Week 1 high school football games to watch

The football landscape in Suffolk Division III got an offseason makeover. Realignment moved Bellport, the defending Long Island Class II champion and Comsewogue into the division, making the regular-season schedules for perennial playoff contenders at Sayville and Islip a lot tougher.

"It doesn't make our jobs any easier in this division," said Sayville coach Rob Hoss. "Just more late nights and film work."

The season opens with Bellport at Comsewogue, in the MSG Varsity game of the week at 2 p.m. Saturday. Traditional rivals, with two new head coaches, Joe (Sonny) Cipp III and Sean Tremblay are graduates of their respective schools and fired up for the exciting opener.

Comsewogue beat Bellport, 21-20, last season, before the Clippers righted the ship and won seven in a row to win the LI title. Bellport, with Brown University bound quarterback Justin Honce, a three-year starter, has revenge in mind.Comsewogue, with wrecking-ball linebacker Mike Krisa, the team leader in tackles, is trying to bring back the Warriors' winning tradition.

It all starts this weekend.

Suffolk I

Sachem North at Bay Shore, Saturday, 2 p.m.

SEE PHOTOSNassau football players to watch 2011

Can the host's dynamic linebacking duo of Josh Valentin and Ousmane Camara slow down the explosive speed of the Flaming Arrows, led by Dalton and Trent Crossan?

Patchogue-Medford at West Islip, Saturday, 2 p.m. -Two teams on the proverbial playoff bubble that would like to make an early statement. Pat-Med TE/DE Chris Makulik is a hitter.

Suffolk II

North Babylon at West Babylon, Friday, 4 p.m.

SEE PHOTOSSuffolk football players to watch 2011

Contrast in styles makes for an intriguing opener. It's the traditional power running attack of "ground-and-pound" North Babylon, which lost 19 starters, against the blazing speed and finesse of West Babylon, led by WR Michael Richardson and RBs Reggie Robinson and Unique Ford.

Half Hollow Hills West at Smithtown West, Friday, 6 p.m. - Several of the top players in Suffolk will be on display, including Bulls' DE Zack Naja, a sack machine, and interior line force Matt Morganelli and Colts' Syracuse-bound speedster Devante McFarlane.

Suffolk III

Islip at Kings Park, Saturday, 2 p.m.

Joe Sabbatino, one of the best linebackers in Suffolk, switches from tailback to quarterback for Islip. Good early test against the Kingsmen, who have veterans at the skill positions.

SEE PHOTOSCHSFL players to watch 2011

Suffolk IV

Bayport-Blue Point at Mount Sinai, Friday, 7 p.m.

Key matchup of the 4 and 5 seeds. Can the Phantoms continue the magic from last season's playoff run after graduating many key starters? Mustangs QB Austin Kay is a three-year starter, who completes 74 percent of his passes.

Nassau I

Uniondale at Oceanside, Friday, 6:30 p.m.

Oceanside is the third-seeded team in Nassau I, but it's mainly relying on its veteran defensive and offensive lines to carry it. Meanwhile, Uniondale (seeded seventh) has explosive RB William Stanback. If the O-line blocks, Stanback has a good shot at having a big day. It will be shown live on msgvarsity.com, and on tape on Channel 14 Sunday at 3 p.m.

Nassau II

Calhoun at Wantagh, Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

No. 4 Wantagh has a first year head coach, Tom Casey, is implementing a new system. Wantagh QB Nick Mullen passed for 12 touchdowns. But No. 6 Calhoun could build off some late-season heroics from 2010 and late-season impressive play from QB Matt Brennan who threw for 518 yards and three scores in three games.

Nassau III

Floral Park vs. Hewlett at Hofstra, Saturday, 3 p.m.

Hewlett RB Sam Martorella returns from an ACL injury and if he's back to form, Hewlett will be tough to beat. Floral Park is keyed by Ronnell Jones (1,300 rushing yards, 15 TDs). 

Nassau IV

Island Trees at East Rockaway, Saturday, 1:30 p.m.

Anthony Tesoriero had 11 rushing TD's for No. 4 East Rockaway but No. 6 Island Trees is heavy on seniors. What better way to prove it than knocking off a higher-ranked team in the conference? Mike Jeannetti can catch the ball and was 25-for-27 on PATs in 2010.

With Bob Herzog and Cody Derespina

Week 1 picks