For the first few months of the school year, something many students look forward to is the football season. From cheering in the student section to watching the halftime performances, the football games are something that can bring the whole school together. This year, the Pirates had an incredible season, with a regular season record of 7-1, losing only to Carey.
Starting off the season, the Pirates shut out their first three opponents, MacArthur (20-0), Roslyn/Friends Academy (42-0), and Calhoun (31-0). Sadly, the win streak ended with the Pirates losing their fourth game to undefeated Carey (27-14), with the two touchdowns scored by Owen Heller and Jake Classie. Bouncing back from this loss was yet another shutout to Jericho (42-0), with four touchdowns being scored in the first quarter. Touchdowns in this game were scored by Owen Heller, Matthew Biscardi, Jake Classie, Nicholas Gampero, and Patrick Cloudman, and all extra point kicks were made by Ryan Bayer. The Pirates continued their streak for the rest of the season, beating New Hyde Park (22-18), Sewanhaka (37-0), and Long Beach (35-7).
Ending the season with a 7-1 record, the Pirates continued to the postseason. The first playoff game took place at Mepham on November 8, with Mepham taking on MacArthur. The Pirates scored four touchdowns by Michael Grizzard, Owen Heller, Matthew Biscardi, and Leonard Achan, causing the end of the Generals’ season with an impressive score of 28-0. The team continued to Hofstra on November 15 for the Nassau County semifinals: Mepham vs. Glen Cove. Only letting up one touchdown to “Big Red,” the Pirates scored five touchdowns: two by Gampero, and one by Grizzard, Heller, and Achan, which allowed the team to advance to the county finals against Carey on November 22. Unfortunately, the postseason was cut short with the Pirates losing to the Seahawks 28-7, with the touchdown being scored by Gampero in the first quarter and the extra point made by Bayer.
Although the season might not have ended how the team would have liked, the spirits of the team are still high. “Overall our season was very successful. We didn’t get where we wanted to, but I had fun with the group of kids we had and enjoyed every second we spent together,” remarked senior Christopher Mann. Junior Leonard Achan also provided input on the season, stating, “I think we beyond exceeded everyone’s expectations this season. Marked as the fifth team to start the season, ended as the second seed who had a really close game with the number one seed.” Achan also touched upon the seniors he got a chance to play with, saying, “Since I was a freshman, these seniors have been family to me. This varsity season is a memory I’ll definitely never forget.”
Congratulations to Coach Mazeika and the entire varsity football team on an outstanding season!
