All-Long Island & All-State
Ryan Sloan
All-County
Steven Gambles
Dillon Kenul
Ryan Sloan
All-Division
Steven Gambles
Justin Honce
Hezekiah Johnson
Dillon Kenul
Najee Morning
Kevin Schwicke
Robert Schwicke
Mike Burton
Stephen O'Hara
Ryan Sloan
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| RYAN SLOAN Bellport, Offensive Lineman, Junior, 6-3, 285 pounds, Long-time coach Joe Cipp called Sloan "The best big man I've ever coached." He's a very athletic two-way player. Sloan was the lead blocker on most running plays. On defense, he was the team's second-leading tackler (84 total, 45 solo), an unusual feat for a defensive lineman. Sloan had six sacks. Photo Credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas |
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Where are LI football stars going for college?
Originally published: February 3, 2010 1:34 PM Newsday.com
Quick Summary
A list of the 2009 Newsday All-Long Island Football players and where they have committed to play in college.
The following is a list of the 2009 Newsday All-Long Island Football players and where they have committed to play in college. Check back as the list will be updated.
If you are a coach or athletic director ONLY, and would like to update a player's status, please call 631-843-2820.
First team
Tom Schreiber, St. Anthony’s: Princeton (lacrosse) John Kinder, Lawrence: SyracuseAnthony Brunetti, Holy Trinity: C.W. Post Davon Lawrence, Sachem North: Stony Brook Kevin Allen, Freeport: C.W. Post Michael Ehrhardt, Chaminade: Maryland (lacrosse) Mike Gallo, Seaford: C.W. Post Chris Richards, Farmingdale: Undecided Matt Wilson, Holy Trinity: Maine Bill Sweeney, Garden City: Undecided Ryan Sloan, Bellport: Junior Sean Moeller, East Islip: Undecided Jevahn Cruz, Hills West: Stony Brook Connor Horl, Garden City: Undecided Rob Welsh, St. Anthony’s: SyracuseKevin Hauter, Floyd: Stony Brook Malcom Cater, Riverhead: Syracuse Stephen Jehelka, Garden City: Junior Jack Moorehead, Glenn: Undecided Evan Kappatos, Syosset: Sophomore Preshod McCoy, North Babylon: Junior Mike Pellegrino, Connetquot: Junior John McGibbon, Lindenhurst: Clemson (baseball) Greg D’Arienzo, Carey: Maryland (lacrosse)
Second team
Tom DeNapoli, Lynbrook: Towson (lacrosse)
Alex Corporan, Brentwood: Undecided
Steve Skon, Lindenhurst: Junior
Dan Russo, Northport: Undecided
Ken Barnett, Lawrence: Undecided
Zack Losco, Hauppauge: UPenn (lacrosse)
Damarr Aultman, Hills West: Maine
Gene Garay, Oceanside: Junior
Chris Jean Pierre, Brentwood: Bowling Green (Priority walkon)
Golden Ukonu, North Babylon: Junior
Joe Kirchner, Sachem North: Cortland
Kevin McHale, Connetquot: M.I.T.
Mark Mazur, North Babylon: Undecided
Mike Lisi, Carey: Undecided
Dan Belfiore, Glen Cove: Undecided
Corey Bateman, Freeport: Undecided
Rob Burke, Wantagh: Undecided
Eric Schmitt, East Islip: Undecided
Ryan Crawley, North Babylon: Undecided
Andrew Hodge, Hills West: Undecided
Jawara Dudley, Roosevelt: Stony Brook
Kevin Lacey, Floyd: Undecided
Zenel Hudson, Bay Shore: Undecided
Nick Stover, Sayville: Undecided
Will Crapo, Plainedge: Undecided
Jesse Signa, St. Anthony's: Undecided
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| Photo credit: Newsday/John Paraskevas | Newsday's 2009 all-Long Island football team. |
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| Bellport Wins in
Double OT
November 7, 2009
Courtesy Newsday.com
Scoring: B: Houpe 10 run (Delgado kick) W: Richardson 21 pass from Smith (Scelfo kick) W: Messina 20 pass from Smith (Scelfo kick) B: Houpe 3 run (Delgado kick) B: Houpe 4 run (Delgado kick)
Highlights: Bellport 21, West Babylon 14: Najee Morning intercepted a pass from Andrew Smith in the third down of the second overtime to conserve the victory for No. 4 Bellport (5-4) over No. 5 West Babylon. Travis Houpe's 4-yard run to cap the fifth play of the second overtime provided the final margin. Down 14-7 in the first overtime, Houpe scored on a 3-yard run to tie the game. Houpe had 23 carries for 118 yards and three rushing touchdowns. The Bellport defense held West Babylon to 34 total yards on offense, led Ryan Sloan, who had three sacks and eight tackles.
Passing
Bellport
Justin Honce 6/18 for 97 yards, 0 TDs, 0 PAT, 2 Int
Receiving
Bellport
Najee Morning (WR/QB) 4 receptions for 70 yards, 0 TDs, 0 PAT
Rushing
Bellport
Travis Houpe (RB/DB) 23 attempts for 118 yards, 3 TDs, 0 PAT
Kicking
Bellport
Ricardo Delgado (G/DT), FGs: 0/2, PAT: 3/3, Punts: 0 for 0
Defense
Bellport
Steve Gambles (WR) 2 interceptions, 0 sacks, 0 fumbles recovered
Ryan Sloan (T/DT) 0 interceptions, 3 sacks, 0 fumbles recovered
Najee Morning (WR/QB) 1 interceptions, 0 sacks, 0 fumbles recovered
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Bellport holds off hard-charging West Babylon
Courtesy Newsday.com
October 30, 2009 By MARK MACYK
For the second time in two minutes, Bellport sapped the energy from West Babylon. With less than 30 seconds remaining and West Babylon driving, Bellport's Steve Gambles intercepted at his own 4-yard line and raced back to midfield to seal a 30-22 Division II football victory Friday night for visiting Bellport.
The Eagles' John Scelfo hit a 28-yard field goal to tie the game at 22 with 2:34 remaining, capping a furious second-half rally as West Babylon (5-3) erased a 22-6 deficit. But on the second play of the Clippers' next drive, Najee Morning picked up a teammate's fumble at the 50-yard line and raced the rest of the way for the winning TD.
The score for Bellport (4-4) was its first since the second quarter. The Clippers, who had managed just three points in its previous two games, got on the board before the offense even took the field. Hezikiah Johnson returned the opening kickoff 95 yards to make it 6-0. The senior tailback racked up 132 yards and two touchdowns. Johnson had a big run to set up a 2-yard touchdown from Dykeman Mosley in the first quarter and Johnson added a 10-yard TD run in the second quarter to put the Clippers up 22-6.
A 2-yard run from WB's Frank Speights before the break cut Bellport's lead to 22-12.
At halftime, West Babylon alum and current Kansas City Chief Jovan Belcher addressed the team. "I talked to the boys; they responded," Belcher said after halftime. "I can't tell you what I said; that's personal. But they seem ready to play."
On the first play of the second half, West Babylon's Andrew Smith (258 passing yards) connected with Michael Richardson for a 64-yard pass and Reggie Robinson followed with a 6-yard TD run. Another big pass to Richardson set up the tying FG.
Richardson, a sophomore, caught eight passes for 183 yards, including a 34-yard TD catch in the first quarter, and had two interceptions.
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| 2009 Season Bellport Football News |
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| courtesy UltimateAthleteMagazine.com |
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| Click Image to view the article at UltimateAthleteMagazine.com |
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October 24, 2009
Long Island Advance
A Kick Fells Bellport
WI spoils Bellport's Homecoming party
by Mark Nolan
A fourth quarter field-goal was all it took for West Islip to upset Bellport Saturday during Bellport's homecoming game.
West Islip beat Bellport 3-0 when Andrew Hodgson kicked a 41 yard field-goal with ten seconds left in the game. The Lions converted three third down attempts on their final drive of the game to set up Hodgson's wind-aided kick.
Neither team managed much offense in the first half as the defenses held firm. Bellport benefited from a pass interference call in the first quarter, but the drive stalled at West Islip's 44-yard. Hodgson intercepted for West Islip to start the second quarter, but the Lions faltered at Bellport's 39-yard line. A long drive from Bellport ended just inside West Islip territory in the second quarter, and another drive ended with a dropped pass at the West Islip 37-yard line.
Ed Ryan and Rob Moore led West Islip's defense with nine tackles while Pat Ryan added a pair of sacks.
West Islip improved to 3-4 in Division II while Bellport slipped to 3-4. The Lions travel to Half Hollow Hills East (2-5) Saturday. Bellport travels to fourth-ranked West Babylon (5-2) Friday night in the final regular season game of the year.
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| Running back Hezekiah Johnson finds running room against the |
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| Bellport running back Hezekiah Johnson cuts to the outside for a |
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| Coach Cipp achieves 200 career wins! |
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| Photo credit: Newsday/Photo by Joseph D. Sullivan | Parents congratulate head coach Joe Cipp after his 200th win. Bellport defeated Smithtown West 24-19. (October 9, 2009) |
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Gambles' 3 INTs help Bellport's Cipp get 200th win
October 9, 2009 By MARK MACYK
Courtesy Newsday.com
Photo credits: J. Sullivan, Newsday.com; M. Carson, parent.
Steve Gambles' three interceptions give Bellport the win over Smithtown West.
Steve Gambles had a three-interception game once in middle school. It wasn't quite as big as this one.
"It definitely feels a little better to do it on varsity," Gambles said laughing.
Gambles, a senior wide receiver and defensive back, made his third interception of the game late in the fourth quarter to seal a 24-19 Suffolk Division II victory for Bellport over Smithtown West Friday night at the PAL Complex in Holbrook. The victory was the 200th for coach Joe Cipp.
With 1:25 left, Bellport's Travis Correa downed a punt at the Smithtown 2-yard line. Gambles then had his interception on the first play near midfield. Helping his coach reach the milestone meant something to Gambles, who's been around the Bellport tradition for much of his life.
"My cousins played back in the day," Gambles said. "I feel very happy helping him get the win. I know he's happy."
Hezekiah Johnson, who also had a 21-yard touchdown in the second quarter, jumped the pile for what would be the winning 1-yard touchdown with seven seconds left in the third quarter to make it 24-13.
That score remained until Smithtown West's Ryan McKean hit James Panell for a 54-yard TD pass with 2:52 left. The two-point conversion pass failed and Bellport's Fernando Rodriguez recovered the onside kick. Bellport converted a first down on two plays, but the drive stalled, leading to a punt and the final Smithtown possession.
"It was too close," Johnson said. "We won but we can't make as many mistakes as we did."
Bellport (3-2) led 18-13 at the half and kept that lead with interceptions from Gambles on Smithtown's first two possessions of the second half. On the third possession, Travis Houpe intercepted at midfield. Johnson punched in Bellport's final touchdown on that drive.
Smithtown West (2-3) cut it to 18-13 with an interception of its own before halftime. Nick Naja put the pressure on the quarterback and lineman Christian Randell made the interception near the line of scrimmage and went 21 yards for the score.
Earlier in the second quarter Najee Morning and Johnson scored on runs of 3 and 21 yards to put Bellport up 18-6. On Bellport's first drive of the game, Justin Honce connected with Rob Schwicke on a 33-yard TD to make it 6-0. Dan Ciocia, who also returned two kicks to midfield, returned the kickoff 88 yards to tie it at 6.
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Bellport football coach Cipp joins 200-win club
October 9, 2009
The Joe Cipp coaching file:
Head coach, Bellport:
31 years: 1976-91, 1995-2009
Record: 200-80-3 (.712)
15 league/division titles
19 playoff qualifiers
Four undefeated teams
Four teams with one loss
9 county titles
6-time L.I. finalists
4 L.I. titles
Two teams ranked No. 1 in state: 1982, 2001
14 teams ranked in the top 25 in state
Rutgers Trophy: 2001
THE 200 CLUB
Joe Cipp became the fifth Long Island coach to win 200 games.
HOWIE VOGTS
Bethpage362
DON SNYDER
Farmingdale237
TOM CASSESE
Comsewogue209
TOM FLATLEY
Garden City206
FRED SMITH
Cold Spring Harbor, Locust Valley, Friends Academy202
JOE CIPP
Bellport200
COMPILED BY ANDY SLAWSON
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Perry's TD carries Riverhead over Bellport
October 17, 2009
The Bellport defense hasn't allowed more than 19 points in any one game this season. The Riverhead Blue Waves only needed six.
Edwin Perry returned a kickoff for 91 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter to lead Riverhead (4-2) to a tense 6-3 victory in a Suffolk Division II game.
Ricardo Delgado sailed a 30-yard kick through the uprights to provide the first score of the game for Bellport (3-3) with 5:56 left in the first quarter. Riverhead answered loudly on the ensuing kickoff. That would be all, though, as both defenses shut down the scoring for the remainder of the game.
"It was a defensive battle on both sides of the ball," Riverhead coach Leif Shay said. "That kickoff return was our biggest play of the day."
Senior defensive end Mike Smith made sure the touchdown stood up, making 14 tackles and two sacks. He led the defense, which held Bellport to 172 total yards. Malcolm Cater was held to 21 yards on 11 carries but made eight tackles at linebacker.
Shay said he'd take the victory, whichever way it came. "You're always happy when you win," he said, "especially when you beat a program like Bellport."
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Sunday October 4, 2009 10:22 AM By Gregg Sarra
The East Islip -- Bellport football rivalry is alive and well.
Two coaching icons in Joe Cipp Jr. and Sal Ciampi walked the respective sidelines on Saturday and everything could have easily reverted to the 1990's. The difference, their sons, the heirs to these traditionally strong football programs will eventually take over -- completely. And that's cool. Sal J. Ciampi and his young staff is attentive and eager to learn from the master [Sal Sr.]. And Sonny and Jeff are equally respectful and attentive to what their father has to say on the other side. All five men have a tremendous knowledge of the game. And all five are motivators.
I've seen raw emotion on the sidelines. But the players at East Islip and Bellport raised the bar on emotion Saturday. This game was loaded with clean, hard hits. It was loaded with enthusiasm. East Islip came out and smacked Bellport right across the mouth in the first half. And they did it in the Clippers house. Bellport responded with a defensive assault in the second half that would make any defensive coordinator proud. The Clippers took the intensity to the next level in the second half and sacked quarterback Mike Rooney five times. There are headaches in East Islip and Bellport today.
This one came down to the very capable foot of East Islip's Sean Moller, who drilled the game-deciding 27-yard field goal. It's nice to have Long Island's all-time kicking scorer on your side of the field. There are five bullet points that I take away from this Suffolk Division II smackdown.
1. The teams put forth an inspired effort. The game was so well played and the teams were so well-prepared that the first penalty of the game wasn't called until the final minute of the third quarter. There were four penalties total. That bodes well for the level of clean play on both sides. Kudos to the coaches.
2. The big hitters in this game; East Islip's Mike Higgins, Eric Schmidt, Ken Woolard and Frankie Artura. Bellport's Ryan Sloan, Hezekiah Johnson, Dykeman Mosley and Robert Schwicke.
3. Bellport made two critical mistakes that cost them the game. They turned the ball over at the goal line just before the half ended. And they dropped a pass that would have put the ball inside the 10 with under one minute playing.
4. The quarterbacks; Mike Rooney of East Islip and Justin Honce of Bellport. These guys made countless throws in big spots. They converted on third and fourth down and gave their respective teams a chance to win. And both will wontinue to get better as the seaosn moves on. Key note; Rooney only started playing quarterback last year and Honce is only a sophomore.
5. And what a great job the officials did. They controlled a highly emotional, highly volatile game. They let the players play and they kept an open communication with the coaches. This was an outstanding five-star performance for the officiating crew.
Everyone should get the chance to watch a high school football game played on this level.
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Bellport Junk Yard Dogs
Bellport High School Varsity Football Team and their tradition of excellence
By: Bob Falkenburgh
October 2, 2009, 9:19 am
www.UltimateAthleteMagazine.com
BELLPORT FOOTBALL:
PRIDE, PASSION, PURPOSE
Every self-respecting high school football fan in Suffolk County knows about the Bellport High School Varsity Football Team and their tradition of excellence. The Clippers combine a storied history of on the field supremacy, a hard working coaching staff, well schooled and physical players, and a supportive community to set a shining example of what high school football should be all about. "Rich in Pride, Rich in Spirit, Rich in Heart" is one of BHS's mottos, and it shows in a lot of ways; everyone that is involved with this program expects to do well every time they step on to the field.
Led by legendary Head Coach Joe Cipp, Jr., The Clippers, a.k.a. "The Junk Yard Dogs" are a pretty hard core group of players with a simple philosophy: They don't believe in 'Wait until next year'. Coach Cipp, his staff, and his entire roster all have their eyes focused on one thing and one thing only: "The L.I.C."; The Long Island Championship. Lesser players might wilt from the burden of such lofty expectations, but these kids seem to thrive on it. Senior Co-Captain Najee Morning loves the pressure. "Our goal is to always go 100% every practice, every game, every play!" he declared. "We want to win a Long Island Championship!" The electrifying Mr. Morning is a threat to score every time he touches the ball, and he knows what is expected of him. "The tradition here in Bellport is crazy; being a "Dog" is everything to us! When we win, everybody in the community gets excited!" said the multi-talented running back / wide receiver / defensive back / punt returner.
Najee's teammates all agree with his sentiments on what it's like to play for the "Dogs". Hard hitting Junior Ryan Sloan also loves having to live up to the high standards that are set for his teammates and himself. "The coaches use the high standards as a way to make us play better. I want to become one of the guys that Coach will talk about in later years!" stated the broad-shouldered lineman. "We come out harder and harder every day!" exclaimed Dillon Kenul, the squads other Senior Co-Captain. "It's unacceptable to give anything less than our best" he added. Sophomore Quarterback Justin Honce was of the same opinion as his fellow "Dogs": "You always feel that if we don't win it all we didn't reach our goal" he said, echoing the company line.
In addition to a Long Island Title, all of the players would like to help their beloved Head Coach capture his 200th victory as well. "I love playing for him; I wouldn't want to play for anyone else" said Dillon Kenul. "He is a father figure to a lot of us" he added reverentially. "He is all about tradition, and he knows how to win" said a respectful Justin Honce. Coach Cipp inspires his players and keeps them focused on their collective goals by making them work hard both on the field and off. "I will do anything that he asks me to do" said Ryan Sloan. "He really, really cares about the team". Justin Winter, the big man on the D-Line sums up the teams desire to win for the venerable coach: "I love that man; he does everything for his players. I really want to be a part of his 200th win!" he exclaimed.
The players and coaches all concur that they can achieve their common goals through hard work. They all realize that getting to the "Big Show" will take a tremendous amount of effort and sacrifice. With an extremely difficult Division II schedule on tap for 2009, the "Dogs" all know what it will take to get where they want to go. "Every time we go on the field it's a dog fight; it all comes down to who wants it more!" said the scrappy Dillon Kenul. "We have to give 110% all of the time; we need to just keep hitting until the whistle blows!" added Junior Running Back / Defensive Back Travis Houpe. Perhaps the 6'2" 280 lb. lineman Ryan Sloan said it best: "We love to hit and leave our mark on the other teams. We're nasty! We want people to remember our names!" With all of the pride, passion, and purpose that this squad exhibits all season long, all of their goals seem within their grasp.
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| Bellport Beats Bayshore!
42-19
Photo Credit: Nicole Iulo
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| Day 2: Bellport Gears Up for Start of Season
Courtesy: Newsday.com
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Bellport Gears Up for Start of the Season
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| Photo credit: Joseph D. Sullivan | Bellport’s Steve Gambles, left, and Riverhead's Greg Meyer will be back for more |
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Suffolk Division II preview
September 7, 2009 By MARK MACYK mark.macyk@newsday.com
Photo credit: Joseph D. Sullivan | Bellport’s Steve Gambles, left, and Riverhead's Greg Meyer will be back for more.
It’ll be a return to black-and-blue football in Division II this year, with physical defenses and punishing running games all around. Last season’s finalists, Riverhead and West Islip, were hit hard by graduation. East Islip, Bellport and North Babylon have caught up. At Riverhead, this year’s model looks a little different from the 2008 Rutgers Trophy special, but with Michael Smith and Syracuse-bound Malcolm Cater, the defense will be imposing. Bellport is looking for another title for coach Joe Cipp before he retires after the 2010 season. With the electrifying Najee Morning in the mix, they have the firepower. Assuming that whoever emerges isn’t too banged up, we’ll have an early idea of who to watch for. North Babylon plays at West Islip in Week 1. In Week 2, East Islip’s at Riverhead and Bellport’s at North Babylon.
>> PHOTOS: Players to watch in Nassau, Suffolk and the CHSFL
1. RIVERHEAD (12-0)
Coach: Lief Shay (12th season).
Key players: SR. OT/DT Michael Smith (6-2, 215), Sr. RB/ILB Malcolm Cater (6-1, 210), Sr. RB/DB Greg Meyer (5-9, 175), Sr. QB Steve Kimmelman (5-11, 170), Sr. C/DE Dan Shriver (5-10, 190), Jr. OG/LB Owen Keupp (6-0, 210).
About the Blue Waves: A solid core returns and Riverhead's still the team to beat. Cater led the team in tackles last year and will split time at RB with Meyer, who spelled Hansen Award winner Miguel Maysonet to the tune of 483 yards and seven scores last season. Smith is a force on defense (team-high seven sacks in 2008). Kimmelman is a first-time starter.
2. BELLPORT (7-3)
Coach: Joe Cipp (31st season).
Key players: Sr. RB/WR/QB/DB Najee Morning (6-1, 180), Sr. TE/OLB Dillon Kenul (6-2, 200), Jr. LB/WR Kevin Schwicke (5-9, 180), Jr. LB/TE Rob Schwicke (6-0, 200), Jr. OL/DL Ryan Sloan (6-4, 295), Sr. WR/S Steven Gambles (6-2, 180).
About the Clippers: Bellport should be in the mix for its first county title since 2006. Whether he's lining up at WR, RB, QB or CB, Morning is one of the most dangerous players on LI. Morning and Kenul, a tough two-way player, will captain this experienced squad. Sophomores RB/DB Justin Houpe and QB Justin Hounce have potential.
3. EAST ISLIP (4-5)
Coach: Sal J. Ciampi (ninth season).
Key players: Sr. QB/FS Mike Rooney (5-8, 170), Sr. WR/CB/K Sean Moller (5-8, 175), Sr. FB/DE Eric Schmidt (5-8, 200), Sr. C/LB Anthony Messino (5-9, 200), Sr. G/DT Nick Arma (5-11, 200), Sr. HB/CB Joe Barclay (5-8, 170).
About the Redmen: EI should be a force with 10 starters back on offense and nine on defense, from a team that if not for a fourth-quarter Bellport comeback, would have made a Big 4 appearance. Rooney was All-County with 1,300 total yards and 14 TDs. Field goals will be a strength, Moller is LI's all-time point leader for kickers.
4. NORTH BABYLON (7-3)
Coach: Terry Manning (19th season).
Key players: Sr. FB/LB Ryan Crawley (5-11, 215), Sr. C/DL Mark Mazur (6-3, 250), Jr. OL/LB Mike Morton (5-11, 235), Sr. RB/DB Ian Perez (6-1, 175), Jr. RB/DB Preshod McCoy (5-10, 180), Jr. OL/DL Golden Ukona (6-3, 360).
About the Bulldogs: The graduation of Ciwan McCoy hurts but if younger brother Preshod can come close to matching his production, the Bulldogs should have little drop off in the backfield. The team is young but experienced and is playoff-tested after a run to the county semifinals. There's a chance that NB could celebrate its first county title since 2004.
5. WEST ISLIP (9-2)
Coach: Steve Mileti (first season).
Key players: Sr. OL/DL Tim Lettieri (6-4, 225), Sr. RB/DB/K Andrew Hodgson (5-10, 170), Sr. OL/DL Andrew Lipschitz (6-2, 300), Sr. RB/LB Eddie Ryan (5-10, 185), Sr. TE/LB Brandon LaRose (6-2, 200), Sr. QB/DE Rob Moore (6-2, 205).
About the Lions: West Islip continued to develop its spread offense en route to a county finals appearance, with both losses coming to Riverhead. A former standout linebacker at WI, Mileti takes over the reins after 13 years on the staff. The Lions lost a lot to graduation, but are loaded with individual talent.
6. SMITHTOWN WEST (4-5)
Coach: Peter Cerullo (fifth season).
Key players: Sr. OL/DE Nick Naja (6-2, 220), Sr. QB Ryan McKean (5-11, 185), Sr. RB/OLB Craig Matturo (6-0, 180), Sr. C/RB Dan Ciocia (5-11, 185), Sr. ILB/FB Dan Lubarda (6-0, 190), Jr. C/WR Anthony Gatto (5-11, 180).
About the Bulls: Naja is a force on both sides of the ball, finishing with 45 tackles (10 for loss) and six sacks last season. McKean tossed six touchdowns last season. Matturro (510 yards, four rushing TDs) and Ciocia (243 yards, three rushing TDS) are at running back. Another playoff season is within reach.
7. WEST BABYLON (3-6)
Coach: Al Ritacco (seventh season).
Key players: Sr. QB Andrew Smith (5-11, 175), Sr. RB/LB Frank Speights (5-10, 185), So. RB/LB Reggie Robinson (6-0, 220), Sr. LB/OL Dominick Montovani (5-9, 190), Sr. WR/DB Lionell Fontaine (5-11, 185), Jr. OL/DL Dan Apuzzo (5-11, 240).
About the Eagles: Injuries hurt West Babylon’s chances in 2008, but the Eagles made the playoffs. With an injury-free season, the team should be even better. The return of Smith, who missed all of 2008 with an injury, under center will be a key. Team speed is a plus.
8. NEWFIELD (3-6)
Coach: Joe Piccininni (fifth season).
Key players: Sr. QB/DB Frank Iaconetti (6-1, 200), Sr. TE/LB Danny Leli (6-1, 205), Senior OL/DL Everet McGarrell (6-1, 230).
About the Wolverines: Newfield has a young but experienced group. The team fell short last season, but this year should be one of the teams in the playoff mix. Expect multiple fronts on offense and defense.
9. WHITMAN (4-5)
Coach: Lou Voltaggio (fourth season).
Key players: Sr. TE/DE Alex Lamonica (6-3, 215), Sr. TE/DE Treek Burwell (6-5, 220), Sr. C/LB Keith Ciliotta (6-2, 215), Sr. OL/DL Eric Dirr (6-1, 235), Sr. LB/RB Trinel McDermott (6-0, 165), Jr. QB/DB Myles Jones (6-5, 215).
About the Wildcats: Whitman drops down from Division I and will be a very tough ninth seed. Expect a lot of power from the team's West Coast offense. Sophomore Darryl Felder will add physicality to the backfield. Eyes are on Jones, already known for his skills on the lacrosse field and basketball court, to have a big year at QB.
10. BAY SHORE (3-6)
Coach: Jim Giattino (fourth season).
Key players: Sr. RB/CB Zenel Hudson (5-11, 195), Sr. WR/S Dwayne Sains (6-0, 175), Sr. LB Adrian Mack (6-0, 185), Sr. WR Karl Hall (6-1, 175), Sr. QB/WR Michael Moore (6-1, 190), Sr. OT/DT Andrew Mirabito (6-3, 260).
About the Marauders: Bay Shore drops down from Division I and should benefit. They’ll be in the playoff hunt. Skill players will be a strength, Hudson is one of the most exciting players in the league. Sains is a force on both sides of the ball. Mack caused eight fumbles last season.
11. SMITHTOWN EAST (5-4)
Coach: Jim Saladino (10th season).
Key players: Sr. RB/DB Tom Freshour (5-9, 170), Sr. OL/DL Matt Latini (6-3, 275), Sr. RB/LB Dan Parks (6-0, 185), Sr. QB/DB Pat Devlin (5-11, 175), Sr. WR/DB Kyle Eagan (5-9, 160), Jr. RB/LB Chris Vlasaty (5-9, 175).
About the Bulls: Lost by a field goal to North Babylon in the playoffs last year. The backfield will be a strength. Freshour rushed for 850 yards and 12 TDs last year. Devlin is a tough player with a good arm. Eagan and classmates Kevin Dondero and Joe Weller, who is returning from injury, give him plenty of targets.
12. COPIAGUE (0-9)
Coach: Ken Rittenhouse (first season).
Key players: Sr. QB/CB Jonathan Ruffin (5-10, 170), Sr. RB/CB Michael Mitchell (5-9, 170), Sr. WR/CB Justin Stewart (6-2, 180), Jr. WR/SS Terrick Sims (6-1, 180), Jr. TE/LB Steven White (6-0, 210).
About the Eagles: Rittenhouse, a former player at Copiague, takes over head coaching duties and has the team headed in the right direction. Ruffin, who threw for 1,150 yards and eight TDs last season, will lead the team's spread offense.
13. HALF HOLLOW HILLS EAST (1-8)
Coach: Kevin Hill (second season).
Key players: Sr. OL/LB Justin Teufel (6-0, 205), Jr. QB/DB Rob Merckling Jr. (6-1, 165), Jr. OL/DL Mason Thorbjornsen (6-3, 237), Sr. RB/DB Jared Higgins (5-8, 170), Sr. RB/DB Dorian American (5-8, 175), Jr. RB/LB Shawn Charles (6-0, 208).
About the Thunderbirds: Hills East was much improved in 2008, but still only won one game, a 20-13 victory over Centereach. This year with several good running back options, the offense should be better.
14. CENTEREACH (1-8)
Coach: Charles McMillen (second season).
Key players: Sr. WR/DB Dom Cerasi (6-0, 180), Sr. RB/LB Ryan Wood (6-0, 200), Sr. QB Larry Caruso (5-10, 165), Sr. QB/FS Julian Shannon (5-11, 175), Sr. RB/DB Bill Garzon (5-10, 175), Sr. OL/DL Eric Bruining (6-0, 215).
About the Cougars: After winning one game last season, Centereach will concentrate on closing out close ones and being competitive. The Cougars will run a spread offense and 4-4 defense and could sneak up on some teams.
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| Bellport's Dillon Kenul is one of Newsday's players to watch in Suffolk County. Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan (19 of 92) |
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| Bellport's Najee Morning is one of Newsday's players to watch in Suffolk County. Credit: Joseph D. Sullivan (18 of 92) |
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Friday August 21, 2009 1:43 PM By Bob Herzog
You can’t escape the tradition. It hits you when you turn onto Beaver Dam Road and see a new addition for 2009 – a huge sign compliments of a local booster that not only welcomes you to Bellport High School but also notes the football team’s championships.
Then there’s the football field itself, a symbol of the program’s winning tradition. It is called Joe Cipp Field, named for the current coach, who has his two sons, Jeff and Joe Jr., on his staff again for the first time since 2006. The Cipp tradition will continue after Joe Sr. retires following the 2010 season, when Jeff, currently the defensive coordinator, will take over. Joe Jr. is the offensive coordinator.
The wall of the high school that faces the field features a list of the school’s league, county and Long Island football championships. The Clippers are ready to add more titles in 2009, led by senior co-captains Najee Morning and Dillon Kenul.
"That’s what we strive for – to add something else to the wall," said Kenul, a tough two-way end.
Asked how often he is aware of Bellport’s tradition, Morning answered, "Every day. You feel you are letting the school down if you don’t win a championship."
Morning is a quadruple threat who could be one of the most explosive players on Long Island, a Terrell Williams type who can score in a variety of ways, much as last year’s Thorp Award winner did for Hempstead.
Cipp Sr. said he plans to "get Najee the ball as many ways as we can." That will include Morning lining up as a running back, wide receiver, quarterback and cornerback. During Thursday evening’s opening practice, coaches challenged Morning during the various drills, daring him to score touchdowns during the season from all four positions. "That’s my goal," Morning said.
It’s all part of the tradition. Three Cipps, one goal: Win one for the Clipper.
(Najee Morning during drills on Thursday. Newsday Photo / Bob Herzog)
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