Takeaways from Week 3 of the Long Island high school football season
Elmont's Nassir Edwards (11) is escorted into the end zone by Aaron Thomas (55) and Justin Malloy (8) after recovering a Lynbrook fumble during a Nassau Conference III football game in Elmont on Saturday, September 28, 2024. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
1. Must-see wideouts
Elmont senior wide receiver and linebacker Nassir Edwards, who earned the Pizzarelli Award in 2023 as Nassau’s top receiver, made his impact felt in the Spartans’ 18-7 win over Lynbrook on Saturday. But it came with him using those great hands on defense.
Edwards returned an interception 70 yards for a score and a fumble 40 yards for another touchdown as Elmont improved to 3-0 in Nassau Conference III.
Other wide receivers to watch on Long Island are Jesse Brooks and Anthony Raio of Half Hollow Hills West; Will Hart of St. Anthony’s, Aziz Kamran of Herricks/Wheatley, Jayden Gordon of Freeport, Andrew Amarando of Connetquot, Martin Pusey of Lindenhurst, Dillon Tveter of Oceanside, Bennett Votano of Lynbrook and Owen Gatchalian of Farmingdale.
2. Pair of undefeated squads
How about that excitement in the communities that support Newfield and Greenport? Both teams are enjoying 3-0 starts.
Chris Mastres had a school record six sacks this week in a 28-6 win over Smithtown East. The Wolverines, the No. 12 seed in Suffolk Division II, could make it four wins in a row with a victory over visiting Deer Park (0-3) on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Greenport, the No. 10 seed, is 3-0 for the first time in 11 years. The Porters travel to Mount Sinai (1-2) on Saturday at 6 p.m.
3. Pat-Med ends losing skid
Patchogue-Medford snapped an 11-game losing streak with a 34-29 win over Riverhead in Bob DeSilva’s first game as head coach. Quarterback Tom Kelly rushed for three scores and passed for another in the Suffolk Division I victory. The Raiders host Commack on Saturday at 6 p.m.
4. Can anyone score against these teams?
Wantagh, Mepham and Half Hollow Hills East have all posted three straight shutouts to open the season? Who continues the dominance in Week 4?
Gregg Sarra is Newsday's high school sports editor and has been on the beat since the mid-1980s.
