The Huntington varsity boys’ soccer team reaped a wave of honors this week at the county awards dinner at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook.
The Blue Devils celebrated a season during which they compiled an overall mark of 13-3-1 and won the league championship for the third time in five years. Coached by John Pagano and Jason Suarez, the 21 player team climbed high in the state rankings this past fall.
Pagano was named Suffolk’s League III varsity Coach of the Year. Huntington’s Jose Alfaro was selected as the league’s JV Coach of the Year. The two sideline mentors have enjoyed a long and productive playing and coaching relationship dating back two decades.
Pagano coached Alfaro on both the Finley Middle School and Huntington High School teams. The duo reunited when Alfaro joined the high school coaching staff. His JV squad finished the fall campaign with a 12-1 record. “Being honored as Coach of the Year along with Jose on the same night is a pretty good measure of where this program has gone over the years,” Pagano said.
The county awards dinner drew a crowd of 700 players, coaches and family members who dined on tossed salad, rolls, chicken parmigiana, pasta and cake.
Huntington senior Jasson Garay captured All-Conference, All-County and All-State honors after tallying 15 goals and six assists for the Blue Devils.
“Overall it was a great experience,” said Garay about his final season in a blue and white uniform. “I feel like we definitely had the potential to win it all. Everyone gave it everything they had. I know one day in the future, Huntington will be a top program in the state. I want to thank all my teammates, Coach Pagano, Suarez and Alfaro for my one and only year of school ball. I leave with no regrets.”
“Jasson was one of the most dangerous strikers on Long Island,” said Pagano about his offensive star who gained a statewide reputation.
Senior Brian Contreras was named to the All-Conference and All-County teams following a season that saw him shine both offensively and defensively.
“This year was one to really remember,” Contreras said. “I enjoyed it a lot playing with all my friends and working hard side by side with them. I didn’t want it to end as quick as it did, but overall we did what we could and it was a great season with them.”
Huntington seniors Carlos Reyes and Manny Reyes were both named to the All-Conference team. Senior goalie Cole Pillion, who recorded eight shutouts this past fall and junior defender Jah-Meer Sallet were both tapped as All-League. “Cole anchored a defense that was among the best in the county,” Pagano said.
Senior Julien Rentsch garnered Academic All-County honors after starring on defense and compiling an academic grade average of 104.
Contreras, Rentsch and senior Carmine De Ieso captained the team. Seeded third in the county playoff bracket, Huntington was upset at home by East Islip in overtime. Players, coaches and fans all took the loss hard. “This was one of the best groups that I’ve ever had,” Pagano said.
Looking ahead to next fall, Pagano said he has 11 varsity players eligible to return and some “good JV candidates.”
