Calhoun football seniors combine for four touchdowns as Colts cruise past Roosevelt, improve to 2-0
Andrew Licari of host Calhoun crosses the goal line for a touchdown in the second half of a Nassau Conference II football game against Roosevelt on Saturday. Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Calhoun head coach Nicholas Rawls and this senior class had a full-circle moment.
This is Rawls’ fourth season, making this senior class his first group to play four years under him. On homecoming, in front of a packed house, those players delivered.
Seniors Timothy Lynch, Jake Baci, Joseph Belbol and Andrew Licari all scored touchdowns to lead host Calhoun (2-0) past visiting Roosevelt (0-2), 35-12, in a Nassau II matchup on Saturday.
“These guys were freshmen in my first group,” Rawls said. “I’ve seen them mature and become better people. These seniors have been a really great group for us. They showed up and showed out today, and they are making their mark.”
Calhoun scored touchdowns on its first two possessions. Sophomore John Ruisi opened the scoring with a 9-yard run, and Lynch added a 5-yard rushing touchdown to make it 14-0.
Roosevelt looked to gain momentum in the second quarter, facing third-and-8 from the Calhoun 46-yard line. Senior Andrew Nill Jr., joined by a pair of teammates, broke through for a sack that lost 12 yards.
Just a few plays later, Baci took a screen pass 59 yards for a touchdown, extending the Colts’ lead to 21-0 with 3:16 left in the first half, as the blue-clad home crowd erupted.
“I just trust my guys — everyone is so connected here,” Baci said. “This is my last one and I’m just enjoying it. I love my team, the offense is doing great, and I just love my boys.”
With 32 seconds left in the half, Lynch collected his third total touchdown by connecting with Licari for a 33-yard pass downfield that pushed the lead to 27-0.
The Colts, who scored 48 points in last week’s upset victory over New Hyde Park, once again produced another strong outing.
As the seniors enjoyed their final homecoming performance, Licari pointed to players from last year in the crowd and credited them for laying the groundwork.
“I saw my guys from last year, and we went through everything together,” Licari said. “They helped us out so much the past couple years, and I have to show them some love.”
Defensively, Nill finished with two sacks and helped the Colts keep Roosevelt off the scoreboard until the fourth quarter.
“The hard work has been key,” Nill Jr said. “We’re gonna keep it rolling and keep bringing the juice.”
Despite being seeded ninth heading into the year, Calhoun is off to a dominant start. The Colts have sent a message by outscoring its first two opponents 83-19.
“Just don’t sleep on us,” Licari said. “We’ve been working as the same group for the last three years, and everything is starting to come together. The juniors are locked in, and we’re gonna have a great season.”
