Riverhead's Cater named Long Island's player of game

The positions of some players may have changed, but the impact they created was still felt in a big way.

Several of Long Island's players found themselves outside of their normal comfort zones at last night's Empire Challenge at Hofstra's Shuart Stadium.

Riverhead's Malcolm Cater, normally an outside linebacker, lined up as a rush end for Long Island, and Half Hollow Hills West's Damarr Aultman, a wide receiver, played cornerback and punt returner.

Cater was a prime example of a player moving around. Because of game rules that prohibit blitzing by linebackers, Cater was moved to defensive end to take advantage of his pass rushing skills and was named Long Island's player of the game.

"There wasn't a big difference," Cater said of playing defensive end instead of outside linebacker. "It's just hand movements, being a little quicker and maintaining the outside."

Aultman also made his presence felt with a 29-yard punt return in the first half and a big tackle for loss early in the fourth quarter that helped halt a drive by New York City.

The switch worked well for Cater, especially in the first half as he contributed 41/2 tackles and a blocked extra point to help Long Island take a 7-6 halftime lead.

"It really didn't matter what position I played," said Cater, who finished with 61/2 tackles. "I just want to go out there, play for my teammates and give it 110 percent."

Despite his successful debut at defensive end, Cater said he will stay at linebacker at Syracuse. "I'm going up there as an outside linebacker and I'm sticking to it," said the 6-1, 215-pound senior. "I don't think I'm even tall enough yet. If I was a little taller, I could maybe do something."