Suffolk I team-by-team preview
Sachem North RB Kevin Bragaglia takes the handoff to the outside against Northport. (Nov. 8, 2013) Credit: George A. Faella
1. CONNETQUOT THUNDERBIRDS
2013 record: 8-2
Coach: Mike Hansen, 12th season
KEY PLAYERS
Sean Moore
DL/OL, 6-0, 260, Sr.
Sean McKean
SS/WR, 6-3, 195, Sr.
Bryan Ramirez
WR/LB, 5-10, 215, Sr.
Jack Richardson
RB/LB, 5-11, 200, Jr.
Josh Gutierrez
C/DL, 5-10, 265, Sr.
ABOUT THE THUNDERBIRDS
With a loaded offensive line behind Guttierrez and guard Moore, the T-Birds have the top seed for the first time in school history, Early games against Commack and defending LI champ Sachem North will tell us a lot.
2. PATCHOGUE-MEDFORD RAIDERS
2013 record: 5-4
Coach: Gary Marang, 3rd season
KEY PLAYERS
Zack Genaway
OT/DE, 6-3, 250, Sr.
Matt Acierno
OG, 5-11, 295, Sr.
Pat Cleary
C, 5-8, 200, Sr.
James Conklin
WR, 5-10, 180, Sr.
Dom Cassella
RB, 5-9, 170, Sr.
ABOUT THE RAIDERS
A new quarterback in athletic senior Rich Ciufo (5-11, 170) should light up the scoreboard, especially with speedy halfback Cassella, who had 10 TDs last year, at his side.
3. SACHEM NORTH FLAMING ARROWS
2013 record: 10-2
Coach: David Falco, 12th season
KEY PLAYERS
Anthony DiMatteo
OT/DE, 6-3, 185, Sr.
Kevin Bragaglia
RB/DB, 5-9, 190, SR.
Jasheem Banks
RB/DB, 5-10, 180, SR.
Michael Licata
QB/DB, 6-0, 210, SR.
Chris Fasano
OT/DT, 6-2, 180, So.
ABOUT THE FLAMING ARROWS
The defending Long Island Class I champions have dynamic halfback Bragaglia and tackle DiMatteo to lead the way. Licata will run the offense.
4. LONGWOOD LIONS
2013 record: 3-6
Coach: Jeff Cipp, 1st season
KEY PLAYERS
Isaiah White
RB/LB, 5-11, 200, Sr.
Marquise Marshal
RB/LB, 5-8, 185, Sr.
Malcolm Stowe
RB/LB, 5-8, 185, Sr.
Myles Corso
RB/LB, 5-7, 195, Sr.
Matt Weiss
OT/DT, 5-11, 240, Jr.
ABOUT THE LIONS
White could be Long Island's top scoring threat. New coach Cipp looking to "Restore the Roar" at Longwood. Weiss, a smashmouth tackle, anchors the offensive line which will key Longwood's fate.
5. BRENTWOOD INDIANS
2013 record: 3-6
Coach: Jon Sorbera, 4th season
KEY PLAYERS
LaVelle Hall
QB, 6-2, 185, Sr.
Jude Innocent
RB/S 5-9, 175, Jr.
Gianni Knight
WR/S, 6-3, 185, Jr.
Deandre Robinson
WR/CB, 5-10, 165, Sr.
O'Brian Joslyn
OL/DL, 5-7, 230, Sr.
ABOUT THE INDIANS
Hall compiled more than 1,700 all-purpose yards and Innocent rushed for another 600. The Indians have a potent offense but can they play defense?
6. FLOYD COLONIALS
2013 record: 8-3
Coach: Paul Longo, 20th season
KEY PLAYERS
Matt Silva
DT, 6-0, 285, Sr.
Dwight Corley
WR/CB, 5-10, 160, Sr.
Ryan Nolan
OG/DE, 6-0, 205, Sr.
John Rivera
RB/CB, 5-10, 180, Sr.
Giovanni Oquendo
RB/CB, 5-10, 200, Sr.
ABOUT THE COLONIALS
Floyd went to the county final for the 11th time in 13 years but this is a rebuilding season. Silva will create havoc in the middle.
7. COMMACK COUGARS
2013 record: 8-1
Coach: Jeff DiLorenzo, 1st season
KEY PLAYERS
Augie Contressa
WR/RB, 6-0, 175, Jr.
Christian Costello
TE/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.
Mike Ambrosino
RB/LB, 5-8, 190, Sr.
Kyle LaMantia
LB, 6-0, 215, Sr.
Mike Messinger
RB/LB 5-8, 210, Jr.
ABOUT THE COUGARS
Commack went undefeated through the regular season before losing in the Suffolk semifinals. Contressa will lead the offense for the Cougars under new coach DiLorenzo.
8. NORTHPORT TIGERS
2013 record: 4-4
Coach: Kip Lukralle, 29th season
KEY PLAYERS
James Gerdvil
RB/LB, 6-0, 230, Sr.
Michael Trainor
RB/S, 5-11, 175, Sr.
Mark Tomasello
RB/LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.
Cole Quartrup
WR/CB, 6-0, 180, Sr.
Rob Fontana
OT/DT, 6-0, 230, Jr.
ABOUT THE TIGERS
Three-year, two-year starter Gerdvil, a hammer on both sides of the ball, is the only returning starter.
9. LINDENHURST BULLDOGS
2013 record: 2-6
Coach: Nick Lombardo, 6th season
KEY PLAYERS
Gino Bonagura
WR/RB, 5-10, 180, Jr.
Ryan Hofmann
QB, 6-3, 180, Jr.
Sean Varela
QB, 5-9, 165, Sr.
Steve Mikolich
OL/DL, 6-4, 280, Sr.
Bob Bove
TE/LB, 6-2, 215, Jr.
ABOUT THE BULLDOGS
Hofmann was a bright spot last year with 961 passing yards and seven TDs in five games.
10. WARD MELVILLE PATRIOTS
2013 record: 2-6
Coach: Chris Boltrek, 1st season
KEY PLAYERS
Mike Stavropolous
C/DT, 5-11, 285, Sr.
Dominic Pryor
QB/DB, 6-0, 175, So.
Mark Napoli
OG/DT, 6-0, 285, Sr.
Tom Lorusso
RB/LB, 6-2, 215, Jr.
Mike Cusmano
WR/DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.
ABOUT THE PATRIOTS
An injury-plaqued season led to six straight losses. The Patriots have solid in preseason scrimmages.
11. SACHEM EAST FLAMING ARROWS
2013 record: 2-6
Coach: Mark Wojciechowski, 4th season
KEY PLAYERS
Billy Carroll
OG/NG, 6-1, 240, Sr.
Jack Johnson
OG/DT, 6-2, 240, Sr.
Anthony Accardi
C/DT, 6-2, 220, Sr.
Sean Gallagher
OT/DT, 6-2, 248, Sr.
Sean Dee
OT/DT, 6-4, 255, Sr.
ABOUT THE FLAMING ARROWS
Linebacker Connor Farrell, who had 87 tackles, and nose guard Billy Carroll, who had five sacks, lead an experienced defense. Expect a playoff berth here.
12. BAY SHORE MARAUDERS
2013 record: 3-5
Coach: Craig Blatter, 1st season
KEY PLAYERS
Bradley Pierre
FS/RB, 5-10, 180, Sr.
Archy Ulysse
LB/OT, 6-2, 215, Sr.
Vaughn Napolitano
RB/LB, 6-0, 230, Sr.
Steven Button
QB/DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.
Matt Ilchuk
QB/WR, 6-0, 170, So.
ABOUT THE MARAUDERS
First-year coach Blatter will have a lot on his plate with an inexperienced squad and the move up from Suffolk II.
13. WHITMAN WILDCATS
2013 record: 2-6
Coach: Robin Rosa, 5th season
KEY PLAYERS
Parrish Respass
QB, 5-10, 150, Sr.
Gerald Riley
CB/WR, 6-1, 170, Sr.
Jaron Batts
CB/WR, 5-6, 150, Sr.
Jamar Hall
OG/DT, 6-3, 230, Sr.
Rob Bottoni
LB/RB, 6-0, 175, Jr.
ABOUT THE WILDCATS
The Wildcats have quickness but little size. The move up from Suffolk II will make it difficult to qualify for playoffs.
14. CENTRAL ISLIP MUSKETEERS
2013 record:4-4
Coach: Rob Gadsden, 1st season
KEY PLAYERS
Livingstone Harriott
QB/S, 6-3, 195, Jr.
Emanuel Flores
OG/LB, 5-10, 205, Sr.
Mathew Reteguiz
RT/DE, 5-9, 225, Sr.
Eriq Dees
WR/CB, 5-6, 170, Sr.
Trovis Clarke
OL/DL, 6-0, 225, Sr.
ABOUT THE MUSKETEERS
Gadsden takes over a team that missed the playoffs in Suffolk II last season and faces tougher competition in Suffolk I.
