Floyd team to beat in Suffolk Division I
Floyd's Dylan Harris and Whitman receiver Rasahan Thompson battle for the ball in the first half of a Suffolk Division I game on Oct. 2, 2021. Credit: George A Faella
The return of speedy halfback Dylan Harris and quarterback LaDuke Harris (no relation) will make Floyd the team to beat in Suffolk Division I. The Colonials had won three straight Suffolk crowns before last year's loss to Whitman in the final.
It was Whitman's first Division I title since 1984. The Wildcats went 11-1 and won the Rutgers Trophy, given to Suffolk's most outstanding team. The Wildcats lost to Massapequa in the Long Island Class I final.
"It was our year," said Whitman coach Robin Rosa, who lost many players to graduation. "We had a very talented group of motivated players. And there were expectations to make a run at an LIC — and it was great for our program."
Floyd won the previous three Division I playoff titles. During that span, they lost only three games, including twice in the LIC Class I game.
Floyd coach Paul Longo thinks his team can be on top again, but health will be the main factor.
"Injuries are something we have no control over,” he said. "We have suffered several season-ending injuries to key players over the past few years. I'd like to avoid that."
Floyd has won 13 Suffolk titles since 2001, more than any other Suffolk school. The Colonials have also captured five Long Island Class I crowns.
No. 2 seeded Ward Melville and third seeded Longwood should also be in the mix to win the division title. The Patriots, who haven't won a Suffolk title since 1987, return talented halfback Nick Gaffney, who rushed for 1,351 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.
Ward Melville lost to Floyd in the Division I final in 2016 and 2018.
Longwood is led by Mason Hauser, a dominant blocker as a tight end and a devastating force at linebacker. The Lions won a Suffolk title in 2015 and last appeared in the championship game in 2019.
