West Islip's Sam Ilario, Smithtown West's Matt Heldberg return Week 1
West Islip's Sam Ilario breaks into the clear during a game against Newfield. (Sept. 28, 2012) Credit: Alan J Schaefer
Two top senior quarterbacks who suffered serious injuries last season return to action Thursday and oppose each other in a key Suffolk II matchup that highlights the first full slate of games for the 2013 season.
Sam Ilario (torn ankle ligaments and tendons) was hurt in West Islip's first-round playoff loss, while Matt Heldberg tore his ACL in Smithtown West's 2012 opener.
All public schools games for Week 1 are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday because of the Jewish holidays.
Sam Ilario is just five rushing touchdowns away from Pat Wallace's school-record 27, but his priority is a championship, especially after last year's first-round loss to West Babylon when West Islip was the No. 1 seed. West's Matt Heldberg will look for Kyle Mathie who is also a ball hawk in the secondary.
