Delaney Israel's 3 TD passes lift Longwood flag football to victory
Longwood QB Delaney Israel takes the keeper upfield and avoids Sachem East LB Kaiya McGill on Friday, April 5, 2024. Credit: George A Faella
It doesn’t take Delaney Israel long to find a target.
Whether the Longwood junior quarterback chooses to launch it deep or go for a shovel pass, there’s always someone there.
“I was looking for everyone. I don’t have a favorite target because every one of my receivers is capable and ready to catch the ball,” Israel said. “I like to target different receivers because it confuses the defense.”
Israel completed 22 of 32 passes for 177 yards and three touchdowns as Longwood defeated visiting Sachem East, 21-0, in a Suffolk I flag football matchup on Friday afternoon. A different receiver caught each TD pass.
Longwood (1-0-1) forced two turnovers on downs before needing just five plays for Israel to find sophomore Vinte’ya Rountree for a 12-yard score with 8:18 left in the first half. The scoring drive was aided by two big receptions of 18 and 15 yards by Aliyah Khamis and Rountree, respectively.
Longwood WR Vinte'Ya Rountree reacts after scoring a touchdown against Sachem East in a division I flag football game, Friday, April 5, 2024 at Longwood high school. Credit: George A Faella
“We have many weapons, and this team has a lot of great leaders — you can hear it,” coach Aden Smith said. “They’re very vocal and communicate well with each other on every play.”
Longwood’s Claire Sclafani made an interception on the ensuing possession to set up the Lions’ second score where Israel found Giselle Harris for a 13-yard touchdown with 3:55 left. Israel connected with Rountree again for the extra point and a 14-0 halftime lead.
“I’m not used to catching the ball on defense so when I do it is always very exciting,” Sclafani said. “I was in the right spot; I saw who it was intended for, and I knew I could beat her if I really tried.”
Sclafani got used to it quickly — she made a second interception late in the second half to set up a 5-play, 31-yard drive capped by an 11-yard touchdown pass from Israel to Khamis for the Lions’ final score. Gianna Toney added the extra point.
Longwood held Sachem East to 128 yards of total offense (32 rushing). Sachem East’s defense was led by Abby Morrongiello, Reese Malfetoone and Samantha Margiolis, who made an interception. Quarterback Alexis Berger completed 13 of 25 attempts for 96 yards.
Longwood was motivated to defeat Sachem East (1-2) after dropping both matchups the previous two seasons.
“This is the year where I feel like we’re really connecting and solving our problems on the field,” Israel said.
Added Rountree: “We’re focused on winning a championship this year and I think based on how we communicated today on the field, it’s possible.”
