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Big 10: Long Island football
1. ST. ANTHONY’S The Friars have won nine of the past ten CHSFL championships. They own Long Island’s longest current winning streak at 19. The offensive line is led by All-Long Island standout Matt Biscardi, who moves to center. The defensive unit is anchored by back D’Arelle Napier. The Friars open by hosting State College, Pa. Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.
2. FREEPORT The defending Long Island Class I champions are the heavy favorite in Nassau Conference I again. Quarterback Isaiah Barnes, who accounted for seven touchdowns in last year’s Class I title game, is back and ready to lead the speedy Red Devils. The challenge will be filling a decimated line.
3. FLOYD Three-year starting quarterback A.J. Otranto looks great in the pre-season and he’ll hand off to All-Long Island halfback Stacey Bedell, who had 1,658 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns last year. The top-seeded Colonials are poised to win another Suffolk Division I title.
4. LONGWOOD A huge offensive line will key Longwood’s run for the Division I crown. Offensive guard Darius Greene and tackle Omari Palmer and the best line tandem in Suffolk.
5. CAREY The Seahawks are the top seed in Nassau Conference II and this could be the year they supplant Garden City as the county champion and go to the school’s first LIC.
6. EAST ISLIP The Redmen have reached the Suffolk Division II final in three of the past four years. Bellport, the defending division champ, has moved into Division III. The top-seeded Redmen are primed for an LIC run.
7. LAWRENCE Three reasons why top-seeded Lawrence will be hard to beat in 2011. Senior Ryan Fredericks, junior Tyler Fredericks and freshman Jordan Fredericks, can all get the ball into the end zone. And linebacker Chris Hercules had 10 sacks last year in Nassau Conference III.
8. GARDEN CITY The Trojans have reached the Nassau finals 21 out of the last 26 years and have won the county crown 16 out of the last 26 years, from 1985-2010. They’re always in the mix and return halfback Pat Berkery and All-Long Island kicker Ryan Norton.
9. NEWFIELD The Wolverines were 8-2 a year ago and have all three linebackers returning in Ron Denig, Julian Santiago and Tom Diubaldo back. Senior quarterback Mike Silva is the key to the Wolverines shot an LIC berth.
10. SAYVILLE Quarterback Steven Ferreira has a chance to become Long island’s all-time leader in passing yardage and touchdown passes. He can lead the Golden Flashes to the LI Class III title.
