The Huntington football team is in its second week of practice as it preps for the upcoming season. Players are spending time mastering their positions and learning this year’s offensive and defensive packages. They are conditioning, too, as the Blue Devils near the season’s kickoff game at Lindenhurst on Friday, September 7.
The Blue Devil gridiron program dates to 1895, but those early years featured essentially town teams, not ones that were exclusive to the high school’s enrollment. Huntington High School began fielding its own team in 1924. Since then the Blue Devils have compiled a mark of 417-304-30 over 94 seasons.
Huntington head coach Steve Muller.
(Mike Connell photo.)
Huntington’s top returnees include quarterback John P. Paci IV (6’1, 185 lbs.), running back Eric Sands (5’10, 230 lbs.), wide receiver/defensive back Jaylen Bush (6’1, 180 lbs.), wide receiver/linebacker Jon Koumas (6’2, 190 lbs.), running back/linebacker Sebastian Abreu (5’7, 195 lbs.) and running back/defensive back Lex Colato (5’9, 170 lbs.).
Versatile varsity newcomers Chad Rowe, Jr. (5’10, 175 lbs.) and Jordan McCoy (5’9, 160 lbs.) are also expected to make a difference. The two players are expected to both see time at wide receiver and defensive back.
Huntington features a multi-set offense and a multi-front defense. “We are a young team with skills,” 23rd year head coach Steve Muller said. “Our goals are to compete in every game and get back to Stony Brook [for the county championship game.]”
Muller enters the season with a lifetime record of 124-82 for a .602 winning percentage. Only Joe Lucey (125-95-9 in 27 seasons) has more wins for the Blue Devils.
