Suffolk I football team-by-team previews

O’Brien, Owen. Newsday, Combined editions; Long Island, N.Y. [Long Island, N.Y]. 04 Sep 2016.

LONGWOOD

LIONS

2015 record: 11-1

Coach: Jeff Cipp, third season

KEY PLAYERS

Latrell Horton

RB/FB/LB, 5-11, 235, Sr.

Maleik Bonner

RB/OLB, 5-8, 180, Sr.

Jalen Hunter

TE/FB/LB, 5-11, 215, Sr.

Nick Castrova

OT/DT, 6-1, 260, Sr.

Tyler Herrmann

OG/DE, 6-1, 250, Sr.

ABOUT THE LIONS

The defending LI champions set a title-game record last season with 555 rushing yards against Farmingdale. Horton, a Newsday All-Long Island selection, moves from fullback to tailback with Bonner. Castrova and Hermann anchoring the line.

Here comes Latrell Horton for Longwood

Herzog, Bob. Newsday, Combined editions; Long Island, N.Y. [Long Island, N.Y]. 20 Aug 2016. 

There is less of Latrell Horton this year, which means more trouble for opponents.

Horton, a senior two-way star for defending Long Island Class I champion Longwood, weighed 250 pounds last year when he was a blocking back for 1,000-yard runners Khalil Owens and Tahj Clark. Now he weighs 233, grew an inch to 6-0, and has increased his strength and speed.

“He was a devastating blocker last year and in the last two playoff games we started using him at tailback and he was breaking away from everybody. So it was a no-brainer to make him a tailback fulltime,” Longwood coach Jeff Cipp said.

Especially with the graduation of Owens and Clark.

“I use that as a motivation,” Horton said. “I know those guys were a big part of our team but now it’s up to me to show the younger players the ropes. I’ve been here for four years and been to the LIC. I have a lot of experience.”

Horton also has a lot of energy. In addition to carrying the ball much more often for the No. 1-seeded Lions – “Who wants to tackle 233?” Cipp said with a laugh — he once again will be a starting inside linebacker. “He ran a 4.8 40 last year. Now he’s running in the high 4.6s, benches 300, cleans 275, squats 500. He did the work on his own in the offseason,” Cipp said. “He took it upon himself to lose the weight and get stronger. He’s tough as nails, doesn’t complain about anything and just does what we ask. He’ll be one of the best linebackers on the county.”

Losing weight will make it somewhat easier for Horton to shoulder such a heavy workload in 2016. “At 250, it might’ve been a little rough for him to get so many touches at tailback,” Cipp said, “but at 233, he’ll be a little fresher. We’ll need that. At linebacker, he’ll be one of the key components of our defense.”

Horton loves the idea of being a busy body and always has. He started at defensive tackle and tight end as a sophomore, played linebacker and fullback last year and once again will be a prominent dominant two-way player.

“I don’t favor offense or defense. I love both,” he said. “I’ll play anywhere or do anything. I never want to come off the field.”

Horton said he was driven to work so hard in the offseason “to improve my speed and my power. I’m quicker, way quicker, and stronger too,” he said.

He’s also become more of a leader, Cipp said.

“I want to be a better teammate,” Horton said.

That was part of Horton’s offseason plan, too.

Longwood returns looking for back-to-back Long Island Championships

Longwood’s Latrell Horton powers his way past three Floyd defenders on Sept. 19, 2015 at Lincoln Sports Complex. Credit: George A. Faella

By Owen O’Brien, August 16, 2016

With more teams moving to a spread offense, you may think seeing that Longwood football scored at least 34 points in its final six games last year – including five of at least 42 points – that it has mastered the art of slinging the ball around.

But you’d be mistaken.

Longwood’s powerhouse offense comes from a strong offensive line and power-I run attack, much of it centering around running back Latrell Horton, who started at fullback last season. 

“We’re not a spread team so we’re not throwing the ball much,” said coach Jeff Cipp. “We just line up and it all starts in the weight room. We work really hard, we’re really strong. … When you have a tailback that’s 235 [pounds], we’re just going to run the ball like we have the last two years. We’re not going to do anything different.”

And why would they?

Coming off a 47-28 win over Farmingdale in the Class I Long Island Championship, including an LIC record 555 rushing yards, plus a string of undefeated junior varsity seasons in Suffolk I and the No. 1 preseason ranking, it is a daunting task for any team to overtake the Lions this season.

“I have a lot of excitement,” said Horton, a returning all-Long Island selection. “I know we have a big target on our backs so I’m not going to stop pushing and working.”

SEE PHOTOSClass I LIC: Longwood vs. Farmingdale

Seniors Nick Castrova, Tyler Herrmann and James Civil lead Longwood’s big offensive line. Maleik Bonner will share the carries with Horton in the backfield as another dangerous playmaker with Jalen Hunter and Daquan Owens holding down the edges and providing pass-catching options at tight end.

Hunter said the competition in camp helps fuel the Lions.

“It helps everyone work harder because if I’m in a position you want to be in, you’re going to want to come for my position and I’m going to try to hold my position,” Hunter said, “so everybody’s always grinding and working hard.”

Bonner tries not to get caught up in last season’s success. As the preseason No. 1 seed, he knows every team has Longwood circled on its calendar.

“It’s a new season,” Bonner said. “It’s a fresh start. We got to go out and get what we deserve, like if we didn’t win the LIC. It’s ours for the taking.

“I feel like if we stay in the moment, we can’t grasp what’s in our future. Of course we’re all pumped up that we won, but we can’t stay in it.”

The Lions certainly want a Long Island Championship repeat. But they understand just because they won last year, that doesn’t guarantee another opportunity at the title.

“We’re not even worried about last year,” Horton said. “We’re trying to win one this year, back-to-back. Last year is the past. We won last year but we’re focused on right now.”

Latrell Horton sparks Longwood win on both sides of the ball

By Gregg SarraSeptember 16, 2016

Horton says who?

Horton says whatever he wants — just ask Ward Melville.

Longwood’s two-way senior star Latrell Horton was equally impressive on both sides of the ball in Friday night’s 35-19 win over Ward Melville before a packed house at Longwood of more than 1,300 in a Suffolk Division I football game.

Horton authored his own Dr. Seuss script Friday night. He carried 22 times for 189 yards, including touchdown runs of 2, 61 and 2. His 61-yard run in the second quarter was a romp of power and grace. The 5-11, 240-pound back came around right end, worked his way through the initial point of contact, ran over one defender, hurdled another at midfield and outran the speedy Patriots secondary for the score. It was one for the highlight reel.

“He punishes defenders who get in his way,” said Longwood coach Jeff Cipp. “He runs at people, not away from them. He’s a pure power guy.”

Horton may have been more impressive on the defensive side of the ball where he freelanced at the middle linebacker position and was sent after Ward Melville quarterback Wesley Manning on countless blitz packages. He finished with 10 tackles, including four for a loss, two sacks and a fumble recovery.

“I just love hitting people and running them over,” Horton said. “Defenses underestimate my speed because of my size and that fuels me.”

SEE PHOTOSWard Melville vs. Longwood football

Ward Melville (1-1) got off to a great start after Dom Pryor returned the opening kickoff 65 yards to the Longwood 13. The Patriots settled for a 20-yard Joe LaRosa field goal and a 3-0 lead with 9:53 left in the first quarter.

It was short-lived. Longwood (2-0) responded with a five- play, 52-yard drive capped by Jordan Harris’ 6-yard scoring run. Midjerry Paul added the kick to make it 7-3 with 7:08 left in the quarter. The Lions used a 45-yard run by halfback Maleik Bonner to set up the score. It was a sign of things to come as Longwood would amass 371 yards on the ground.

On the ensuing kickoff, Longwood’s Mike Pray recovered a fumble at the Patriots 2 yard line, setting up Horton’s 2-yard scoring run for a 13-3 lead.

“The special teams were going to play a big role in this one and we didn’t know what to expect,” Cipp said. “They’re a dangerous team on specials. That was a big turnover.”

Halfback Jalen Hunter bolted up the middle for a 34-yard touchdown run as Longwood ran off to a 21-3 first quarter lead.

Ward Melville climbed within 21-10 when quarterback Wesley Manning hit Corpac for a13-yard touchdown pass with 56 seconds left in the half.

But the second half belonged to Horton. He opened the third quarter with the 61-yard TD run and halted two Patriots drives with big tackles for a loss.

On one, he blitzed through the middle of the Ward Melville line and ran down Manning for an 11-yard loss. He emerged with Manning’s hip towel draped over his shoulder like it was a prize.

“All in a day’s work,” Horton said. “Today was a good day for Longwood football.”

Horton said who!

Longwood 34, Sachem East 7: Latrell Horton had 206 yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries to lead Longwood (3-0), including a 22-yard scoring run on the opening drive. The offensive line of Sebastian Montenegro, Tyler Herrmann, Robert Wunsch, De-Quan Owens, Nick Castrova and James Civil paved the way for Longwood‘s 389 rushing yards. David Perez had 12 tackles, two sacks and two caused fumbles. Sept. 25

William Floyd remains undefeated with win over Longwood

Herzog, Bob. Newsday, Combined editions; Long Island, N.Y. [Long Island, N.Y]. 09 Oct 2016. 

Even on the sunniest of days, the football field at William Floyd High School can be treacherous with its uneven grass and numerous dirt spots. When it rains, the best-laid game plans of coaches can go slip-sliding away. For opposing coaches that is.

“We love this. It’s a big advantage for us,” mud-and-grass-stained Floyd center Greg Amato said, pointing at the field after anchoring an offensive line that was superb in a 28-6 victory over defending Long Island champion Longwood in a Suffolk I football game Saturday. “They’re used to turf and we’re used to mud.”

In improving to 5-0, Floyd dominated both lines of scrimmages, but it was the offensive line that had coach Paul Longo smiling afterward. “They allow us to eat up the clock and keep the other team’s offense off the field,” Longo said. “When you eat up five or six minutes on every drive, it helps your defense. This is one of the best lines we’ve ever had.”

That’s quite a compliment considering that Floyd has won five Long Island championships. Amato’s unit also includes left tackle Rocky Davis, left guard Keith Berberich, right guard Bryan Carney, right tackle Nick Golde and tight end Nick Gioia. Their hard work allowed Nick Silva, a tough 5-7, 185-pound sophomore, to rush for 103 yards on 20 carries, including touchdown runs of 13 and 10 yards, and another sophomore with moves, Jordan Clinton, to carry 16 times for 59 yards and a 20-yard touchdown pass from Robert Taiani, who also threw a 20-yard scoring pass to A.J. Ray in the second quarter that produced a 21-0 lead never threatened.

“We take a lot of pride in our performance,” said Amato, a three-year starter. “We were definitely getting a good push. Their line was good, but today ours was better.”

That superiority began on the Colonials’ first drive of the game that featured short bursts from Silva and Clinton that got the ball to Longwood‘s 5-yard line. On fourth down, Longo dug deep into the playbook for a trick play that began with Taiani taking the ball in an option set and handing off to Michael Bradley. He rolled right and found Keith Winfrey in the back of the end zone for a touchdown. Bradley also excelled on a defensive unit that surrendered just one touchdown by Longwood (3-2) on a 30-yard run by quarterback Jordan Harris on the final play of the first half.

Floyd put the game away by beginning the third quarter with a 65-yard drive comprised of 11 running plays and concluding with Silva’s 10-yard run.

“We knew it would come down to the offensive line,” Silva said. “We said we would do it and we did.”

Andy Merkerson leads undefeated Lindenhurst over Longwood

Sarra, Gregg. Newsday, Combined editions; Long Island, N.Y. [Long Island, N.Y]. 15 Oct 2016. 

Andy Merkerson – remember the name. The Lindenhurst halfback stole the spotlight against Longwood in Friday night’s Suffolk Division I football game on homecoming in Middle Island.

Merkerson rushed for 173 yards and scored on a 38-yard run and a 34-yard screen pass as Lindenhurst throttled Longwood, 37-0, before more than 2,300.

Lindenhurst is 6-0 heading into next Friday’s first-place showdown against undefeated Floyd (5-0) at 6 p.m. in Lindenhurst. It was the third straight loss for Longwood (3-3), Long Island’s defending Class I champion.

“I like the way we’re playing,” Lindenhurst coach Nick Lombardo said. “This is the most complete game we’ve played this season.”

Merkerson’s scoring run capped a five-play, 86-yard drive and gave Lindenhurst a 6-0 lead with 9:55 left in the half.

“We get him space and he’s so dynamic and elusive, just a really hard runner,” Lombardo said. “He was an impact player on defense last year and getting his opportunity now on offense. He’s no longer under the radar, that’s for sure.”

His touchdown catch on a middle screen in the third quarter was a thing of beauty. Lindenhurst quarterback Austin Perri backpedaled, drawing the Longwooddefense deep into the backfield, before dropping a perfect pass to Merkerson, who sprinted down the sideline and eluded two defensive backs for the score and a 30-0 lead.

“I just follow the blocks,” he said. “Austin waited for the right time, it was a perfect throw and then I just turned and went. Our line was great tonight. That first touchdown run was keyed by big blocks from Rob Protano and Mike Newman.”

Longwood squandered an early 14-play drive that included a roughing-the-kicker penalty and a well-executed fake punt for a 9-yard run by Dave Perez and a first down at the Bulldogs’ 39-yard line.

“Our defense was really outstanding, has been all season,” Lombardo said. “We needed that stop. And it was a momentum-changer.”

Merkerson’s rushing score came on the ensuing drive and Jeremy Ruckert made it 9-0 when he drilled a 29-yard field goal with 3:54 left in the half.

The dagger came in the final minute of the first half. The Longwood defense forced a punt with 26 seconds remaining but the ball bounced off a Longwoodplayer and Lindenhurst recovered at the Lions’ 20-yard line. Three plays later, Perri scrambled for a 12-yard touchdown run and a 16-0 halftime lead.

“He makes big plays,” Merkerson said. “That score before the half ended was a big one. Especially getting the ball back in the second half.”

Longwood 51, Northport 20: Latrell Horton rushed for 159 yards on 14 carries and three touchdowns to lead Longwood (4-3). Jake Murphy added 17 rushes for 157 yards and a score, Andy Martinez had one rush for 40 yards and a touchdown and David Perez had one rush for 48 yards and a score as the Lions ran for 404 yards. Jalen Hunter tallied 15 tackles, including six for a loss and a blocked extra point. Oct. 23

Longwood 35, Bay Shore 14: David Perez ran five times for 222 yards, including TD runs of 79, 45 and 83 yards, for Longwood (5-3). Latrell Horton, Michael Pray and Joseph Caldas each had 10 tackles for the Lions. Bay Shore is 4-4. Oct. 30

Longwood 28, Northport 7: Latrell Horton ran 22 times for 223 yards and two touchdowns to lead No. 3 Longwood (6-3). Jake Murphy ran 17 times for 88 yards. Jordan Harris completed 2 of 4 passes for 61 yards, with both completions going to Courie Bradley, one for a touchdown. Harris also had a sack. David Perez had three sacks and seven tackles. Nov. 6

Floyd’s defense the difference in semifinal win against Longwood

Sarra, Gregg. Newsday, Combined editions; Long Island, N.Y. [Long Island, N.Y]. 13 Nov 2016. 

The Floyd defense set the tone for what would be a long afternoon for Longwood in Saturday’s Suffolk Division I semifinal playoff game.

The Colonials defense forced a three and out on Longwood‘s opening possession and then watched the offense drive 95 yards in five plays, capped by a Nick Silva 1-yard scoring run, for a 7-0 lead on the way to a 28-0 shut out before a large crowd in Mastic Beach.

Floyd (9-1) will meet Ward Melville (6-4) for the Suffolk Division I title at Stony Brook University on Friday at 7 p.m.

Silva keyed the long drive with an 80-yard run to the Colonials 1. After Silva scored, Sebastian Paniccia added the first of his four extra-point kicks.

“It was a real good start for us,” said Floyd coach Paul Longo, who will guide the Colonials into the final for the 12th time in the last 16 years. “We were running basic isolation plays and our offensive line executed very well.”

Floyd increased the lead when junior halfback James Taitt scored on a 16-yard run to make it 14-0 with 3:06 left in the first quarter. Taitt went over the left side behind big blocks from Rocky Davis and K.J. Berberich on a fourth down and 2 run for the score.

The touchdown came after a short punt set the Colonials up at the Longwood 36 yard line. Silva finished the first quarter with 98 yards on five carries, running mostly behind center Greg Amato, guard Brian Carney, tackle Nick Golde and tight end Nick Gioia.

“We had great field position,” Longo said. “And we took advantage of the opportunity.”

Floyd, which has captured nine Suffolk titles in 12 appearances under Longo, had never won a playoff game before the head coach started there in 1995.

The Colonials sealed the win with two touchdowns in the third quarter. Silva scored on a 51-yard run and A.J. Ray returned an interception 40 yards for a score.

“AJ’s interception return was a thing of beauty,” Longo said. “He leaped way up there and made the interception and then made some incredible moves to make it to the end zone.”