Jasson Garay scored early in the first half and the Huntington varsity boys’ soccer team went on to shut down state ranked Smithtown West for the next 65 minutes and win 1-0 on Senior Day at Blue Devil Stadium last Friday afternoon.
Garay scored against the wind on an assist by Carlos Reyes 15 minutes into the first half on a blustery day. Huntington goalie Cole Pillion was spectacular, stopping six wicked shots by the powerful Bulls, who came into the game ranked No. 8 in New York State.
The two teams were very evenly matched throughout the contest. Both had chances to score as the game went along, but neither could convert any of the opportunities after Garay had electrified his teammates and fans by putting the ball into the net so early. The crowd included Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky and Principal Brenden Cusack.
Coaches John Pagano and Jason Suarez recognized the team’s 10 seniors earlier during a pre-game Senior Day ceremony. The group includes Jasson Garay, Cole Pillion, Manny Reyes, Carlos Reyes, Julien Rentsch, Junior Flores, Deybi Jimenez, Nicholas Thompson, Brian Contreras and Carmine DeIeso.
“It has been a pleasure and an honor playing for the Blue Devils,” said Manny Reyes, who has four goals and two assists. “This has not only been a team for me, this has been more than that; this is a family. Every week going out and representing our school is just an amazing feeling. I am so honored and thankful for this opportunity. It has been a great ride so far! I’m proud to be a Blue Devil.”
The players and their parents were announced one by one and walked to midfield where they gathered together with the coaches and posed for photos.
“It’s been an honor to play for the Huntington Blue Devils these past couple of years,” Flores said. “It’s my second home.”
Huntington is in the midst of a sensational season. The team currently boasts a record of 12-2-1. The Blue Devils can claim having many of the top players in Suffolk.
“It’s been an awesome experience and I wouldn’t trade these past couple of months for anything,” said Contreras, who has five goals and three assists. “It’s an honor to play for the Blue Devils and to enjoy special moments with my teammates on and off the field.”
Garay is enjoying his best season ever. He leads the team with 14 goals and six assists. “It means a lot to play under great coaches who have been in this program for years now,” the teenager said. “I grew up with most of these boys and it’s a great feeling to be sharing this season alongside them. I have a great amount of respect and pride when I wear the Blue Devil uniform. So far, it’s been a great experience. Our job isn’t done yet. We hope to continue winning.”
DeIeso, Rentsch and Contreras are Huntington’s captains and the trio has displayed the leadership the team needs on the field.
“Playing for team has taught me so much over these last four years,” said DeIeso, who has shined at midfield. “Playing with my brothers on the field means so much to me. The team is way more than just a soccer team; it’s a family and I’ll never forget the moments I’ve had with them.”
Huntington has outscored its opponents by a margin of 38-13 over the course of its 15 games this fall.
“It’s been a pleasure and an honor to play for the Blue Devils,” said Carlos Reyes, who has tallied five goals and five assists this fall. “It has honestly been a journey. To me, this team has been more than just a team; it’s my family. It’s a great feeling when I wear the Huntington uniform, representing me, my school and my town. I’m proud to be a Blue Devil.”
Huntington is now 9-2 in Suffolk League III play and 12-2-1 overall. The final regular season game is set for Wednesday at Northport at 4 p.m. The Blue Devils nipped the Tigers on September 27 by a 3-2 score.
“It feels like a privilege to represent my school and community,” said Rentsch, who is one of the county’s top defenders. “This group of boys has become so close and we’ve grown so much as a team; they feel like family. Winning the league two years ago was one of my best memories and to do it again this year if we beat Northport on Wednesday, winning twice in three years, would be unheard of in Huntington. I’m looking forward to having that opportunity with my brothers in a few days.”
Pillion’s play in goal has been magnificent this fall. The teenager has recorded seven shutouts so far. “Being a part of the Huntington soccer team has been one of the best experiences of my life,” he said. “I have grown so much, not only as a goalkeeper, but also as a person. Senior Day was the perfect way for all the seniors to celebrate four amazing years on this team. However, Senior Day doesn’t mark the end of the season for us. We have to finish the regular season off with a win on Wednesday against Northport to finish with a league title.”
Thompson has played defense and been the team’s reserve goalkeeper and he’s filled both roles exceedingly well. “It means a lot to me to put on the Huntington uniform,” he said. “Each time I put it on I think of the brothers I now have for life. To me, playing for the Blue Devils playing for a family. It’s an honor to be able to represent my community with the Huntington uniform.”
Underclassmen created posters commemorating the career of each senior and affixed them to the Blue Devil Stadium facade. About 150 fans were at the game.
“It is an honor for me to play for the Blue Devils,” said Jimenez, who has played great at midfield for Huntington. “I am very proud.”
The Blue Devils are headed to the playoffs, but no one is thinking about that just yet. Everyone is completely focused on Wednesday’s game at Northport. One game at a time. That’s been Huntington’s philosophy all season and it has served the team well.
