Challengers to Sayville and East Islip in Suffolk Division III this season?
Kyle Messina of Sayville cuts back during a Suffolk Division III football game against East Islip on Saturday, October 16, 2021. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
Suffolk Division III had it all in 2021: defensive battles, shootouts, surprise contenders and an incredible championship game.
Sayville rode an undefeated season to the title game, where it fell just short to East Islip.
And what portends in 2022 for the Golden Flashes?
“Our goal is to win the LIC, the Rutgers Trophy and if there is a state champion, we would like to play them too,” Sayville coach Reade Sands said. “We will be a smart, physical, athletic team and a tough team to beat in the playoffs.”
But don’t count East Islip out just yet. A large senior class graduated, but coach Sal J. Ciampi will get his inexperienced players up to speed quickly. East Islip might just find itself in another championship game this fall.
Neither team should get too comfortable, as there are several other teams that can make a run at a title, starting with Deer Park. The Falcons made waves last year but lost in the first round of the playoffs. They’ll be looking to take the next step toward becoming the team to beat.
Islip lost to Sayville in the semifinals and with most of the Buccaneers returning, they have what it takes to win a championship. Comsewogue is banking on first-year quarterback Kaeden West - an athletic, dual-threat QB - but head coach Sean Tremblay has nothing but confidence in the junior.
Then there’s Westhampton, which has been a top contender for years but will have its most inexperienced roster in a while.
Matt Lindsay is a high school sports reporter who joined Newsday in 2022 after graduating from Stony Brook University.
