Top 10 Long Island high school running backs
Farmingdale's Josh Kama, left, and Floyd's Ja'Quan Thomas. Credit: Dawn McCormick; George A Faella
The spread offense led to the demise of the running game. But it didn’t kill it.
There has been a rebirth, if you will, on Long Island. Offensive linemen are spending more time in the gym, and they’re bigger and stronger than ever as coaches are putting more emphasis back on running the football.
“It seems everyone went to the spread at some point,” Floyd coach Paul Longo said. “But we all know what wins championships. Running the ball, dominating up front on the lines and playing great defense.”
A bunch of standout runners return to the Long Island gridiron this fall. It may be a banner year for running backs. The talent is deep in every division/conference. Here's a look at our top 10 (note: all stats are from last season).
1. Tie: Ja'Quan Thomas, Floyd; Josh Kama, Farmingdale
Thomas, a senior, led Long Island in rushing with 2,594 yards and 37 touchdowns in 12 games.
Kama, also a senior, ran for 1,717 yards and 29 touchdowns in nine games, the second-highest rushing total in Dalers history.
3. Xavier Bala, St. Anthony’s
He rushed for 1,009 yards and eight touchdowns. He’s been offered by FBS schools and looks to have a breakout season in the CHSFL.
Xavier Bala of St. Anthony's. Credit: Dawn McCormick
4. Daniel White, Half Hollow Hills East
He rushed for a whopping school-record 2,306 yards and 25 touchdowns for the RedHawks. His vision and breakaway speed will set him apart from the rest of the backs in Suffolk Division II.
Daniel White of Half Hollow Hills East. Credit: Dawn McCormick
5. Aidan Winter, Babylon
He may be the most versatile of all backs on Long Island. He rushed for 1,758 yards and 20 touchdowns from three different positions. Just give him the ball and let him run all over Suffolk Division IV opponents.
Babylon's Aidan Winter. Credit: Bob Sorensen
6. Justin DePietro, Carey
He’s one of Long Island’s power backs at 6-1, 210 pounds. He rushed for 1,109 yards and 14 touchdowns in leading the Seahawks to the Long Island Class II title. He also was the first sophomore to win the Flatley Award as Nassau’s top defensive player.
Justin DePietro of Carey. Credit: David Meisenholder
7. Brian Falk, Seaford
A workhorse for the Vikings, he carried 188 times for 1,511 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Brian Falk of Seaford. Credit: Dawn McCormick
8. Anthony Asaro, Garden City
He rushed for a modest 562 yards and six touchdowns because he never played a full game as Garden City — owner of a Long Island-record 54-game win streak — empties the bench at halftime of almost every regular season game. He averaged about 10 yards per carry.
Anthony Asaro of Garden City. Credit: Dawn McCormick
9. Joe Benedetto, Ward Melville
He was the perfect complement to the Ward Melville passing attack with 1,315 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns in 2024.
Joey Benedetto of Ward Melville. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
10. Dylan Fella, Plainedge
Watch out for this fella in Nassau Conference IV. He had 1,153 yards rushing and seven touchdowns, and now he’s the featured back in the Red Devils' offense.
Dylan Fella of Plainedge. Credit: David Meisenholder
Gregg Sarra is Newsday's high school sports editor and has been on the beat since the mid-1980s.
