Four Burning Questions for West Islip Fall Sports

The first official games of the West Islip High School sports season begin on Saturday, September 11 when the varsity football team travels to North Babylon and the boys soccer team hosts archrival East Islip. 

Meanwhile, there are a lot of questions marks surrounding many of the high school varsity teams this fall.  Let's see if Patch can answer the most important ones.

Q: Will the football team return to the playoffs in 2010?

A:  Yes.  And for a few reasons.  First, they have a quarterback in Anthony Santo who gained valuable experience playing as a sophomore last season.  Add that with terrific talent on defense, such as shutdown corner Drew Federico and linebackers Mike Aniboli and Pat Ryan, and there is a recipe for success.  Also, TB/CB Mike Sagl gives the Lions a stiff athletic edge.  A date with No.1 North Babylon looms this Saturday.

Q: Will the girls soccer team defend their Long Island Championship?

A: No. Last year's miraculous run to the New York State finals was movie-esque.  But they do return senior goalkeeper Samantha Whitney, a four-year starter and all-county player.  Two-year starting sweeper Marissa Segreto also returns and will provide much needed leadership for a young squad.  They have the talent to make the playoffs, but anything more is a bonus.

Q: How will the boys soccer team deal with the transition from Leauge III to League II this fall?

A: A playoff birth remains in question for coach Pieron's team.  They'll need to steadily improve throughout the course of the year, and it won't be easy in League II.  Veteran defenders Vinny Caccavale and Matt DiDonna have graduated, leaving a vast gap on that side of the field.  However, they do have two fantastic options at goalkeeper, with Kyle Carrick and Nick Policastro returning.  It'll be interesting to see how quickly the talented underclassmen adapt to the varsity level. 

Q: Will the boys cross country team improve on their losing record from last year?

A: Without question.  Coach Kaigh is excited about this year's squad.  The Lion's return their top runner, Stephen Foppiano, who ran a 18:47 5,000M at Sunken Meadow Park.  He'll be joined by Ryan Tantone and Steve Hetterich who look to be in the "low 19's" as well.  Kaigh also noted a trio of talented tenth graders--Steve Schmitt, Bill Martin and Chris Nohilly-- who will be vying for spots in the top-seven rotation.

Visit the events section for all West Islip High School fall sports schedules.