Massapequa football's Michael Castellano scores 3 TDs in varsity debut to beat Port Washington
Massapequa quarterback Luke Garguilo looks to hand off to Michael Castellano during a Nassau Conference I football game against Port Washington in Massapequa on Friday. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
It finally was Michael Castellano’s time to shine in the Massapequa backfield.
The junior, who features a punishing running style, made his varsity debut as the feature back on Friday night. He repeatedly lowered his shoulder and battered his way through the Port Washington defense, scoring three touchdowns in Massapequa’s 42-12 home victory in a Nassau Conference I season opener.
Castellano rushed for 73 yards on 14 carries.
“I just want to run through them,” he said. “I’m just looking straight downhill, always. Not to the side, no dancing. I just want to get straight downhill.”
Massapequa’s offensive line paved the way for five rushing touchdowns, with young players — including freshman Jake Coppola and sophomore Jake Spina — making contributions.
“We had some young bucks up front,” coach Kevin Shippos said. “You never know when they get out here under the bright lights how they’re going to compete, but they did a great job.”
Massapequa established that physical style immediately. Its opening possession lasted 14 plays and 7:43 before Castellano scored on a 3-yard run.
Port Washington cut its 14-0 deficit to 14-6 when Harry Eynon connected with Levi Felix for a 51-yard touchdown with 3:00 remaining in the second quarter. Felix finished with seven catches for 104 yards.
Massapequa then seized control before halftime.
Luke Garguilo found Dominic Antonelli for a 33-yard touchdown with 1:18 left in the half. On Port Washington’s next offensive play, Massapequa’s Jack Mulligan recovered a fumble. Two plays later, Garguilo scored on a 4-yard run to give Massapequa a 28-6 lead before halftime.
“A bad snap went [awry], and I just jumped right on it,” Mulligan said. “To score there at the end of the quarter really changed that first half.”
Said Port Washington coach Kevin Cloghessy, “I’m very proud of our kids and the effort that they played with. Right before the half, the botched snap gave them the ball on a short field. If we’re going to play in these tough games, those things can’t happen.”
Massapequa remained in control in the second half as Justin Farrell led a pass rush that consistently pressured Eynon.
Castellano powered his way into the end zone for the third time on a 7-yard run with 7:33 left in the third quarter, putting an exclamation point on his varsity debut.
“I really give all the credit to my line,” he said. “We’ve been working every single day. It’s been really hard, but it’s amazing. This makes it all worth it.”
