Finley Football-7 Goes Undefeated
The J. Taylor Finley Middle School seventh grade football team finished its Superstorm Sandy shortened season with perfect 4-0 record.
The 40-player Falcon squad was coached by Phil Lowe and Marcelo Sandoval. Finley was captained by Anthony McDonald, Matt O'Brien and Sam Bergman.
"It was a young team with an abundance of physical talent at key spots," Lowe said. "As these young men continue to play the game, Huntington will have talent at key positions and size on the line."
Finley was led by McDonald (RB/LB), O'Brien (RB/DE), Bergman (OL/DL), Clayton Jamison (RB/LB), Luke Eidle (TE/DE), Chris Bynum (OL/DE), Chris Martin (OL/DE), Mike Marziliano (OL/DL) and Dylan Uvena (RB/DB).
Jamison developed into a tough inside runner. "He's very strong," Lowe said about the player that scored the winning touchdown against both West Hollow and Northport. McDonald is another tough runner. "He runs low and is explosive," the coach said. "He's also a hard tackler."
O'Brien was still another "very good running back," Lowe said. "He finds the hole and is tough to tackle." Defensively, O'Brien is top notch, too, with quick feet, excellent lateral movement and an ability to effectively tackle.
Bergman is one tough lineman. "He stays low, has good feet and plugs up holes on defense," Lowe said. Bynum is a "physical tackler who plays all-out," the coach said.
Eidle is an all-around athlete. "He's very smart and moves well on defense," Lowe said. Martin is a very good tackler, good blocker and moves well laterally. Marziliano has a quick first step, strong hands and is another solid tackler.
Uvena was another one of the team's powerful running backs. "He explodes into the hole when running the ball," Lowe said. "He's tough to bring down."
"The team worked hard and played hard in practices and games," Lowe said. "The eighth grade team will do well next year."