Nassau football team-by-team previews for fall 2025

CONFERENCE I

1. Farmingdale (9-2)

Coach: Buddy Krumenacker, 33rd year

Five key players: Josh Kama, RB, Sr.; Mateo Morales, TE/DE, Sr. Wilson Quintanilla, DT, Sr.; Jack McCarthy, OL, Sr.; Jordan Petzold, OL, Sr.

The Dalers: Kama, a Newsday All-Long Island selection, was nearly unstoppable in the Nassau I final, rushing for 313 yards and five touchdowns on 27 carries in a 35-34 overtime loss to Massapequa. He also had a 376-yard, seven-TD performance against Oceanside as he rushed for 1,717 yards and 29 TDs on 152 carries — an 11.3 average — in 10 games. Farmingdale’s size on the offensive line and Kama’s skill make them a championship-caliber squad. Mike Galgano, a two-year starter on defense, will take over at quarterback.

2. Massapequa (11-1)

Coach: Kevin Shippos, 15th year

Five key players: Tristan Tarasi, OL/SL, Sr.; Andrew Pedalino, RB/DB, Sr.; Cole Villalta, WR/DB, Sr.; Anthony DiNello, TE/LB, Sr.; Alex Van Schuyler, OL/DL, Sr.

 Massapequa : The program is going for its third straight Class I Long Island championship, coming off a 42-40 win over Floyd last year. Massapequa is 23-1 in the last two years. Massapequa graduated key pieces from those title teams, but still has 32 seniors and multiple returning starters on a team with county and LI championship-winning goals. Tarasi is one of the best linemen on LI and will be a key leader on both sides of the ball.

3. Oceanside (8-2)

Coach: Rob Blount, 17th year

Five key players: Shane Harmon, QB, Sr.; Chace Morris, RB/DB, Jr.; Andrew Guida, OL/DL, Sr.; Ryan Pender, K, Jr.; Jack Grimaldi, OL/DL, Sr.

The Sailors: No team on Long Island has a starting quarterback as experienced as Harmon, who is starting his fourth varsity season at the helm. Harmon completed 93 of 139 passes (67%) for 1,842 yards and 20 touchdowns compared to two interceptions last year. Along with Morris (721 rushing yards, 13 TDs), Guida, Grimaldi and Jacob Stern on the offensive line, and Pender’s 11 field goals and 72 PATs last season, Oceanside will be a tough weekly matchup.

4. Freeport (4-5)

Coach: Mike McQueen, first year

Five key players: Dawud Abdul-Ali, RB/LB, Sr.; Glen Person III, RB/DB, Sr.; Jalen Brown, WR/LB, Sr.; Malik Groover, OL/DL, Sr.; Andrew Carter, WR/DB, Sr.

The Red Devils: The duo of Abdul-Ali and Person set the tone on both sides of the ball for Freeport, which reached the Nassau I quarterfinals last year. The Red Devils will rely on their team speed for a program seeking a deeper postseason run this fall.

5. Syosset (6-4)

Coach: Paul Rorke, 32nd year

Five key players: Jackson Adler, WR/DL, Sr.; Ethan Dizon, QB, Sr.; Austin Cohen, RB/DB, Jr.; Dylan Marvin, WR/LB, Sr.; Raghav Ghosh, WR/DB, Jr.

Syosset: The program returns Dizon, who had three passing touchdowns in a 34-14 win over East Meadow in the Nassau I quarterfinals at QB. He’ll have a strong group of skill position players around him in Adler, Marvin and Ghosh at receiver and Cohen in the backfield for a Syosset team looking for another Big Four appearance and beyond.

6. Port Washington (4-5)

Coach: Kevin Cloghessy, eighth year

Five key players: Angad Walia, OL/DL, Sr.; Harry Eynon, QB, Jr.; Jimmy Gannon, WR/DB, Sr.; James McCormack, OL/DL, Jr.; Michael Asselta, WR/DB, Sr.

The Vikings: Eynon returns for his second year after completing 49 of 87 passes (56%) for 665 yards and six touchdowns as a sophomore. Port Washington will look for the quarterback to take on more offensive responsibility behind a strong two-way player in Walia, a three-year starter, controlling the line of scrimmage.

7. Hempstead (3-6)

Coach: Matt Ali, fourth year

Five key players: Jonathan Davis, ATH, Sr.; Jayden Polite, FB/TE/LB, Sr.; Amare Collins, WR/DB, Sr.; Lamarcus Parson, RB/DB, Jr.; Calvin Dunbar, OL/DL, Sr.

The Tigers: Hempstead returns nearly all its starters from last year after graduating only three seniors. Davis is one of the most dynamic players in the conference, scoring 18 touchdowns with three interceptions last year. He has a game-changing ability every time he touches the ball. Hempstead looks to make a deep postseason run and reach Hofstra behind its experience, size and athleticism.

8. Herricks/Wheatley (4-5)

Coach: Tom Graef, fifth year

Five key players: Yianni Doulis, QB, Sr.; Shreyan Biswas, TE/DE, Sr.; Ayaan Sharma, S, Sr.; Jason Thevarajah, OL/DL, Sr.; James Maggio, OL/DL, Sr.

The Highlanders: After making the playoffs for the first time in 30 years, according to Graef, last year, Herricks/Wheatley returned some key pieces from the program’s historic season. Biswas, at 6-3 and 240 pounds, is a physical presence at the line of scrimmage and with Sharma behind him at safety, the Highlanders could have a top defense in the conference. Graef is also confident in Doulis’ ability to control the offense at QB.

9. Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK (4-5)

Coach: Brian Gurney, fifth year

Five key players: Drew Retmanski, OL, Sr.; Jeremy Lasak, RB/WR/LB, Sr.; Eric Weinstein, RB, Sr.; Ethan Brake, WR/RB/QB, Jr.; Ryan Kasper, WR/DB, Jr.

The Hawks: Retmanski, at 6-1 and 220 pounds, anchors the offensive line and the versatility of Lasak, who can play nearly any position on the field, will be key for the Hawks. Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK closed last year 4-1 and looks to build off that this fall, following multitouchdown games from Lasak, Weinstein and Brake in different contests at the end of last year.

10. Westbury (4-4)

Coach: Savalis Charles, 12th year

Five key players: Matthew Mitchell, RB/LB, Sr.; Marck Camille, OL/DL, Jr.; Jason Clarke, OL/DL/LB, Jr.; Sylas Pratt, WR/DB, Jr.; Marc Hardy, OL/DL, Jr.

The Dragons: Camille, at 6-3 and 275 pounds, and Clarke, at 6-2 and 250 pounds, are imposing forces that will alter opposing teams’ game plans. Mitchell will be a force both in the backfield and at linebacker.

11. Uniondale (2-6)

Coach: Adrian Berry, second season

Five key players: Darien Oliphant, WR. Sr.; Abelardo Peralta, QB, Jr.; Ethen Thomas, OL/LB, Sr.; Thierry Robergeau, OL/DL, Sr.; Jaden Garland, WR/LB, Jr.

The Knights: Peralta and Oliphant could develop into one of the better QB-WR duos in Nassau I, with Peralta gaining confidence in his second season as the starting quarterback. Oliphant had 11 total touchdowns, including two on special teams, as one of the top athletes with big-play ability in the conference.

12. Hicksville (0-9)

Coach: Ron Modik, fifth year

Five key players: Douglas Cristales, RB/LB, Soph.; Julian Woskowiak, WR/DB, Jr.; Jack Ferraro, QB, Jr.; Brendan Weih, OL/DL, Sr.; Jaison McLean, TE/LB, Sr.

The Comets: Hicksville ran into unfortunate injury luck last year after five season-ending injuries before Week 1. The Comets will rely on young skill-position talent on both sides of the ball, hopefully facing better injury luck this fall.

CONFERENCE II

1. Garden City (12-0)

Coach: Dave Ettinger, 11th year

Five key players: Zachary Olson, OL/DL, Sr.; Anthony Asaro, RB/DE, Jr.; Brayden Robertiello, QB, Jr.; Justin Baiker, RB/DB, Sr.; Christopher Desiderio, K/P, Sr.

The Trojans: Garden City enters the season with a Long Island record 54-game winning streak, and that’s a number that may not stop climbing anytime soon. The Trojans return Olson, who won the Martone Award as Nassau’s most outstanding lineman, and he will set the tone on both sides of the ball yet again as a dominant force. Robertiello takes over at QB with Asaro possessing the potential of being the next great Trojans running back. Garden City allowed only 7.3 ppg last season and returned to Conference II after one year in Conference III.

2. Mepham (9-2)

Coach: Tom Mazeika, second year

Five key players: James Quilty, WR/LB, Sr.; Tyler Kearney, OL/DL, Sr.; Mike Grizzard, WR/DB, Sr.; Jack Weber, RB/LB, Sr.; Lenny Achan, RB/DB, Sr.

The Pirates: Mepham relies on a strong linebacking group, led by Quilty, who had 94 tackles and two interceptions last year. Kearney, at 6-2 and 275 pounds, is a force at the line of scrimmage in front of linebackers like Webber and Shakhi Davidov. The Pirates reached the Nassau II final last year and look to make another deep postseason run.

3. Long Beach (5-5)

Coach: Sean Martin, 17th year

Five key players: Brody Riedel, RB/LB, Jr.; Charlie Conway, QB/DB, Sr.; Danilo Corea, WR/DB, Jr.; Zack Silva, WR/DB, Sr.; Max Schimmel, RB/LB, Sr.

The Marines: Riedel is one of the most impactful players in the conference on both sides of the ball, rushing for 723 yards and 11 touchdowns and making 67 tackles last year as Long Beach reached the Nassau Class II semifinals. Conway returns as QB1 after completing 68 of 121 passes (56.2%) for 886 yards and six TDs. Long Beach returns the majority of starters on both sides of the ball. 

 4. East Meadow (4-5)

Coach: Keith Lizzi, second year

Five key players: James Galiano, RB/LB, Sr.; Yiannis Kakavas, OL/DL, Sr.; Kalem Calderon, OL/DL, Jr.; Nick Schwabe, WR/S, Jr.; Noah Garner, RB/LB, Jr.

The Jets: Galiano rushed for 940 yards and 10 touchdowns last season behind an offensive line led by Kakavas at 6-1, 260 pounds. East Meadow returns seven starters, including Galiano and Kakavas as three-year starters, as the Jets look to make a postseason run to Hofstra.

5. New Hyde Park (4-5)

Coach: Colin Maier, 10th year

Five key players: Lukas Rinaldi, RB/LB, Sr.; Lorenzo Rios, OL/DL, Sr.; Nick Boerum, RB/LB, Sr.; Harry Acosta, OL/DL, Sr.; Brendan Rooney, WR/DB, Sr.

The Gladiators: New Hyde Park returns a complement of size and skill position players, led by Rinaldi, who rushed for 556 yards and made 55 tackles last year. Rios, at 6-2, 240 pounds, anchors the line on both sides of the ball.

6. Glen Cove (8-2)

Coach: Brett Rubin, first year

Five key players: Aidan Ham, OL, Sr.; Gamar Letellier, LB, Sr.; Mason Foster, WR, Sr.; Dylan DiMaggio, QB, Jr.; Elijah Gooden, OL/DL, Sr.

The Big Red: Glen Cove is coming off one of its strongest seasons of the 21st century, reaching the Nassau II semifinals. Ham, at 6-7 and 250 pounds, controls the line of scrimmage. Foster, a 6-5 receiver, had five touchdowns last year and Letellier leads the defense at middle linebacker.

7. MacArthur (3-6)

Coach: Bobby Fehrenbach, 27th year

Five key players: Connor Schmidt, OL/DL, Jr.; Caden Cullen, RB/LB, Sr.; Danny Lopez, RB/DB, Sr.; Ethan Shapiro, RB/LB, Jr.; Ryan Solomon, WR/DB, Jr.

The Generals: MacArthur looks to rebound from a tough 2024 season, returning Cullen, who led the team with 68 tackles last year. Schmidt, a two-way starting lineman as a sophomore, will be a force on both sides again this fall.

8. Baldwin (5-4)

Coach: Michael Robinson, second year

Five key players: Ryan Healey, OL/LB, Sr.; Michael Jordan, QB/DB, Sr.; Derek Coolbaugh, OL/DL, Sr.; Kymani Heaven, TE/DL, Sr.; Jayden Young, OL/DL, Sr.

The Bruins: Baldwin will rely on its size on both sides, led by Healey, a 6-2 offensive lineman and linebacker. Healey had 40 tackles, including eight for loss, Coolbaugh, at 6-3 and 340 pounds, had 20 tackles, including 7.5 for loss, and Heaven had 8.5 sacks.

9. Calhoun (3-5)

Coach: Nicholas Rawls, fourth year

Five key players: Jake Baci, WR/DB, Sr.; Joe Belbol, WR/DB, Sr.; Andrew Licari, WR/DB, Sr.; Gianni Castiglia, OL/DL, Sr.; Angel Molina-Wong, OL/DL, Sr.

The Colts: Calhoun will rely on speed and quickness on offense, led by the receiver and defensive back trio of Baci, Belbol and Licari. Timmy Lynch takes over as the full-time starter at quarterback in his senior season to expand on his role from last fall.

10. Roosevelt (4-5)

Coach: Joe Vito, 31st year

Five key players: Bryan Quero, OL/DL, Sr.; Elyjah McRae, QB/LB, Sr.; Danny Claros, OL/DL, Sr.; Tyrese Williams, WR/DB, Jr.; Tyreik McClenic, WR/DB, Jr.

The Rough Riders: McRae returns at quarterback for the second straight season and will be the focal point for Roosevelt. Quero, at 6 feet and 265 pounds, is a top lineman in the county. He returns for his third year as a two-way starter and will pave the way on both sides of the ball.

11. Valley Stream Central (3-6)

Coach: Tom Schiavo, fourth year

Five key players: Nelson Frias, RB/LB, Sr.; Zamir Labranche, OL/DL, Sr.; Ryan Icart, OL/DL, Sr.; Alex Bisnath, OL/DL, Sr.; Nick Lebron, OL/DL/RB, Sr.

The Eagles: Frias, a four-year starter, leads an experienced core for a Valley Stream Central team hoping to surprise others in the conference. Labranche, a three-year starter, will control the line of scrimmage as one of two two-year starters on the line.

12. Bellmore JFK (1-8)

Coach: Johnny McGuire, eighth year

Five key players: Christian Cruz, OL/DL, Sr.; Anthony Scali, RB/DB, Sr.; Ethan Polinsky, OL/DL, Sr.; Chris Yao, WR/DB, Sr.; A.J. Herlihy, FB/LB, Sr.

The Cougars: With both size and speed, Bellmore JFK looks to surprise some teams in the conference as well. Coach McGuire is excited about the addition of Jay Iaquinta, who retired as Manhasset coach after last season, and Iaquinta will take over as offensive coordinator.

13. Jericho (1-8)

Coach: Brendan Lahti, ninth year

Five key players: Max Spector, QB, Sr.; JP Wang, FB/LB, Sr.; Michael Moskalev, WR/S, Sr.; Jonathan Fortunoff, WR/S, Sr.; Andrew Han, WR/S, Sr.

The Jayhawks: Jericho returns Spector as QB1 as the 6-1 quarterback will lead the offense yet again with a strong arm and athleticism. Wang had four touchdowns and 47 tackles for a Jericho team looking to continue to improve.

14. Roslyn/Friends Academy (0-8)

Coach: Steven Lipsky, first year

Five key players: Brady Bermant, K/P, Sr.; Erik Singh, C/LB, Sr.; Joe Skaf, LB, Sr.; Nate Prybutok, RB/LB, Jr.; Ethan Vishnick, TE/DL, Jr.

Roslyn/Friends Academy: The linebacking trio of Singh, Skaf and Prybutok leads the defense with Skaf returning after leading Roslyn/Friends Academy in tackles last season. Bermant provides a special teams threat that few high school teams possess, as he’ll be a game changer in putting up points and changing field position with his powerful leg.

CONFERENCE III

1. Carey (12-0)

Coach: Mike Stanley, 19th year

Five Key Players: Justin DePietro, LB/RB, Jr.; Christian Anaya, LB/OL, Sr.; Tristan Hickis, WR/QB/DB, Sr.; JonCarlo Carbone, RB/WR/DB, Sr.; James McGrath, WR/DB, Sr.

The Seahawks: The defending Class II Long Island champions return a deep core of two-way players and a loaded defense, featuring players like DePietro, McGrath and senior linebacker Mark Vera. It also boasts some new skill players, like junior running back/linebacker David Avila and junior wide receiver/defensive back Jadon Radow, who should be able to keep Carey near the top of its new conference throughout the year. Senior Mike Agostino will take the reins at quarterback.

2. Wantagh (11-1)

Coach: Keith Sachs, 33rd year

Five Key Players: Joe Nicholson, RB/LB, Sr.; Devin Paccione, WR/DB, Sr.; Carter Loughman, QB/DB, Sr.; Luke Martini, RB/LB, Soph.; Patrick Forthofer, LB/OL, Jr.

On Wantagh: Another defending Long Island champion, Wantagh won it all in Class IV last year. Even after graduating 18 seniors, the crew returns some of the best multisport athletes on LI, such as Nicholson, Paccione and Martini. Loughman, who started in the championship team’s secondary, will take over at quarterback. The 6-4, 235-pound lefty brings lots of mobility and strength to the position. Helping keep Loughman upright will be senior offensive lineman Shane Adee, who returns to the team after missing 2024 with an injury.

3. South Side (3-7)

Coach: Phil Onesto, 15th year

Five Key Players: Ryan Healey, OL/DL, Sr.; AJ Magaraci, RB/DB, Jr.; Jayden Johnson, LB/OL, Sr.; Brendan Vetter, WR/DB, Sr.; Jack Boynes, WR/LB, Sr.

The Cyclones: Much is expected of the 2023 Nassau III champions, who regressed in 2024. The team returns one of the best offensive lines on Long Island, led by Healey at guard. Behind them is a versatile running back in Magaraci and another newcomer in sophomore running back Ethan Johnson. The team imported a new quarterback in sophomore Rob Cesario, who transferred in from Kellenberg. At Cesario’s disposal is a pair of good wideouts and a big target in 6-5 senior tight end Jack Mullin, who will step into a bigger role this year after catching four touchdown passes.

4. Elmont (6-3)

Coach: Tommy Innes, third year

Five Key Players: Aiden Barnes, QB/DB, Sr.; Malachi Collins, OL/DL, Sr.; Kirkley Grant, DL/FB, Sr.; Elijah Davis, RB/LB, Jr.; Guypslee Chery, WR/DB, Sr.

The Spartans: Strength at the line of scrimmage and speed on the perimeter is Elmont’s game. Barnes is a dual-threat quarterback who loves the deep ball. Chery, alongside senior wide receivers Jaden Cajuste and Jaiden Williams, will be his top targets downfield. The team also moved Grant — a former offensive guard and two-year starter at defensive tackle — into an H-back role and will serve as a hybrid between fullback and tight end, lead blocking for Davis and senior running back Justin Reid.

5. Floral Park (7-3)

Coach: Ron Pickett, eighth year

Five Key Players: Justin Mallon, QB/DB, Sr.; Ryan Terwilliger, DB/WR, Jr.; Aidan Lao, WR/DB, Sr.; Shane Moran, OL/DL, Sr.; Chris Mancz, DL/WR

The Knights: Sophomore Maurice Perry will run one of the conference’s top defenses from the linebacking corps now with Xavier O’Brady at Long Island Lutheran. Moran — also a starting guard — will dominate the defensive interior and Mancz will provide athleticism off the edge. Terwilliger (five interceptions) and Lao (three INTs) form a formidable safety duo, with the latter also being the team’s leading pass-catcher. Sophomore Ryan DePippa will deepen the secondary at cornerback and flank Lao at wideout alongside Perry.

6. Bethpage (4-5)

Coach: Peter Zito, fourth year

Five Key Players: Jack Poppe, OL/DL, Sr.; Chase Solliday, RB/DB, Sr.; James LiPetri, TE/DB, Sr.; Louis Schneider, LB/RB/QB, Jr.; Vincent Morice, LB/RB, Sr.

The Golden Eagles: A wishbone team, Bethpage will lean on a big back in Solliday and junior running back Liam Farrell to move the chains and control the clock. Solliday also plays safety alongside LiPetri, who is a dangerous vertical threat at tight end, having netted 343 yards and six TDs on just 14 catches. The whole starting linebacker corps returns, with senior Joseph Traversa and the versatile Schneider on the outside and Morice on the inside. Schneider will play multiple offensive positions, and Traversa will block for him at tight end. Junior quarterback Michael Mastrangelo will also help run the offense.

7. Clarke (4-5)

Coach: Kevin O’Hagan, fifth year

Five Key Players: Matthew Kurz, QB, Sr.; Michael Iadevaia, RB/DB, Sr.; Ryan Connolly, OL/LB, Sr.; Justin Montez, OL/DL, Sr.; James Beckworth, WR/DB, Sr.

The Rams: Led by a talented, dual-threat quarterback, the offense itself can win several games. Two solid guards in Connolly and Montez will pave the way for Iadevaia and junior running back Jake Thakkar, and Kurz will extend plays with his legs and get the ball to Beckworth and junior tight end Yaya Segura. Iadevaia and Beckworth will also help to limit big plays from the safety position while Montez will look to stuff the run from his defensive end spot.

8. Valley Stream North (4-5)

Coach: Mike Paolillo, sixth year

Five Key Players: Izaiah Hill, RB/DB, Sr.; Aidan Munro, LB/RB/WR, Sr.; Marco DiCostanzo, WR/DB, Sr.; Eddy Turcios, DL/OL, Jr.; Dom Verso, LB/RB, Sr.

The Spartans: The team is looking to ride the rushing attack of Hill, Verso, Munro and junior running back Adebayo Kayode into the postseason. DiCostanzo and junior wide receiver Jeremiah Thomas are expected to be the team’s top targets in the passing game. On defense, Verso and Munro will anchor the second level and Hill, DiCostanzo, Kayode and Thomas will make an impact in the defensive backfield. Turcios will look to open running lanes on offense at guard and clog them on defense at nose tackle with his 6-foot, 290-pound frame.

9. Valley Stream South (3-5)

Coach: Joe Guastafeste, 11th year

Five Key Players: David Brooks, RB/LB, Sr.; Daniel Casey, QB/LB, Sr.; Emmanuel Williams, LB/OL, Sr.; Zach Dyer, TE/LB, Sr.; Peter Grief, WR/DB, Sr.

The Falcons: After missing the postseason, South will make a more concerted effort to get its players the ball in space, such as Grief, Brooks, junior running back Dave Dyer and sophomore running back Aiden Paris. Zach Dyer, Williams and junior offensive lineman/defensive lineman Hunter Rush will be part of the team’s effort to get more physical on both sides.

10. Hewlett (4-4)

Coach: John Palladino, ninth year

Five Key Players: Stefano Borsellino, QB/DB, Sr.; Kobe Cox, DL/TE, Sr.; Elisha Frenkel, LB/TE, Sr.; Dylan Parchment, RB/LB, Jr.; Jonathan Hillsberg, DB/RB, Sr.

The Bulldogs: Borsellino, who racked up 43 tackles, three interceptions and a forced fumble at safety, will take over under center. Senior Joardin Bojorge and junior Jostin Poveda will be key cogs in the offensive line in front of Parchment, who averaged more than 5 yards per carry. As a defensive end, Cox made 10 tackles-for-loss. Hillsberg picked off three passes at cornerback in 2024. Senior wideout/defensive back Ami Bendelstein brings speed to the table and will return kicks for Hewlett.

11. Division (3-5)

Coach: Joe Hartman, third year

Five Key Players: Tim Stanley, QB, Sr.; Aiden Mirelis, LB/WR, Jr.; Jason Perez, WR/DB, Sr.; Fateh Hira, DB/WR, Sr.; Joe Angelletta, OL/DL, Sr.

The Blue Dragons: Stanley will be kept upright all year by Angelletta, who is entering his third year as a starter at center and recorded 11 pancake blocks last year. Such protection should give Stanley time to find his deep threats in Perez and sophomore wide receiver/defensive back George Gendekos. Angelletta hopes to open holes for junior running back/linebacker Isiah Charles, who averaged 7.5 yards per carry. Senior inside linebacker Kyriakos Georgatos will call the defense’s plays next to Mirelis, who had nine tackles-for-loss, four sacks and two forced fumbles on the outside. At cornerback, Hira (one pick, five deflections) will shadow the opponent’s top receiver as he did last year, while Perez returns at free safety (44 tackles, two picks, two fumble recoveries).

12. Manhasset (9-2)

Coach: Mike Lewis, first year

Five Key Players: Henry Jervis, LB/FB, Sr.; Mike DiPietro, RB/LB, Sr.; Colin Gibbs, RB/LB, Sr.; Cooper Harley, QB/DB, Sr.; Isaac Kahn, OL/DL, Sr.

The Set: The program is in a deep rebuild after losing 27 players to graduation — including its entire starting offense — and veteran coach Jay Iaquinta. Jervis will play a big role, both as the signal caller at middle linebacker for Manhasset’s defense and the starting fullback on its spread option offense. Other varsity newcomers, such as sophomore running back/linebacker Luke DiPietro, junior quarterback/defensive back LJ Michon, junior offensive lineman/linebacker Kyle Guido and junior wideout/defensive back/kicker Max Cellura will try to help establish a new culture.

13. Sewanhaka (2-6)

Coach: George Kasimatis, 16th year

Five Key Players: Adrian Ayou, RB/LB, Sr.; Preston Ligonde, OL/DL, Sr.; Tony Rodriguez, DL/OL, Sr.; Danniel Richards, LB/RB, Sr.; Sebastien Antoine, WR/DB/K, Sr.

The Ravens: Are built to control the line of scrimmage. With Ligonde at right tackle, senior Erik Ayala at right guard, senior Ephraim Bolouvi at left tackle and junior Joelle Matheson at left guard, Ayou and Richards will have plenty of opportunities to rip off big runs to either side of the field. Rodriguez, a defensive end, alongside Ayala at defensive tackle, will look to help prevent opposing teams from doing the same to them.

14. Mineola (1-7)

 Coac h: Tim Wienclaw, fifth year

Five Key Players: Jack Sweeney, LB/OL, Sr.; Gavin McLaughlin, QB/DB, Sr.; Dean Palmieri, WR/DB, Jr.; Cayden Brennan, OL/DL, Jr.; Brendan Torres, RB/LB, Jr.

The Mustangs: In hopes of a bounceback season, McLaughlin will run Mineola’s spread offense with the 6-3 Palmieri and the versatile Torres as his top weapons. Brennan will be a force for the team on both sides of the line of scrimmage, while Sweeney returns after leading the team in tackles.

CONFERENCE IV

1. Plainedge (9-2)

Coach: Rob Shaver, 30th year

Five Key Players: Dylan Fella, RB/LB, Sr.; Jaxson Torres, QB, Jr.; Taylor Nitsch, WR/DB, Sr.; Bobby Wescott, OL/DL, Sr.; Ryan Heffernan, OL/DL, Sr.

 The Red Dev ils: On the topic of quarterback-running back tandems, Torres and Fella are as explosive as they come. Senior running back Dimitris Vardamaskos provides an elite option in short-yardage situations and also caught 10 balls for 245 yards and a touchdown last year. Out wide, Nitsch and junior Andrew Speed will be top options for Torres, who will be given time to get them the ball by Heffernan at center, senior Jayden Camp at left tackle and Wescott at right tackle. On defense, junior Dom Agovino brings an excellent tackling ability to the cornerback position and Speed will start beside him.

2. Seaford (5-5)

Coach: Mike McHugh, second year

Five Key Players: Brian Falk, RB/LB, Sr.; Michael Spinella, QB, Sr.; Matthew Kind, DL/OL, Sr.; Ayden McNamara, LB/OL, Sr.; Brian Hennesey, WR/DB, Sr.

The Vikings: Will be able to ride one of the best quarterback-running back tandems on Long Island in the talented Spinella and the dynamic Falk to a lot of points. Other than Falk out of the backfield, Spinella also has good wide receivers to throw to, such as Hennesey, senior Peter Barone and juniors Michael Kofod and Michael Calvacca. Falk and McNamara form a solid outside linebacker duo, and Kind, who can play anywhere on the defensive line, is one of the better run-stuffers in the conference.

3. Lynbrook (5-4)

Coach: David Yaker, fourth year

Five Key Players: Chase Samelson, QB, Sr.; Michael Potash, RB/LB, Sr.; Tony Lazri, OL/DL, Sr.; Jake Brenneis, WR, Sr.; Chris Mangieri, DB/WR, Sr.

The Owls: Down from Nassau III, Lynbrook hopes to contend for a Nassau IV title. A defense-first team, senior Mason Cofer is a violent presence at the line, juniors Marco Palleschi and Chris Sommer provide lots of physicality to the linebacking corps and Mangieri brings a playmaking ability (three interceptions) at safety. Samelson, who led the team to the playoffs last year while filling in as the backup, will use his cannon arm to get the ball to Brenneis, Mangieri and Palleschi. Samelson is also a bruiser of a runner, which pairs him well with Potash. Lazri, a right guard, and Cofer, a center, will open running lanes for the two of them.

4. Locust Valley (4-5)

Coach: Michael Gilbert, fourth year

Five Key Players: Marcus Houghtaling, LB/FB, Jr.; Kyle Demosthene, WR, Sr.; Liam Baker, RB/DB, Sr.; Liam Roberts, DL/OL, Jr.; Nick Ardeljan, LB/OL, Sr.

The Falcons: Their goal is to be the most physically — and mentally — fit team in the conference, which is possible, given its returning group. Houghtaling, the leader of a tough run defense, is back after averaging nearly 10 tackles per game. Beside Houghtaling at outside linebacker is Ardeljan, who had 15 tackles-for-loss. At defensive tackle, Roberts made 12 tackles behind the line. Roberts at left tackle, Ardeljan at right tackle and Houghtaling at fullback will all play a crucial role in the team’s Power I offense as they try to clear paths for Baker (465 yards, six TDs) and senior running back Aidan Russo (324 yards, four TDs). Demosthene returns as the top receiving option after totaling 576 receiving yards and six scores, complimented by classmate Will Summers.

5. Cold Spring Harbor (8-2)

Coach: Jon Mendreski, 10th year

Five Key Players: Jayden Saunders, LB/RB, Sr.; Rex O’Connor, QB/DB, Sr.; Alex Vitale, OL/DL, Jr.; John Ficara, WR/DB, Sr.; Chase Cody, RB/LB, Jr.

The Seahawks: Are a team that likes to run the ball returns a physical player in Saunders to take over as the workhorse back, as well as its stalwart center in Vitale. Junior Grant Peele joins the varsity team to make an impact on both sides of the line of scrimmage. Cody will also play a big role in spelling Saunders and giving O’Connor, a first-year starter, an extra player to lean on. Ficara, a speedster out wide, gives O’Connor someone to connect with downfield, and also gets used in the ground game on end-around plays. Saunders will also lead the defense with some help up front from defensive tackle Ben Stark, who made 20 tackles as a rotational player.   

   6. Island Trees (4-5)

Coach: Ryan Vinberg, fourth year

Five Key Players: Maximus Dyckman, OL/DL, Sr.; Justin Feldman, OL/DL, Sr.; Sean Navarrete, QB, Sr.; Ayden Ciccione, FB/LB, Sr.; Angad Singh, OL/LB, Sr.

The Bulldogs: This flex bone team returns a dual-threat quarterback and four of its starting offensive linemen. Junior Fredy Lemus joins the group at the line of scrimmage, and junior running back Markus Bazelais — a speedy and versatile weapon — will get plenty of chances behind them. Senior Dylan Hernandez figures to play a big role at both wide receiver and cornerback, giving Navarrete a 6-foot target while also being able to match up with big receivers.

7. Malverne (3-6)

Coach: Kito Lockwood, 16th year

Five Key Players: Jace Richards, WR/DB, Jr.; Jayden Jungra, QB, Sr.; DeVondre Martin, OL/DL, Sr.; Christopher Tucker, OL/DL, Sr.; Cameron Wesley, RB/LB, Soph.

The Mules: One of the youngest teams in the conference boasts a fast, athletic group. Jungra returns after starting last year and throwing for 1,221 yards and 13 TDs, and having three games with three TD passes. Martin, Tucker and junior Brian Major are all back to protect him and create space for Wesley, who will look to fill the shoes of Isaiah Smith, who transferred to Christ the King. Junior wideout Kris Ramnauth joins Richards in Jungra’s list of top targets for this year.

8. West Hempstead (4-5)

Coach: Dom Carre, 16th year

Five Key Players: Joseff Suaez-Ortiz, OL/DL, Sr.; Leo Papanelopoulos, QB/DB, Jr.; Kevin Rivera, RB/DB, Sr.; Jamir Houston, RB/LB, Jr.; Daniel Garcia, FB/LB, Sr.

The Rams: Another run-heavy, power football team, West Hempstead runs the double wing. Rivera and Houston are going to carry the load behind a line anchored by Suaez-Ortiz at right guard and a newcomer in junior Rodrigo Quijada. Suaez-Ortiz is a game-changing player, as not only does he blow up runs as a defensive end and open them up as a right guard, but he sometimes gets used as a fullback, and sometimes gets the ball in short-yardage situations. At linebacker, Houston started as a sophomore and returns this year as the unit’s leader.

9. North Shore (4-5)

Coach: Bill Madigan, first year

Five Key Players: James Camardella, QB/DB, Sr.; Casey Gates, WR/DB, Jr.; Thomas Curran, WR/DB, Jr.; Daniel Stiffler, DL/OL, Sr.; Jake Bartilucci, LB/OL, Sr.

The Vikings: With a new coach and system in place, plus roster turnover, this team looks way different. Camardella, whose rushing talents were used more than his throwing last year, will run a spread offense. Junior offensive lineman/defensive lineman Canon Evans will anchor both sides of the line of scrimmage, while Gates and Curran will be Camardella’s top receiving options. Senior running back Thomas DiPinto will compliment Camardella’s running abilities.

10. East Rockaway (6-4)

Coach: Russell Pajer, 31st year

Five Key Players: Jethro Jacquet, DL/OL, Sr.; Terry Hayes, DL/OL, Jr.; Tristan Rose, RB/DB, Soph.; Michael Tizio, QB/LB, Jr.; Stefan Drakopoulos, RB/DB, Sr.

The Rocks: Coming off a good year, East Rockaway returns the right side of its offensive line with Jacquet and Hayes, who also make an impact at defensive tackle and defensive end, respectively. Jacquet had 41 tackles, three sacks, six quarterback hits and a forced fumble from the interior, and Hayes had 30 tackles, 4.5 sacks and 11 hits off the edge. Rose, who will start at free safety, will handle pass defense duties alongside Drakopoulos and junior cornerback Merge Pesantes. The three will also platoon in the backfield and try to follow lead blocks from junior tight end Maurice Knight.

11. Carle Place (5-4)

Coach: Paul Selhorn, second year

Five Key Players: Mario Dalessandro, OL/DL, Jr.; Aidan Butt, LB/OL, Sr.; Justin Powers, OL/DL, Jr.; Joey Buffolino, LB/RB, Sr.; Luke Parise, RB/LB, Sr.

The Frogs: After being the conference’s most improved team in 2024, Carle Place will look to run its way to a playoff berth this year behind an offensive line with four returners, with Dalessandro at tackle, Powers at center and senior guard Alex Rothstock being the biggest members. Parise and Buffolino are the veterans in the backfield, and senior Thomas Schoch will quarterback the crew. Junior wideout Tyler Marquart figures to be one of the team’s top targets out wide.

12. Oyster Bay (1-8)

Coach: Andrew Caramico, fourth year

Five Key Players: Joseph Henry, QB/DB, Sr.; George Henry, RB/DB, Sr.; Sean Laurencon, RB/LB, Jr.; Anthony Scheidet, RB/LB, Soph.; Chris Barbera, OL/DL, Jr.

The Baymen: There is lots of youth, some of which is experienced on this Oyster Bay team. Joseph Henry is a run-first quarterback with 2,681 career rushing yards as he enters his fourth season as a starter, while George Henry provided 412 rushing yards last year. Scheidet was a two-way starter as a freshman and ran for 334 yards and four TDs while also making 26 tackles. Laurencon threw in another 270 and three total TDs. At the line, Barbera and junior Craig Shelley will reprise their roles as two-way starters on both the offensive and defensive lines, while junior linebacker Thomas Vidro will make an immediate impact at linebacker. At strong safety, George Henry made 68 tackles, eight of which were for loss. Junior Chase Lordi figures to impact multiple facets, as his plus athleticism gives him positional versatility.

13. Lawrence (0-8)

Coach: Akym Land, first year

Five Key Players: Khalil Brassell, QB, Jr.; Mykel Gajadhar, RB/LB, Sr.; Anthony Martinez, OL/DL, Jr.; Dilon Harris, WR/DB, Soph.; Mark Iacomino, OL/DL, Sr.

The Golden Tornadoes: The inaugural year of a new era of Lawrence football will feature lots of promising two-ways and a dual-threat running a spread offense. Haris and freshman wide receiver Timothy Jimenez Jr. bring speed and strong hands as one of the youngest receiver duos on the island. Gajadhar is a bowling ball of a running back who will lead the rushing attack and will be spelled by senior Shaun Hampton, who returns to the varsity team after not playing as a junior. Martinez and Iacomino will try to control the trenches on both ends for the crew while Hampton and Gajadhar will handle the second level, with Harris behind them handling cornerback duties.