Emma Heaney helps Plainview roll past Port Washington
Emma Heaney of Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK after a 43-yard touchdown catch against host Port Washington on Wednesday. Credit: James Escher
Whether it was leaping for touchdowns, batting down passes, or breaking free for a long score, Emma Heaney seemed to be everywhere.
The 6-1 senior receiver starred on both sides of the ball, pulling in two touchdowns — including a dazzling 43-yard catch-and-run — and swatting passes on defense as Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK stayed undefeated with a dominant 27-0 win over Port Washington in a Nassau A flag football matchup Wednesday.
“It never gets old,” coach Alec Abramowitz said of Heaney. “When she runs her routes, she’s at full speed. I mean, she’s the girl to stop on the field.”
Plainview, the defending state champion, improved to 11-0 and extended its nearly three-year unbeaten streak. Schyler Sacks, a junior, completed 21 of 33 passes for 257 yards and four touchdowns.
“The more I play, the more comfortable I am and have been able to trust everyone,” Sacks said.
Heaney opened the scoring with a leaping 15-yard touchdown grab to cap a methodical nine-play, 45-yard drive. Emily Brake’s extra point made it 7-0 with 16:50 left in the first half.
After a stop on defense, Sacks connected with Lara Glasser for an 11-yard touchdown, and Glasser added the conversion for a 14-0 lead.
The next possession saw Sacks find Brake from a yard out to make it 20-0. That drive was fueled by completions of 22, 7, and 19 yards from senior Rachel Ganz, who said the pressure of being the team to beat this season is real.
“We know we're getting everybody's best game, so the competition is tougher this year because everyone wants to beat this team,” Ganz said.
Port Washington (7-5) had its best chance late in the second half, with a 45-yard drive reaching the 1-yard line before Ganz pulled the flag for a turnover on downs. Maddie Holland and Heaney also recorded key sacks on the stand.
Plainview's final score came with 3:53 left when Sacks hit Heaney short and she took it the distance, breaking multiple flag pulls along the sideline.
“That was amazing,” Sacks said of Heaney’s long touchdown. “I'm glad I can throw as far as she can go.”
Brake made 10 catches for 76 yards and a score. Port Washington’s Nillie Tanlak had a standout game with two interceptions and six catches for 41 yards.
Plainview heads into the final stretch of the season with momentum and a defense that hasn’t allowed a point in two straight games.
“We step out there with confidence," Ganz said. "And we’re built for the pressure.”
