Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK flag football tops Syosset for a second time, wins third straight Nassau title
Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK celebrates after defeating Syosset in the Nassau Class A flag football A final on Wednesday at Bethpage. Credit: Neil Miller
Rachel Ganz saw sideline— and made sure Syosset saw nothing else.
On the first play of the game-changing drive, Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK’s star receiver sprinted downfield, caught a deep strike from quarterback Schyler Sacks, and raced 49 yards untouched into the end zone with 16:17 left in the first half. That lone touchdown, paired with a suffocating defensive performance, was all No. 1 Plainview needed in a 7-0 win over No. 2 Syosset in the Nassau Class A championship at Bethpage High School on Wednesday.
“I just saw sideline and ran as fast as I could,” Ganz said. “I knew that in the last three years our games have come down to one touchdown, so it was really important to score early and let our defense take care of the rest.”
Plainview (14-0) recorded its 11th shutout of the season, and won a third straight county title, while handing Syosset (14-2) its only two losses this year. It’s the second straight season Plainview has topped Syosset in the final.
The Hawks’ defense was relentless, forcing eight punts, grabbing three interceptions — two from Ganz, including a game-sealer with under a minute left — and tallying four sacks. Leading the charge was 6-2 defender Emma Heaney, who was seemingly everywhere.
“We knew defense was the biggest thing for us,” Heaney said. “We have so much chemistry on defense and that makes us so successful.”
Heaney tipped two passes that led to interceptions, including a third-quarter deflection that fell into Maddie Holland’s arms. Holland returned it eight yards to set up Plainview deep in Syosset territory.
“Once Emma tipped the ball, I knew that was all me, so I just took initiative and rallied to the ball,” Holland said.
Heaney’s size created havoc all afternoon. “I definitely use that to my advantage,” she said. “They have to watch out for more than one person, and I think that’s what makes our team so great.”
Plainview advances to the Long Island Class A championship, scheduled for Saturday at noon at Longwood High School, where it will face the winner of Sachem East/Half Hollow Hills and look to bring home a third straight regional crown.
