High school football Week 1 blog: Roundup of all the games from this week

Three takeaways from Week 1 of Suffolk football

Centereach’s offseason additions made an immediate impact

Centereach got two massive additions in the offseason, and they elevated the Cougars instantly. Quarterback Martin Koppelman transferred in from Eagle Academy II (Brooklyn) and wide receiver/tight end Jax Prokop returned from St. Anthony’s. Koppelman threw two touchdown passes, including one to Prokop in a 26-16 win over Deer Park. Prokop also added a sack, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Anthony Kalfas added an interception as well.

When Westhampton is healthy, it's dangerous

Westhampton won only two games last season and lost starting quarterback Jake Calloway for the entire year. It didn’t take long for Calloway and the Hurricanes to remind everyone they’re back. Calloway had three total touchdowns, while running back Nic Simone rushed for 145 yards and three scores. On paper, the Hurricanes have one of the most explosive offenses in Suffolk III.

Bay Shore may have found its engine

First-year head coach Jim Rizzo picked up his first win at Bay Shore with a 38-0 victory over Central Islip. The story of the game was Cato Thomas, who rushed for 123 yards and three touchdowns. He collected five tackles for loss and a sack. If Thomas continues producing on both sides of the ball, he could be the difference-maker for a Bay Shore team looking to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.

Three takeaways from Week 1 of Nassau football

Lawrence is back in the win column

Lawrence football has taken its bumps and bruises, but the Golden Tornadoes are finally back in the win column after snapping a 27-game losing streak, and they have an interesting path ahead. Khalil Brassel, their 5-6 quarterback, was exceptional in a 38-36 win over Oyster Bay/Friends Academy. The teams have a rematch in Week 3. Lawrence’s next game is against Carle Place, a team that lost a lot to graduation and fell to North Shore, 47-14. Could Lawrence’s success continue?

Old-school football is back at East Meadow

The Jets cruised past Hicksville in Week 0, 37-6, behind Nick Schwabe’s two touchdowns. They lost to Oceanside in Week 1, but it was a 12-7 game. That’s the lowest point total the high-powered Sailors have had since 2023. With a strong defense and a triple-option offense controlling the clock, the Jets are a sleeper team in Nassau I.

Hewlett’s ground game could make it a dark horse

Hewlett’s offense only surpassed 20 points twice last season. In its 2026 opener, the Bulldogs rushed for 388 yards in a 29-22 win over Division. Dylan Parchment broke out with four rushing touchdowns, and if that ground game continues to produce, the preseason No. 11 seed could be a dark horse to push for a playoff spot.

High school football roundup from Week 1 of the 2026 fall season

Suffolk I

Ryan Greene threw for 184 yards and two touchdowns and had six carries for 113 yards and a TD to lead visiting Longwood to a 37-26 win over Whitman in a Suffolk Division I opener on Wednesday.

Makai Jacobs had five catches for 111 yards and a TD and Mark Davis added a 30-yard TD catch. Kyon Sarwari ran for 71 yards and two scores. Matt Reany had six tackles and two sacks. Jacobs and Mike Battagliola both had seven tackles.

Jason Thompson caught two TD passes from Dodge Alahverdian and threw two TD passes to Lucas Tonna for Whitman.

Floyd 39, Connetquot 21: Matt Taiani ran for two TDs and completed 3 of 6 passes for 75 yards, including a 50-yard TD pass to Christian Hobson to lead visiting Floyd. Ryley Permenter rushed for 87 yards and a TD on 14 carries. Hobson and Derek Glock each had a 56-yard pick-6. Dashawn Jackson had 11 tackles, two TFLs and a sack.

Caleb Maugeri completed 14 of 23 passes for 156 yards and two TDs and Marcus Anglin had 18 carries for 101 yards and a TD for Connetquot.

Sachem North 42, Patchogue-Medford 6: Luke LaRocca completed 9 of 13 passes for 179 yards and four touchdowns and added seven carries for 49 yards and a TD for visiting Sachem North. Gavin Nuzzi returned the opening kickoff 75 yards for a TD, caught two passes for 45 yards and a score and added an INT. Lucas Bouchard had three catches for 90 yards and two TDs. Joey Vulin added a 15-yard TD catch. Jake Kuhlman and Vito DePalo each had 5 tackles and Niko Valenza had a sack. Andrew Johnstone ran for a 3-yard TD for Patchogue-Medford.

Sachem East 41, Riverhead 8: Derek Colon rushed for 40 yards and three touchdowns to lead host Sachem East. Brian LoPiccolo Jr., Alex Schneider and Chase Reynolds each added a TD run. Jason Perez ran for a TD for Riverhead.

Ward Melville 48, Brentwood 0: Hudson Philbrick completed 10 passes for 159 yards and five touchdowns in the first half to lead host Ward Melville. Joey Karpowicz caught three passes for 55 yards and two TDs. His younger brother, Derek, caught three passes for 55 yards and a score. LJ DePaul caught two TD passes.

FRIDAY’S GAME

Bay Shore 38, Central Islip 0: Cato Thomas ran 20 times for 123 yards and three TDs and had five TFLs and a sack for host Bay Shore. Matt Boule had four carries for 38 yards and a score. Jayden Herbert had three sacks, including one for a safety. Dylan Sinclair recovered two fumbles, including one for a TD. Bay Shore coach Jim Rizzo earned his first varsity win.

Suffolk II

Jack Miller had 19 carries for 314 yards and five touchdowns to lead visiting North Babylon to a 42-21 win over Smithtown East in a Suffolk Division II opener on Thursday. Miller had TD runs of 81, 78, 75, 13 and 1 yard. Kayden Richardson had an 85-yard kickoff return TD. Nico Kostas completed 11 passes for 205 yards and two TDs for Smithtown East.

Commack 21, Copiague 19: Lincoln Riggs threw for 224 yards, 127 of which went to Jordan Hamilton, leading visiting Commack. Corey Jacobs and Spencer Weiss each ran for a TD and Weiss had a 35-yard pick-6 to give Commack a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter. Ryan Ostling made nine tackles and Mason Ruocco added four tackles for loss. Asante Daniels had 19 carries for 210 yards, including a 99-yard TD run for Copiague.

Huntington 27, Bellport 19: Alex Castro-Simpson ran eight times for 72 yards and two TDs and had eight tackles, including three for loss, and a forced fumble for visiting Huntington. Shates Miller had 12 carries for 94 yards and completed 9 of 12 passes for 117 yards. Spencer Sturges rushed six times for 100 yards and added 84 receiving yards and a TD. Matthew Chojnacki ran for two TDs and added a 75-yard punt return score for Bellport.

Centereach 26, Deer Park 16: Martin Koppelman completed 8 of 14 passes for 147 yards and two TDs to lead visiting Centereach. Jax Prokop caught five passes for 46 yards and a TD and had five tackles, a sack, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Nasir Jean-Louis had two catches for 91 yards and a TD. Anthony Kern threw TD passes to Jaden Gray and Nusanti Delbridge for Deer Park.

Northport 34, Newfield 6: Ryder Maag caught two TD passes from Gavin O’Brien, who also ran for a score, in visiting Northport’s win. Al Pehanick ran for a 33-yard TD. Tommy Zarcone had 11 tackles and Derek Hurley had a 37-yard pick-6. Connor Stebbins ran for a TD for Newfield.

Half Hollow Hills East 42, Lindenhurst 0: Jayden Bryan rushed for 200 yards and a TD for host Half Hollow Hills East. Tony Keahey rushed for 50 yards and two TDs and Vincent Banculli completed 7 of 9 passes for 152 yards and two TDs. Mateo Villa had six tackles, an interception and forced a fumble. Michai Crump had nine tackles, a sack and forced a fumble. Tyler Jerrick had nine tackles, a sack and recovered a fumble.

Suffolk III

Jayden Durham rushed for 187 yards and two touchdowns and threw a 40-yard TD pass to Cole Klein to lead host Eastport-South Manor to a 28-9 win over East Hampton in a Suffolk Division III opener on Wednesday. Joey Hershey ran 16 times for 176 yards and a TD. He added eight tackles. Tommy Powers had 55 receiving yards, seven tackles and a sack. Cole Scesney added two INTs. Jackson Carney had six catches for 134 yards, including a 75-yard TD catch from Billy Stern for East Hampton.

West Islip 31, Rocky Point 9: Jake Kramer had 26 carries for 230 yards and two TDs for visiting West Islip. Ryan Gaffney had 11 carries for 94 yards and a TD. Derek Kolman added four carries for 43 yards and a TD. Luke Tate and Matthew Marker had 12 and 10 tackles, respectively. Dom Carosella made a 21-yard field goal and went 4/4 on PATs. Evan Cruz ran for a TD and Jovanni Hess made a 23-yard field goal for Rocky Point.

West Babylon 13, Half Hollow Hills West 0: Jahavi Reyes ran for 86 yards and two TDs and added 34 receiving yards for visitng West Babylon. Jackson Burmeister had six tackles, two sacks and an INT. Derrick Leveille added three sacks and Richie Slattery and Brython Delaleu each had two sacks. Jacob Simonson had an INT.

East Islip 43, Comsewogue 3: Andrew Arena rushed for 151 yards and three TDs on 11 carries for East Islip. Evan Gordon had nine tackles, including five for loss, and two sacks. Rayan Shehu blocked two punts. Will Gonzalez had a 24-yard pick-6. Jake Muller made a 29-yard field goal for Comsewogue.

Westhampton 48, Islip 13: Nic Simone rushed for 145 yards and three TDs on 16 carries and had an interception to lead visiting Westhampton. Jake Calloway had nine carries for 104 yards and two TDs and threw a 25-yard score to Connor Ragimierski. Andrew Lewis had six tackles, two TFLs and a sack. Andrew Giambo threw TD passes to Scott Brown and John Zembrzycki for Islip.

Suffolk IV

Josh Franchak had 11 carries for 80 yards and a touchdown to lead visiting Bayport-Blue Point to a 24-6 win over Miller Place Thursday in its Suffolk IV opener. Matt Bachmore completed 3 of 4 passes for 50 yards, including a 24-yard TD pass to Ryan Kloss. Jack Shanahan threw a 10 -yard TD pass to Brayden Waldbauer. Tommy Steyert made a 42-yard field goal. Brendan Cannon caught a 20-yard TD pass from Jack Miller for Miller Place (1-1).

Shoreham-Wading River 40, Wyandanch 0: Ryan Szczuka rushed for three touchdowns and Lucas Diamond ran for two more to lead Shoreham-Wading River (2-0) past Wyandanch (1-1). Brandyn Bland caught a TD pass from Noah Gregorek. Mason Danko had five tackles and two sacks. Anthony Serratore had eight tackles and a sack.

Glenn 34, Greenport/Southold/Mattituck 8: Grayden Aebisher completed all five of his passes for 103 yards and a touchdown for visiting Glenn (1-1). GJ Cook had 91 receiving yards and a TD and added a 7-yard rushing score. Keith King ran for 70 yards and a TD and added an INT. Ethan Tar caught a 50-yard TD pass from Jake Brocking and Jayce Boyle-Summers had a 60-yard punt return TD. Brayden Kruk ran for a 10-yard TD for Greenport/Southold/Mattituck (0-2).

Kings Park 31, Harborfields 6: Kamen went 12 for 16 through the air for 173 yards and two touchdowns for Kings Park. He added 10 rushes for 69 yards and a TD. Frankie Buffolino had two catches for 31 yards and a TD, plus 10 tackles and a sack. Zach Lampert had three catches for 80 yards and had two pass break-ups. Kevin Flynn had five tackles and a sack. Lucas Vultaggio had eight tackles and a TD reception. Harborfields is now 0-2.

Nassau I

Kahli Shaw ran for an 11-yard touchdown and Christian McCravey ran for a 12-yard touchdown in host Freeport’s 16-13 win over Westbury in Nassau I on Thursday. McCravey also converted two two-point conversions, one through the air and another on the ground for Freeport (1-1). Brandon Chaves ran for a 4-yard touchdown, and Terron Hardy ran for a 21-yard touchdown for Westbury (0-1).

Oceanside 12, East Meadow 7: Chace Morris ran 21 times for 141 yards and a touchdown, and also threw for a second score, to lead Oceanside (2-0) in Nassau I. Omari Brutus totaled eight tackles. Hudson Triscari, Benny Jacofsky and Bey Alexander each had six tackles. Steve Saccareccia had six tackles and an interception. Hudson Triscari, Bey Alexander and Ben Cipolla all registered a sack. Mike Pettito threw a touchdown pass to Keith Darbouze for East Meadow (1-1.

Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK 33, Herricks/Wheatley/Roslyn 0: Drew Sansobrino rushed for 184 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries to lead Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK (1-0) in Nassau I. Alex Zager rushed for 103 yards and a score on eight carries and caught a TD pass from Ethan Brake. Herricks/Wheatley/Roslyn is 0-1.

Port Washington 54, Syosset 21: Harry Eynon went 12-for-14 passing with 234 yards and five touchdowns to lead host Port Washington (1-1) in Nassau I. Max McElhone had five receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown and also returned interception 67 yards for a score. Levi Felix caught five passes for 85 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson McCormack rushed six times for 80 yards and a touchdown and also scooped up a fumble that he ran back for another score. Ty Noga had a sack. Austin Cohen rushed for two touchdowns for Syosset (1-1).

Nassau II

Anthony Asaro had 17 carries for 160 yards and a touchdown to lead host Garden City to 24-13 win over Calhoun a win in a Nassau Conference II opener on Thursday. The Trojans extended their state-record winning streak to 67 games, the longest active winning streak in the country. Christian Roddini had eight carries for 51 yards and a TD and Brayden Robertiello added a 1-yard TD run. Mark Escher made a 28-yard field goal and all three of his PATs to help Garden City open a 24-0 lead early in the fourth quarter. Jacob Fortin had 13 carries for 70 yards and a TD and completed 11 of 16 passes for 136 yards and a 17-yard TD pass to Joe Smith for Calhoun.

Bellmore JFK 34, Roosevelt 26: Ethan Reiner had 11 carries for 76 yards and a touchdown and caught three passes for 28 yards and a TD to lead host Bellmore JFK. Pasquariello added 19 carries for 83 yards and a TD and Dom Vaglica ran for 70 yards and a score on six carries. Dylan Babek had three carries for 35 yards and a touchdown and completed three passes for 35 yards and a TD. DJ Lombardo had 12 tackles and CJ Siegler had seven tackles. Tyreik McClenic had 11 carries for 143 yards and a TD for Roosevelt. Michael Dawson ran for 50 yards and a TD and Ryan Jones returned a fumble 55 yards for a score.

Mepham 34, MacArthur 6: Adam Erlichman completed 8 of 16 passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns to lead host Mepham. Lucas Eagleston caught six passes for 202 yards and two TDs. Paulie Genovese had 11 carries for 90 yards and two TDs and added six tackles. Jack Cloudman added a 5-yard TD run. Vinny Ciro had eight tackles and Sean Maroney had six tackles. Tyler Centonze ran for a 5-yard TD for MacArthur.

Nassau III

Dylan Parchment had 23 carries for 271 yds and four touchdowns to lead visiting Hewlett to a 29-22 win over Division in a Nassau Conference III opener on Wednesday.

Preston Cusumano added 104 yards on 16 carries. Nico Rubio had six tackles and an interception. Jostin Poveda and Landon Mikhaylov combined for 11 tackles, a TFL and a sack. Gabe Bowery added two tackles and a sack. Dom Lord recorded two tackles, two sacks and a TFL. Division’s Aiden Mirelis and George Gendekos each caught a TD pass from Chris Ruggia, who also ran for a score.

South Side 36, Elmont 0: Reagan Petrone had four carries for 144 yards and two touchdowns for host South Side. Rob Cesario completed 3 of 5 five passes for 121 yards and two scores. Ethan Johnson ran for a 56-yard TD in the first quarter.

Sewanhaka 31, Glen Cove 0: Justin Moreau caught three passes for 120 yards and a touchdown and added a 90-yard kickoff return for a score to lead host Sewanhaka. Amari James rushed for 121 yards and two TDs on nine carries. Lance Williams Jr. threw for 100 yards and a score. Stephan Antonie had 10 tackles and Jhavon Murphy had a sack.

THURSDAY’S GAMES

Bethpage 21, Clarke 14: Louis Schneider rushed for a 72-yard touchdown on the first possession of the game and Alex Neuman ran 14 times for 91 yards and two TDs to lead host Bethpage. Anthony Signoriello had five tackles and two sacks. Nicco Carino threw a touchdown pass to Yaya Segura and Jake Thakkar added a rushing TD for Clarke.

Manhasset 47, Mineola 7: Luke DePietro had three carries for 140 rushing yards and two TDs and added a 57-yard receiving score for host Manhasset. LJ Michon threw for 105 yards and two TDs and had ran for 81 yards and a score. Michael DePietro made 11 tackles and Reid Schwartz returned an interception for a TD. Julian Pineda ran for a 15-yard TD for Mineola.

Nassau IV

Khalil Brassell threw the tying 14-yard touchdown pass to Tristian Darwin and ran in the go-ahead two-point conversion with 30 seconds remaining to lead Lawrence to a 38-36 home win over Oyster Bay/Friends Academy in a Nassau IV opener on Thursday. The win was Lawrence’s first since Oct. 1, 2022, snapping a 27-game losing streak. Brassell also intercepted two passes, including the game-sealing pick on the final drive. Brassell completed 13 of his 19 passes for 255 yards and three touchdowns and ran six times for 62 yards and another score. Darwin caught nine passes for 129 yards and a touchdown, Dajahn Harris had three catches for 97 yards and a score and Timothy Jimenez caught a 27-yard touchdown pass.

Dilon Harris added a rushing TD and five tackles. Anthony Martinez had nine tackles, including two for a loss. Michael Merritt had five tackles. Chase Lordi threw two touchdown passes and rushed for another score for Oyster Bay/Friends Academy (0-2).

Valley Stream South 15, Island Trees 14: Jace Thomas had 10 carries for 64 yards and a touchdown for Valley Stream South. Aiden Paris rushed 21 times for 77 yards and had a fumble recovery. Hunter Rush ran five times for 52 yards and a score and added seven tackles, three for loss. Jayvian Panka completed 6 of 9 passes for 57 yards. Brandon St. Fort and Michael Kinzer had an interception. Markus Bazelais had two rushing scored for Island Trees.

Lynbrook 24, Seaford 21: Will Oriordan scored an 8-yard rushing touchdown to put visiting Lynbrook ahead in the fourth quarter. Down 21-10 in the third quarter, Thomas Potash ran 25 yards for his second touchdown and Oriordan connected with Peter Rahaniotis on the two-point conversion. Potash ran for 111 yards and Orji Agwu had 81 yards of total offense. Chris Sommer had two sacks and James Pisano and made seven tackles.

Malverne 8, Locust Valley 0: Isaiah Smith rushed for 145 yards on 17 carries and also threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Braylon Lewis in the third quarter for visiting Malverne. Smith also had a sack. Jamir Houston had six tackles, a fumble recovery and an interception. Brian Major had five tackles and a fumble recovery.

Valley Stream North 51, East Rockaway/West Hempstead 34: Max Guzman threw four touchdown passes, three of which went to Jerry Thomas, for host Valley Stream North. Tristen Rose and Frank Monteleone each rushed for two touchdowns for East Rockaway/West Hempstead.

Floral Park 31, Cold Spring Harbor 0: Danny Ring completed 14 of his 15 passes for 178 yards and two touchdowns to lead host Floral Park. Ryan Terwilliger caught three passes for 77 yards and a touchdown and had two interceptions. Ryan DiPippa caught five passes for 55 yards and a touchdown. Michael Kowalski had 14 rushes for 84 yards and a touchdown. Joe Segota and Rocco Berkey both had eight tackles to lead the defense. Andy Chen went 4/4 extra points and a field goal.

North Shore 47, Carle Place 14: Joey Cristofari completed 6 of 8 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns and added a rushing score for North Shore. Casey Gates scored an 89-yard rushing TD on North Shore’s first play of scrimmage. Lucas Jovanovic had two receptions for 96 yards and two TDs. Brendan Conklin ran for a 41-yard score and Vin Verderosa had a 6-yard TD. Canon Evans made seven tackles.

Section XI to allow Port Jefferson football players to play for Rocky Point without penalty

Port Jefferson football players have been granted a new lease on their careers.

The New York State Commissioner of Education’s office has granted an appeal that will allow Port Jefferson’s varsity football team to combine with Rocky Point High School without any repercussions, per Tom Combs, the executive director of Section XI (the governing body for interscholastic sports in Suffolk County).

Per Section XI bylaws, schools who merge their football teams after the Jan. 15 deadline are ineligible for the postseason of the upcoming season. After Port Jefferson folded its varsity team on Sept. 1 for not having enough players to compete, it tried to combine with Rocky Point, but Section XI denied it, and also warned the schools that a merge would disqualify them from the playoffs. Port Jefferson filed an appeal with the Commissioner of Education’s office, and after review, their appeal was granted in full, and their postseason eligibility has been preserved, according to Combs.

“They are going to give them a stay, meaning they can play the season, and then they’ll rule on it after the season, whether our rule is justified or not,” Combs told Newsday on Friday night. “We don’t make any rules; the membership — our 62 school districts — make the rules. Our job is to make sure the members are following those rules. I don’t have the authority to override our policy for Port Jefferson. I want to see kids playing.

“The stay gives the Port Jeff kids the ability to play for Rocky Point, and the team is eligible for the playoffs, should they make it,” he continued.

At the moment, four of Port Jefferson’s players are confirmed to be joining Rocky Point’s varsity team: juniors Sam Fabian and Kemp Jarrett, alongside seniors Maklyn Mejia and Henry Collins. Senior Luca Caltagirone is a potential fifth addition to the roster.

Caltagirone confirmed he will attend practice Saturday morning at Rocky Point High School and make his decision from there. He and his fellow classmates were previously ineligible to play at all, even on the junior varsity level.

Just having the option to play the sport again means a lot to Caltagirone.

“All we want to do is work,” he said. “That’s not a football thing, that’s more of a Port Jeff thing. Knowing that I get to go to football practice tomorrow means the world to me, because that’s another workout I’m getting. It’s another way that I’m getting better. That choice to go to practice is up to me, and that was taken away from me, but it was given back to me, and I’m so grateful for that. The chance to get better as a person and as an athlete at another school is awesome, and it’s something that everyone should have.”

After previously thinking his football career was behind him, Caltagirone is ecstatic to try it out again in the morning.

“I’m restless,” he said. “I’m not going to get much sleep tonight. That opportunity that Rocky Point is giving us is huge, because it’s an exposure to football, and an exposure to a new division. For the guys that we have, I think that’s the best part of it.”

Port Jefferson's JV team, which consists of its freshmen, sophomores and juniors, had been practicing at Rocky Point High School. By maintaining the practice schedule, the JV players who join Rocky Point's varsity team will already be eligible to play in the team's next game at Eastport-South Manor on Sept. 19.

Fabian is one of those players who will be eligible.

"I'm so incredibly grateful," Fabian said. "Rocky Point has been amazing, sticking with us through all these appeals. The coaching staff has been so inviting, and the kids have really brought us into their culture, and it really is just incredible ... Football, in my opinion, is the greatest sport out there, and part of the experience with it is moving up to the varsity level, getting some film and trying to move on to play in college. So, sitting here and not being able to experience our varsity seasons was not only hurtful to us now, but also to our potential future."

Port Jefferson athletic director Mark Passamonte and football coach CJ Perrino, as well as Rocky Point athletic director Jon Ruffa and football coach Anthony DiLorenzo, did not respond to multiple phone calls from Newsday.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.

Kellenberg topples South Shore, doubles win total from last season

St. Anthony's falls to St. Peter's Prep (NJ)

Kellenberg piling it on South Shore

Doug Cristales' TD run puts Firebiard up by 16 late in the 3rd quarter

Kellenberg takes two-possession lead midway through third quarter

Kellenberg leads South Shore at halftime

Friars lead on Xavier Bala's electric kickoff return

St. Anthony's holds pregame ceremony on 25th anniversary of 9/11

North Babylon's new No. 14 stars in opener

North Babylon entered the season with a next-man-up mentality after its top two running backs transferred out in the offseason.

Jack Miller wasted little time answering the call.

Miller rushed for 314 yards and five touchdowns on 19 carries in North Babylon’s 42-21 season-opening victory over Smithtown East in Suffolk Division II.

With the Bulldogs trailing, 21-20, entering the fourth quarter, Miller made the difference. He scored on runs of 13, 75 and 78 yards to help North Babylon pull away. Miller represented North Babylon’s special No. 14 in a big way.

“He really took that role seriously,” North Babylon coach John Rowland said. “He took that next-man-up mentality of ‘I have to put the team on my back this year.’ He’s fulfilled that role in every possible way.”

“He’s always been a hardworking kid and a good player for us,” he added. “And the way he’s practiced, led and represented No. 14 has been tremendous.”

Miller accounted for all five of North Babylon’s offensive touchdowns, with the Bulldogs’ other score coming on an 85-yard kickoff return from Kayden Richardson.

“He scratched and clawed for every yard,” Rowland said. “Nobody was tackling him on first contact. He earned it all offseason in the weight room.”

North Babylon also received a strong debut from senior quarterback James Catalano, who made the first start of his football career according to Rowland, and he impressed the coaching staff with his poise while directing the offense.

The Bulldogs entered the year looking for their next players to step forward. In the season opener, they delivered.

With just 16 players on the roster, Lawrence wins its season opener

The Lawrence football team was unsure if there would be a season in 2026.

Head coach Akym Land made sure there was. Land was adamant that he’d have enough players and get the Lawrence football program up and running.

It was a challenge, but Land succeeded and his team enjoyed the fruits of a season-opening victory on the road against the merged team of Oyster Bay and Friends Academy on Thursday night.

“I thought the greatest moment was when our guys came out on the field for the opening kickoff,” said Land, a 2017 Lawrence graduate. “It was like a ‘We made it moment.’ And then the real blast was hearing the final whistle and winning the game.”

Senior quarterback Khalil Brassell threw for three touchdowns, ran for one and made two interceptions as Lawrence outlasted Oyster/Friends Academy, 38-36, in a Nassau Conference IV game.

The win snapped Lawrence's 28-game losing streak – the longest current losing streak in Nassau. And the Golden Tornado did it with 16 players, the minimum amount required by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.

“What a relief to get on the field,” Land said. “And to win – wow.”

Land credited his band of 16 players, most of whom played both sides of the ball and on special teams. According to Land, he has seven more players that will meet the 10-day practice requirement and be eligible to play this week.

“We put the ball in Brassell’s hands, and we let the 5-foot-6 kid with all the heart in the world do the work,” Land said. “Some questioned his being a quarterback because of his height. He proved how much toughness and speed can overcome something like height. It becomes irrelevant.”

Lawrence (1-0), which still does not have a home field for the third straight year, will travel to play at Carle Place Friday at 7 p.m.

“We were supposed to be at home for the opener,” Land said. “Instead, our guys were stuck on an hour and a half bus ride to play on the road. And they still came out and played ironman football. I fought for them and they battled for me.”

Tickets now available for Massapequa vs. Garden City

Tickets just went live for the Week 3 showdown between undefeated Garden City, on the nation's longest win streak, and undefeated Massapequa, which is on a 23-game win streak.

The game is at Hofstra at 5 p.m. on Sept. 26. Tickets cost $12.38 each (which includes fees) when purchased in advance online, or $15 at the door on game night.

A portion of the proceeds from the game will go toward scholarships for the Connor Kasin Memorial Foundation. Kasin, 17-year-old Massapequa hockey player, died after collapsing during a charity game in 2024.

Watch the 2nd annual high school football fantasy draft

Newsday high school sports editor Gregg Sarra and his staff choose their top picks in their second annual high school football fantasy draft.

Breaking down Sayville's gritty win over a tough Babylon team

The Sayville defense was in bend-but-don't-break mode on Thursday night against Babylon.

Babylon held an enormous time of possession advantage, controlling the ball for 29 minutes, 43 seconds, compared to Sayville's 8:17. Still, the Panthers couldn't get on the scoreboard and ultimately lost, 20-0.

Babylon's offense used the full-house, run-heavy formation to try to wear down the Sayville defense and converted first downs on 3 of 10 third-down plays and one of four on fourth down.

Sayville had five total possessions but they scored on three of them. Babylon had five possessions, all of which came up empty.

Babylon effectively ran the clock -- running the full 40 seconds in between plays to keep that Sayville offense on the sideline. It was a great strategy, but ultimately it didn't work.

There were no turnovers in the game and the game was over in two hours.

Inside the numbers: Sayville outgained Babylon, 256-107, in yardage. Sayville halfback Tim Holahan rushed 13 times for 118 yards and a score. Sayville quarterback Frank Hanley completed 7 of 11 passes for 107 yards and for two scores. Babylon totaled 107 yards on 39 plays. They ran the ball a whopping 37 times.

Stars were out: High school legends were out for the Babylon-Sayville football game on a beautiful night by Argyle Lake in Babylon. Former Copiague and St. John's University basketball superstar Kia Wright was enjoying the game, and 2002 Hansen Award winner Trevon Rodney of Babylon, one of Long Island's greatest HS football players of all time, was on the Babylon sidelines in full support of his alma mater.

Final thoughts: The expectations were that Sayville would run roughshod over Suffolk Division IV. Not many people gave Babylon, with the smallest school enrollment in the division, a fighting chance against Sayville but the Panthers stood tall against the mighty Golden Flashes. Babylon wasn't intimidated by Sayville's size, or by its championship banners. Babylon  came out with great game plan and almost pulled off a shocking upset. The Panthers found themselves in Sayville territory early in the fourth quarter and only trailing 6-0. Babylon had third and inches at the Sayville 24 but were stuffed for no gain. On a critical fourth down play, the Panthers were stuffed again. 

Sayville then answered with a six-play, 76-yard drive that ended with a touchdown, putting the game away.

When Sayville headed for the bus for the short trip down Sunrise Highway, they boarded knowing they survived a battle of great football programs. Kudos to Babylon coaches and players for nearly pulling off the upset. And kudos to the Sayville coaches and team for not panicking and figuring out a way to extend their win streak to 13 games.

Martini leads Wantagh's comeback

Plainedge's dominant first half in its 26-7 lead over Wantagh

More Thursday night scores

Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK 33, Herricks/Wheatley/Roslyn 0

Drew Sansobrino ran the ball 15 times for 184 yards and three touchdowns to lead the host Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK over Herricks/Wheatley/Roslyn in Nassau I. Alex Zager rushed eight times for 103 yards and caught a TD pass from Ethan Brake. Lucas Hilbert grabbed an interception on the Herricks/Wheatley/Roslyn 20-yard line. POB JFK rushed for 401 total yards.

Mepham 34, MacArthur 6

Adam Erlichman went 8-for-16 for 227 yards and two TDs to lift host Mepham over MacArthur in Nassau II. Lucas Eagleston had six receptions for 202 yards and two TDs. Paulie Genovese had 11 carries for 90 yards and two TDs and added six tackles on defense. Vinny Ciro lead the defense with eight tackles while Sean Maroney added six. The Mepham defense also had two interceptions.
Valley Stream North 51, East Rockaway/West Hempstead 34

Max Guzman threw four touchdown passes to lead host Valley Stream North over East Rockaway/West Hempstead in Nassau IV. Jerry Thomas caught three TD passes. Frank Monteleone rushed for two touchdowns for East Rockaway/West Hempstead.
Half Hollow Hills East 42, Lindenhurst 0

Jayden Bryan rushed for 200 yards and a touchdown to lead host Half Hollow Hills East over Lindenhurst in Suffolk II. Tony Keahey rushed for 50 yards and two TDs and made two catches for 21 yards. Vincent Banculli went 5-for-7 for 100 yards, two passing TDs and five yards rushing. Mateo Villa had six tackles, an interception and forced a fumble. Tyler Jerrick had nine tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery. Michai Crump had nine tackles, a sack and forced a fumble and Nick Anderson had two tackles and an interception.

Nelson's three all-purpose TDs lifts VSC over Baldwin

Ryan making big plays

DePietro's five TDs lift Carey over Long Beach

Wantagh responds with a late first quarter TD

Plainedge starts off strong against Wantagh

DePietro for a fifth time!

Dylan Parchment brings home four for Hewlett, additional scores

Hewlett 29, Division 22

Dylan Parchment rushed for 271 yards on 23 attempts with four touchdowns to lift Hewlett over host Division in Nassau III. Preston Cusumano added 104 yards on 16 carries. On defense, Nico Rubio recorded six tackles and an interception. Linebackers Jostin Poveda and Landon Mikhaylov combined for 11 tackles, one TFL and a sack. Gabe Bowery added two tackles, a sack and a blocked XPT. Dom Lord recorded two tackles, two sacks and a TFL.

Floral Park 31, Cold Spring Harbor 0

Danny Ring went 14-for-15 for 178 yards and two touchdowns to lead host Floral Park over Cold Spring Harbor in Nassau IV. Ryan Terwilliger caught three passes for 77 yards and a touchdown. He also had two interceptions and returned one for a touchdown. Ryan DiPippa had five receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown. Michael Kowalski had 14 rushes for 84 yards and a touchdown. Joe Segota and Rocco Berkey had eight tackles each to lead the defense. Andy Chen went 4-for-4 on extra points and added a 20-yard field goal.

West Islip 31, Rocky Point 9

Jake Kramer rushed for 230 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries to lead West Islip over host Rocky Point in Suffolk III. Ryan Gaffney had 94 yards and a score on 11 carries. Derek Kolman had 43 yards and a TD on four carries. Luke Tate had 12 tackles and Matthew Marker had 10 tackles.

Justin DePietro doing it all

DePietro recovers fumble, ties game

Baldwin gets on the board before halftime

Friday's TD extends VSC's lead before halftime

Evan Nelson shows off arm talent early in the second quarter

Valley Stream Central extends lead

Carey responds

Long Beach scores again

Baldwin hosts Valley Stream Central in Nassau II

Long Beach gets on the board first against Carey

QB transfers into Centereach

Centereach has found its new starting quarterback.

Martin Koppelman transferred in for his senior year and will start in the Cougars’ season opener on the road against Deer Park at 6 p.m. Thursday, according to Centereach coach Mike Mikochik.

Koppelman played for Eagle Academy II (Brooklyn) last season, completing 77 of 116 passes for 1,360 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also handled kicking duties.

“He can definitely spin the ball, so it’s going to be exciting to see what he can do once he’s got another team rushing at him,” Mikochik said.

Koppelman steps into an offense with experience up front. Mikochik said Centereach returns four starting offensive linemen, while the fifth projected starter played significant snaps last season.

The Cougars also added Jax Prokop, who returns to Centereach after spending two varsity seasons at St. Anthony’s. Prokop was selected to Newsday’s Top 100 and is expected to be one of Koppelman’s top weapons.

Centereach’s new-look offense will face a Deer Park team led by Christian Myrick, one of the top wide receivers on Long Island.

Jericho was forced to forfeit opener vs. NHP

The Jericho varsity football team forfeited its season opener at New Hyde Park on Wednesday night because of the lack of players cleared for full contact, but is expected to play its next game against Roosevelt on Sept. 18, coach Brendan Lahti said.

“We weren’t going to have enough varsity ready players by game time,” Lahti said. “I called [New Hyde Park coach] Colin Maier a little more than a week ago and we had a conversation and I told him that we couldn’t play.”

Read more about what Jericho is expecting for the rest of the season, plus how New Hyde Park adjusted its schedule.

Takeaways from Longwood football's victory over Whitman

 Longwood 37, Whitman 26

 The Jason Thompson Show: The junior wide receiver did everything for Whitman. He caught touchdown passes of 36 and 80 yards, made spectacular catches with defenders on him and made people miss in the open field. He also threw touchdown passes of 22 and 2 yards to account for four total touchdowns.

“I think he’s a difference-maker,” Longwood coach Sean Kluber said of Thompson. “He made plays and kept his team in the game. It was something we were worried about coming in, and we didn’t take care of that in the first half.”

Longwood’s depth: The Lions have tremendous size on the line. They appeared to wear Whitman down throughout the game with their depth up front and number of playmakers. Ryan Greene, Makai Jacobs and Mark Davis all broke out for long touchdowns in the second half. They came back from down 26-14 and scored 23 unanswered.

Onside kicks: Almost every kick Whitman attempted was an onside kick. The Wildcats recovered two, including the opening kickoff.

The kicking advantage: Cameron Clemons of Longwood nailed a 39-yard field goal to make it a two-possession game late and ice the contest. Clemons also delivered multiple touchbacks, making the opposition go a full 80 yards.“I love to help the team however I can,” Clemons said. “All the practice and training with coach Luke is finally paid off in game.”

Takeaways from West Babylon football's shutout of Half Hollow Hills West

West Babylon 13, Hills West 0

New faces step up on defense: West Babylon’s junior varsity team went 7-1 last season. Jackson Burmeister, Derrick Leveille and Richie Slattery were on that team and made their varsity debuts Wednesday afternoon. The junior trio delivered, combining for seven sacks. Burmeister recorded 2.5 sacks and made one of West Babylon’s two interceptions.

Running with physicality: Jahavi Reyes scored two rushing touchdowns from 6 and 7 yards out. He had numerous physical runs, and fellow tailback Xavier Estevez brought the same intensity while carrying the football. They run behind a big and young offensive line.

Ritacco’s first win: There is a new head coach at West Babylon in Joe Ritacco. His first game at the helm resulted in a 13-0 win.Quotes: “This win was special for me personally,” Ritacco said. “I got to experience the win with my father and other coaches on staff that I’ve worked with for years.”

“This win was special for the kids because now we start to build more confidence,” he added. “Our goal is to bring the traditions and toughness back to West Babylon football.” 

Sewanhaka 31, Glen Cove 0

Justin Moreau caught three passes for 120 yards and a touchdown and had a 90-yard kickoff TD. Amari James rushed for 121 yards and two scores on nine carries.

Floyd 39, Connetquot 21

Matt Taiani completed three passes for 75 yards including a 50-yard touchdown pass to Christian Hobson. Ryley Permenter rushed for 87 yards on 14 carries and Derek Glock had a 56-yard interception return for a score. 

Sachem North 42, Patchogue-Medford 6

Luke LaRocca completed 9 of 13 passes for 179 yards and four touchdowns and added seven carries for 49 yards and a TD to lead visiting Sachem North in a Suffolk Division I opener. Gavin Nuzzi returned the opening kickoff 75 yards for a TD, caught two passes for 45 yards and a score and added an interception. Lucas Bouchard had three catches for 90 yards and two TDs.

South Side 36, Elmont 0

Final: South Side 36, Elmont 0.

Raegan Petron rushed for 144 yards and two TDs on four carries. Ethan Johnson added 59 yards and a score. Rob Cesario threw for 121 yards and two touchdowns. 

O'Connor's big day lifts Hauppauge

Final: Hauppauge 13, Smithtown West 9. Liam O’Connor 21 carries, 271 yards and two TDs for the Eagles.

Jacobs' swift feet give Longwood lead

O'Connor's 2nd TD gives Hauppauge late lead

Hauppauge 13, Smithtown West 9: Liam O'Connor runs in a 24-yard touchdown to give the Eagles a four-point lead with 6:56 left in the fourth quarter. 

Photos: Half Hollow Hills West vs. West Babylon

SEE PHOTOSFootball photos: West Babylon at Half Hollow Hills West

Longwood cuts the lead on Davis' catch and run

Smithtown West takes the lead

Luke Brown connected with Blake Stockwell on a 19-yard TD to give Smithtown East a 7-0 lead late in the first half. Liam O'Connor responded with a 75-yard rushing score for Hauppauge to tie it early in the third quarter. Now Smithtown West's defense comes up with a safety as it takes a 9-7 lead heading into the fourth. 

Thompson taking a turn at QB

Thompson is up to four total touchdowns with a half still to go. 

Whitman's Thompson keeps scoring

Sarwari scores second touchdown

Longwood 14, Whitman 12: Kyon Sarwari runs in a 6-yard touchdown with 3:15 left in the first quarter. Longwood’s offensive line is huge and they’ve been clearing the way so far.

Thompson does it all for Whitman

Longwood's Sarwari answers back

Thompson's highlight reel catch gives Whitman lead

West Babylon opens season with shutout

First two scores of Week 1 go to West Babylon's Reyes

Week 1 high school football schedule

Wednesday, Sept. 9
Nassau
Conference II
Jericho at New Hyde Park, 5 p.m.
Conference III
Glen Cove at Sewanhaka, 4:30 p.m.
Elmont at South Side, 6 p.m.
Hewlett at Division, 7 p.m.
Suffolk
Division I
Sachem North at Patchogue-Medford, 5 p.m.
Riverhead at Sachem East, 6 p.m.
Longwood at Whitman, 6 p.m.
Floyd at Connetquot, 6 p.m.
Brentwood at Ward Melville, 7 p.m.
Division III
West Babylon at Half Hollow Hills West, 3 p.m.
East Hampton at Eastport-South Manor, 5 p.m.
West Islip at Rocky Point, 6 p.m.
Comsewogue at East Islip, 6 p.m.
Hauppauge at Smithtown West, 6 p.m.
Westhampton at Islip, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 10
Nassau
Conference I
Oceanside at East Meadow, 4 p.m.
Herricks/Wheatley/Roslyn at Plainview-Old Bethpage JFK, 4:30 p.m.
Hempstead at Uniondale, 4:45 p.m.
Westbury at Freeport, 5:30 p.m.
Syosset at Port Washington, 6 p.m.
Conference II
Calhoun at Garden City, 4:30 p.m.
Long Beach at Carey, 4:30 p.m.
MacArthur at Mepham, 4:30 p.m.
Roosevelt at Bellmore JFK, 4:30 p.m.
Valley Stream Central at Baldwin, 4:30 p.m.
Conference III
Wantagh at Plainedge, 4:30 p.m.
Mineola at Manhasset, 7 p.m.
Clarke at Bethpage, 6:30 p.m.
Conference IV
Cold Spring Harbor at Floral Park, 3 p.m.
East Rockaway/West Hempstead at Valley Stream North, 3 p.m.
Carle Place at North Shore, 4:30 p.m.
Oyster Bay/Friends Academy at Lawrence, 5 p.m.
Lynbrook at Seaford, 6:30 p.m.
Malverne at Locust Valley, 6:30 p.m.
Island Trees at Valley Stream South, 7 p.m.
Suffolk
Division II
Commack at Copiague, 5:30 p.m.
Lindenhurst at Half Hollow Hills East, 3 p.m.
Huntington at Bellport, 3:30 p.m.
North Babylon at Smithtown East, 6 p.m.
Centereach at Deer Park, 6 p.m.
Northport at Newfield, 6 p.m.
Division IV
Harborfields at Kings Park, 6 p.m.
Shoreham-Wading River at Wyandanch, 4 p.m.
Bayport-Blue Point at Miller Place, 6 p.m.
Sayville at Babylon, 6 p.m.
Glenn at Greenport/Southold/Mattituck, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 11
Suffolk
Division I
Central Islip at Bay Shore, 3 p.m.
Non-league
South Shore at Kellenberg, 7 p.m.
St. Peter's Prep (NJ) at St. Anthony's, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 12
CHSFL
Seton Hall Prep (NJ) at Chaminade, 1:30 p.m.
St. Dominic at St. John the Baptist, 1:30 p.m.
Private
St. Joseph by-the-Sea at Long Island Lutheran, noon