The Huntington High School junior varsity football team wrapped up its eight game spring season. It was a mixed bag for the Blue Devils, who alternated between brilliance and uneven play en route to a 3-5 mark after dropping a several very close games.
Coached by Ron Wilson and Timothy Mattiace, the Huntington JV was captained by Jahmar Francis, JT Taylor, Sammy Mac Arner, Joe Algieri and Chris Acompora.
“This very young team performed well in every aspect of the game,” Wilson . “Throughout the course of the season they developed and matured into outstanding athletes and great young men. They went through some tough practices and some tough constructive criticism and were willing to go through it for the benefit of the team. Our team achieved success only by the extra achievements of each individual on the team.”
Huntington defeated Half Hollow Hills East (26-12), Copiague (34-0) and Centereach (49-0) and dropped contests to Hauppauge (28-21), Connetquot (33-20), Northport (19-14) and Smithtown East (52-33).
“Our team conquered because we all were able to play and enjoy this great game called football,” Wilson said. “The great thing about football is that after a while you become more than teammates; you become brothers. These young men banded together to become those brothers.”
The top players included:
Jahmar Francis: Played running back and free safety with unmatched speed and agility. “Jahmar scored multiple touchdowns at every game,” Wilson said. “He has intercepted passes from the safety position and has made tackles when running backs broke to second level on defense. He is an awesome athlete to see on the field. He’s going to do some great things at the next level.”
Joe Algieri: Played running back and linebacker and was a physical presence on both sides of the ball. “He was speedy and fierce when running the ball,” Wilson said. “Defensively, he was the hardest hitting player on our team, especially on game day. A pleasure to coach him. Another athlete that is going to do well at the next level.”
Jayden Taylor: Played quarterback and linebacker and displayed an arm like a cannon. “Jayden has the potential to be a premier quarterback,” Wilson said. “He has learned quite quickly to read defenses and make the pass to his receivers. “He is still developing his speed, but he makes up for it with his size and strength. He’s very talented.”
Michael Kline: Played wide receiver and defensive back, utilizing speed, “shiftiness” and sure hands to succeed. “Mikey has evolved into a phenomenal defensive player,” Wilson said. “He would fly from the safety position punishing running backs out of the backfield. Defensively, teams found themselves in trouble running to his side and throwing passes to his side of the field.”
Many of the JV team members are due for promotions to the varsity level. The fall football season will kick-off on Monday, August 23 with the first day of practice..
