East Islip's Thomas Costarelli, defense key win over West Islip in first crosstown football meeting in 10 years
East Islip's Thomas Costarelli (5) throws a pass in the second quarter during the Suffolk Division II football game between East Islip and West Islip on Friday Sept 13, 2024. Credit: Bob Sorensen
The East Islip-West Islip football rivalry has had some thrilling games over the years, but it had been a while since the teams battled it out on the gridiron.
The showdown between the crosstown programs took a nine-year hiatus after East Islip moved down into Suffolk’s Division III . . . but the excitement was back on Friday night.
East Islip, the defending Long Island Class III champion, moved back into Division II this fall and hosted West Islip on opening night in Islip Terrace, reigniting what once was considered Suffolk’s hottest rivalry.
East Islip scored on all six of its first-half possessions in a 38-7 win over West Islip. East Islip, which leads the all-time series 19-16-3, was presented the Islip Cup after the game.
Sal J. Ciampi became East Islip’s all-time winningest football coach with his 166th win in 24 years. He was tied with his father, Sal Ciampi, who had 165 wins in 25 years.
“Our defense set the tone early and gave the offense tremendous field position throughout the first half,” Ciampi said. “After watching all 11 game films from last season, I thought there were a couple of things we could do and be successful. It’s a great win to start the season.”
The first half offered some striking numbers. East Islip scored on three of its first four plays and took a 21-0 lead with 5:18 left in the first quarter. Every East Islip drive in the first half started in West Islip territory — at the 32, 26, 26, 30, 45 and 39.
“It all starts with great defense,” East Islip’s Jack Kalinowski said. “They couldn’t move the ball at all on our line.”
Senior quarterback Thomas Costarelli took advantage of the good field position and opened the season with touchdown passes on his first two throws.
He hit Kalinowski with a laser over the middle for a 22-yard score with 9:23 left in the first quarter and found halfback Ryan Parker for a 26-yard touchdown 1:37 later for a 14-0 lead. Parker’s 21-yard TD run made it 21-0.
“We couldn’t wait to get the season started, and opening against West Islip is special,” Costarelli said. “I was happy we went on defense first because I knew our guys would shut them down and we would get to work on a short field.
“We have great chemistry on offense and that first pass was right on the money.”
Kalinowski said the throw was well-timed.
“I attacked the outside shoulder of the defensive back,” he said. “And when I cut inside the defender, Thomas delivered a laser.”
Costarelli, who did not play in the second half, completed 4 of 7 passes for 67 yards and added a 1-yard scoring run on the second play of the second quarter for a 28-0 lead. Anthony Mariani, who made all four extra-point attempts, kicked a 25-yard field goal with six seconds left in the first half for a 38-0 lead.
The East Islip defense forced five three-and-outs and held the Lions to one first down and minus-2 yards on 20 plays in the first half. Defensive lineman Watty Pierre-Louis, defensive end Niko Meyers and Parker at linebacker continually stuffed the Lions’ running game.
“They are a very physical team,” West Islip coach Steve Mileti said. “And I was very impressed with the quarterback.”
Gregg Sarra is Newsday's high school sports editor and has been on the beat since the mid-1980s.
