completed 10 of 13 passes for 242 yards and three touchdowns as Carey improved to 3-0 and appears primed for its showdown with defending Class II Long Island champion Garden City on Saturday.
"Last year's [close] loss to Garden City really hurt, but it motivated us," Catapano said. "I have a good feeling about this team. A lot of us have played together since elementary school and I feel like this could be our year."
The veterans were at the forefront of Saturday's impressive performance, which was highlighted by a three-pass sequence in the first quarter that set the tone. The Seahawks were pinned by a punt at their own 9 when Catapano took the snap, executed the slick shoulder fake, stood tall in the pocket and launched a deep pass to senior Matt Robison on a post route for a 59-yard gain. The combination worked so well that Catapano again went to Robison, this time on a wheel route down the right sideline for a 32-yard touchdown pass.
The Seahawks defense, sparked all day by junior linebacker Conor Colasurdo (eight tackles, one sack) forced a three-and-out and Catapano went to work again. Another shoulder fake and another long pass to Robison resulted in a 53-yard touchdown and, after a two-point conversion run, a 14-0 lead. The rout was on.
Two touchdown runs by Nick Spillane, one a 38-yarder, produced a 28-0 halftime lead and Catapano found his other favorite receiver, senior Dylan DeMeo (six catches, 86 yards), for a 16-yard touchdown -- after another deft shoulder fake -- for a 35-0 lead. Catapano's day was done after he scored on a 2-yard keeper late in the third quarter that made it 42-0.
Long Beach (2-1) scored its only touchdown against Carey's second defensive unit, an 8-yard run by Chris Parler (18 carries, 106 yards). "We knew we were facing a big, nasty offensive line but our entire defense played well," said two-way tackle James Kadner, who contributed three tackles and two blocked extra points. "We know if we give Ray time, something good will happen -- either throwing or running."
Coach Mike Stanley, who has watched Catapano improve dramatically since taking over early last season because of an injury, said: "He's grown up. He can make plays. You can see that he commands the offense."
