Nassau Conference I football: Everything you need to know

It’s one of the most painful memories in the sporting career of Josh Kama, but the Farmingdale senior doesn’t want to allow himself to forget the feeling.

Farmingdale lost a heartbreaking 35-34 Nassau Conference I final against Massapequa in overtime last year.

Despite rushing for 313 yards and five touchdowns, Kama knows there are plays he left on the field that could have resulted in Farmingdale winning its first county title since 2022.

“I watch it once a week just to remind myself,” Kama said. “It sucks, but we’re going to get our revenge this year. It pushes all of our seniors. We’re hungry this year.”

Farmingdale is the No. 1 preseason seed in Conference I this fall after going 9-2 last season, with both losses coming to Massapequa, which went on to win its second straight Long Island Class I championship.

The Dalers return the majority of their offensive line to help Kama create running lanes, and coach Buddy Krumenacker said it doesn’t take much of an opening for Kama to break a game-altering run.

“He’s a guy that can make mistakes up front and still look good because of his talent level,” Krumenacker said. “He’s a game-changer, he’s unquestionably a game-changer because he’ll get loose on his own without all the help you need to get loose.”

Kama rushed for 1,717 yards and 29 touchdowns last season, including two games with more than 300 yards. He had 376 yards and seven touchdowns in a contest against Oceanside.

Kama likely will be in the Thorp Award conversation as Nassau’s top player this season.

Mike Galgano, a two-year starter on defense, will take over at quarterback.

The size and skill of players such as Mateo Morales, Wilson Quintanilla, Jack McCarthy, Jordan Petzold and Jovens Theodate will be integral for the Dalers this season.

Farmingdale has made five of the last 10 Nassau Conference I finals, winning it twice, as the Dalers have high goals again this fall.

“The expectations are the same every year,” Krumenacker said. “We are fortunate enough to reload. I’m not bragging about that, it’s just kind of what goes on here because every year, the goals are obvious. So with this group, the expectation is to be the champion, but we have that every year.”

Kama’s prediction?

“We’re going to be very good,” he said. “A 12-0 team.”

INSIDE THE CONFERENCE

Coaching spotlight

Kevin Shippos, Massapequa

Shippos enters his 15th year as Massapequa coach, coming off back-to-back Class I Long Island championship seasons. He is 107-39 (.733 winning percentage) from 2011 to 2024, and Massapequa has made the playoffs in each of his 14 seasons. Massapequa has played in six Nassau Conference I finals, winning three titles, while going a perfect 3-for-3 in LICs under Shippos, winning in 2021, 2023, and 2024.

Games to watch

Farmingdale at Oceanside, Friday, Sept. 19, 6 p.m.

If you love offense, this is the game you didn’t want to miss last fall. The two teams combined for 105 points in a 63-42 Farmingdale victory. Josh Kama ran for 376 yards and seven touchdowns in the win. Chace Morris (152 rushing yards, 4 TDs) and Shane Harmon (252 passing yards, 2 TDs) had big games for Oceanside. All three players are back for what could be another high-scoring affair with playoff seeding on the line under the lights.

Oceanside at Massapequa at Berner Middle School, Friday, Oct. 3, 6:30 p.m.

The Sailors defeated Massapequa, 42-39, in Week 1 last year. Massapequa didn't lose again all season. Massapequa scored 22 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to nearly complete a would-have-been epic comeback victory. Massapequa won the rematch, 41-24, in the county semifinals.

Hempstead at Syosset, Friday, October 17, 6:30 p.m.

Both sides feature elite game-changers in Jackson Adler for Syosset and Jonathan Davis for Hempstead. Given Adler’s ability to get into the opposing backfield, the two could be meeting in 1-on-1 situations that could determine which team gets the edge. Davis is a tough one for anyone to take down, however, scoring 18 touchdowns last year.

Port Washington at Herricks/Wheatley, Saturday, October 18, 11 a.m.

Harry Eynon enters his second year as Port Washington’s starting quarterback, and defensive end Shreyan Biswas hopes to make his life difficult all afternoon. This could also be an important contest for both sides toward playoff seeding.

Massapequa at Farmingdale, Saturday, Oct. 18, 1 p.m.

This isn’t only the best game of the Conference I season, it may be the most anticipated contest on all of Long Island for the regular season. Massapequa defeated Farmingdale, 35-34, in overtime in a thrilling Nassau Conference I final. Kama rushed for 313 yards and five touchdowns in the final.

Five-year trend

Spring 2021: Massapequa

Fall 2021: Massapequa

2022: Farmingdale

2023: Massapequa

2024: Massapequa