BY GREGG SARRA
Sachem East, Smithtown East, Connetquot, Harborfields and Miller Place rotated through a five-way scrimmage at the PAL Complex in Holbrook on Saturday. A pounding rain introduced players to the first full contact scrimmage of the new season. The turf soaked up all of the hard rain and made the footing fairly negotiable.
The scrimmage offered a quick glimpse of what individual teams can do this year. And it was an opportunity to preview players at different positions without a worry as to winning and losing. Does anyone really care about winning a scrimmage? Don't answer that -- because when I coached I always wanted to make an impresson in a scrimmage -- which meant I wanted my team to win -- which really means look better than the other guy.
Coaches got a view yesterday of some really outstanding players. Miller Place made a great impression as a whole. They tore up Sachem East, Harborfields and Smithtown East. They hung with Division I Connetquot. Tyler DeRosa ripped off a touchdown run against the T-Birds and Dean Haussel threw a long touchdown pass. Connetquot returned the favor as Joe Pellegrino raced to one of the T-Birds' two scores.
The individual players that really stood out:
Joe Botti of Sachem East. He is a do-it-all, two-way stud. He is an outstanding wide receiver, who blocks as well as anyone on the perimeter. He made the final block on two Sachem East scores. He was effective at quarterback. He made some nice open field tackles from his free safety position.
Adam Binder ran the ball well for Smithtown East. He was one of the bright spots on the Bulls offense. Haussel and Connetquot's Ryan Anderson both threw the ball well. Haussel benefited from an offense that featured a power running game behind Zach Buonaito and DeRosa and a variety of sure-handed receivers in Joe Mancini and Matt Dunn. Anderson's favorite target is a real good one in Matt Nason, who made at least two leaping grabs.
The three hour scrimmage ended with skies cleared and coaches checking off the "things to do list." Practice picks up again on Monday.
Comments (3)
Hey Greg,
What are your predictions for Suffolk County D1, 2, 3 and 4? Who do you think will emerge as the champion of each divison and why?
Thanks,
Mike D.
any words on the 5 team scrimmage in manhasset?
Mike,
I need a few days to give you a better prediction on the divisions. Went to watch Riverhead and Floyd today out in Mastic Beach? Both teams are very good and in the hunt for a county title. Riverhead scored once on an electrifying 99 and a half yard touchdown yard by Miguel Maysonet. Floyd did not score BUT Steve Murphy is going to be an awesome QB this year. If Floyd spreads it out enough they could 4-peat. He can throw really well. Riverhead looked very strong.