With two games remaining in its shortened season, the Blue Devil varsity football team is celebrating its 15 seniors.
The group includes Alexander Bellissimo, Aidan Bender, Torin Bograd, Aidan Bonn, Matthew Colavecchio, Thomas Combs, Andrew Florvil, Joseph Nicotra, Shakel Plummer, Chad Rowe, Cameron Santa-Maria, Nicholas Tudisco, Vincent Vilardi, Nasir Youngblood and Kyeon Lyons.
Huntington plays at Centereach on Friday night and then hosts Smithtown West on Saturday, April 24 to conclude the season.
“Being able to put on the Blue Devil high school football uniform for the past four years has been the best experience of my life,” said Bograd, who has started for the varsity at quarterback in each of the past two years. “Football is like no other sport and nothing can compare to being on a football team and having 40-50 brothers that would do anything for you and visa-versa. I have made countless friendships and memories that I will never forget. The coaches for Huntington football are some of the best coaches I’ve ever had and the relationships I have been able to build with each of them is something special that I know I will have forever. I’ve never had more fun playing another position than quarterback for the Blue Devils. I would do anything to go back to freshman year and do it all again.”
Most of the seniors got their start with the Blue Devils as seventh graders on the J. Taylor Finley Middle School team. They have stuck with the program ever since and their loyalty to their teammates and coaches has been impressive
“We are going to miss every single one of these seniors,” head coach Steve Muller said. “They have given us everything they have and have been fun to work with. It’s really a great group.”
Most of the seniors are still finalizing their post-graduation plans. Although they might scatter across the country to pursue college studies, the Blue Devil players will always be connected to each other through their shared experiences on the gridiron.
“These are fine, upstanding young men and it’s been a pleasure to work with them all these years,” assistant coach Ronald Wilson said. “They have learned the value of hard work and have been wonderful representatives of Huntington UFSD and our community at large. We are confident that they are leaving us with the tools they need for a lifetime of success.”
None of the seniors are looking forward to taking off their uniforms for the last time. “Being a member of the Blue Devil football program since seventh grade has provided me with some of the best times of my life and it’s going to be a tough goodbye come next Saturday,” Bograd said. “It will sting for a while leaving football, but I am happy to pass on the Huntington tradition.”
