Ukonu, McCoy take North Babylon to higher ground

Old-school rivalries, old-school style.

That's the way it usually is in Division II, with traditional power teams like North Babylon, East Islip, Bellport, and, lately, Riverhead, making this a rock-'em, sock-'em league.

Top-seeded and defending league and county winner North Babylon has championship credentials again, with mammoth Golden Ukonu and fleet Preshod McCoy - a pair of potential Division I college prospects - allowing coach Terry Manning to use his ground-and-pound offense to excess, as usual. The Bulldogs averaged 27.5 ppg last season doing it that way and barely lost to Garden City in the LIC.

"In Division II, there are usually seven or eight teams that will knock you around," Manning said.

"Year in and year out, it's the best division in Suffolk," insisted Sal. J. Ciampi, coach of No. 2 seed East Islip, which had Suffolk's stingiest defense last season.

Defending Class III L.I. champ Half Hollow Hills West, a spread team moving up in class, hopes to crash the party with speed and finesse, led by Devante McFarlane. The Colts averaged 37.5 ppg.

West Babylon, led by speedster Michael Richardson, also offers a contrast to the bruising styles of the old-school powers. "It's spread against anti-spread," Manning declared.

Suffolk Division II team outlooks

NORTH BABYLON (11-1)

Coach: Terry Manning (20th season)

Key players: Sr. OT/DT Golden Ukonu (6-4, 365); Sr. RB/CB Preshod McCoy (5-10, 175); Sr. G/LB Mike Morton (6-1, 260); Sr. RB/LB Adam Amin (5-9, 170); Sr. G/DE Anthony Caruso (6-4, 270); Sr. FB/LB Joe Martin (6-1, 230); Sr. QB/LB Matt Sonnenberg (6-0, 195).

About the Bulldogs: The biggest - and one of the best - linemen on Long Island, Ukonu, will open holes for one of the best running backs, All-Long Island choice McCoy, in North Babylon's traditional all-running offense. There are three other behemoths up front, which suits the Bulldogs' bruising style - on both sides of the ball. McCoy is also a blue-chip cornerback.

EAST ISLIP (9-2)

Coach: Sal J. Ciampi (10th season)

Key players: Sr. FB/LB Mike Higgins (5-10, 190); Jr. OT/NG Todd Collins (6-0, 275); Sr. RB/S Frank Artura (5-8, 175); Sr. WR/S Kevin Hutchinson (6-1, 170); Jr. OT/DT Mike White (6-3, 255); Jr. RB/LB Tyler Rigo (5-11, 200).

About the Redmen: Another traditional powerhouse that plays a straight-ahead style. With Collins leading the way for Higgins and Artura (1.215 yards, 10 touchdowns), that won't change this year. Hutchinson (380 yards receiving) adds an explosive element. Suffolk's stingiest defense in 2009 returns some of its key parts, led by Higgins and Rigo.

HALF HOLLOW HILLS WEST (12-0)

Coach: Kyle Madden (11th season)

Key players: Jr. RB/LB Devante McFarlane (6-2, 190); Sr. OL/DL Michael Quinn ((5-10, 285); Sr. OL/DL Kenny Perera (6-3, 255); Sr.QB/LB Chris Busuttil (6-2, 195); Sr. OL/DL Adam Nackman (5-10, 270); Jr. WR/DB Deven Williams (5-10, 165).

About the Colts: The defending Long Island champions move up from Division III and bring a sharp contrast in styles to Division II. Hills West is one of those all-spread-all-the-time offenses, and while All-LI quarterback JeVahn Cruz will be tough to replace, a huge, talented offensive line will help first-year starter Busuttil. Breakaway threat McFarlane should have a huge season.

BELLPORT (5-5)

Coach: Joe Cipp (32nd season)

Key players: Sr. OT/DT Ryan Sloan (6-4, 320); Jr. QB/S Justin Honce (6-3, 225); Sr. RB/LB Kevin Schwicke (5-10, 220); Sr. WR/LB Mike Burton (6-0, 210); Sr. OG/DT Justin Winter (6-1, 325); Sr. RB/DB Trauss Houpe (5-8, 190); Sr. TE/LB Rob Schwicke (6-0, 220).

About the Clippers: It will take a big season for Cipp to win the seven games needed to tie Tom Cassese's Suffolk record of 209 victories. But Bellport features a talented, veteran defense, led by the Schwicke brothers (184 tackles between them) and All-Long Island selection Sloan (84 tackles, six sacks). QB Honce can run and throw.

WEST BABYLON (5-4)

Coach: Al Ritacco (8th season)

Key players: Jr. WR/DB Michael Richardson (5-11, 160); Jr. RB/LB Reggie Robinson (6-0, 225); Jr. OL/DL Dan Apuzzo (5-11, 245); Jr. QB/DB Alex Hennessy (5-10, 155); Sr. WR/LB Marshal Fairly (6-3, 195); Sr. Ol/LB Dean Demino (5-10, 215); Sr. WR/DB James Nunns (5-8, 155).

About the Eagles: They utilize a spread offense that will feature one of Suffolk's most exciting receivers in Richardson, who caught 33 passes for 687 yards and eight touchdowns. On defense, he also grabbed seven passes from opposing quarterbacks. Robinson ran for 525 yards and made 41 tackles. Fellow junior Apuzzo made 46 tackles and anchors a tenacious defense.

RIVERHEAD  (7-3)

Coach: Leif Shay (13th season)

Key players: Sr. TE/LB Owen Keupp (6-2, 220); Sr. RB/LB Rodney Rollins (5-9, 165); Sr. DE/OT Alex Sakhno (6-5, 220); Sr. RB/LB Mario Carrera (5-10, 175); Sr.OL/DL Kurtis Conklin (6-0, 245); Jr. QB/S Kurt Carter (6-1, 190).

About the Blue Waves: Keupp might be Riverhead's latest big-time linebacker, following in the footsteps of recent All-Long Island picks Tyler Gilliam (2008) and Malcolm Cater (2009). Quarterback was a big void last season but promising junior Carter could be the answer. Riverhead had the second-stingiest defense in Suffolk a year ago and will be tough again.

WEST ISLIP (4-5)

Coach: Steve Mileti (2nd season)

Key players: Sr. C/DT Steven Lombardi (5-10 215); Sr. TB/S Mike Sagl (5-10, 175); Sr. WR/CB Drew Federico (5-8, 165); Sr. OT/DE Stephen Gallante (5-10, 210); JR. QB Anthony Santo (5-10, 175); Jr. OT/LB Pat Ryan (5-10, 190).

About the Lions: Looking to build off last year's strong finish, reaching playoffs after a 1-4 start. Moving up to Division II won't make things easier. There is experience on the defense led by Lombardi (16 tackles), Sagl (50 tackles), Federico (20 tackles, four interceptions) and Gallante (30 tackles). Ryan was a force as a sophomore with 57 tackles.

COMSEWOGUE (4-5)

Coach: Chuck Carron (4th season)

Key players: Sr. OL Brian Olson (6-0, 270); Sr. RB/LB Vin Masone (6-1, 230); Sr. QB/DB Matt Scalera (5-11, 170); Sr. RB/DE Matt Welsh (5-10, 190); Sr. G/DE Dan Beasley (6-9, 250); Jr. RB/LB Mike Krisa (5-9, 200).

About the Warriors: Moving up to Division II with some confidence after reaching the playoffs last season in Division III. Very strong and experienced offensive line, led by seniors Olson and Beasley, plus good overall team size and strength. Excellent linebacker corps is led by Masone, also the team's top running back, and Krisa, a talented junior.

SMITHTOWN WEST (4-5)

Coach: Pete Cerullo (6th season)

Key players: Sr. RB/LB Anthony Gatto (190); Jr. DE/TE Zack Naja (6-0, 190); Sr. OL/DL Fred Walter (6-2, 220); Jr. RB/CB James Pannell (5-9, 160); Sr. OL/DL Matt Morganelli (6-0, 240); Sr. QB/S Kyle Keenan (5-10, 160).

About the Bulls: One of the league's better defenses is led by Naja, a junior. Though West isn't huge, there's some experience on defense with seniors Gatto, the team's best running back, Walter and Morganelli. Lacrosse stars Pannell and Keenan bring their smarts and athleticism, with Keenan giving the Bulls another dimension this season - a running QB.

NEWFIELD (3-5)

Coach: Joe Piccininni (sixth season)

Key players: Sr. RB/CB Will Veintimilla (5-9, 180); Jr. RB/LB Ron Denig (6-0, 190); Jr. LB/TE Julian Santiago (5-11, 220); Jr. LB/RB Shervon Barthelmy (5-10, 185); Jr. OL/DL Mike Fabitti (5-9, 250); Jr. LB/RB Greg Baumgartner (5-8, 175).

About the Wolverines: Veintimilla is a returning All-County performer and in addition to being an outstanding two-way player is also a dangerous kick returner. Most of the other Newfield starters are juniors. Denig is an exciting open-field runner. The offense scored only 68 points last season and must make major improvements to complement a tough defense.

COPIAGUE (3-5)

Coach: Ken Rittenhouse (2nd season)

Key players: Sr. WR/LB Terrick Simms (6-1, 190); Jr. OL/DL Manuel Bonilla (6-0, 270); Sr. QB/DB Rolando Rowe (5-11, 180); Sr. TE/LB Stephen White (6-2, 230); Sr. RB/LB Jashaun Jerrick (5-6, 170); Sr. WR/LB Darryl Mitchell (5-10, 180).

About the Eagles: Rowe directs the spread offense with Simms as his go-to receiver. Simms is also a hitter on defense with 33 tackles. White made 41 tackles, most among returnees. The defense allowed nearly 29 points per game, second worst in the league, but should improve with its experienced linebackers and Bonilla as a stopper up front.

SMITHTOWN EAST (2-6)

Coach: Jim Saladino (12th season)

Key players: Sr. RB/LB Chris Vlasaty (5-10, 185); Sr. RB/LB Alec Federico (5-10, 175); Sr. OL/LB Tim Kopiske (5-10, 185); Sr. WR/DB P.J. Connelly (5-8, 160); Jr. OL/DE Connor Winship (6-2, 220). Jr. WR/DB Tim Devlin (5-9, 170).

About the Bulls: Injuries to some key players undermined Smithtown East in 2009, but participation numbers are up this season. A promising group of underclassmen, led by juniors Winship and Devlin and sophomore RB/DB Jake Koppelman bring optimism. Linebackers Vlasaty, Federico and Kopiske lead the defense. The offense is the venerable Wing-T.

HALF HOLLOW HILLS EAST (2-6)

Coach: Kevin Hill (3rd season)

Key players: Sr. OL/DL Mason Thorbjornsen (6-3, 255); Jr. QB/DB Rob Merckling (6-1, 175); Sr. RB/LB Shawn Charles (5-11, 215); Sr. OL/DL Brian Carle (5-9, 235); Sr. OL/DL Alex Ippolito (5-9, 260); Sr. OL/DL Gary Engelthaler (5-10, 215).

About the Thunderbirds: Thorbjornsen is one of the best players to come out of Hills East in a long time, according to coach Hill. He's a two-way tackle and three-year starter. The T-birds' offense wasn't bad last year, but the defense allowed more points in D-II. Thorbjornsen, Ippolito and Carle bring size to a unit that expects major improvement.

CENTEREACH (1-7)

Coach: Charles McMillen (3rd season)

Key players: Sr. QB/DE Dan Brown (6-2, 215); Sr. RB/LB Kyle Connor, Jr. OL/LB Mike Hawk (6-0, 225); Jr. OL/DL Dave Anselmo (6-1, 245); Sr. WR/S Jim Banzer (6-0, 180); Sr. Ol/DL Brandon DaSilva (6-2, 210).

About the Cougars: Simply put, they need more offensive punch, averaging just seven points per game in 2009. Brown provides size and experience at quarterback and Connor is a big running back. Juniors Hawk and Anselmo provide size and energy. After two straight one-win seasons, coach McMillen hopes a strong offseason commitment translates into more victories.