The Big Ten
St. Anthony's High School center Matthew Biscardi, holding pigskin, prepares to snap during varsity football team practice at the school. (Aug. 25, 2011) Credit: James Escher
1. ST. ANTHONY'S
The Friars have won nine of the past 10 CHSFL championships. They own Long Island's longest current winning streak at 19. The offensive line is led by All-Long Island standout Matt Biscardi, who moves to center. The defensive unit is anchored by back D'Arelle Napier. They open by hosting State College, Pa., at 7 p.m. on Friday
2. FREEPORT
The defending Long Island Class I champions are the heavy favorite in Nassau I again. Quarterback Isaiah Barnes, who accounted for seven touchdowns in last year's Class I title game, is back and ready to lead the speedy Red Devils. The challenge will be filling a decimated line.
3. FLOYD
Two-year starting quarterback A.J. Otranto looks great in the preseason and he'll hand off to All-Long Island halfback Stacey Bedell, who had 1,658 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns last year. The top-seeded Colonials are poised to win another Suffolk I title.
4. LONGWOOD
A huge offensive line will key Longwood's run for the Suffolk I crown. Offensive guard Darius Greene and tackle Omari Palmer are the best line tandem in Suffolk.
5. CAREY
The Seahawks are the top seed in Nassau II and this could be the year they supplant Garden City as the county champion and go to the school's first LIC.
6. EAST ISLIP
The Redmen have reached the Suffolk II final in three of the past four years. Bellport, the defending division champ, has moved into Division III. The top-seeded Redmen are primed for an LIC run.
7. LAWRENCE
Three reasons why top-seeded Lawrence will be hard to beat in 2011. Senior Ryan Fredericks, junior Tyler Fredericks and freshman Jordan Fredericks, can all get the ball into the end zone. And linebacker Chris Hercules had 10 sacks last year in Nassau III.
8. GARDEN CITY
The Trojans have won 16 of the past 26 Nassau crowns and have appeared in 21 of the last 26 Nassau finals. They're always in the mix and return halfback Pat Berkery and All-Long Island kicker Ryan Norton.
9. NEWFIELD
The Wolverines were 8-2 a year ago and have all three linebackers returning in Ron Denig, Julian Santiago and Tom Diubaldo. Senior quarterback Mike Silva is the key to the Wolverines' shot at an LIC berth.
10. SAYVILLE
Quarterback Steven Ferreira has a chance to become Long Island's all-time leader in passing yardage and touchdown passes. He can lead the Golden Flashes to the L.I. Class III title.
