Trojans Beat Division, Advance To Semifinals
By Jake White

Even the rain didn't stop these fans from watching the Trojans defeat Division. see this photo at www.Newsphoto.com

For the 27th time in 28 years, Garden City High's football team is headed for the "Big Four" - the semifinals of Nassau Conference Two. A 24-6 victory over Levittown Division earned the Trojans (7-2) a trip to Hofstra Stadium this Saturday night to meet Hewlett (7-2), a 32-7 winner over New Hyde Park. Kickoff is scheduled for about 8:30 p.m. following the other semifinal match-up between Carey and Elmont.

Last Saturday at rainy Warren King Field, there were no last-minute thrills as in the previous two games and that was just fine with the GC coaches. The Trojans jumped to a quick 7-0 lead when Denis Rice returned a Division punt 17 yards to the 25 yard line line on the opening possession. Two plays later Stephen Jahelka, who led all rushers with 96 yards on 14 carries, sprinted 24 yards up the middle untouched to the end zone.

Despite two more scoring opportunities, the Trojans still held that slim lead until Conor Dwyer booted a 33-yard field goal with seven seconds remaining in the half to make it 10-0.

Mike Giannone (36) and Matt Nesi (26) take down Division's Fred Mase. see this photo at www.Newsphoto.com

After the intermission, GC switched to a power-I and powered the ball effectively. Matt Montgomery completed two of the scoring drives with touchdown passes of 5 yards to Denis Rice and 9 yards to Will Fuller, who wrestled the ball away from a defender. Division (6-3) got on the board with five minutes left when their fine sophomore quarterback Sean Abbate connected with Spencer Switzer for a 14-yard touchdown. Abbate wound up 9-for-21 for 146 yards, conjuring up thoughts of a match-up two years from now with him versus Garden City's Super Sophs.

The Conference II playoffs shape up as the most competitive in memory. Following a regular season in which six teams finished at the top with 6 and 2 records, the four survivors are each capable of taking the title. Let's take a look at the final four and do a little scouting:

GARDEN CITY (7-2):

Connor Horl celebrates after the defense stopped Division. see this photo at www.Newsphoto.com

Strengths: The young team is growing up. The running game averages 5.4 yards per carry and there are a half dozen capable backs led by two sophs. QB Matt Montgomery has been effective and he has three outstanding receivers..Both lines are playing very well and Conor Dwyer's placekicking is a weapon. And of course, the Flatley Factor. Nobody on Long Island coaches defense as well and that includes the colleges. The Jets don't train here anymore, but I'm not sure about them, either.

Weaknesses: Not many. Inexperience could still be a factor. There have been some uneasy moments against the pass and all three remaining potential opponents throw well.

HEWLETT (7-2):

Strengths: The Bulldogs are very well coached and have looked sharp despite the loss of starting QB Andrew Cohen. They lead the Conference in scoring and play good defense as well. Eric Balberg is an excellent kicker.

Will Fuller and Sal Cassar (77) celebrate after Fuller's 3rd quarter touchdown. see this photo at www.Newsphoto.com

Weaknesses: If Cohen can't play they must go with their JV QB, but watch out. He led his squad to an undefeated season and has looked very good in two varsity wins. Cohen, however, is an outstanding runner. Reasonable size, but not huge like Elmont or Calhoun.

CAREY (7-2):

Strengths: An excellent QB Luke Zahradka has an outstanding receiver, Rob Braun and big running back Greg D'Arienzo can also throw.

Weaknesses: The Seahawks have struggled for the last couple of games and don't seem to have the momentum they had earlier in the season.

ELMONT (7-2):

Dan Niebler makes the tackle on Division's Dylan Muller. see this photo at www.Newsphoto.com

Strengths: The Spartans were the pre-season favorite, then lost two of their first three games. Now they have won six straight behind the Conference's best back Justin Mayers and the highly competitive QB Diashawn Miller. Their line boasts excellent size.

Weaknesses: They can be mistake prone and sometimes their big men can be worn down.

EXTRA POINTS: Coach Flatley won his 202nd game, tying Fred Smith for third among L.I. coaches. There are strong rumors that 55-year veteran Howie Vogts of Bethpage, who leads with 358, will retire at the end of this season leaving Flatley at the top among active coaches....GC took a step toward the future by bringing up 13 freshman and sophomore prospects to join the 10 already on the varsity....Stephen Jahelka is 146 yards away from becoming the first sophomore to rush for 1,000 yards for Garden City.....Saturday's semifinal will be telecast by Landers Productions and shown later on Cablevision channel 18.....The football parents hosted a terrific dinner for players, coaches, cheerleaders, kickline and band members.

Mike Wood runs through the hole created by Connor Horl (66) and Dan Niebler (86)

Division's Stephen Switzer can't stop Stephen Jahelka who goes on to score for the Trojans. see this photo at www.Newsphoto.com Chris Stapleford takes down Division's quarterback Sean Abbate on 3rd down, forcing a punt. see this photo at www.Newsphoto.com L-R Chris Connors (51), Christian Klupka, Stephen Jahelka (42), and Sal Cassar (77) close in on Division's Dylan Muller. see this photo at www.Newsphoto.com