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Connetquot T-Birds pickoff Ward Melville Patriots

by Bill Landon - November 1, 2021

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The Patriots of Ward Melville, the No.3 seed in girls volleyball, enjoyed a bye week in the Class AA playoff bracket when they faced Connetquot, the No. 6 seed, at home Oct. 27.

The rest didn’t help as the T-Birds eliminated Ward Melville in three straight sets. The Patriots led by eight points in the opener before Connetquot nipped away and tied the game at 14 before winning it, 25-23. The Patriots fell flat in the second match falling, 25-14, and staring at the brink of elimination. The T-Birds finished what they started by winning the third set, 25-21, to advance to the semi-final round Oct. 29.

Ward Melville concluded their 2021 campaign with a 11-1 League I record and 14-2 overall.

Panthers blank Bonackers

by Bill Landon - November 1, 2021

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Miller Place senior running-back Jayden Jackson finds an opening in a home game against East Hampton/Pierson Oct 29. Photo by Bill Landon

It was all Miller Place Friday night in a Div IV matchup at home against East Hampton/Pierson Oct. 29 when the Panthers scored five unanswered touchdowns in the first half.

Scotty Seymour, the junior running back, set the tone early with a 35-yard run for the opening score on the Panthers first offensive play.

On the Bonacker’s ensuing possession, senior defensive back Jack Davis intercepted a pass and went the distance to lead by two scores a minute later and with Anthony Bartolotto’s foot lead 14-0.

Three minutes later it was Bartolotto’s turn when he went the distance then kicked his own extra point for a three touch-down lead.

In the final minutes of the quarter full-back Robert Cunningham punched in for the score to lead 28-0. East Hampton was unable to stem the flow, and on the Panthers next possession Seymour picked up a loose ball and punched in to put the Panthers out front 35-0 at the halftime break.

Miller Place spelled its starters part way through the second half for which East Hampton/Pierson had no answer for your final 35-0.

The win lifts the Panthers to 6-2 and now waits for the post season playoff brackets to be posted to see who they’ll face in the opening round Nov. 5.

— Photos by Bill Landon

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TVSD student Joseph Peritore takes part in Great Cycle Challenge

by Press Release - October 31, 2021

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Cycling for a cause

Arrowhead Elementary School student Joseph Peritore once again joined his father’s team this September on a ride to fight childhood cancers by taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge.

With the amazing support from the Three Village community last year, Joseph was able to raise $3,406 for Children’s Cancer Research Fund. This motivated him to ride a total of 53 miles and also earned him the rank of #1 in his age group in the state and top 10 in the nation. This year, he has raised more than $2,290 and has rode more than 20 miles.

Joseph was recently honored by Three Village Central School District Board of Education for his altruistic efforts and is pictured with, from left, Arrowhead Assistant Principal Tanya Hurowitz, Principal Marisa Redden, Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Pedisich and Board of Education President Deanna Bavlnka.

For more information about his work or to donate to Joseph’s team, please visit: https://greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/JosephPeritore

Your Turn: A frustrating 2021 season ends for Yankee fans

by Barbara Anne Kirshner - October 29, 2021

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Gerrit_Cole_July_23,_2020_(50146487531)_(cropped) — Gerrit Cole. Photo from Wikipedia

By Barbara Anne Kirshner

The 2021 baseball season fizzled out for the Yankees with their embarrassing 6 to 2 loss against the Red Sox in the AL wild-card game. Fans were abruptly forced into a long, cold winter with the only ray of sunshine coming from the promise of spring training.

It is frustrating that Yankee fans were reduced to watching the ALDS with their arch nemesis the Boston Red Sox playing their villainous rivals the Tampa Bay Rays and then the ALCS with the Red Sox advancing on to play the sign stealing Astros. And the meanest cut of all is those dishonest Astros making it into the World Series against pearl-sporting Joc Pederson and the rest of the Atlanta Braves. The heart has been taken out of postseason for Yankee fans, but if there is any justice in this world the Braves will shut out the Astros.

There is much speculation over what our team will look like come 2022. The lingering question of will Yankee’s manager, Aaron Boone, face the same ax that the Mets’ Luis Rojas got as soon as the season ended was answered when General Manager, Brian Cashman, held a press conference on Oct. 19, where he announced Boone would receive a three year contract with the Yankees.

Cashman defended this decision by saying, “Boone is part of the solution not the problem.” This response has only added to the frustration of Yankee fans. Apparently, Cashman feels his shake-up in the coaching staff with firing hitting coach, Marcus Thames, third-base coach, Phil Nevin, and assistant hitting coach, P.J. Pilittere, is the easy fix.

In that Tuesday press conference, Cashman went on to take all the blame for the Yankee’s dismal season. He is almost putting his own head on the chopping block with statements like that. By taking ownership for the failures, does this mean he’s out next year when his contract is up?

One thing Cashman promised is that the roster needs a turnover and will not look the same next year. Cashman admits they are seeking a short stop, a catcher and even center fielder. So, what is the fate of Aaron Hicks who spend most of this season on the IL for a wrist injury?

And it is well-documented that Hal Steinbrenner, Chairman and Managing General Partner of Yankee Global Enterprises, does not rule with an iron fist like his dad, George, who went into every season with the foregone conclusion that his Yankees would win.

It appears the heart has gone out of the Yankees. At the end of this season, only two players carried the entire team, Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. D.J. LeMahieu was a dud. He has undergone sports hernia surgery and is expected to be ready for spring training. Let’s hope that will get him back to 2019 shape.

Gleyber Torres, at only 24 years old, played like an old man, limping along when he should have been running to catch a ball. And the old man of the team, Brett Gardner, still has spirit though inconsistent at best. Don’t even get me started on Aroldis Chapman! Every time he came to the mound, it was cringe worthy! He has given away so many important games that it is perplexing he keeps getting chance after chance with Yankee fans reduced to sitting on the edge of their seats not knowing which Chapman will appear on any given day. Will it be the aggressor he was signed to be or will he melt down before our very eyes giving away the game?

What is there to say about the disappointing start of Gerrit Cole, the golden boy with his $324 million dollar contract, who was not so golden after all. He gave up two home runs before he was pulled in the second inning of that wild-card game. It looks like those spider tack rumors were true!

Poor catcher, Gary Sanchez, never gets a break. Yes, he fumbles behind the plate and fell into a long slump, but at least he worked hard, regrouped and started hitting home runs. At the end of this season, Sanchez was someone to count on for at least get on base.

I feel your frustration Yankee fans! We are reduced to boredom for the remainder of this 2021 season and we don’t even care who wins the World Series now that our ‘mighty’ Yankees have struck out.

Miller Place resident Barbara Anne Kirshner is a freelance journalist, playwright and author of Madison Weatherbee —The Different Dachshund.

Ward Melville Patriots pickoff Bay Shore Marauders 41-O

by Bill Landon - October 29, 2021

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Ward-Melville-Bay-Shore-football-102221-Nick-Gaffney-Landon-9288 — Ward Melville junior Nick Gaffney out of the backfield for the Patriots Oct 22. Photo by Bill Landon

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By Bill Landon

[email protected]

The Ward Melville Patriots steamrolled over visiting Bay Shore in a 41-0 rout at home Oct. 22. It started when wide receiver Nolan Fontana punched in from 6 yards out for the opening score. Senior quarterback Chris Prussen ripped a 42-yarder to find the endzone at the 3:38 mark of the 1st quarter and with Jackson Weber’s foot, led 14-0. Nick Gaffney answered the call in the 2nd quarter with a pair of short yardage touchdowns to lead 28-0 at the half. At the 8-minute mark in the 3rd Gaffney struck again with a short run for the score to put the Patriots out front 34-0. Running back Jack Woodworth sealed the deal with a late game 10-yard run for six and with Weber’s kick completed the 41-0 shutout.

Prussen led his team in yardage with 111 yards on 8 attempts and Gaffney covered 86 yards on 11 carries.

The win lifts the Patriots to 5-2. The team will play their regular season finale on the road against William Floyd.

Photos by Bill Landon

Kings Park Kingsmen rain on Comsewogue Warriors homecoming game 35-7

by Bill Landon - October 29, 2021

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By Bill Landon

[email protected]

The Kingsmen of Kings Park raided Warrior nation and put a damper on Comsewogue’s homecoming football game Oct 23 where the Warriors struggled to find traction. Kings Park quarterback Jonathon Borkowski punched in for the score on a keeper in the final minute of the opening quarter and followed it up four minutes later with 10-yard touchdown run to put his team out front 14-0.

On Comsewogue’s ensuing possession Kings Park cornerback Kyle Weeks stepped in front of Brady Shannon’s shovel pass for a pick six that covered 41 yards. Kings Park senior Mert Duman whose foot was perfect on the day made it 21-0 at the half. Jonathan Borkowski’s 10-yard run found the endzone midway through the 3rd quarter for the 28-0 lead. Kings Park senior Nick Laviano broke free for a 60-yard run early in the 4th for a 35-0 advantage. Shannon the senior quarterback would avoid the shutout in the closing minutes with an 11-yard run for the score and with Josh Carrolls kick concluded the game for your 35-7 final.

The win lifts Kings Park to 5-1 in Div-III while the loss drops the Warriors to 2-5. Comsewogue concludes their 2021 campaign when they retake the field Oct 29 hosting Hills West. Kings Park is also back in action on Oct 29 with a road game against East Islip. Kickoff for both games is six o’clock.

Photos by Bill Landon

Annual Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella

by Bill Landon - October 26, 2021

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Annual Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella Oct 24. Bill Landon photo

Under bright sunshine the Shoreham Wading River Wildcat Athletic Club sponsored another edition of the annual Patriot Run in honor of Thomas Cutinella, a 16-year-old from Shoreham/Wading River High School, who died in 2014 after collapsing during a football game following a collision with an opponent.

The 2.54 mile run at Wildwood State Park in Wading River kicked off with a performance by Season 19 winner of “The Voice” Carter Rubin with a stirring rendition of our National Anthem.

The fundraiser and all proceeds go to the Thomas Cutinella Memorial Foundation which funds local scholarships.

— All photos by Bill Landon

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Islanders fans votes are in, the third New York Islanders’ Puppy With a Purpose® will be named ‘Monte’

by Press Release - October 25, 2021

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New York Islanders partner with Guide Dog Foundation to raise and train Monte

The Guide Dog Foundation, a New York based-non-profit that provides guide dogs to individuals who are blind or visually impaired, is thrilled to partner again with the New York Islanders in their “Puppy with a Purpose” program supported by Canidae. In celebration of the Foundation’s 75^th anniversary, the Islanders will train future guide dog “Monte.”

Monte, a 9-week-old, male black Labrador puppy, made his debut with the Islanders on October 11^th during the team’s fifth annual ‘Pucks and Paws 2022’ calendar photoshoot. The calendar, benefitting the Guide Dog Foundation and supported by Canidae, will go on sale in time for “Black Friday” shopping. Calendars will be available for purchase online via the Islanders website and at home games.

Monte, a black Labrador, will undergo basic training and socialization with the Islanders’ staff, fans and public for the next 14-16 months. The Islanders will host Monte at community events and select home games to assist in raising him to be a confident and calm future guide dog. Fans can follow Monte on Instagram at @NYIslesPup to stay up to date on his training and local appearances.

Following his puppy raising, Monte will return to the Guide Dog Foundation campus in Smithtown, NY to begin his formal guide dog training. Concluding his training, Monte will be matched at no cost with an individual who is blind or visually impaired.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to partner again with our friends at the New York Islanders to help celebrate the Guide Dog Foundation’s 75^th anniversary,” John Miller, President and CEO, Guide Dog Foundation said. “What’s better than to be here in our hometown on Long Island to continue this partnership for the third time with the New York Islanders? The partnership is outstanding. Ownership, coaches, the team, and fans, all have embraced the program and we couldn’t be any happier to continue this life changing program with the team.”

Monte is the third dog the Islanders has partnered with the Smithtown based organization to raise and train. In June, the Islanders and America’s VetDogs, sister organization to the Guide Dog Foundation, placed service dog in training Tori with retired U.S. Navy Veteran and FDNY Lieutenant Chris Roberto. The Islanders first dog Radar was successfully placed as a guide dog in August 2020 with gold medalist Paralympian swimmer and Long Island native Anastasia Pagonis.

It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog; however, all of the VetDogs’ services are provided at no charge to the individual. Funding comes from the generosity of individuals, corporations, and service and fraternal clubs.

ABOUT GUIDE DOG FOUNDATION

For 75 years, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc. (www.GuideDog.org), has trained and placed guide and service dogs to provide independence, enhanced mobility, and companionship to people who are blind, have low vision, or have other special needs. The Guide Dog Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving clients from across the United States and Canada. The Foundation relies on contributions from generous individuals, corporations, service clubs, and foundations to fund its mission to serve people with disabilities.

Rocky Point girls’ soccer: One field, one family

by Rich Acritelli - October 21, 2021

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The Rocky Point girls’ soccer team. Photo from Rich Acritelli

These were the words of the members of the Rocky Point High School girls’ soccer team, after they completed their schedule with an undefeated season.

This past Monday, they gained a hard fought 1-0 victory against the talented Wildcats of Shoreham-Wading River. Within every game, the “Lady Eagles” were a confident, but not a brash group of players, that never looked past any opponent. Currently, they are amongst the highest ranked teams within the state, and they look forward to the play-offs to continue their winning ways. Coach Peter Costa explained the dominant play of his girls as a “team that never quits in any game.”

It has been a unique year for the several seniors that comprise the nucleus of this team. Watching them interact with each other, they are an extremely close bunch that have formed an enduring bond on and off the field. This was demonstrated by senior right forward Gianna Amendola who scored the winning goal against Shoreham-Wading River. Amendola has been a scoring machine, as she leads the county with thirty-one goals, and she has set the single season record for the school. Against Shoreham, with three defenders on her, she scored the winning goal. Armed with a big smile and a can-do attitude, she is looking forward to playing next fall for a dominant four-year college.

Next to Amendola is the “comic relief” for this team in defender Victoria Curreri. She was extremely proud of the “Great Wall of Defense” that this group has established in allowing only eight goals during the season and supporting the team with ten shutouts. All the defender’s credit Junior MaryKate Abernethy’s remarkable play in the net, to only allow eight goals within 16 games. Next fall, Curreri will be playing lacrosse at Iona College in New Rochelle.

Always with a huge smile, forward Alex Kelly has been a major presence on the offense. This talented four-year varsity soccer player and track and field jumper and sprinter will be attending Princeton University next fall. She has been a dominant offensive figure in creating the greatest number of assists and ranking second in points in Suffolk County. This young lady that is always known for her positive demeanor, is also a tenacious player that makes her presence felt on the field. Kelly has thoroughly enjoyed her time playing since her childhood with many of these girls who are about to graduate.

Another important member of this team is Megan Loeser. The center mid-fielder is an extremely talented player that has been an important cog towards the success of this team. Awarded All-League and Division honors, this three-year captain can always be seen hustling and pushing her teammates against the opposition. This “field general” identifies this team as the hardest working group that she has played with during her 14-year soccer career for school and travel leagues. Always an upbeat young lady, Loeser expects to continue playing soccer in college.

Next to Loeser, is her best friend and nearby neighbor in Lindsey Lucia. An aggressive defender, she has a strong understanding of this sport, especially during big games. Like many of the other girls, she began playing sports within the CYO leagues. Lucia wears a large trade-mark smile, where this genuine student-athlete has been a starting varsity three-year captain. This spirited team leader has established the Rocky Point mantra for competing against difficult teams like that of Shoreham, East Islip and Hauppauge, is to handle each game like it’s the play-offs. Lucia will be attending C.W. Post next fall, where she will be playing lacrosse in Brookville.

Mia Negus recalls her younger moments of being taught this game with her teammates within the fields of Frank J. Caraseti Elementary School. She is a vital member of the vaunted defense that has made it extremely difficult for opposing schools to score against Rocky Point. Negus is excited to complete her high school on one of the most successful team’s in school history.

Senior Kaitlyn Reilly could be one of the most versatile student-athletes on this team. While she is a soft-spoken young lady, Reilly is a tough defensive player, that is proud of a group that always pulls for each other. This amazing student would like to play at a respected four-year school next fall, where she would like to major in elementary education.

Looking up the field, Reilly often passes the ball to Lilly Resciniti, who is an extremely capable mid-fielder. Resciniti like that of Loeser, Kelly and Amendola, is a dominant member of this team, where she skillfully helps the offense and defense. She views the concentration of this team as a key factor within its “mind-set” to always practice and play 110% of the time. An extraordinary student that is academically ranked tenth in her class, this mid-fielder is looking forward to attending medical school and studying neuroscience.

Sophia Wood is extremely pleased to be a part of the “insane talent” that has surrounded this team. Wood is a center mid-fielder that is looking forward to playing against the best players in Suffolk County during the play-offs. Like the other girls, she is thrilled to be part of a team that is extremely close, where they like to spend time together through their weekly pasta parties.

Wood will be playing lacrosse next fall at St. Leo University. All of the girls would like to thank their fellow senior back-up goalie Julia Darby that has played with them for the last four years. Her support has been instrumental in helping the team prepare during practices and before games against some of the best teams in the county.

Many years down the road, as these ladies pursue their own path’s in life, they will always recall this regular season, where they were undefeated before the play-offs. With a sincere affection towards each other, the comradery of this group will continue to push them through the rigors of the play-offs.

Costa believed that the “success this year has been our team bond. The players care for each other, they cheer for each other and spend time off the field together. Every practice is fun, and it is filled with energy.”

Long time Athletic Director Charles Delargy stated that an “undefeated season is a great accomplishment. To do it in power ranking where a team has to play against 16 different opponents is even more amazing.”

And underclass players Michalina Wojnowski and Emily Velasquez understand the sheer presence of these strong players and they have expressed their gratitude in being part of a positive team that always strives for excellence.

Rich Acritelli is a social studies teacher at Rocky Point High School and an adjunct professor of American history at Suffolk County Community College.

Bulls fall to Sachem East, 5-0

by Bill Landon - October 20, 2021

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Smithtown West (5-7) had their hands full when Sachem East (11-1) came to visit in a Division I matchup where the Bulls struggled to find traction falling to the Flaming Arrows, 5-0, Oct 19. Smithtown West goalie made 10 saves on the day.

The loss all but extinguishes the Bulls from a post-season appearance with one game remaining. Smithtown West will host Pat-Med (7-5) Oct. 21 with a 4:30 start.

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