Blue Devil Boys’ Soccer Seniors Recognized

One year removed from reaching the Section XI championship game, the Huntington boys’ soccer team regrouped and began rebuilding for the future. While the season didn’t result in a trip to the playoffs, it did showcase many hardworking players, including 10 seniors who gave their best to the Blue Devils.

On the final day of the regular season, Huntington honored the players who will be graduating next June. Head coach John Pagano took to the microphone on Senior Day and gave credit where it was deserved. He praised the work ethic and competitiveness of the seniors and saluted their leadership and sportsmanship.

The coach spoke about each of the seniors as they were escorted out on the field by their parents, walking through an arch of blue and white ballons on their way to midfield.

The Senior Day honorees included Estyven Arreaga Merida, Emiliano Colman Britez, Bradley Contreras, Colin Lennon, Antonio Leotta, Christopher Lopez Ramirez, Kevin Maldonado-Molina, Carlos Marroquin, Nicholas Plachta and Jayden Schneider.

The group of seniors and their teammates represented Huntington very well. The Blue Devils lost six games by one goal. But win or lose, the players carried themselves in commendable fashion.

Players were given a red rose to present to their respective mother as they walked out on the field. It was a special day for a special set of players.

Colorful vinyl posters adorned the Blue Devil Stadium bleachers facade. Families crowded around the posters for commemorative photos. A post-game buffet in the school cafeteria followed the game, which resulted in an overtime 2-1 loss to visiting Newfield.

The seniors were reluctant to take their uniforms off for the last time with most of them wearing the blue jerseys and shorts to the team party.