The most surreal season in Huntington High School football history concluded last Saturday afternoon as the Blue Devils rolled past visiting Smithtown West, 42-14.
The fall 2020 season was moved to March-April 2021 by Section XI due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But Huntington’s season was interrupted by a two week quarantine. Severe limits on the number of spectators allowed at home and away games and weekly testing of players and coaches added to the unique experience.
No one thought about any of that last Saturday. Once the referees signaled for the opening kickoff it was back to business as usual on a football field. But on this day, the Blue Devil offense was nearly unstoppable.
Junior Robbie Smith enjoyed a career day, rushing 12 times for 160 yards and three touchdowns and catching five passes for another 55 yards. “Robbie was dynamite out there today,” head coach Steve Muller said. “He did it all.”
Josiah Melendez (12 carries for 110 yards) and Lucas Petrizzi (seven carries for 60 yards) also gobbled up yardage on the ground as both scored a pair of touchdowns.
Senior Torin Bograd was masterful in his final game as the Blue Devil quarterback, completing 12-of-14 passes for 145 lbs. Tyriek Mays-McKoy caught three passes for 25 yards. Kyeon Lyons had a pair of receptions for 45 yards. Chad Rowe also caught two passes for 20 yards and the senior also rushed once for another 10 yards.
Huntington built a 14-0 first quarter lead and went ahead by 21-7 by halftime. The Blue Devils entered the final frame with an overwhelming 35-14 advantage.
Huntington’s defense was also up to the task at hand. Liam McDonald had three quarterback sacks and Cameron Santa-Maria had a pair of sacks.
“Our offense really brought it all together, but so did our defense. We were really on our game. It’s a great way to wrap up the season.”
The day also saw the 17 Blue Devil football seniors celebrated with personalized banners and gift bags. The group includes Manuel Aviles, Alexander Bellissimo, Aidan Bender, Torin Bograd, Aidan Bonn, Matthew Colavecchio, Thomas Combs, Andrew Florvil, Joseph Nicotra, Shakel Plummer, Chad Rowe, Cameron Santa-Maria, Joseph Tropeano, Nicholas Tudisco, Vincent Vilardi, Nasir Youngblood and Kyeon Lyons.
“It was a great day for Huntington football,” Muller said.
