Finley Football Tackles Season Challenges

Challenges. The J. Taylor Finley Middle School football team faced them this fall. While the team fell short of accomplishing its goals, players took pride in wearing their blue and white uniforms and taking the field for the Blue Devils.

Finley was coached by Anthony Annunziata, Kevin Thorbourne and Travis Smith and captained by Shane LeGrow, Dom Leotta, Charlie Mendreski, Will Respass and Finn McDermott.

“Despite the challenging season, the team showed remarkable resilience and growth,” Annunziata said. “One of the standout moments was the game against Northport, where we demonstrated significant improvement and signs of success.”

Legrow, Leotta, Mendreski and McDermott were the top eighth grade players with Jason Bencivenga, David Bergmann and Aaden Cadet being the leading seventh graders.

“Shane LeGrow is a big, strong and kind kid,” Annunziata said. “Once he figured out running hard, he became a force to be reckoned with. His growth and determination have been impressive. Dom Leotta is quick, shifty and a true competitor. Oh, and he can kick the ball pretty good. His versatility and agility make him a crucial asset to the team; always ready to step up and make a play. Charlie Mendreski is reserved, absorbs all the information and is always ready to step up. He took on any task we asked him to do, whether it was QB, linebacker, defensive end or safety. Charlie has a bright future with the right attitude.”

McDermott also contributed to the team. “On the first day of practice, Finn showed up with a three-ring binder full of plays, knowing it was my first year as coach,” Annunziata said. “In one game, he started to throw out audibles. I looked at the coach and said, ‘When did we throw in audibles?’ We didn’t. He knew what to call and when. Looking back, I see what he is all about. His future is bright.”

The three seventh graders were also standouts. “Jason Bencivenga is a hard-nosed kid, competitive and driven,” Annunziata said. “He reminds me of a throwback player. It’s been great to coach him, and I look forward to watching his success. David Bergmann is a great kid, always willing to step in for the good of the team. It’s been a pleasure to coach him. Aedan Cadet is a great kid, quiet, but, determined. A very good running back. On defense, he learned how to hit and it was fantastic to see his progress. It's been great to coach him.”

Finley struggled to score points in four of the six games. “Our football team had its ups and downs this season, but through it all, we showed resilience, determination and growth,” Annunziata said. “Every challenge we faced only made us stronger and more united.”

Looking ahead to next fall, the coaching staff is expected to undergo a reorganization. “We have a promising group of seventh graders, many of whom are multi-sport athletes,” Annunziata said. “Our interior line looks solid and we have some talented running backs. Overall, it’s a well-rounded bunch with a lot of potential. The future looks bright for our team.”

Joining the three top seventh graders as returnees will be Charlie Gordon, Ethan Martin, Russell Chowdry and Login Ranft.