Suffolk Division IV team-by-team preview
Bayport-Blue Point's Derek Varley makes the catch and the touchdown during a Suffolk Division IV football game against host Babylon on Sept. 24, 2021. Credit: Peter Frutkoff
1. BAYPORT-BLUE POINT (9-2)
Coach: Michael Zafonte, 7th year
Five Key Players: Brady Clark, QB/DB, Sr.; Derek Varley, TE/DE, Sr.; JJ Aiello, WR/DB, Sr.; Dylan Spano, OL/DL, Soph.; Danny Aiello, RB/DB, Jr.
The Phantoms: They will look for redemption this season after coming up just short against Shoreham-Wading River in the county championship. Clark threw 19 touchdown passes a season ago and has some talented targets to look to in Varley and JJ Aiello.
2. KINGS PARK (7-3)
Coach: Mark O’Brien, 28th year
Five Key Players: Scott McConville, WR//LB, Sr.; Mark Griffin, RB//LB, Sr.; Anthony DeVirgillio, OT/DT, Sr.; Kyle Weeks, QB/FS/, Jr.; John Flynn, RB//CB, Jr.
The Kingsmen: They make the transition from Division III to IV and will place a heavy emphasis on the run game. Griffin will make the transition to running back this season and work behind an experienced offensive line.
3. SHOREHAM-WADING RIVER (10-2)
Coach: Aden Smith, 5th year
Five Key Players: Dylan Zahn, QB/OLB, Sr.; Aidan Powers, OL/LB, Sr.; Ryan Herr, RB/DB, Sr.; Aiden Franks, OL/LB, Sr.; Zach Wilson, OL/DL, Jr.
The Wildcats: They will look to defend their Suffolk Division IV title behind county championship MVP, Dylan Zahn (14 passing TDs and 700 rushing yards) and a strong offensive line led by Powers and Franks.
4. MILLER PLACE (7-3)
Coach: Adam St. Nicholas, 4th year
Five Key Players: Joe’ll Spagnuolo, RB/LB, Sr.; Eddie Haeffer, C/DL, Sr.; Nicholas Oliva, RB//K, Sr.; Robby Cunningham, TE/LB, Sr.; Jack Kiernan, TE/LB, Sr.
The Panthers: They boast a strong ground game, spearheaded by Spagnuolo (nine TDs) and Oliva (3 TDs). Haeffer will look to lead an improved defense.
5. MOUNT SINAI (7-3)
Coach: Vin Ammirato, 24th year
Five Key Players: Jaden Rotella, QB/FS, Sr.; Jake Spallina, RB/LB, Sr.; Brett Spallina, RB/LB, Sr.; Zachary Molomo, OL/DL, Jr.; Alden Barton, OL/LB, Sr.
The Mustangs: Injuries to multiple starters early hurt Mount Sinai a season ago. Rotella returns behind a young offensive line to lead the offense after missing most of last season. The Mustangs will also look for Jake Spallina to fill a bigger role on offense.
6. GLENN (3-5)
Coach: Dave Shanahan, 28th year
Five Key Players: Chris Franzese, QB/S, Sr.; Graig Decembre, WR/S, Sr.; Mario Bento, RB/LB, Sr.; Melkin Chavez, OG/DT, Sr.; Andrew Knott, OG/LB, Sr.
The Knights: They return many starters from a year ago. Franzese will lead the offense after a season in which he scored 15 touchdowns. Decembre (27 catches, 3 TDs) will provide him with a reliable target.
7. BABYLON (4-5)
Coach: Rick Punzone, 20th year
Five Key Players: Brady Winter, OL/LB, Sr.; Andrew DiPalma, RB/LB, Sr.; Andrew Mason, OL/DL, Sr.; Rohan Brown, WR/DB, Sr.; Trevor Thuma, TE/DB, Jr.
The Panthers: They will be led by five returning seniors and a group of solid underclassmen. Winter led the team with 83 tackles a season ago and the team will look to grind the football behind DiPalma (360 yards rushing).
8. PORT JEFFERSON (5-3)
Coach: Josh Shields, 1st year
Five Key Players: Willy Rodriguez, OL/DE/, Sr.; Anthony Pipia, TE/LB, Sr.; Junior Beltran, RB/LB, Sr.; James Verruto, WR/DE, Sr.; Frankie Andriani, WR/S, Sr.
The Royals: They will rely on a strong defense led by Rodriguez (54 tackles) and Pipia (35 tackles). Pipia will also be a factor carrying the ball in the running game with Beltran (195 rushing yards).
9. CENTER MORICHES (3-6)
Coach: Leonard Wright, 7th year.
Five Key Players: Nasir Carroll, WR/DB, Sr.; Xavier Bryant, WR/DB, Jr.; Jordan Lutz, TE/LB, Sr.; Matthew Albino, RB/DB, Jr.; Gavin Kleine, QB/LB, Sr.
The Red Devils: They are a young team with dynamic offensive weapons in Carroll (10 TDs) and Bryant (2 TDs). Matt Millheiser, who led Shoreham-Wading River to three consecutive Long Island Class IV championships, joins the staff.
10. GREENPORT (2-6)
Coach: Tim McArdle, 2nd year
Five Key Players: Jay Tramantana, DE/FB/, Sr.; Gavin Richards, QB//DB, Sr.; Carlos Rodriguez, RB/LB, Jr.; Aimen Tabor, WR/DB, Jr. Luke Newman, WR/SS, Jr.
The Porters: They will be transitioning to the spread offense this season as seniors Tramantana and Richards lead a young squad.
Christopher Matias covers high school sports for Newsday after spending time in Athletic Facilities and Operation at St. John’s and in Sports Information at CUNY York college.
