Izzy G. was the raffle winner of a previous event. Photo from Emma Clark Library
Emma Clark Library, 120 Main St. Setauket will be hosting “Super Bowl Saturday” to add to the excitement before the big football game!
Elementary-aged kids and their families are welcome to stop by Emma Clark anytime between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 11 to enjoy football-themed festivities. Games will include cornhole, “Pin-the-Football in the End Zone”, “Touchdown Toss” beanbag game, and a “Plinko” disc drop. There will be a raffle to win a special prize. And of course, the Library has plenty of books about football! Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite team’s jersey or football-themed attire. Have a ball at the Library…an afternoon spent there is always a touchdown!
There is no registration for this event, and it is geared towards children in kindergarten through 6th grade. Open to all. Anyone with questions should call 631-941-4080 or email [email protected].
Jesse DiStasio stretches his arms over the goal line for the game-winning touchdown. Photo by Jim Ferchland
By Jim Ferchland
Centereach’s football team scored four touchdowns in 18 minutes to erase a 28-0 West Islip lead and send the game into overtime Oct. 28. After West Islip was held to a field goal, Centereach senior Jesse DiStasio scored the game-winning touchdown in a 34-31 come-from-behind thriller.
Jay Morwood tosses a pass. Photo by Jim Ferchland
After a 32-yard field goal by West Islip’s Bobby Dicapua, Centereach had an opportunity to win the game with a touchdown. Senior quarterback Jay Moorwood rushed out of the pocket avoiding pressure and connected with DiStasio, who was running on a deep slant and caught the pass at the 2-yard line before lunging with outstretched arms over the goal line for the 20-yard touchdown.
“The defender stopped me short,” DiStasio said. “I stretched over and I just started crying. I couldn’t believe it; I just saw everybody running to me. It was the best feeling of my life.”
West Islip led 28-7 heading into the fourth quarter. Morwood’s athleticism, vision and elusiveness outside the pocket made him a threat West Islip couldn’t contain. After throwing three interceptions, Morwood’s performance emerged in the fourth quarter with three crucial touchdowns. He finished with 276 passing yards on 19 completions with four touchdowns.
“I had all the confidence in the world in my team,” Morwood said on that final overtime possession. “I knew we were scoring. No one was stopping us. It didn’t matter who was getting the ball. I knew we were going to score no matter what.”
Jesse DiStasio celebrates the win with his teammates. Photo by Jim Ferchland
West Islip quarterback Mike LaDonna supplied all the offense for the Lions with his legs. He had 22 carries for 191 yards on the ground with four touchdowns.
“I’ve never been a part of playing or coaching a better comeback in the second half of a game,” Centereach head coach Adam Barrett said. “We kind of wanted to forget that first half. It was one of the best games I’ve ever been apart of.”
Centereach junior wide receiver and kick returner Devin Demetres ignited a spark after West Islip went up four scores. He broke free of multiple tackles on a 98-yard kick return and took the ball back for a touchdown, and the Cougars continued to plant their foot on the gas peddle.
Morwood took the offense under his wing with his scrambling ability and accuracy. He connected with his 6-foot, 2-inch senior wide receiver Chris Witherspoon on a 23-yard touchdown in the far right corner of the end zone to cut the deficit to 15, and launched the ball to Demetres into double coverage, which was was tipped by a West Islip defender before landing in Demetres’ hands for a 65-yard touchdown to make it 28-20.
“Jay made a great throw and the defense undercut it,” said Demetres, who had four receptions for 110 yards. “They cut it it too much and I knew they were going to tip it up, so I just kept my focus on the ball.”
Devin Demetres races into the end zone for a touchdown. Photo by Jim Ferchland
Senior running back Alec Kiernan, who carried Centereach’s offense all season long, was shut down by West Islip’s defense, which even forced a fumble on him. Although he was not a contributor on offense, he made a big defensive play on West Islip’s next drive.
Kiernan intercepted a pass with 4:20 left to play, and took the ball into Lions territory.
“We had the momentum before that play,” Kiernan said. “That play definitely set up a beautiful drive by Jay [Morwood]. We knew we had a chance.”
The interception resulted in Morwood’s touchdown to Demetres from 11 yards out with 2:38 left. Centereach converted on a two-point conversion to tie the game 28-28.
“It’s not a one person game,” Kiernan said of the comeback. “It’s a team game. We love each other and that’s how our team plays.”
Centereach finishes the regular season at 7-1 in Division I. Ranked No. 3 in the postseason, the Cougars will host No. 6 Bay Shore at 2 p.m. in the No. 4 qualifying round game.
“Every coach wants to go 8-0 every year and win the championship,” Barrett said. “Since I got to Centereach four years ago, we were always building. For the way the program was, we’re just getting better every year and continue to be successful.”
Huntington's Eric Sands pushes through the pack. Photo by Jim Ferchland
By Jim Ferchland
A series of fortunate events led Huntington football to a homecoming victory Oct. 21.
Down the entire game, a 76-yard touchdwon toss from quarterback John Paci to Alex LaBella gave the Blue Devils their first lead of the game, 20-13, with 6:22 remaining in the fourth quarter. Then, with one minute left to play, Riverhead went for a 2-point conversion following a 3-yard touchdown run from Darnell Chandler that made it 20-19, instead of trying to tie the game with an extra-point kick. The ball was dropped by Riverhead’s Albert Daniels in the end zone on the attempt to hand Huntington the game.
Huntington’s John Paci pulls back to launch a pass. Photo by Jim Ferchland
“Winning is always something we look to do,” Huntington head coach Steve Muller said, adding he did not anticipate the game finishing in this fashion it did. “We take it game by game no matter who they are. We respect everybody. We’re trying to get into the playoffs.”
At halftime, Huntington was down 7-0 after a 40-yard touchdown pass from Christian Pace to Chandler in the second quarter. The Blue Devils offense was lifeless in the first half.
“We thought we didn’t play good Huntington football,” Muller said. “I said to my guys in the locker room that there’s really nothing to say, but we can take over this game if we want to. It’s how bad you want to be remembered for this homecoming.”
Eric Sands, a Top 25 rusher in Suffolk County, had two touchdowns in the second half. The senior said he just wants to go to work every time he steps on the gridiron.
“I’m always excited when my name is called,” he said of consistently getting the football. “I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do and stay focused.”
Sands has 611 yards on 87 carries and 11 touchdowns through seven games this season. He scored on runs of 5 yards and 2 yards in the win, and finished the game with 132 yards on 25 carries.
Paci, who completed four of eight passes for 123 yards, seemed to be the hero after heaving the big touchdown pass to LaBella for the advantage, but the junior was quick not to take all the credit.
Huntington’s Alex LaBella races toward the end zone. Photo by Jim Ferchland
“I was scared when the ball was in the air,” Paci said. “It had some arc on it, but I was so excited when LaBella caught it.”
His senior wide receiver was also sweating on the other side of the field.
“There was a lot of nervousness,” LaBella said. “I just had to keep my eye on the ball, run down the field and score.”
Luke Eidle, who had 11 tackles and an interception, also aided Huntington.
Huntington hasn’t lost a game since Sept. 23, a 20-17 loss at home against West Islip. With the win over Riverhead, the Blue Devils have won four straight and improve their record to 5-2.
“I’m always proud of my team,” Muller said. “They’re all great kids and they work real hard everyday. That’s all I could ask for.”
Huntington will go on the road to conclude the season with a game at Bay Shore, which hasn’t lost its last two games, but only scored 10 points in that duration. The game will be Oct. 28 at 2:30 p.m.
Huntington football fans come out to celebrate homecoming. Photo by Jim Ferchland
The Miller Place football team storms onto the field for the homecoming game Oct. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place quarterback Anthony Seymour tosses a pass. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River quarterback Xavier Arline leaps over a Miller Place defender Oct. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place tight end Tom Nealis makes a grab down the sideline during the homecoming football game Oct. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River quarterback Xavier Arline tosses a pass Oct. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place band members parade down the street prior to the homecoming football game Oct. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place floats in the homecoming parade Oct. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place floats in the homecoming parade Oct. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place floats in the homecoming parade Oct. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place floats in the homecoming parade Oct. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place football fans get rowdy during the homecoming game Oct. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place cheerleaders get excited for the homecoming football game Oct. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place homecoming king and queen Matt Buscemi and Moksha Mehra Oct. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place running back Sebastian Cannon pushes through a tackle during a tackle to gain extra yards during the homecoming football game Oct. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River running back Kyle Boden powers up the field with the ball Oct. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place wide receiver Jordan Syperski makes a catch during the homecoming football game Oct. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River quarterback Xavier Arline rushes up the fielf with the football Oct. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place running back Sebastian Cannon reaches out toward a defender as he moves the ball downfield during the homecoming football game Oct. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
By Desirée Keegan & Bill Landon
The Miller Place football team has seemingly been playing catch-up all season, and with a 21-14 homecoming win over Shoreham-Wading River Oct. 14, the Panthers have climbed up another rung on the ladder toward their destination: the top of the Division IV leaderboard.
“It’s kind of been our M.O. all season — we’ve been playing catch up a lot this year, but the kids believe,” Miller Place head coach Greg Murphy said. “They believe that they’re going to get it done and these kids have tremendous character. I couldn’t be prouder of this bunch.”
Miller Place quarterback Anthony Seymour tries to shake off a tackler on a keeper play. Photo by Bill Landon
The Panthers snapped the Wildcats’ 12-game winning streak, and with the victory, also avenged a 49-6 blowout at the hands of Shoreham-Wading River in the Suffolk County semifinals last season. Junior tight end Tom Nealis sealed the homecoming victory with a 5-yard go-ahead touchdown catch from senior quarterback Anthony Seymour with six minutes left in the game.
Seymour faked a handoff and dropped back to pass to Nealis, running a slant pattern, who despite having double coverage on him, came down with the ball as he slid on his knees in the end zone.
“Our defense played their butts off — we only allowed 14 points from a lethal offense [like theirs],” Nealis said. “We ended their 12-game winning streak. They came here [on our homecoming] and we ended it — that really means a lot.”
During that game-winning play, Nealis was matched up with Shoreham-Wading River sophomore quarterback and defensive back Xavier Arline, who had a 48-yard touchdown run of his own in the game.
“Arline, he’s a great defender,” Seymour said. “But [Nealis] came down with the ball for the touchdown — he’s been really big for us this year.”
Shoreham-Wading River senior running back Kyle Boden struck first for the Wildcats, but things changed when he went down with a knee injury late in the third quarter and sat out the rest of the game.
Miller Place tight end Tom Nealis reigns in the ball for a catch during the homecoming football game Oct. 14. Photo by Bill Landon
Miller Place’s Sebastian Cannon helped propel the Panthers to tie the game up first, after the Wildcats jumped out to a 14-0 lead with three minutes left in the first half. The junior running back returned a kickoff 60 yards before being forced out of bounds at the 8-yard line, and then finished what he started two plays later on a 14-yard dash into the end zone for his team’s first score. He also ran in an 8-yard touchdown to tie the game on the way to 48 yards on eight attempts in the contest.
“We jumped on them early, and we had a chance to capitalize on that momentum, but I think one of the big plays was that kickoff return after [our] second touchdown,” Shoreham-Wading River head coach Matt Millheiser said. “It was a big return which gave them some momentum — it got the crowd into it because they had been quiet for awhile. When they scored on that drive, that put us on our heels.”
Cannon said his team was poised to make the plays needed to turn the game around.
“I was confident that we could make a comeback — giving us momentum going into the second half,” Cannon said. “But it was our defense that won the game for us.”
Shoreham-Wading River and Miller Place are now tied at 5-1 behind undefeated Babylon in the standings. The Wildcats have dominated their division like few other Long Island teams ever have, winning the last three Long Island championship titles. No team has ever won four straight since the LIC began in 1992.
“In the end they out played us, they out coached us; they did a great job and they beat us all the way around,” Millheiser said. “We’ve been here before, so we’ll get back to work on Monday [to get ready for Babylon at 6 p.m. Oct. 20] and see if we can right the ship.”
Senior Dylan Winwood competes in final football game
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The Kings Park football team rushes onto the field and through the homecoming banner Sept. 23. Photo by Greg Catalano
Kings Park junior running back Vince D'Alto avoids a tackle as he gains yards. Photo by Greg Catalano
Kings Park senior quarterback Marco Carrado looks for an open receiver. Photo by Greg Catalano
Kings Park junior running back Vince D'Alto races across the field. Photo by Greg Catalano
Kings Park junior Eddie Montemurro rushes up the field. Photo by Greg Catalano
Kings Park's Michael Trupiano and Julius Close tackle a Hauppauge running back. Photo by Greg Catalano
Kings Park junior running back Vince D'Alto evades a tackle and scampers into the end zone. Photo by Greg Catalano
Kings Park senior quarterback Marco Carrado rushes through the cluster. Photo by Greg Catalano
Kings Park youth cheerleaders cheer on the Kings Park varsity football team. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Kings Park Fire Department marches across the field prior to the Kings Park homecoming football game Sept. 23. Photo by Greg Catalano
Kings Park cheerleaders get the crowd going. Photo by Greg Catalano
A Kings Park cheerleader amps up the excitement level. Photo by Greg Catalano
Members of the Kings Park royal homecoming court line up along the sideline Sept. 23. Photo by Greg Catalano
The homecoming king and queen are crowned during halftime Sept. 23. Photo by Greg Catalano
Kings Park band members perform during halftime at homecoming Sept. 23. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Kings Park Royalettes kickline team performs during halftime at homecoming Sept. 23. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Kings Park flag team performs during homecoming Sept. 23. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Kings Park homecoming queen and king. Photo by Greg Catalano
Kings Park band members perform during halftime at homecoming Sept. 23. Photo by Greg Catalano
The Kings Park Royalettes kickline team performs during halftime at homecoming Sept. 23. Photo by Greg Catalano
Kings Park band members perform during halftime at homecoming Sept. 23. Photo by Greg Catalano
Kings Park football fans and band members cheer on the Kingsmen during homecoming Sept. 23. Photo by Greg Catalano
Kings Park senior Dylan Winwood rushes with a defender on his tail. Photo by Greg Catalano
Kings Park junior running back Vince D'Alto pushes through the defensive line. Photo by Greg Catalano
Kings Park senior quarterback Marco Carrado looks to make a pass. Photo by Greg Catalano
Kings Park junior running back Vince D'Alto rushes with the ball. Photo by Greg Catalano
Kings Park senior quarterback Marco Carrado passes the ball. Photo by Greg Catalano
By Desirée Keegan
Dylan Winwood couldn’t ask for a better way to end his football career.
Kings Park’s senior tailback/slot receiver hybrid and safety battled on the gridiron one last time Sept. 23, before getting season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum. Winwood’s injury occurred in a scrimmage Sept. 1, and he asked his doctor to clear him to play in one final game. Upon getting approval, he decided his last performance would be at homecoming.
“Any win is sweet for our coaches and our team, but having a great crowd to play in front of for homecoming made the atmosphere electric,” he said. “I can’t thank our fan base enough, truly one of the best groups on the Island.”
Although the team could credit running back Vince D’Alto for its 7-2 win over Hauppauge (0-2), Winwood also credited the Kingsmen’s fans and new surroundings for helping the team seal the deal.
“I felt great out on the field and the lights were fantastic,” he said of the stadium’s new ambiance. “I felt like homecoming made it that much sweeter — with the crowd and the team going crazy after every play.”
The junior running back scored the only touchdown of the day — on a 32-yard run in the first quarter. D’Alto said he was looking to ride a routine push play, but happened to stumble across a hole in the defensive line and carried the ball into the end zone. Senior Mike Trupiano’s point-after attempt was good to put the Kingsmen (2-2) up 7-0.
“I was just trying to get some yards to get out of our own end zone, but there was a hole and I took it,” said D’Alto, who finished with 155 yards on 15 carries. “It was a great team effort and there were a lot of ups and downs, but a win is a win.”
Despite the offense not playing up to its preferred tempo, the Kingsmen’s defensive unit was willing and able to pick up the slack, especially co-captain Winwood.
“I feel as if [the win] was due to our stout defensive effort,” he said. “The whole team rallied around a stellar defensive performance.”
The senior said he thought D’Alto was strong on both sides of the ball to help propel the team to victory.
“He was running extremely aggressive and was making plays on the defensive end that helped seal the game for us,” Winwood said. “This year’s team is definitely one of the fastest teams in our division. We have a bunch of athletes just waiting to make plays, and I’m looking forward to the Kingsmen capturing more wins in the future.”
D’Alto said he was inspired by Winwood’s willingness to put his career on the line to play football one last time, especially since he already has a lacrosse scholarship to Florida Southern College.
“Dylan had a lot of courage playing in his last game with a lacrosse scholarship on the line,” he said. “Dylan always plays great — one of the best athletes I’ve ever seen, and he played his heart out for his last game. It was great seeing him on that field risking it all for just one more game, telling us as a team how much this really means to him.”
The senior reflected on his final high school game.
“I felt awesome on the field; all I wanted was to finish my career on a win and it happened,” Winwood said. “I couldn’t ask for a better end note.”
The Shoreham-Wading River football team rushes onto the field Sept. 23. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River football players Tyler McAuley, Daniel Curtin, Liam Mahoney, Kyle Boden and Ethan Baumack cross the field. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River senior running back Kyle Boden rushes ahead of the pack. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River senior tight end James Mirabell and senior running back Kyle Boden celebrate a Wildcats touchdown. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River junior running back Dom Visintin moves the ball. Photo by Bill Landon
A Shoreham-Wading River cheerleader gets the crowd going. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River sophomore quarterback Xavier Arline tosses a pass. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River senior running back Kyle Boden gains yards. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River sophomore quarterback Xavier Arline leaps over his own Wilcats players to gain yards Sept. 23. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River senior quarterback Noah Block rushes with the ball. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River senior running back Kyle Boden finished the 49-12 win over Wyandanch Sept. 23 with 108 yards on 12 carries. Photo by Bill Landon
Shoreham-Wading River sophomore quarterback Xavier Arline reaches to cross into the end zone for a touchdown Sept. 23. Photo by Bill Landon
The Shoreham-Wading River football team rallies together prior to its 49-12 win over Wyandanch Sept. 23. Photo by Bill Landon
By Bill Landon
Kyle Boden and Xavier Arline made Wyandanch pay for its kickoff return touchdown Sept. 23, combining for six scores to lead Shoreham-Wading River to a 49-12 homecoming win.
“Our offensive line did a great job today — they made so many holes,” Boden said. “We were a little slow to start the second half, but we picked it up and everybody was just flying around.”
Boden, a senior running back, powered his way up and down and scored all three of his touchdowns by the end of the first quarter. He finished the game with 108 yards on 12 carries. Arline scored on a 2-yard touchdown run, lunging to the left of two defenders, and again on a 45-yard run after a Wyandanch fumble. Senior Tyler McAuley, who was perfect on the day, split the uprights with each opportunity, and helped the team extend its advantage by nailing the extra-point kick attempt following the fumble recovery touchdown to put Shoreham-Wading River up 35-6 at the halftime break.
The team’s quarterback was quick to compliment the offensive line, and his kicker.
“I can run, but it doesn’t happen unless the linemen make the holes — they did their job,” Arline said. “[Tyler McAuley] did his job. He finished, and if we do that every week I feel that there’s no one that can stop us.”
Arline carried the ball 65 yards for a touchdown return of his own on the second-half kickoff. McAuley was money once again, to bring the score to 42-6.
“I’ve got to give credit to the entire field goal unit, if the snap was there, if the hold was there and the blocking was there, that gives me an opportunity,” McAuley said.
Wyandanch quarterback Dionte Jordan helped cut the deficit on a keeper, and for the second time the Warriors failed to convert a two-point conversion attempt.
Quarterback Noah Block took over as quarterback and the senior didn’t skip a beat, taking in his own touchdown for the final score of the game.
“We’re going to enjoy it for now,” Arline said, “but we’ve got to get back to looking at film and keep working, because we’ve got a good team coming up.”
The quarterback was referring to his team’s next opponent: Elwood-John Glenn.
Shoreham-Wading River head coach Matt Millheiser said depth in the Sept. 29 matchup will be an issue.
“We’ve got to find ways to give breaks for guys here and there,” he said. “We’re going to have to play deep into the fourth quarter because you can’t let a small lead or a small deficit become real big —exhaustion or a cramp or an injury will turn the tide.”
The Wildcats kick off against the Knights at 6 p.m. Arline said his team will work hard to be ready.
“They’re a good team,” Arline said of Elwood-John Glenn. “We take every team seriously but they’re just going to get harder and harder from here on out.”
Senior running back scores four touchdown in emotional homecoming win
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Centereach senior Alec Kiernan points toward the sky following his fourth touchdown of the game. Kiernan played in memory of his brother Danny, who died Sept. 10. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach senior Alec Kiernan pushes through tackles. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach junior Devin Demetres carries the ball up the field. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach senior running back Vinny Liotta races into the end zone for a touchdown. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach seniors Alec Kiernan and Chris Witherspoon tackle a Riverhead running back. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach sophomore Matt Robbert kicks a successful point-after attempt following an Alex Kiernan touchdown. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach senior Alec Kiernan avoids a tackle as he moves the ball up the field. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach's kickline team performs during halftime of the football team's homecoming game Sept. 16. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Community members rally around Centereach's football team during its homecoming game Sept. 16. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach's band performs during Centereach's homecoming game Sept. 16. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach's varsity cheerleaders perform with youth members during halftime of the Cougars' homecoming game Sept. 16. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach's varsity cheerleaders perform during halftime of the Cougars' homecoming game Sept. 16. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach's band performs during Centereach's homecoming game Sept. 16. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach's kickline team performs during halftime of the football team's homecoming game Sept. 16. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach's varsity cheerleaders perform with youth members during halftime of the Cougars' homecoming game Sept. 16. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach's varsity cheerleaders perform during halftime of the Cougars' homecoming game Sept. 16. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach's home field was decorated for homecoming Sept. 16. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Community members rally around Centereach's football team during its homecoming game Sept. 16. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Community members rally around Centereach's football team during its homecoming game Sept. 16. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach senior Alec Kiernan topples over a Riverhead defender and into the end zone for a touchdown. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach senior Alec Kiernan is embraced by a teammate after his first touchdown of the game. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach senior Nick Alois tackles a Riverhead opponent. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach senior running back Vinny Liotta races into the end zone for a touchdown. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach senior Vinny Liotta blocks for junior Devin Demetres as he changed direction to race up the field. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach senior Alec Kiernan crouches down along the sideline. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach senior Alec Kiernan blocks Riverhead opponents as he rushes with the ball. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach senior Alec Kiernan avoids a tackle as he moves the ball downfield. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach football players rally around senior Alec Kiernan after he scored his fourth touchdown of the game. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Friends and family of Centereach senior running back Alec Kiernan wait to congratulate him after the Cougar's homecoming win. Photo by Desirée Keegan
Centereach senior Alec Kiernan races toward the crowd following the homecoming win. Photo by Desirée Keegan
By Desirée Keegan
Centereach senior Alec Kiernan, who scored four touchdowns and recorded three sacks Saturday, wasn’t just motived by the fact he was playing in his last homecoming game.
The team rallied around Kiernan after his brother, Danny, died Sept. 10. He said he had no idea how the circumstance would impact his performance in the 43-8 win over Riverhead Sept. 16, especially after missing practices on Thursday and Friday to attend the wake and funeral.
“Everyone was there for me today,” said the senior, who decided to play in the game to honor his brother. “Everyone played for Danny, my family, and we played the best game we’ve played in a while — especially in the second half. I felt confident on both sides of the ball.”
“Everyone was there for me today. Everyone played for Danny, my family, and we played the best game we’ve played in a while.”
—Alec Kiernan
Junior wide receiver and linebacker Devin Demetres set the tone early for the Cougars, returning the opening kickoff 82 yards for a touchdown and early 7-0 lead after sophomore Matt Robbert’s extra-point kick.
“That was our plan,” Demetres said of the play. “We knew on that play to hit hard and bring it all the way. We had great blocks. That score gave us momentum.”
He said Kiernan was also a momentum-booster.
“We made our blocks and played for him — when he played well we were playing well,” the junior said. “Kiernan is a team leader, he’s the captain and everyone looks up to him. He makes something out of nothing, and it helped us so much along the way.”
Kiernan extended the lead on a 10-yard run with nearly seven minutes still remaining in the opening quarter. He broke up a Riverhead pass minutes later, but the Blue Waves were able to score on the drive. A 50-yard reception for a touchdown and a two-point conversion made the score 14-8.
In that moment, Centereach head coach Adam Barrett said he didn’t doubt what his now 2-0 team is capable of doing, and the Cougars proved it. Kiernan, who rushed for 213 yards on 23 carries, was slid the ball on a pass fake and ran 11 yards into the end zone. Robbert, who was perfect on the day, brought the score to 21-8 at the end of the first quarter.
“Special teams is huge,” Barrett said. “Last year it was a weakness of ours. We put in a lot of time in the offseason working on that. A lot of these kids have been playing together since they were little, and these were the guys that were freshmen when I took over the program four years ago, so we came up together, and it’s nice to see them be so successful so early in the season.”
“[Alec Kiernan] plays like no other person I’ve ever met. He’s something else. He’s not human.”
—Devin Demetres
Senior running back Vinny Liotta later scored on a 21-yard carry, and Demetres completed a two-point conversion for a 29-8 halftime advantage.
“It was a great team effort,” Demetres said. “Coaches put us in place to get some opportunities, and we took advantage of them.”
Kiernan remained strong on both sides of the ball, doing most of the rushing and halting a handful of would-be Riverhead gains with tackles. He had two sacks and ran in the final of his four touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
“It’s a good feeling,” he said of his contributions in the win. “I did it for my brother..”
His teammates and coaches alike think their athlete is on the path to greatness.
“He elevates the game, even today,” Barrett said. “He’s just a great player and I’m proud of him. I’m glad he had the game that he did.”
Demetres joked he wasn’t sure of the species of the team’s running back.
“He plays like no other person I’ve ever met,” he said of Kiernan. “He’s something else. He’s not human. Today we proved we’re more than a team, we’re more than a family — we’re a brotherhood. We have each other’s backs no matter the circumstance.”
In 21 years, not one Ward Melville football player has been invited to compete in the Empire Challenge. This year three Patriots will get the chance to put on the pads one more time.
John Corpac, Eddie Munoz and Dominic Pryor were chosen by the coaches of the Long Island team, all of which led their squads to county titles this year, to play in the game that pits Long Island all-stars against the best of New York City.
“It feels amazing knowing I’ll be able to suit up once more in a sport that I’ve loved since I was young,” Pryor said. “I couldn’t be more proud to represent Ward Melville, especially after what we accomplished this season.”
Dominic Pryor. File photo by Bill Landon
The three standouts were part of a Patriots team that upset No. 1 Lindenhurst in the Division I semifinals to make it to the county championship for the first time in 30 years.
“After losing in counties,” Corpac said, “this game is a redemption game for me and my teammates that made it, to show that we belonged where we were.”
Ward Melville head coach Chris Boltrek said his three athletes, who were named All-State by the New York State Sportswriters Association, don’t need redemption, because they’ve shown they belong among the best of the best.
“They are just excellent athletes who love football, and combined those attributes with a willingness to go the extra mile — whether it was sacrificing their bodies and taking a big hit, or tackling a larger athlete, it didn’t matter — they laid it all on the line to help our team be successful,” he said. “And they’re a huge part of why we made it to the county championship this season.”
Corpac, a wide receiver and free safety who signed to play for Stony Brook University this fall, finished last season with a team-high 13 touchdowns through 11 games, four of which were on kickoff returns. The All-County and All-State honoree racked up 378 yards on 27 receptions, and rushed for 131 more and one touchdown. In total, he had 1,110 yards thanks to 532 added kickoff return yards. On the defensive side of the ball, Corpac had 58 tackles, 38 solo, and two interceptions.
While Munoz and Pryor will be playing lacrosse next year, at Stony Brook and Hofstra University, respectively, the two have also battled for big numbers at Ward Melville.
Munoz gained 454 yards on 37 receptions as a wide receiver, and rushed for 90, ending the year with eight touchdowns. He intercepted the ball twice as a strong safety, and made 57 total tackles, 37 solo.
“We put in a lot of hard work, but our teammates also helped us stand out, because without a good team we wouldn’t have been selected,” Munoz said. “Football to me is all about being tough and giving it your all on every play.”
Eddie Munoz. File photo by Bill Landon
Pryor ended his senior season with a team-high 604 receiving yards, averaging a team-high 16.3 yards per catch on his 37 receptions, rushed for 88 yards, returned kickoffs for 111 and even passed for 167. The wide receiver and defensive back also had two interceptions and made 28 tackles.
“Dom and Eddie are great examples of multi-sport athletes, and demonstrate how competing in multiple sports is a benefit,” Boltrek said. “Both of those guys have played on big stages before in lacrosse, and it was evident that those experiences paid dividends for us throughout the playoffs. I know them playing football has made them better lacrosse players. The toughness and grit that it takes to be successful in football is visible every time they step on the lacrosse field.”
Pryor credits his coaches and teammates, and playing in one of the toughest leagues on Long Island, for making him a better athlete day in and day out, but his head coach said it’s all about what the boys do.
“It’s great for the program to get this sort of recognition, but of course, the program doesn’t receive these honors without the individual efforts of these three players,” he said. “It’s no coincidence that all three of them started in all three facets of the game — offense, defense and special teams — and no matter who the opponent was, they had to game plan for these three.”
New York City opponents will have to make big plans to take down the trio, who said they have been best friends since elementary school. They’ll battle on the gridiron at Hofstra University June 21 at 7 p.m.
“I was hearing rumors that I might get selected, but once I actually got the news, I couldn’t be happier — it’s a dream to be able to play in this game,” Corpac said. “This sport is the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I’d do anything to play the season all over again. I cannot wait to put on the pads and play high school football one last time.”
The Newfield football team poses for a group photo after defeated MacArthur, 41-33, for the Long Island Class II title on Nov. 27 at Hofstra University. Photo by Joe Galotti
Newfield’s Elijah Riley, Joe Saladino, Nick Favaloro, Steven Hoynacky and Isaiah Israel pose with the Long Island Class II football championship trophy after defeating MacArthur, 41-33, on Nov. 27 at Hofstra University. Photo by the Newfield High School Video Club
By Joe Galotti
Newfield has not faced much adversity this fall. The team entered this year’s Long Island Class II football championship game with an 11-0 record, and had yet to be truly challenged on their quest for a perfect season.
On Friday night at Hofstra University’s Shuart Stadium, the Wolverines were finally tested.
After holding a 20-point advantage over MacArthur at halftime, Newfield quickly saw its lead evaporate to just a single point before the end of the third quarter. But Wolverines senior wideout Elijah Riley refused to let his team lose on this night, running for two touchdowns in the contest’s final quarter to power his team to a 41-33 victory.
“Eli’s been our lightning guy all year,” Wolverines head coach Joe Piccininni said. “He just comes out and makes things happen for us when you least expect it.”
Thanks to Riley’s heroics, Newfield earned its first Long Island Championship since 2011. Senior quarterback Ryan Klemm was excited that the team was able to not only bring the title back to their school, but also record the program’s first ever perfect season.
“It’s awesome,” Klemm said. “They always refer to the 2011 team, and we wanted to do something better — something that they didn’t do. So 12-0 was definitely the goal.”
The Wolverines got off to a quiet on the gridiron, as MacArthur held Newfield’s explosive offense scoreless in the game’s opening 12 minutes. Senior halfback Vin Martino gave the Generals an early 7-0 lead, with a nine-yard touchdown run.
In the second quarter, the Wolverines began to take over.
Newfield’s players stand behind a banner that reads “Let’s Make H15tory” which the Wolverines did, with a 41-33 win over MacArthur for the Class II Long Island championship title and the first undefeated season in program history on Nov. 27 at Hofstra University. Photo by Joe Galotti
First, Riley got his team on the board with a six-yard touchdown run. Then Klemm left his mark on the championship game, connecting on touchdown passes with senior wide receiver Jelani Greene, senior running back Denzel Williams and senior tight end Austin Gubelman before halftime.
Up 27-7 entering the third, Newfield seemed to have their Class II title wrapped up. But, the Generals were prepared to go down fighting, beginning the second half by recovering an onside kick. Shortly after, Martino found the end zone to make it a 13-point game. MacArthur attempted another onside kick, and once again gained possession. Martino followed that up with his second touchdown in a span of just 34 seconds.
Later in the quarter, MacArthur senior quarterback Jimmy Kelleher threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to senior wideout Jared Wolfe. The ensuing extra-point attempt was missed, but the Wolverines’ lead fell to just 27-26.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Klemm said. “They’re a great team, and we knew we’d have to face adversity eventually, and it came tonight.”
Riley added, “Nobody gets flustered. Everyone knows they have another chance to get the job done and do what they have to do to finish their assignment.”
Nick Adler hugs his new fiancée on the field after proposing following Newfield’s 41-33 win over MacArthur for the Wolverine’s Long Island Class II championship title. Photo by Joe Galotti
In the fourth quarter, Riley was able to right the ship for his team. He first provided an eight-yard touchdown run. Then, with 2:49 remaining in regulation, scored on a 30-yard rush, to extend Newfield’s lead to 15 points.
MacArthur added a late touchdown, but failed to pull any closer, as Riley recovered the Generals final onside kick attempt and took a knee just shy of another touchdown, despite any player being within 15 yards of the senior.
“MacArthur did an outstanding job of preparing for us and playing against us,” Piccininni said, “They left their hearts out on the field. They really pushed us to our limits today, but our kids overcame it.”
Also leaving his heart out on the field after the game was Wolverines assistant coach Nick Adler. He proposed to his girlfriend after the team was presented with their championship trophy. And when she said yes, the Wolverines were left with a storybook ending to their perfect season.
Senior running back Chris Rosati rushes away with four touchdowns in team's 24th win in two seasons
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The Shoreham-Wading River football team poses for a group photo after winning the Wildcats' second straight Long Island Class IV title with a 35-7 win over Locust Valley on Nov. 27 at Hofstra University. Photo by Rich Idtensohn
Shoreham-Wading River senior guard Dalten Stalzer provides blocking during the Wildcats' 35-7 win over Locust Valley for the team's second straight Long Island Class IV title on Nov. 27 at Hofstra University. Photo by Rich Idtensohn
Shoreham-Wading River’s senior wideout Jon Constant rushes ahead in the Wildcats' 35-7 win over Locust Valley for the Long Island championship title on Nov. 27 at Hofstra University. Photo by Rich Idtensohn
Shoreham-Wading River senior running back Chris Rosati runs into the open field during the Wildcats' second striaght Long Island Class IV football championship win with a 35-7 victory over Locust Valley on Nov. 27. Photo by Rich Idtensohn
Shoreham-Wading River’s senior defensive tackle James Puckey comes away with a sack while senior guard Ryan Letscher follows close behind in the Wildcats' 35-7 win over Locust Valley for the Long Island Class IV championship crown. Shoreham-Wading River's defense did not allow the Falcons to score in the game until the fourth quarter. Photo by Rich Idtensohn
Shoreham-Wading River senior quarterback Jason Curran carries the ball up the field on a keeper play in the Wildcats' 35-7 Long Island Class IV championship win over Locust Valley on Nov. 27 at Hofstra University. Photo by Rich Idtensohn
Shoreham-Wading River’s Kevin Cutinella, Jason Curran, Chris Rosati, Ethan Wiederkehr, James Puckey and Dalten Stalzer display the No. 54 jersey of Tom Cutinella along with the team’s championship hardware after winning the Wildcats' second striaght Long Island Class IV football title on Nov. 27 at Hofstra University. Photo by Rich Idtensohn
Shoreham-Wading River’s Charles Caputo, Jason Curran, Chris Gray, Chris Rosati and Christian Aliperti celebrate with their fans after winning the Wildcats' second straight Long Island Class IV football championship title on Nov. 27 at Hofstra University. Photo by Rich Idtensohn
By Joe Galotti
Most young men who decide to put on a helmet and pads and play high school football never get to experience the joy of winning a class championship or putting together a perfect season. On Friday afternoon, at Hofstra University’s Shuart Stadium, the Shoreham-Wading River football team had the rare opportunity to reach both of those achievements for a second straight season, and did not let it go to waste.
The Wildcats jumped out to a 28-point first-half lead over Locust Valley, helping them come away with a 35-7 victory in the Long Island Class IV Championship game. Senior running back Chris Rosati led the way with four rushing touchdowns, and the team’s eye-popping winning streak was extended to 24 games.
“(Going undefeated twice) is very special,” Shoreham-Wading River head coach Matt Millheiser said. “It really was something I wanted them to achieve and carry with them, and they did that today.”
After the victory, Rosati admitted that the team felt pressure all season long trying to repeat last fall’s undefeated campaign.
“Every team was looking to beat us,” Rosati said. “We got everyone’s best game, but we just really fought hard against every team we faced.”
If the Wildcats were at all nervous on Friday, they did not show it, as they jumped all over the Falcons early on, putting up two quick scores on the team that had entered the contest allowing the fewest points on Long Island this year.
Rosati got Shoreham-Wading River on the board when he capped off the team’s opening drive by taking a pitch to the right side 26 yards for a touchdown. On the Wildcats next drive, Rosati delivered a two-yard rushing touchdown, which was set up by a 31-yard run by senior wideout Jon Constant.
Early in the second quarter, Rosati drove his way into the end zone once again, this time, on a 1-yard rush.
“Chris is amazing,” senior guard Dalten Stalzer said. “Just watching him play every week; it’s crazy. Some of the things he does and the tackles he breaks, it makes us look good.”
With 1:24 remaining before the half, senior quarterback Jason Curran put the game out of reach with a six-yard touchdown pass to Constant.
Shoreham-Wading River was extremely effective on the ground in the game, with Rosati rushing for 110 yards, Curran rushing for 91 yards and Constant rushing for 90 yards. Much of this was made possible by a dominant performance from the team’s offensive line.
“We knew what we needed to do to execute,” Constant said. “But [our success] all starts with our line’s performance.”
The Wildcats’ defense also put up a strong effort, forcing three interceptions and not giving up a score until the fourth quarter. Constant was responsible for two of the picks, while Rosati had the other.
With another perfect season in the books, Shoreham-Wading River is arguably in the midst of one of the best runs in Long Island high school football history. But Millheiser says that the key to the Wildcats’ success has been not getting caught up in any of the streaks or stats.
“We were more concerned about doing our jobs and doing the right thing,” Millheiser said. “When you focus on those things the fun numbers like 24-0 seem to come with it.”
During Shoreham-Wading River’s postgame team photo with its championship trophy, the team once again got the opportunity to honor the memory of their former teammate Tom Cutinella, who died as a result of an on-field collision in a 2014 game. Senior lineman James Puckey held up Cutinella’s No. 54 jersey for the group shot, making it clear that he was still very much a part of the Wildcats team.
