The Huntington football program celebrated another memorable season, with competitive teams at every level of play. All things considered, it was a very good year.
Outstanding Offensive Player Award recipient Eric Sands with Eddie Santos and Steve Muller
Huntington’s annual football dinner brought about 250 players and their family members together in the high school cafeteria earlier this week. An impressive buffet consisting of hot and cold items was spread across numerous tables. The dessert table was equally spectacular. Most players tasted at least a little bit of everything, with some returning for seconds and thirds
The Blue Devil coaching staff spoke warmly about their respective teams. The varsity was very competitive, finishing 3-5 after losing to highly regarded Northport, 23-22 and Suffolk powerhouse West Islip, 37-35. A break here or there would have put Huntington in the playoffs.
Outstanding Linebacker Award recipient Joey Ramos with coaches Eddie Santos and Steve Mullerntos and Steve Muller
The Blue Devil JV compiled a 5-2-1 mark while Finley-8 went 4-2 and Finley-7 finished at 5-1.
Dozens of trophies were presented to the program’s top players on each of four levels. “We are very pleased that Blue Devil football turned in a solid year up and down the program,” said Steve Muller, the longtime varsity head coach. “We had an enthusiastic group of young men to work with. This dinner recognizes their hard work and effort along with their commitment to their teammates, coaches and the program. Let’s also take a moment to formally express our appreciation to the parents of our players. They support us in everything that we do.”
John Paul Paci captured the Blue Devil varsity’s Most Valuable Player Award following an All-State season at quarterback. Sebastian Abreu captured the John Paci Award presented to Huntington’s most outstanding offensive back. Jordan McCoy won the Outstanding Receiver Award and Aidan Mrotzek garnered the Pete Sansiviero Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award. Eric Sands was recognized with the Most Outstanding Offensive Player Award.
Outstanding Receiver Award recipient Jordan McCoy with coach Todd Jamison.
Jaylen Bush grabbed the Outstanding Defensive Back Award while Joey Ramos took home the Outstanding Linebacker Award for the second consecutive season. Tazadon Smith earned the Outstanding Defensive Lineman Award. Jonathan Koumas garnered the Outstanding Defensive Player Award.
Nasir Youngblood was named Special Teams Player of the Year. Patrick Durand won the Joe Lucey Coach’s Award, which is presented annually in honor of a former 27-year head coach. Henry Cartwright was recognized with the Christopher Pettit Award, which is given to the team’s top scholar athlete.
Aedan McDonald won the Steve Henry 12th Man Award. Vinny Caravetto captured the Most Improved Player Award for his hard work and dedication to the team. The Bob Brush Courage Award was presented to Bryce Criscuola, who also garnered the Asher Ezra King Football Memorial Scholarship Award, which carried with it a $500 stipend.
Chad Rowe and Gary Barash shared the Rookie of the Year Award after they both enjoyed wonderful seasons. Lex Colato was presented with the Al White Service Award for his integrity, honesty and commitment to the Blue Devil football program.
The junior varsity team’s awards were presented to Josiah Melendez (Most Outstanding Player Award), Kevin Drake (Outstanding Offensive Player), Robbie Smith (Outstanding Defensive Player) and Cameron Santa-Maria (Outstanding Lineman Award).
Finley-8 co-Most Valuable Player Awards went to Joe Algieri and Anthony Annunziata. Also winning honors were Jahmar Francis (Outstanding Offensive Player), Aidan Carello (Outstanding Defensive Player), Dominick Vidota (Outstanding Lineman Award) and Sammy Mac Arner (Coaches Award).
Finley-7’s team MVP Award was presented to Za’Khie Ramos. Thomas Girimonti (Outstanding Offensive Player), Roberto Rodriquez (Outstanding Defensive Player), Damien Santos (Outstanding Lineman Award) and Christian St. John (Coaches Award) also captured special recognition.
One of the highlights of the night came when sophomore Nasir Youngblood was called to the microphone and introduced to the huge crowd. Muller said that Youngblood often sang for the team to get everyone pumped up. At the awards celebration, the teenager sang Ben E. King’s rhythm and blues anthem “Stand By Me.” Everyone went wild.
The awards dinner is always a happy time for Blue Devil players and their families. The teenagers have fun getting a pat on the back and are happy to get together with their teammates.
The dinner itself was organized by parents Kelly Paci and Mandy Cartwright and supported by dozens of parents. The crowd brought large appetites so it was fortunate an entire wall of food was available to guests. Once dinner had concluded, it was time for the award presentations to begin.
This year’s honorees included:
Offensive Awards:
The John Paci Outstanding Offensive Back Award: Sebastian Abreu
Outstanding Receiver Award: Jordan McCoy
The Pete Sansiviero Offensive Linemen Award: Aidan Mrotzek
Most Outstanding Offensive Player Award: Eric Sands
Defensive Awards:
Outstanding Defensive Back Award: Jaylen Bush
Outstanding Linebacker Award: Joey Ramos
Outstanding Defensive Linemen Award: Tazadon Smith
Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award: Jonathan Koumas
Special Teams Player of the Year Award:
Nasir Youngblood
The Joe Lucey Coaches Award:
Patrick Durand
The Christopher Pettit Scholar-Athlete Award:
Henry Cartwright
The Bob Brush Courage Award:
Bryce Criscuola
The Steve Henry 12th Man Award:
Aedan McDonald
The Most Improved Award:
Vinny Caravetto
The Outstanding Rookie of the Year Award:
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Chad Rowe
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Gary Barash
The Asher Ezra King Football Memorial Scholarship Award:
Bryce Criscuola
The Al White Service Award:
Lex Colato
The Most Valuable Player Award:
John Paci
JV Awards
Outstanding Offensive Player: Kevin Drake
Outstanding Defensive Player: Robbie Smith
Outstanding Lineman Award: Cameron Santa-Maria
Most Outstanding Player Award: Josiah Melendez
8th Grade Awards
Outstanding Offensive Player: Jahmar Francis
Outstanding Defensive Player: Aidan Carello
Grade Outstanding Lineman Award: Dominick Vidota
Coaches Award: Sammy Mac Arner
Most Valuable Player: Joe Algieri, Anthony Annunziata
7th Grade Awards
Outstanding Offensive Player: Thomas Girimonti
Outstanding Defensive Player: Roberto Rodriguez
Outstanding Lineman Award: Damien Santos
Coaches Award: Christian St. John
Most Valuable Player: Za’Khie Ramos
